The West Africa Container Terminal–APM Terminals Nigeria has strengthened its focus on sustainable community development and inclusive economic growth with the graduation of 600 new beneficiaries from its WACTpreneur programme in Rivers State, reinforcing the growing role of private-sector actors in building grassroots entrepreneurship across Africa.
The latest graduation ceremony marked the completion of the fourth and fifth cohorts of the initiative, which draws participants from the terminal’s host communities of Onne and Ogu. Community leaders, programme partners and company representatives gathered to celebrate six months of intensive entrepreneurship training and mentorship aimed at strengthening small businesses and improving local livelihoods.
The terminal operator said the programme was designed to equip participants with practical business skills that directly address the everyday challenges faced by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The training covered areas such as merchandising, customer relations, record keeping, supply chain management, credit sales, access to finance, integrity in business operations and cash flow management, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning.
Speaking on behalf of the company’s leadership, a senior representative noted that the initiative goes beyond basic training by helping participants build sustainable enterprises capable of supporting families and contributing meaningfully to local economies. The graduates were commended for their commitment throughout the programme and encouraged to apply the knowledge gained to expand their businesses and create employment opportunities within their communities.
“Through this programme, participants have been equipped with practical skills to build sustainable businesses that can positively impact their families and communities,” the representative said. “Today, we are celebrating determination, resilience and the entrepreneurial spirit within our host communities. We are confident that the skills acquired through this programme will enable our graduates to create jobs, grow their businesses and inspire others.”
Implementation partners involved in delivering the training described the collaboration as a shared effort to empower small business owners with relevant, real-world knowledge that supports long-term success. They expressed optimism that the beneficiaries would translate the lessons learned into stronger business performance and improved economic stability.
Community leaders from Onne and Ogu also praised the programme, describing it as a practical example of development that prioritises people and productivity. One community representative said the terminal operator had consistently shown commitment to the host communities, not only through physical infrastructure projects but by investing in skills that promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
Across Africa, MSMEs remain the backbone of local economies, yet many struggle with limited access to training, finance and structured business support. Programmes such as WACTpreneur highlight how targeted capacity-building initiatives can help bridge these gaps, strengthen community-based enterprises and support broader economic development at the grassroots level.
