On October 22, 2026, Mamadou Bailo Danso, an entrepreneur and specialist in digital marketing, released his book "Le Grimoire de l'Événementiel en Afrique de l'Ouest". The book is part of a collection called Harmattan Guinée, published by Éditions L'Harmattan. Danso's work focuses on professionalizing the event industry in West Africa, shifting it from occasional initiatives to a competitive and structured sector. His goal is to make the event industry a recognized economic and cultural sector, generating jobs and driving the development of creative industries.

The book is divided into three main sections and eleven chapters, featuring sixty "laws of social physics" and contributions from over thirty professionals. These contributors come from various fields, including communication, music, production, management, cultural entrepreneurship, audiovisual, ticketing, and technical management. This diversity highlights the multidisciplinary nature of the event industry and the need for a collective approach to its structuring. Danso's work aims to gather knowledge, experiences, and principles that can serve as tools for industry professionals and new generations.

Danso emphasizes that Africa has abundant talents and ideas, but the real challenge lies in organizing these resources and transforming acquired skills into sustainable expertise. He notes that the event sector mobilizes considerable talent, investment, and creativity but faces recurring challenges, such as structuring organizations, professionalizing jobs, and managing resources. The book explores essential issues for the success and sustainability of event projects, including preparation, resource management, communication, human and technical coordination, and transmission.

One of the main focuses of the book is the importance of capitalizing on professional experiences. Danso believes that documented and shared experiences can help advance the entire profession. He advocates for a conception of excellence based on discipline, preparation, and responsibility, rather than solely relying on foreign models or financial means. By combining professional know-how, cultural heritage, and international requirements, Danso aims to provide guidelines for building a strong, credible, and sovereign African cultural industry.

"Le Grimoire de l'Événementiel en Afrique de l'Ouest" targets promoters, technicians, entrepreneurs, institutions, decision-makers, and members of the diaspora. The book is intended as a reference tool and an invitation to transform industry practices, moving from disorder to mastery, improvisation to professionalization, and isolated initiatives to the construction of a genuine African event ecosystem.

The book's title, "Le Grimoire de l'Événementiel en Afrique de l'Ouest", is not coincidental. Danso chose the term "Grimoire" to convey the desire to gather knowledge, experiences, and principles that can become tools for industry professionals. The book offers a vision for the future of the event industry in West Africa, one that is structured, professional, and competitive.

Mamadou Bailo Danso's initiative has the potential to significantly impact the event industry in West Africa. By providing a comprehensive guide and promoting a culture of excellence, Danso aims to contribute to the growth and recognition of the sector. His work is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the event industry, offering insights and practical advice for improving practices and building a sustainable future.

Key points

  • Mamadou Bailo Danso's book "Le Grimoire de l'Événementiel en Afrique de l'Ouest" aims to professionalize the event industry in West Africa.
  • The book provides a comprehensive guide for industry professionals, covering topics such as preparation, resource management, and communication.
  • Danso's work promotes a culture of excellence and aims to contribute to the growth and recognition of the event sector in West Africa.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.