This intercultural training marks an important milestone in strengthening Senegal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by emphasizing knowledge transfer and international collaboration—essential factors to stimulate innovation and sustainable growth for local businesses.
An Innovative Mentorship Program to Boost Senegalese Entrepreneurship
The second cohort of the Sunu Seonbae program recently completed its training in Dakar, with 22 Senegalese entrepreneurs benefiting from intensive mentorship support. This intercultural program, a partnership between Senegal and South Korea, aims to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by relying on experience sharing and personalized guidance—key elements for startup success.
A Comprehensive and Personalized Journey for Entrepreneurs
Participants followed a structured path including an orientation bootcamp, individual mentoring sessions, sector-specific seminars, and practical workshops focused on leadership, finance, and strategy. This approach helps entrepreneurs successfully navigate the critical “valley of death” phase by consolidating their skills and professional networks.
A Cultural Alliance Serving Entrepreneurship
The program’s name, Sunu Seonbae, reflects this intercultural alliance: “Sunu” means “our” in Wolof, a local Senegalese language, while “Seonbae” refers to a respected mentor or senior in Korean. This dual meaning illustrates the project’s essence—to build a bridge between the two cultures to support innovation and business growth in Senegal.
A Strategic Partnership for Lasting Impact
Led by the KPC Consortium in collaboration with Orbus Digital Services (ODS), the program is supported by the Korean International Cooperation Agency and Senegal’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MESRI). This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing support for Senegalese entrepreneurs and sustainably structuring the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mentorship: A Key Lever for Entrepreneurship in Senegal
Mentorship is recognized as a powerful lever for startups in Senegal, where several support networks work to assist young entrepreneurs. Such initiatives provide not only technical advice but also essential human support to overcome challenges related to launching and growing businesses.
Perspectives and Opportunities for Senegalese Entrepreneurs
Beyond this program, other initiatives like the acceleration program “Yokkuté ALL STARS” and professional training with mentor support contribute to creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurial development in Senegal. These programs offer project leaders the tools, networks, and resources needed to succeed in a competitive economic context.
