The Dakar Night Market, now in its seventh edition, has taken up residence at the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal. The event, which runs from October 31 to November 13, has attracted around 100 exhibitors. The market offers a range of products, including natural products, cosmetics, perfumes, fashion, and local cuisine. The entrepreneurs present see this as an opportunity to gain visibility, meet new customers, and showcase their skills.
The initiative behind the Dakar Night Market is the brainchild of Chef Aziz, founder of Cowaf. The concept was born out of requests from entrepreneurs, particularly those in the food sector, who were looking for physical spaces to showcase their products and meet customers beyond the digital realm. Inspired by night markets he discovered on a trip to Asia, Chef Aziz aimed to create a periodic event that would allow entrepreneurs to sell and buy, but also network and meet new people.
This edition of the Dakar Night Market has been extended to 14 nights due to the Youth Olympic Games. The event has been organized in partnership with the ADEPME, with the aim of providing greater visibility for entrepreneurs and promoting local products to foreign visitors. For Chef Aziz, the goal is to enable visitors to leave with souvenirs of Senegal, as well as creations and products made by local entrepreneurs.
Among the exhibitors is Angelina Uloma Nwachukwu, who specializes in natural products. She offers a range of products, including hand care, lip products, oils, and butters. For her, the Dakar Night Market is an opportunity to connect with consumers and showcase her products. This is her third participation in the event, which she sees as a way to promote her business and escape the stress of her daily work.
Fatma Fall, promoter of the Joli Aroma brand, is another exhibitor at the Dakar Night Market. She offers perfumes for the home, car, and body. This is her fourth participation in the event, which she appreciates for its format that allows her to reach a different clientele. She sees the night market as a great opportunity to showcase her products and promote her brand.
Visitors to the Dakar Night Market can find a variety of products and enjoy the atmosphere. Families are present, browsing the stalls, discovering products, and enjoying the entertainment. For some, the event has become a habit. Doriane, an Ivorian living in Senegal, has participated in the event seven times. She appreciates the diversity of the offer and the ambiance of the market.
The Dakar Night Market offers a space for discovery and conviviality. The event aims to bring together local products and a public that the organizers hope will grow in numbers. The market's organizers and exhibitors are optimistic about the event's potential to promote local entrepreneurship and provide a unique experience for visitors.
Key points
- The Dakar Night Market has been extended to 14 nights due to the Youth Olympic Games.
- Around 100 exhibitors are participating in the event, offering a range of products.
- The event aims to provide greater visibility for entrepreneurs and promote local products to foreign visitors.
