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AFRICA – Signing of a $4 millions agreement between the ADB and ONU Women (By APO Group)

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The African Development Bank and UN Women sign a $4 million financing agreement to support women entrepreneurs in West Africa. The collaboration agreement was signed by Oulimata Sarr, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa and Marie Laure Akin-Olugbade in Dakar

The African Development Bank Group, through its Initiative to Promote Women’s Access to Finance in Africa (AFAWA), signed on 27 January in Dakar, A US$4 million funding agreement with UN Women to support women entrepreneurs’ access to government procurement in West Africa.
The financing agreement – the largest ever signed by the Bank in support of UN Women – will improve access to government procurement for women-led businesses and the development of gender-sensitive procurement initiatives. in the framework of inclusive post-Covid-19 recovery programmes in Senegal, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
“The African Development Bank is extremely proud to have signed this project in partnership with UN Women with funding from the AFAWA initiative,” said Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Bank Executive Director for the West Africa Region. “ We are committed to unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of women and seeing them grow. We are confident that this high-impact project will provide great opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Senegal and the region.”

The collaboration agreement was signed by Oulimata Sarr, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa and Marie Laure Akin-Olugbade in Dakar. The signing took place in the presence of the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, on an official visit to Senegal, and the Senegalese Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, Amadou Hott.

Government procurement accounts for a significant share of global demand for goods and services – a multi-billion dollar industry representing 15-30% of global gross domestic product. However, women-owned businesses have access to only 1% of public procurement. In West Africa, women are underrepresented as entrepreneurs accessing public procurement opportunities. A UN Women study found that in Senegal, for example, less than 10% of women entrepreneurs are informed about positive legislation on public procurement aimed at increasing women’s engagement, and less than 5% are effectively informed of the procurement process and methods.

Oulimata Sarr welcomed the strategic partnership between UN Women and the African Development Bank Group. “This project comes at the right time because women entrepreneurs need support for recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Oulimata Sarr. “ The public and private sectors have an essential role to play in enabling women-owned businesses to access larger contracts. In addition to interventions in Nigeria, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, the project will work with regional institutions to influence key continental processes that are important for women entrepreneurs’ access to markets, such as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.” ,” she said.

The project aims to improve legislation and improve women’s ability to access public tenders – by ensuring that women have technical skills to access procurement opportunities. The project will also help mitigate the impact of the health crisis by helping women-led small and medium-sized enterprises improve their skills to manage their online operations, operate remotely and adjust their business models, including exploring opportunities for innovation.


As part of this project, UN Women will work with national procurement agencies, small- and medium-sized enterprise departments, and women entrepreneurs. 

(Distributed by APO Group)

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AGRICULTURE

IVORY COAST – The country celebrates its local meals

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On October 25, 2024, in Abidjan, under the high-level signs of Place Palmeraie, Place Marcory, Auchan Latrille and Hyper U Sococé, the aromas of freshly baked bread and soumbara flavours blend into the freshness of Grandes et Moyennes Surfaces (GMS). Between warm scents and perfumes, Dr BAH-KONE Ranie-Didice, Executive Secretary of the National Council for the Fight against Expensive Life (CNLVC), took his time. There is nothing more sacred than this reunion with these products drawn from our lands.

A baguette of bread, a whole story
For this fifth edition of the Festival des Farines Locales, there was a crowd, but also a rich selection of breads and pastries made from local flours: fonio, cassava, mil, soya, sorghum. Every passer-by had a bite, a smile on his face. Each piece of bread tells a story, from the field in remote villages to the expert hands of bakers and the purchase. Each aroma emanating from these crispy breads originates in the heart of the Ivorian terroirs.

October, Festival of Local Flours
This festival is part of the fifth edition of the Month of Local Consumption, initiated by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Every year, October becomes a month dedicated to the promotion of food heritage, where consumption habits are tinged with a renewed awareness. In addition to their taste, these products demonstrate the importance of incorporating more local raw materials into the diets of Ivorians. By reducing dependence on often expensive imported products, this initiative could help to boost and strengthen the domestic economy.

Month of Local Consumption, an asset for the sub-region
This festival is not unique to Côte d’Ivoire: it is an initiative of WAEMU. Thus, all populations in the member states are invited to cultivate a local way of life, reducing their dependence on imported products and building a strong and resilient regional economy. Dr. Ranie-Didice Bah-Koné said the event is an invitation to reinvent our recipes, to reconnect with the very essence of the land that feeds us: “This festival is a tribute to the country’s recipes.”

