The Partnership Manager
Here’s how partnership managers walk alongside local leaders to achieve more together than either could do alone.
Africa
May 29, 2026
Like many successful entrepreneurs, Merci was quick to adapt.
She ran a store called “Electro Cute” where customers could find TVs, stereos, and other consumer electronics. When she realized that her customers were more interested in appliances like fridges and washing machines, Merci expanded her stock. She pivoted.
Later, during an economic slump, Merci recognized that people weren’t buying as many non-essential goods. So what did she do? She recognized an increasing demand for housing and began renting apartments—apartments furnished with goods from her store.
To open these apartments, Merci borrowed from Virtuous Women (VW), a Christian, women-owned and led cooperative society where entrepreneurs work towards the common goal of bringing one another out of poverty. They’re one of the many examples of how partnership is a multiplier, expanding what any one person can do alone.
Joining the Sisterhood
Merci first connected with this Nigerian partner of Partners Worldwide back in 2014 when one of their founding members invited her to join. Since then, business training, accessible loans, and a sisterhood of fellow entrepreneurs have been essential in enabling Merci to create transformation in her community.
“You hear other people’s stories, you hear their resilience, and it keeps you going,” Merci reflected. “You tell yourself, ‘Okay, let’s keep pushing and see how it goes.’”
Investing in Her Employees
Merci’s businesses have created 15 jobs in her community—store clerks, security guards, deliverymen, and an apartment manager. “Honestly, that is one of my biggest motivations for doing business,” Merci said. “Most of them would be doing nothing without this job.”
But it’s not just the employment opportunities Merci is proud of—it’s the growth of her employees. Inspired by the Virtuous Women training, Merci decided to help her staff learn skills that will help them even after they leave her shop. She encouraged them to go to school, develop as professionals, and provide for their families. One went on to become a beautician; another, a nurse. What’s more, many of these women were financially sponsored by Merci herself!
“I’ve been privileged that God has helped me to come this far, and I’d like to invest into the lives of young ladies so that they grow,” she said. “I love watching them graduate from here.”
Merci prays with her staff, also, sharing the Bible with them. Some gave their lives to Christ as a result of her ministry. That’s what is possible through the multiplying power of partnership!
Looking ahead, Merci hopes to build a retreat center and provide employment for even more people, expanding in such a way that she can make her workers feel like partners in the business.
