German-based multinational, Bosch Group, is set to bring the Bosch Power Box (BPB) concept to African artisans, which are classified into the informal sector. It is set to launch the BPB initiative in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, in order to help its artisans improve the quality of their products. This will also bring the artisans into the formal sector of the economy.

“Each BPB will also provide courses on product application and safety,” said Dr Markus Thill, the President of Bosch Africa.

The company is currently in Nigeria to build on its success in Sokoban Wood Village, Kumasi, Ghana launched earlier this year. Since its launch in Kumasi, artisans have been visiting the BPB to purchase products and services offered by Bosch, while 50 have registered for training. One can only imagine how positively this will impact Nigerian artisans.

With this initiative, Nigerian artisans will now be able to buy, lease or rent the very latest power tools developed by the world’s market leader and to be used at BPB. This will contribute a significant improvement in the quality of the products manufactured while increasing efficiencies. This will assist Nigerian artisans in growing their businesses.

“Having Bosch is a dream come true in Africa and specifically for us here in Sokoban Wood Village. [Before], artisans did not know what it takes to build something very fast, they relied only on manpower,” says Kingsley Baafi, Manager at BPB in Kumasi.

This is a revolutionary initiative designed to create, up-skill and grow small businesses and bring them into the formal, mainstream economy. It is a long-term project designed to foster entrepreneurship and ensure a smooth transition for small businesses from the informal to formal sectors. Each BPB has managers, technical staff, and trainers, all of whom have received dedicated training from Bosch.

“We will provide product application services on how they can use the tools correctly, maintain and service them and ensure a prolonged lifespan,” said Benjamin Ofori, Regional Sales Director of Bosch Power Box.

Quick facts about Bosch in Africa

  • Bosch has been present in Africa since 1906.
  • The company is present in South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Angola, Mozambique, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tunisia.
  • In 2015, the company generated sales of about 470 million euros with more than 760 associates in Africa.
  • Bosch has been a proud sponsor of the 2015 All Africa Business Leader Awards, hosted by CNBC Africa, recognising the continent’s outstanding leaders.

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