The 7th Francophonie Economic Mission has officially opened in Djibouti, attracting hundreds of decision-makers, business leaders, and investors from across the French-speaking world. The event, which runs from October 6 to 8, provides a platform for entrepreneurs to network, share experiences, and explore new business opportunities. Djibouti's strategic location and growing economy make it an ideal host for the mission, which focuses on key sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and sustainable development.
For participants, the mission offers a unique chance to connect with potential investors, partners, and customers. Faiza Ibrahim Aden, representative of Pharmacies vertes, a network of Djiboutian pharmacies, sees the event as an opportunity to showcase her products and expertise in the healthcare sector. She believes that the mission will facilitate valuable exchanges and help identify new business opportunities. The presence of numerous foreign entrepreneurs, financial partners, and investors is also expected to boost Djibouti's economic profile.
Sanaa Rafeh Alawar, a Lebanese entrepreneur and founder of Mom's Recipe, is participating in the mission with a focus on economic empowerment. Her cooperative enterprise supports women in rural areas by promoting traditional food production and transformation. She sees the mission as a chance to meet actors from various sectors and build new collaborations that can drive economic growth and cultural preservation. Her vision is to demonstrate that economic development and cultural heritage can go hand-in-hand.
Abdirazak Waberi, a Djibouto-Canadian entrepreneur and founder of Waberi Cyber & Automation, is showcasing his innovative AI platform, Bouho IA, which can communicate in five languages. He aims to attract investors and demonstrate the potential of Djiboutian innovation in the tech sector. The mission provides a valuable platform for Waberi to present his project and connect with potential partners. His innovation has the potential to address the country's linguistic diversity and drive digital transformation.
Koulmiye Elmi Samatar, representing Global Cargo Logistics, highlights the collective dimension of the mission. He believes that the presence of entrepreneurs from several Francophone countries sends a positive signal for Djibouti's private sector. The exchanges during the three-day event are expected to facilitate new collaborations and business opportunities. Samatar also praises the presence of Djibouti's President and First Lady at the opening ceremony, as well as the work of the organizers.
Salma Hassan Mohamed, founder of Kaizen Tote Bagz, is promoting her initiative, which combines creativity, local economy, and environmental protection. Her company produces reusable bags made from sustainable materials, with designs inspired by Djiboutian culture. She sees the mission as an opportunity to showcase her products and demonstrate that local production can be both creative and environmentally responsible. Her participation in the mission is expected to help raise awareness about Djibouti's economic and environmental potential.
The 7th Francophonie Economic Mission is expected to yield concrete results, including new partnerships and business opportunities. The event has already generated enthusiasm among participants, who see it as a chance to drive economic growth and foster cooperation across the Francophone world. As the mission comes to a close, participants are likely to reflect on the potential for future collaborations and the role that Djibouti can play in promoting economic development in the region.
Key points
- The 7th Francophonie Economic Mission brings together entrepreneurs and investors from across the French-speaking world to foster partnerships and drive economic growth in Djibouti and beyond.