The opening ceremony of GEW2025, held on November 16, 2025, in Niamey, marked a milestone for Niger’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Organized by RESAEN, sponsored by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Abdoulaye Seydou, and supported by UNDP and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger, the event placed youth and innovation at the center of national development.
On Sunday, November 16, Niamey came alive with the spirit of entrepreneurship as Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW2025) was officially launched. Under the unifying theme “Together We Build”, this edition was initiated by the Network of Entrepreneurship Support Structures in Niger (RESAEN), in collaboration with institutional and international partners. The ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Abdoulaye Seydou, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship as a strategic lever for building a resilient and competitive economy.
The Minister highlighted that this week is part of a global movement celebrated in more than 180 countries, serving as a unique platform for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration. He stressed the need to diversify Niger’s economy, reduce external dependence, and promote local products across all value chains.
The ceremony also featured the active participation of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local initiatives that empower youth and women. The representative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger underscored the vital role of the private sector in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and job creation.
Throughout the week, the program includes conferences, panel discussions, training workshops, competitions, and awards for young entrepreneurs. These activities are designed to spark creativity, encourage diversity, and strengthen collaboration among ecosystem stakeholders. Incubators, startups, and investors found this platform an opportunity to share experiences and establish lasting partnerships.
GEW2025 unfolds in a national context defined by the authorities’ strong determination to promote an independent and prosperous Niger, driven by innovation and solidarity. By spotlighting youth and women, this edition reflects the vision of a country that places entrepreneurship at the heart of its development strategy.
Ultimately, the ceremony on November 16, 2025, was more than a symbolic launch—it was a call to collective action to build an inclusive and sustainable economic future, where every Nigerien can contribute to shaping a new Niger.