In the Chadian city of Moundou, a week-long event dedicated to entrepreneurship, titled "Semaine artistique Gondja Bass," is set to take place from November 28 to December 3, 2026. The event, organized by a committee led by Djénguinabé Casimir, aims to showcase the economic and creative potential of the second-hand clothing sector. This initiative seeks to promote socio-economic integration of young people and women.
The event's theme, "La créativité qui transforme, l’entrepreneuriat qui nous rassemble et la culture qui nous ressemble," translates to "Creativity that transforms, entrepreneurship that brings us together, and culture that resembles us." Djénguinabé Casimir emphasized that this event is distinct from the Festival Gondja, despite sharing a similar name. The goal is to move beyond preconceived notions surrounding second-hand clothing and highlight its socio-economic significance.
The idea behind this event stems from the observation that many unemployed young graduates in Moundou turn to selling second-hand clothing to make ends meet. This activity also provides a source of income for several families, enabling them to cover essential expenses. By promoting the sector's socio-economic dimension, the organizers aim to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship among young people involved in the industry.
The event will feature various activities designed to support young entrepreneurs, including skills development, initiative structuring, and integration into professional networks. This approach aims to help them transition out of the informal sector. Djénguinabé Casimir illustrated the event's vision by presenting its motto: "Un habit de seconde main peut devenir une créativité. Une créativité peut devenir une marque. Une marque peut devenir une entreprise. Et une entreprise est une source d’autonomie financière."
The committee's president highlighted that the event will not focus on the value of the clothes themselves but rather on their socio-economic potential. By providing a platform for second-hand clothing entrepreneurs, the event seeks to promote entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation in this sector. The goal is to demonstrate how second-hand clothing can be transformed into a source of financial autonomy.
The event will take place at the Centre des scouts de Moundou and will bring together various stakeholders, including young entrepreneurs, women, and professionals from the second-hand clothing sector. By shedding light on the sector's economic potential, the organizers hope to change perceptions and encourage more young people to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in this field.
As part of its efforts to promote socio-economic integration, the Semaine artistique Gondja Bass will provide a platform for young entrepreneurs to network, learn from each other, and access resources that can help them grow their businesses. The event's impact is expected to extend beyond the week-long celebration, contributing to the development of a more vibrant and sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in Moundou and beyond.
Key points
- The event aims to promote entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation in the second-hand clothing sector in Chad.
