The fifth edition of "FACEJ SUGU", Mali's largest fair for young entrepreneurs, is set to take place from September 23-26 at the Amadou Hampâté Bâ Culture Palace. The event aims to promote innovation and valorize entrepreneurial initiatives. During a press conference held at the Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Professional Training, organizers unveiled the ambitions and programming of this edition, as well as the results of the second phase of the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Fund (FACEJ II).
The press conference was attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry, Drissa Guindo, representatives of financial institutions, and media professionals. The event will feature over 150 exhibitors presenting their products, services, and innovations to the public. According to Christine Kaboré Kaitesi, head of the FACEJ II mission, several activities are planned, including panels, a women's entrepreneurship forum, a fashion show, concerts, and puppet shows.
The FACEJ II program has achieved significant results, with 1,453 enterprises benefiting from financing as of September 18, 39% of which are owned by women. The fund has also supported 280 green projects, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives. The representative of the fund's donors, including the Kingdom of Denmark and the Netherlands Embassy, Hannah Zevenbergen, reaffirmed their engagement to support youth entrepreneurship in Mali.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Drissa Guindo, emphasized that promoting youth employment remains a priority in the Vision Mali Kura Ɲɛtaasira ka Bɛn San 2063. He recalled that the National Entrepreneurship Strategy and its action plan have been adopted to create a favorable environment for private initiatives. The second phase of FACEJ II aligns with this dynamic, supporting young people in creating and consolidating enterprises, particularly in the green economy sector.
The second phase of FACEJ II, with a budget of 17 billion Fcfa for the period 2024-2027, covers several locations, including Kita, Sikasso, Bamako, Ségou, Bougouni, Koutiala, Mopti, San, Dioïla, and Tombouctou. This phase aims to finance 1,500 enterprises, with a focus on start-ups, growth enterprises, and projects with high environmental impact. Organizers are confident about achieving the objectives, having made significant progress over the past two years.
FACEJ SUGU provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their projects, share experiences, and create connections between project leaders, investors, and economic development actors. The event also features visits to stands, business meetings, networking activities, and educational and recreational animations with invited schools.
The FACEJ SUGU event demonstrates the commitment of Malian authorities and international partners to supporting youth entrepreneurship and promoting economic growth. With its diverse activities and focus on innovation and sustainability, the fair is expected to attract a large audience and contribute to the development of Mali's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Key points
- The fifth edition of FACEJ SUGU features over 150 exhibitors and various activities, including panels, fashion shows, and concerts.
- The FACEJ II program has financed 1,453 enterprises, 39% of which are owned by women, and supported 280 green projects.
- The second phase of FACEJ II aims to finance 1,500 enterprises, with a focus on start-ups, growth enterprises, and projects with high environmental impact.
