The Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Professional Training in Mali recently hosted the FACEJ SUGU exhibition, which showcased the talents of young entrepreneurs. The event, held at the Palais de la culture Amadou Hampâté Bâ, featured over 150 exhibitors presenting products and services in various sectors, including food, cosmetics, fashion, crafts, digital services, and ecological innovations. The exhibition aimed to promote youth entrepreneurship and job creation.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile guests, including Minister Oumou Sall Seck, Mayor of Commune V, Dutch Ambassador Erik De Feijter, and Christine Kaboré Kaitesi, team leader of FACEJ II. The program, implemented through the Fonds d'appui à la création d'entreprises par les jeunes (FACEJ II), seeks to empower young people economically by creating and developing sustainable enterprises, particularly in sectors related to the green economy.
The FACEJ SUGU exhibition provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, share their experiences, and network with potential partners and investors. The event also featured panel discussions, B2B meetings, and exchanges with financial institutions, investors, and consular chambers to foster new partnerships. According to Christine Kaboré Kaitesi, the exhibition highlighted the diversity of Malian creativity, with products ranging from food and cosmetics to digital solutions and ecological initiatives.
The Dutch Kingdom has been a partner of FACEJ since 2020, supporting the program's objective of promoting youth entrepreneurship. Ambassador Erik De Feijter emphasized that the initiative contributes to strengthening the economic resilience of Malian youth and promoting private sector development. He noted that access to financing remains a significant challenge for young entrepreneurs, but FACEJ provides concrete solutions through its support mechanisms.
Minister Oumou Sall Seck stressed the importance of entrepreneurship in Mali's economic transformation. She encouraged exhibitors to take full advantage of the platform to promote their products and services and establish useful contacts. The minister assured that the government would continue to improve the entrepreneurial environment and strengthen support systems for young people and women.
The FACEJ SUGU exhibition is part of a broader effort to promote economic empowerment and job creation in Mali. The program has been implemented in several regions, including Bamako, Kita, Sikasso, Ségou, Bougouni, Koutiala, Mopti, Tombouctou, San, and Dioïla. According to the minister, the exhibition illustrates a new reality in Mali, where young people are no longer limited to seeking employment but are actively engaged in entrepreneurship, innovation, and national economic development.
The exhibition's fifth edition, which took place from September 23 to 26, 2026, demonstrated the potential of Malian youth to drive economic growth and innovation. With over 150 exhibitors, the event provided a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and connect with potential partners and investors. As Mali continues to face economic challenges, initiatives like FACEJ SUGU offer a promising path forward for youth empowerment and economic development.
Key points
- The FACEJ SUGU exhibition promotes youth entrepreneurship and job creation in Mali.
