Training savings group members in business skills contributes to economic growth and job creation in communities. — Mawoussé Tchegnon

Originally Published in Footsteps from Tearfund (UK), Issue 123, 2025

Mathias Noubouke is a successful businessman in Togo. He owns two thriving school and office supply stores.

Mathias’ business journey started when he joined a Restore savings group facilitated by his church. 

As well as learning how to save, Mathias was given the option to receive additional business training using a curriculum developed by Chalmers Center in response to requests from church leaders.

The curriculum has four modules:

1. Plan a better business: what makes a good business; talking about and testing ideas with customers; production planning; business costs; preparing for unexpected events.
   
2. Manage your business money: household and business money management; using profits for business and home finances; use of loans; preventing loss.
   
3. Increase your sales: understanding and responding to customers; adding value; seizing opportunities; locations; pricing; promoting your business.
   
4. Use wisdom in saving: setting savings goals; increasing savings; managing months when income is lower (seasonal activities); facing unexpected personal emergencies; savings protection; achieving goals.

Business Planning

After completing the training, Mathias carried out market research and discovered that there was a need for an office and school supply store in a neighbouring community. After developing a business plan, he used a loan from his savings group to buy materials to launch his first store. 

The store was very successful, providing much needed access to school, business and other materials. The success of this store led him to open a second one on the outskirts of the country’s capital, Lomé, which he employed his brother to run. 

Impact

Since 2013, approximately 10,000 savings groups have been trained by Chalmers Center in savings and business, representing about 150,000 people. 

The majority of these have used the training to either improve existing businesses or start new ones. This is contributing to economic growth and job creation in their communities.

The business training has also led to an increased demand for loans from savings groups, as people like Mathias recognise the potential to expand and improve their businesses.