For a resilient economy
This WAEMU initiative aims at food self-sufficiency in Africa, to reduce its dependence on external aid. This festival embodies the hopes of a sub-region ready to take back control of its destiny with its own resources, regain self-sufficiency and celebrate the wealth of a continent with almost unlimited resources. The Local Consumption Month and the Local Flour Festival have demonstrated that Côte d’Ivoire has the resources to achieve food self-sufficiency. Simply trust the talents and know-how of its craftsmen.

FARINE

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BUSINESS

SENEGAL – The Senegalese delegation at SIAL Paris 2024

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From 19 to 23 October 2024, the International Food Show (SIAL Paris) brought together in Paris Nord Villepinte the world’s agrifood players. More than 7,500 exhibitors from 205 countries presented their products and innovations, making this edition a must-attend event for professionals in the sector. Among them, the Senegalese delegation, led by Madjiguène Ndoye, delegate of Promosalons Senegal, marked its presence at this international showcase of the agri-food industry.

A Senegalese Delegation Inspired by Food Professionals
The strong Senegalese delegation, led by Madjiguène Ndoye, created a remarkable buzz during this event. Representing Senegalese professionals through public and private institutions as well as the Association des Commerçants et Industriels du Sénégal (ACIS), she highlighted the dynamism of Senegal on the world agri-food scene. Madjiguène Ndoye, PROMOSALONS representative for Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Mauritania and Guinea Conakry, has worked to increase the visibility of Senegal and the sub-region. The delegation took advantage of each meeting opportunity to share and build business partnerships and discover innovations in the sector.

The SIAL, Growth Engine for Agri-Food in Africa
This edition of SIAL has proven to be much more than a show. It is a true catalyst for agri-food innovation and sustainability, highlighting more than 400,000 products. Discussions on ecological practices and food safety were at the heart of the event. Senegal, as an emerging country in this sector, has taken the opportunity to learn from best practices. The Senegalese delegation demonstrated the country’s commitment to align with global trends, such as organic farming and local processing of raw materials. This sustainable approach could play a crucial role in the country’s food resilience, which faces many climate and economic challenges.

Senegal to Conquer New Markets
SIAL Paris wanted to welcome as many African companies as possible, including the Senegalese delegation, because the African continent challenges the global agri-food scene. The presence of the delegation, led by Madjiguène Ndoye, opened up new business opportunities and attracted foreign investment. Senegal’s participation in SIAL Paris 2024 marks an important step in the country’s desire to establish itself on the international agri-food scene. By combining innovation, sustainability and competitiveness, Senegal aims to become a major player in agriculture in Africa.

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BUSINESS

SENEGAL – Madjiguène Ndoye, a voice that counts in the trade show sector

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Madjiguène Ndoye, Promosalons delegate for West Africa, was present at SIAL Paris, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. This international food show is one of the major events in the sector, attracting professionals from all over the world to discover the latest trends and innovations in food products. The main objective of his mission was to represent SIAL Paris in West Africa and ensure a good presence of professionals from Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mauritania, and Guinea Conakry.

In an interview, Madjiguène Ndoye stated without hesitation: Promosalons Senegal is present at this great event to promote the presence of the sub-region at SIAL Paris. The goal is for our professionals, associations and organizations not to miss this global event of SIAL Paris 2024 to discover the new products in the agri-food industry.” Thanks to her dedication, Madjiguène Ndoye and her delegation had the opportunity to discover new products, techniques and innovations proposed in the eight halls of SIAL Paris, while establishing contacts with suppliers and future partners.

Institutional support and future prospects
SEM Magatte Seye, Ambassador of Senegal in France, responded to the invitation from Promosalons Senegal. The ambassador expressed his satisfaction and encouraged the agri-food professionals present. He gave them his unwavering support, stressing the importance of a stronger presence of Senegal in future editions, both as visitors and exhibitors. During his visit, the ambassador explored agri-food innovations and potential benefits for Senegal. He also stressed the need for strengthened collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, public and private institutions to ensure Senegal’s long-term presence in international events. Madjiguène Ndoye also mentioned the support perspectives offered by Promosalons: “For each of our trade fairs and events, we support companies and professionals to ensure their presence in these professional events.”

Promosalons Senegal: Promote and market French trade shows internationally
Promosalons Senegal, represented by the company FELANE TRAVEL FACTORY directed by Madjiguène Ndoye, stands out in promoting French trade fairs and exhibitions in Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mauritania, and Guinea Conakry. As part of a well-known global network, Promosalons works to promote trade shows internationally. This organization implements innovative skills and means to ensure the commercialization of these events in various markets. Madjiguène Ndoye says, “Our professionals are invited to visit these trade shows regularly to discover the new products and develop their sectors.” Thanks to its professional teams and experts, Promosalons Senegal is recognized as the specialist in promoting international trade fairs, facilitating economic and commercial exchanges.

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