TELEPHONY
SENEGAL – Boubacar Boris Diop receives the 2022 Neustadt International Literature Prize

On October 26, 2022, the announcement was made by World Literature Today, the magazine of the University of Oklahoma, the Senegalese writer, Boris Diop receives the Neustadt prize for his novel: “Murambi, le livre des ossements”, reprinted by Flore Zoa.
It is the season of Awards, especially literary awards (Renaudot, Femina, Medici,…). Oklahoma crowns a glory of Senegalese literature: Boubacar Boris Diop. He is the 27th person and the first African to receive this award. So what is the Neustadt Award? – The reunion of two things that don’t usually come together: a lot of money and a lot of honour.” The $50,000 Neustadt International Prize for Literature is accompanied by a silver medal and a certificate.
Awarded every two years since 2003, the Neustadt Prize is one of the few prizes to be awarded to poets, novelists, screenwriters and playwrights. Almost all actors are also eligible. This prize is awarded to a living writer in recognition of an important work. The last winner of the 2020 Neustadt Prize was Albanian author Ismail. On the other hand Boubacar Boris Diop is part of the first sub-Saharan writer to win the 2022 Neustadt International Literature Prize. An award that is equivalent to the Nobel Prize for Literature.
According to Robert Con Davis-Undiano, Executive Director of World Literature Today, Boubacar Boris Diop deserves this distinction for his career and his writings: It is a great honour for an experienced African writer of the stature of Boubacar Boris Diop to win the Neustadt Prize. It is a landmark for the award and for Mr. Diop’s growing and well-deserved reputation in the West.” Boubacar Boris Diop has already won literary prizes (Grand Prix littéraire d’Afrique noire, 2000; Prix Goncourt des lycéens, 2018 and Booker Prize International, 2021) and has just won an umpteenth.

The Senegalese writer began as a journalist, writer, screenwriter, to finish – if he has not yet completed his metamorphosis – translator in the Wolof language. He is a bloated man of paradox. A first. Zulma, Paris and Mémoire d’encrier, Montreal. Two French-language Western publishing houses create a collection (Céytu) dedicated to African languages and appoint him as director. I do a tour, curiosity obliged, on the site of the Céytu. Second paradox. The site exists only in French and English. Not in Wolof. Third paradox. The writer lives in Pau. We would not have preferred Dakar.
The Senegalese writer, beyond his great career, was chosen for his work on Rwanda. Murambi, the book of bones (Editions Zulma), is one of the first literary works on the bloodiest genocide of the late 20th century. In a masterly way, the writer recounts the madness, horror, drama and fragility of societies through the personal stories of two childhood friends, Jessica and Cornelius.”.
SPORTS
SENEGAL – Awa Naar Fall takes over the leadership of the African Confederation of Football Skating

In Trabzon, Turkey, the World Cup of Football Skating is in full swing and Senegal is making a splash. But this time, it’s not just on the pitch that the Teranga Lions shine. Awa Naar Fall, president of the Senegalese Roller Soccer Federation, won a major victory as president of the African Confederation of Football Skating. With a skilful strategy, she has managed to outperform candidates of impressive profile, thus marking a historic turning point for this discipline in Africa. News that, hopefully, bodes well for Senegal in this global competition.
Awa Fall “don’t fall”
At this 2024 World Cup in Turkey, the players of skating football also organized the election of the presidency of the African Confederation. In the face of fierce competition, Awa Naar Fall did not race after this victory like a ball does, but she proved her ability to climb to the top through experience and commitment. Founder of “My Club Roller” in 2002, she has established herself as a key figure in roller soccer in Senegal. Under his leadership, the country has become a true continental power, accumulating more international trophies than any other African country.
What is roller soccer?
The sport of speed, balance and strategy, roller soccer was born in the 1990s in San Francisco and arrived in Africa a decade later. Played on a handball field, this sport is halfway between football and ice hockey. Introduced in Senegal in 2015, it has quickly flourished there, allowing the country to establish itself as the African leader of the discipline in less than ten years.
Despite its success, roller soccer remains underreported in Africa. As president of the African Confederation, Awa Naar Fall wants to reverse this trend. It aims to professionalize the discipline by strengthening local federations, developing adapted infrastructures and training coaches. It also plans to host more pan-African competitions, giving African athletes a platform to compete internationally. To do this, it relies on increased support from governments, media and sponsors to stimulate public interest.
Senegal ignites the World Cup
On the pitch, Senegal impressed at this 2024 World Cup. Placed in Group E, the Lions crushed India 15-1 before beating DRC 1-0. In the semi-finals, they beat Kenya 3-1 to qualify for the quarter-finals where they will face the United Arab Emirates. Driven by this momentum and the leadership of Awa Naar Fall, all hopes are allowed to bring the cup back to Africa.
Awa Naar Fall, an example for women
The election of Awa Naar Fall as president of the African Confederation of Football Skating is a strong signal. It illustrates the growing role of women in an African sports landscape still dominated by men. With boldness and determination, Awa Naar Fall shows that it is possible to break the norms and open new perspectives for future generations.
BUSINESS
SENEGAL – The Senegalese delegation at SIAL Paris 2024

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

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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