A springboard for innovation and partnerships
From November 18 to 22, 2024, Lomé hosted another edition of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), an event organized by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Togo) and the Network of Incubators and Support Structures of Togo (RISAT), with the support of the IYBA-SEED program and numerous partners. This week of intense exchanges and initiatives mobilized over 1,500 participants around the central theme of “entrepreneurship as a driver of economic and social development.
All players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem were mobilized to create synergies and support the development of high-potential start-ups
Since its launch in 2010 in Togo, Global Entrepreneurship Week has become a must-attend event for all those involved in entrepreneurship. This 2024 edition brought together a wide range of participants, including entrepreneurs, students, investors, incubators and representatives of public institutions.
Highlights of SME 2024
Official launch and Ecosystem players' exhibition
The event kicked off with an official ceremony attended by Togolese authorities and technical and financial partners, and the Ecosystem players' Forum where 21 support structures presented their services, facilitating dialogue between entrepreneurs and key players in financing and mentoring.
Discussions to understand the challenges and opportunities
A number of sessions addressed key issues such as access to financing, government support policies and the role of support structures:
- A round table with partners such as WIDU, We4A, GIZ and IYBA-SEED on financing mechanisms.
- A day dedicated to the place of entrepreneurship within Togolese universities, to address the integration of entrepreneurship into academic curricula.
- A workshop on the role of the media in promoting entrepreneurship, to discuss awareness-raising strategies.
- SAEI Forum (Support structures for innovative companies) to identify the main challenges facing SAEIs, and possible solutions.
- Panel “State Support Mechanisms for Entrepreneurship”, to explore government support programs and identify challenges.
- Masterclass “Role and Typology of Support Structures”, to clarify the role of support structures and their typologies.
“Women and green entrepreneurship” hackathon: innovation for sustainability
A highlight of the SME 2024, the hackathon focused on sustainable innovation and female entrepreneurship. Six teams were formed and coached by expert mentors to develop sustainable solutions.
The 2 winning projects, Banafib and GreenBox, will benefit from 6 months of tailor-made support.
Perspectives
Global Entrepreneurship Week in Togo confirmed its central role in the country's entrepreneurial dynamic, and enabled us to:
- Structure strategies to improve support for young businesses.
- Identify challenges linked to access to alternative financing.
- Lay the foundations for institutionalizing the SME, making it a key national event.
The IYBA-SEED Togo team is already very involved in the design of the 2025 edition!
Partners of the GEW :
