Fan Milk PLC, Ghana’s leading dairy and beverage company, has launched the ‘FanMilk Vendor Academy’ to train and empower over 2,700 street vendors across the country between August – October 2024.

Aligned with Danone’s “Thriving with Our People & Communities” pillar, the academy is providing specialized training in areas such as personal grooming, hygiene, road safety, and financial management.

Mr. Lionel Parent, Managing Director of FanMilk Ghana, emphasizing the significance of the academy stated, “The academy is a key component of our strategic project named “Sankofa” where we are collaborating with our vendors and agents on impactful initiatives to restore and sustain the unique glory of FanMilk.”

“Our unique vending system built over the past six decades has provided sustainable livelihoods directly and indirectly for millions of Ghanaians over the years. By launching the Vendor Academy, we are equipping our vendors with essential skills to ensure that the business grows together with its partners- a solid way to bring back the pride of the FanMilk brand. Our goal at FanMilk is ensuring our vendors are equipped with essential life and business skills, which contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the business.”

In addition to the trainings, FanMilk has specifically created the “Right to Dream” Award Scheme and has awarded 10 loyal street vendors whose hard work has helped put the company’s brands into the hands of consumers all over Ghana. The company will provide capital support in terms of store rentals, freezers, and products to ensure these vendors are well set up to become their own bosses while the business creates sustainable jobs across its value chain. In addition to this, the winners will be provided with bicycles, push carts, and the necessary coaching to ensure the sustainability of their business.

With the introduction of the Right to Dream Award Scheme, vendors can receive capital support for store rentals, equipment, and coaching, paving the way for them to become independent business owners.

Carlis Anaman, Sales Head for Accra Cluster, stated in her remarks, “Over the past 2 months, we have embarked on various road shows across Ghana engaging with our agents. During these visits, FanMilk Ghana also provided over forty-five thousand visibility materials to ensure the vendors who collaborate with these agents look the part as the Chief Enjoyment Officers (CEO) that they are. We are dedicating the coming months engaging and equipping our cherished vendors, who are an important part of the business—making sure our products reach Ghanaians everywhere,” she added.

Listowel Adarkwah, a FanMilk vendor, who experienced the Academy on the launch day commented, “As vendors, it is our dream to own a shop and become our own bosses. I am glad that FanMilk has identified with our ultimate dream and has shown commitment to training and equipping us to achieve our dream. I believe this is a step in the right direction.