N’Djamena, October 30, 2024 – The Youth Network for Development and Leadership in Chad (RJDLT) and the Global Entrepreneurship Network-CHAD Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and with official support from UNFPA, announce the organization of the 8th edition of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Chad, from November 18 to 24, 2024. This 8th edition, organized under the theme "Entrepreneurship for All," will take place in the cities of N'Djamena, Abéché, Moundou, Bongor, and Oum Hadjer. It offers a comprehensive program that engages all segments of society around inclusive entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development.
Seven Years of Entrepreneurial Transformation Since its launch in Chad, Global Entrepreneurship Week, driven by RJDLT and GEN-TCHAD, has become a cornerstone of the Chadian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thanks to strategic partnerships with institutions such as UNFPA, UNDP, and the European Union, GEW has generated concrete impacts:
- More than 2,000,000 participants reached nationwide over the past seven years;
- 30,000 visitors during exhibitions and activities;
- 400 speakers engaged to inspire and share their expertise;
- Over 400 diverse activities, including workshops, conferences, and roundtables;
- 20 major events organized to promote entrepreneurship;
- 50,000 young people trained through immersive and interactive workshops to strengthen their entrepreneurial skills;
- 100 startups supported to boost their growth and competitiveness;
- Strengthened partnerships with public and private stakeholders, creating a sustainable support framework for entrepreneurship.
Strategic Focus Areas and the GEW 2024 Program This year's GEW is built around four strategic axes aimed at strengthening Chad's entrepreneurial landscape:
- Developing an Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: By promoting access to entrepreneurship for all, this axis encourages innovation as a driver of sustainable development, integrating youth, women, and people with disabilities.
- Reflection on the Creation of the Startup Act Chad: For the first time in Chad, a structured legislative framework will be introduced to simplify administrative procedures, stimulate startup growth, and consolidate the national entrepreneurial sector.
- Promotion of Innovation and Digital Transformation: Through thematic hackathons and training, this axis supports Chadian entrepreneurs in modernizing their activities using digital tools and new technologies.
- Celebrating Entrepreneurship – The Night of Entrepreneurs: GEW 2024 will end with a gala evening dedicated to recognizing Chad's most innovative entrepreneurs, providing a prime opportunity for networking and strategic partnership building.
GEW 2024 Activity Program
- Workshop on Improving Public Policies for Entrepreneurship – The Startup Act Chad: This dialogue space will bring together the public and private sectors to discuss reforms and strategies to enhance Chad's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Roundtable on Public-Private Partnership: This roundtable aims to strengthen public-private partnerships, attract investment opportunities, promote policy reforms, and create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chad.
- High-Level Panel on Entrepreneurial Inclusion "Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable and Equitable Development in Chad": This panel will bring together experts to discuss obstacles faced by youth, women, and entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds. It will explore opportunities provided by technology, policy reforms, and inclusive financing to promote equitable participation in the economy.
- Inter-Entrepreneur Mentorship Program: The creation of a mentorship network where experienced entrepreneurs share their knowledge with the new generation, particularly in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and crafts.
- Workshop on the Circular Economy: A panel dedicated to the circular economy will explore sustainability practices, focusing on adopting eco-friendly economic models.
- Creation of Entrepreneurship Clubs in Schools and Universities: These awareness workshops will introduce young people to the entrepreneurial world. In parallel, entrepreneurship clubs will be established to encourage idea-sharing and collaboration on concrete projects, while offering mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
- Olympiades Oscars 2024: A unique competition where young Chadians will represent their country in the Oscars finals in Dakar, with access to mentorship and funding opportunities to bring their projects to life. This initiative is led in Chad by the Action for Education and the Promotion of Women (AEPF).
- Impact Talks: Where Entrepreneurs Thrive: Inspiring talks by entrepreneurs and leaders who will share their journeys and successes to motivate and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
- Biodigester Manufacturing Workshop: This workshop will train young people in building biodigesters, devices that convert agricultural waste into biogas and compost, an environmentally friendly technology.
- Nomination of the Sustainable Business Young Ambassador (SBYA): An initiative to designate a young ambassador to promote a sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, serving as a spokesperson for the entrepreneurial youth to authorities and strategic partners.
- The Night of Entrepreneurs: To close GEW 2024, this gala evening will reward the most promising entrepreneurial initiatives in a festive atmosphere where participants can network and establish professional relationships.
Why Participate? GEW 2024 offers a unique opportunity for young and Chadian entrepreneurs to benefit from practical training, access mentorship solutions, and develop their network of partners. By participating in this event, Chadian entrepreneurs can strengthen their projects, discover new technologies, and explore growth prospects in a dynamic and expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This year, many stakeholders are joining GEN CHAD and RJDLT to make #GEW2024 even more impactful. They include JOB BOOSTER, the Moursal Entrepreneurship House, Digital Academy, Salehindev, Sol’Id, Inclusive World, and iPlus.
Register through this link: https://bit.ly/SME-2024
Quote from Routouang Mohamed Ndonga Christian, Chairman of RJDLT: "Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 is more than an event: it embodies our vision of an inclusive and innovative Chad, where every citizen has a chance to become a key player in economic development. Together, we are laying the foundations for a prosperous future."
Press Contact: Macka Chérif Mahamat
Email: smetchad@gmail.com / contact@rjdlt.org
Phone: +235 66 22 76 61 / 98 28 25 52