Dr. Abdoulaye Niane, the General Delegate of Senegal's Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Youth (DER/FJ), is leading a series of meetings in Paris with French innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial support actors. The mission aims to enhance connections between Senegalese entrepreneurs and international ecosystems. This effort is part of Senegal's goal to increase its presence in international entrepreneurship and innovation networks.
The mission focuses on finding new partnerships, accessing financing, innovation, and support for Senegalese entrepreneurs. The DER/FJ delegation has a packed schedule, including a courtesy visit to the Senegalese Ambassador to France, Baye Moctar Diop, and meetings with institutions specialized in innovation and entrepreneurship. These include Paris-Saclay University, where discussions will cover incubation, technology transfer, innovation, and project support.
The DER/FJ team will also meet with Spartners by Servier & BioLabs and the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center of the Optics Institute to explore new cooperation opportunities. A key event is the participation in BIG 2026, where Dr. Abdoulaye Niane will meet with the Bpifrance team and deliver a masterclass on economic cooperation prospects between Senegal and France. The masterclass, titled "Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Senegal: Economic Cooperation Perspectives with France," will highlight investment opportunities and DER/FJ's support mechanisms.
The program also includes exchanges with Expertise France on sustainable and inclusive economics and entrepreneurship. The delegation will meet with Digital Africa, an investor and supporter of African tech entrepreneurs, and with HEC Paris at Station F. The DER/FJ aims to turn these meetings into concrete opportunities for Senegalese entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing expertise, markets, international networks, and financing.
The mission will conclude with a meeting with the Senegalese diaspora in Paris on October 10. This event will focus on entrepreneurship and investment opportunities in Senegal, including a presentation of the Diaspora Fund. The DER/FJ seeks to strengthen ties with Senegalese expatriates who can contribute to entrepreneurial projects or investments in their home country.
Beyond institutional meetings, the Parisian mission emphasizes connecting Senegalese entrepreneurs with international capital, skills, technologies, and networks. This effort is crucial for enhancing the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting economic growth. The DER/FJ's initiatives are part of a broader strategy to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Senegal.
The mission reflects Senegal's commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and leveraging international partnerships to support its economic development. By engaging with French innovation and investment actors, the DER/FJ aims to create new opportunities for Senegalese entrepreneurs and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Key points
- Dr. Abdoulaye Niane leads a mission to Paris to secure new financing and partnerships for Senegalese entrepreneurs.
- The mission includes meetings with key French institutions and actors in innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The DER/FJ aims to connect Senegalese entrepreneurs with international capital, skills, technologies, and networks.
