On Wednesday, 19 November, the second day of the International Entrepreneurship Fair of the AES (SIE-AES) was marked by a high-level panel on the theme: “Entrepreneurship, a factor of integration and development of the countries of the AES Confederation.”
It was held under the chairmanship of the Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Professional Training, Seck Oumou Sall, in the presence of His Majesty Drolor Bosso Adamtey, member of the Council of State of Ghana.
In her intervention, the Minister first recalled the national policy, which fits into the vision “Mali kura niɛtaa sira ka ben san 2063” and the National Strategy for Emergence and Sustainable Development (SNEDD 2024-2033). This policy aims at the structural transformation of the economy, industrialisation, the promotion of digital technology and innovation, the reduction of dependence on raw materials, and the stimulation of inclusive growth.
In this perspective, Minister Oumou Sall Seck said that the objective is to make entrepreneurship a valued career, with the emergence of national champions and the mobilisation of young people and women.
The Minister explained the missions and actions of her ministry before citing concrete actions and achievements since the beginning of the implementation of this strategy, notably 307 projects of young entrepreneurs selected and financed for nearly 950 million CFA francs; training in CREE, GERME, and self-employment projects in several regions (Sikasso, Mopti, Ségou…); 4,200 young people sensitised to entrepreneurship in school and university establishments; and the setting up of entrepreneurship initiation modules in professional training centres.
She also mentioned the training and digital support of 30 learners in the development of business plans.
As flagship ongoing projects, Mrs. Seck Oumou Sall cited FIER (100 million USD), with 60,000 rural young people trained and supported, 40,000 direct jobs created, 12,000 income-generating activities, and 5,000 micro-enterprises. She also mentioned FACEJ Phase 2, which plans to create 5,250 jobs and support 1,600 companies in promising sectors, including start-ups and green projects.
According to her, the International Entrepreneurship Fair-AES constitutes a concrete example of regional cooperation, talent promotion, and the dynamisation of the entrepreneurial market.
Mrs. Seck Oumou Sall indicated that entrepreneurship today is more than an economic engine; it is an instrument of sovereignty, integration, and social transformation.
For his part, His Majesty Drolor Bosso Adamtey of Ghana explained that entrepreneurship is not limited to business plans and profit margins, but is the courage to build where nothing existed before, and the confidence to believe that one’s hands, mind, and talent can transform a community.
According to him, ideas are not lacking. What is lacking are ecosystems, access, infrastructure, and patient capital. That is why he believes integration is essential. Because “no country, whether it is Mali with its 22 million inhabitants, Niger with its 26 million, Burkina Faso with its 23 million, or Ghana with its 33 million, can build its prosperity alone.”
His Majesty Drolor Bosso Adamtey stated that the economies of West Africa must stop functioning like islands surrounded by borders. “We must function as a single market, a single investment corridor, a single talent pool. When borders suffocate opportunities, the youth suffocates with them,” he remarked.
He proposed strengthening financing systems, building regional value chains, and massively investing in science and leadership culture as solutions.
Addressing the youth of Mali, the AES, and all of Africa, His Majesty Drolor Bosso Adamtey said that they are not simple spectators of the future but its architects. He gave them several pieces of advice, urging them to define their ultimate objective before launching into business, noting that too many young people start with enthusiasm but without a clear vision.
“Do not wait to have everything before you act. Do not be a dreamer who is content with talking. Be a builder who acts. Ideas have value only when they take shape. Learn best practices. Study what works. Ask questions. Seek advice. Develop your leadership…” he advised the youth, telling them that Africa is waiting for them “not to replace the old, but to renew the future; not to imitate others, but to innovate by drawing from their own identity…”
