The 4th edition of the Confédération des jeunes entreprises et startups du Togo (CJES Togo) forum concluded on October 30 in Dapaong, after three days of activities. The event aimed to promote entrepreneurship, job insertion for young people, and digital transformation of local businesses. The forum was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Quality Control. It brought together administrative and local authorities, technical and financial partners, business leaders, startups, cooperatives, and young graduates seeking professional opportunities.
The forum's theme was "Rassembler les entreprises en région pour transformer et protéger l’économie locale à l’ère du digital" or "Gathering regional businesses to transform and protect the local economy in the digital age." The initiative aimed to bring support systems for entrepreneurs closer to different regions and facilitate the development of young people's economic initiatives. The event featured a mini-exhibition of local products, communications on the benefits of formalizing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives, and tax and social obligations.
Practical workshops were conducted to teach participants how to use Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp Business to promote their products and develop their activities. Project leaders presented their initiatives, and some received service checks ranging from 100,000 to 1,500,000 F CFA. The last day featured the presentation of e-CJES and CJES Hub platforms, designed to support entrepreneurs. A regional Job Dating event was also organized with Talent2Africa and the Mastercard Foundation to facilitate access to paid professional experiences for young graduates.
The Job Dating event aimed to provide young graduates with 12-month paid professional experiences in local businesses. The Savannahs region governor, Atcha-Dédji Affoh, encouraged young entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities offered to develop their activities. The CJES focal point in the Savannahs, Dr. Alassani Mohamed Cissé, emphasized that young people are a crucial force for transforming the local economy, provided they receive adapted support, access to opportunities, and a favorable entrepreneurial environment.
The representative of the UNFPA resident representative in Togo, Ameyo Letou, stressed the importance of investing in young people's skills and potential, particularly young women. She recalled that their professional insertion must also consider their health, rights, and well-being. The forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including administrative and local authorities, technical and financial partners, business leaders, startups, cooperatives, and young graduates.
The event was a significant step towards promoting entrepreneurship and job creation in the Savannahs region. The CJES Togo forum has been held in several regions, including Maritime, Plateaux, and Centrale. The initiative has provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to network, access resources, and develop their businesses. The forum's success is a testament to the importance of investing in young people's potential and promoting entrepreneurship in Togo.
The conclusion of the CJES Togo forum in Dapaong marks a significant milestone in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation in the region. The event provided a valuable opportunity for young entrepreneurs to access resources, network, and develop their businesses. With the support of partners, including the Ministry of Trade and Quality Control, UNFPA, and Talent2Africa, the CJES Togo forum is helping to create a favorable environment for entrepreneurship and job creation in Togo.
Key points
- The CJES Togo forum promotes entrepreneurship and job creation among young people in Togo.
- The event provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to access resources, network, and develop their businesses.
- The forum has been held in several regions of Togo, including Maritime, Plateaux, Centrale, and Savannahs.
