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INTEGRA NEWS FLASH Issue #12 |
| Food companies tighten safety measures in response to COVID-19 |
| Maintaining strict hygiene measures at every stage of food processing is vital for major food companies in Guinea. Businesses remain resilient in the manufacturing and marketing of products as they settle into the "new normal" of COVID-19.
The ITC-INTEGRA programme is reviewing food hygiene standards and its essential principles with local businesses. The training will cover possible contamination risk areas of the coronavirus on food surfaces and packaging materials for workers.
Following the review, Néné Cissé, manager of Albou Confitures, a company that transforms local fruits into jam shared measures his business is taking to limit food contamination. “Our premises and work surfaces are regularly cleaned to eliminate potential micro-organisms. We also insist on regular hand washing of employees who directly handle the products we process,” he said.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on the country’s economy as a whole with agri-food businesses taking a significant hit. Establishing good sanitary standards in food processing is key to ensuring continued business operations during this period.
In addition, maintaining stringent health and safety practices for staff in the industry is crucial to limiting the spread of the disease. Staff that do not have the opportunity to work from home, need to comply with these additional rigorous hygiene measures at the workplace. |
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Meet Puma Koivogui, the unlikely livestock farmer |
| After the INTEGRA programme went to Nzérékoré to provide training courses on packaging, personal development and market profiling for entrepreneurship; Pema Koivogui began integrating these new methods in his farming business. The sociology graduate has taken a sharp turn from his studies and is now earning a living as a livestock farmer.
“Being a pig farmer has provided for my family's needs and given me the opportunity to employ young people. It has also helped me contribute towards reducing the unemployment in my township. I currently have eight full time employees and seven seasonal workers depending on the workload at the farm. After my training with the INTEGRA programme, I have managed to create two additional jobs,” Koivogui shared.
Through the programme, Koivogui also receives regular coaching from a financial management consultant to help him better manage his accounts and refine his financial projections. As he continues to perfect his skills, Koivogui hopes to continue promoting the youth in his township through employment and making his small mark to curb illegal immigration. |
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38'000 masks produced to support Guinea’s fight against COVID-19 |
| Following the President’s announcement for Guineans to wear masks in public spaces, there has been an entrepreneurial rush to produce masks locally. ITC's INTEGRA programme continues to support Guinea’s ministries tasked with face mask production through manufacturing and quality assurance.
So far, 38,000 masks have been produced under the guidance of ITC's expert tailor. The aim is to reach a production capacity of 1400 masks per day, while maintaining the necessary international standards for protective face masks.
This initiative will also help absorb a critical mass of young people seeking work opportunities, equip them with vital up-to-date skills and ensure employability in the future. |
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| ITC-INTEGRA programme holds consultation meetings with quality infrastructure institutions |
| As Guinean business adapt to operating within the limitations placed by the COVID-19 pandemic, one aspect that remains key for food production is ensuring the countries products meet international quality standards.
A meeting was held with the country's leading quality infrastructure institutions to assess needs and previous work carried out at national and regional levels. Further discussions were also held with representatives of the National Standardization and Metrology Body (IGNM), Plant Protection Services (SNPV), and the national quality control office (ONCQ).
Building the institutional capacity of quality related institutions remains a key output for the ITC-INTEGRA programme. Project activities within these areas include setting up services to support the implementation of quality management systems and food safety systems. This also includes equipping testing laboratories, developing standardisation and certification services as well as necessary training and coaching.
During the meeting, the quality institutions also provided their views through a needs assessment. ITC will put together its proposed interventions based on the needs and priorities expressed, for delivery in the coming months. |
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| Small business gear up to celebrate MSME Day |
| In Guinea, the contribution of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to the country's workforce is considerable. MSMEs play a leading role in Guinea's socio-economic system through their ability to create revenue and decent jobs by contributing to development and poverty reduction. Through the INTEGRA programme, ITC continues to support the government's efforts to reinforce MSMEs along their growth path. The programme centres on strengthening technical and operational capacities while ensuring increased competitiveness amongst small businesses at the national and international level. To watch the full video, check our Facebook page on June 27th. |
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