GAC supports Filima community by opening new women’s market and honouring graduation programme beneficiaries

Kamsar, Tuesday, 16 May 2023 --- Guinea Alumina Corporation S.A. (GAC) announced the inauguration of the Filima women’s market and the presentation of certificates to beneficiaries of the graduation programme. These initiatives are particularly meaningful to the local community and demonstrate GAC’s commitment to the sustainable development of the region.

The women’s market is located in the Filima district and was funded and supported by GAC. Built on an area of 500m² in the central square of the resettlement site, the market represents an investment of over 358 million Guinean francs. It provides women with a place to sell their products, contributing to the local economy and strengthening their financial independence. Through this initiative, women are now able to manage their businesses more effectively and generate income for themselves and their families.

Mariame Sossa Conté, President of the Women Leaders of Filima, speaks enthusiastically about the significant impact that the construction of the market has had: “The distance between our homes and the market used to be a big obstacle. We had to travel long distances every day. GAC solved this problem by building the market close to our homes. Now, we have more time to focus on our work and develop our businesses.”

Alongside the inauguration of the market, GAC closed the Filima community livelihoods improvement programme, an initiative that directly supported 154 beneficiaries, including 94 households and 60 craftspeople, affected by the company’s port infrastructure development work in the Daprass, Mandjouya and Salamouya areas of the Kamsar locality. Funded by GAC with 1.5 billion Guinean francs, the programme was implemented with technical assistance from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the NGO WAFRICA-Guinea (Women of Africa).

The main objective of the programme is to help households achieve sustainable livelihoods and build a better future for themselves and their families. “The graduation programme is a perfect example of GAC’s commitment to the development and growth of local communities. We are committed to building a better future for these families by providing financial assistance, but also by helping them develop their skills and access economic opportunities, while supporting them along the way. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the prosperity and improved welfare of the communities that we serve,” said René Désiré Morel, Deputy Director General of GAC, at the event.

The programme’s integrated, personalised graduation model combined skills development, personal finance management training, financial support, and regular follow-up with beneficiaries. Through the programme, many people have been able to develop their business management skills, receive support to start their own businesses, and access sustainable economic opportunities. As a result, the standard of living of the programme participants has improved, with higher incomes and better social integration.