Building capacity in Africa

Companies operating in Africa often face a critical challenge - the lack of skills needed to support their growth ambitions. In response to this pressing need, Capacity Development Center, a well-established training organization from Mauritius, recently expanded its operations to Rwanda. The center hosted a two-day clinic aimed at showcasing its diverse training programs, spanning fields from management and leadership to IT, marketing, sales, and customer experience. With a substantial pool of over 60 experts and consultants, the center prides itself on its ability to provide high-quality training services to companies looking to enhance their workforce skills and capabilities. The rationale behind the expansion and clinic event was to build on the success of a previous fair that attracted hundreds of attendees. This time, the focus was on specific areas such as mice, customer experience, and HR. Jai Lallbeharry, the General Director of Capacity Development Center, highlighted the importance of these clinics in demonstrating the center's capabilities to industry professionals and key stakeholders. During the interview with CNBC Africa, Lallbeharry discussed the unique challenges and opportunities within the tourism and mice (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sectors in Rwanda and Mauritius. While Mauritius is renowned for its leisure-focused tourism offering, Rwanda's diverse nature and unique wildlife present an opportunity for the country to attract explorers and adventurers. In the mice industry, Rwanda is seen as an emerging market with the potential to rival established destinations like Mauritius. Lallbeharry emphasized the crucial role of customer service in the success and longevity of companies. He observed that many businesses fail within the first few years due to a misplaced focus on aspects like advertising and marketing, rather than investing in their people. According to Lallbeharry, building solid relationships with employees and prioritizing their development is key to sustaining a successful business. When asked about what sets Capacity Development Center apart from other companies in the capacity building space, Lallbeharry highlighted the center's significant collective experience of 100 years in training and development. Moreover, the center boasts a team of trainers and consultants who bring real-world, hands-on experience from various industry sectors. These professionals have a wealth of practical knowledge, having navigated the complexities of running businesses and steering them toward success. In a landscape where skill development and capacity building are crucial for business growth and sustainability, organizations like Capacity Development Center play a vital role in equipping companies with the tools and expertise needed to thrive. By addressing the skills gap and focusing on holistic employee development, these training centers are instrumental in driving economic progress and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.