For over 10 years, SOFIHDES through its division SOFICONSEILS has built a strong reputation for excellence in the field of professional capacity building training in Haiti. It was one of the first organizations to introduce in the Haitian market, in collaboration with IFC, the training of trainers to standardize its training delivery while considering the diversity that exists among learners during a training workshop. This approach has been very successful among Haitian professionals. Today, it dares to launch again the first online professional training platform in Haiti. The trends of the training market, the COVID-19, and the socio-political reality in Haiti make this approach mandatory. 

In this session, you will learn what the challenges and opportunities are for Haitian companies and organizations, the partnerships to date, the lessons learned, and the key factors for success in implementing an online training platform. SOFICONSEILS will also reveal the partnerships they wish to develop for the upcoming launch of the program. 

We will also hear from the Development Bank of Nigeria and their MSME Capacity Building Journey and experience in implementing a blended format of face-to-face and online training.

HOST AND MODERATOR

Matthew Gamser, CEO, SME Finance Forum.

SPEAKERS

Serge Richard PETIT-FRERE is the Director of Marketing and Quality of the Société Financière Haïtienne de Développement S.A. He has an academic background in administration, with a specialization in SME management completed by a master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Project Development from the University of Rennes I in France. He has been involved in business support since the beginning of his professional career and has worked on the development of several projects and conducted several sectoral studies.  He has launched several entrepreneurial initiatives, including one in the propane gas distribution sector. He is a university professor and is actively involved in the entrepreneurial education of young school children. He is also the author of a book entitled "Entrepreneurship, a choice and a responsibility" which will be released in 2021. 

Ipéna LUCIEN is the Director of SOFICONSEILS since April 2019. Ms. Lucien has an academic background in business administration from the State University of Haiti, specifically from the National Institute of Management and International Studies. Her field of expertise is focused on project management, strategy and development, and communication. She has 10 years of experience in accompanying and managing several projects in Haiti. She has developed a solid knowledge in the field of international aid and local development as well as 14 years of experience in the promotion and business development of a leading pharmaceutical company in the Caribbean region.

GUEST SPEAKER

Arume Tsekiri serves as Head, Monitoring & Evaluation at the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN). With over 8 years of professional experience, Arume brings to the table a deep understanding of the development of the African MSME segment, the challenges they face, and implementing practical solutions in alleviating those challenges. Prior to joining DBN, Arume was a Project Management and Business Development Associate at VFD Group Lagos, a proprietary investment company creating value by working within the Nigerian informal financial sector to create innovative products and solutions accessible to the everyday Nigerian and entrepreneur. She also served as a Programme Analyst at the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Arume has a Master’s degree in Economics and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Texas, San Antonio, and Graceland University, Iowa respectively. She holds certifications in Monitoring & Evaluation for Results by IMA International and certification in Data Analysis and Visualization from Rice University, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, Texas USA.