Senegal's DER/FJ and Wave Partner to Boost Local Startups at VivaTech 2026
A significant partnership has been forged between Senegal's General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) and Wave Senegal. The agreement was signed at VivaTech 2026 by Aïda Mbodj, the General Delegate for DER/FJ, and El Hadji Malick Gueye, the CEO of Wave Senegal. This collaboration aims to establish a program focused on accelerating and enhancing the visibility of innovative Senegalese startups. The initiative is part of a broader framework known as LionsTech. The partnership underscores a commitment to fostering the growth and international exposure of Senegal's entrepreneurial ecosystem. By leveraging the resources and networks of both DER/FJ and Wave, the program intends to provide crucial support to emerging businesses. This strategic alliance is expected to play a vital role in empowering young entrepreneurs and driving technological advancement within Senegal. The focus on visibility at a major international event like VivaTech highlights the ambition to connect Senegalese innovation with global markets.
This agreement between DER/FJ and Wave Senegal at VivaTech 2026 represents a strategic move to integrate Senegal's nascent startup ecosystem into the global innovation landscape. By focusing on acceleration and visibility, the partnership addresses two critical bottlenecks for emerging businesses: access to resources and market recognition. The LionsTech framework suggests a structured approach to nurturing these startups, potentially leveraging technology and fintech solutions, given Wave's prominent role in digital payments. The long-term impact will depend on the program's ability to translate visibility into tangible investment and growth opportunities, fostering a sustainable entrepreneurial culture that can compete on an international stage. This initiative aligns with broader trends of developing economies seeking to diversify through technological entrepreneurship, aiming to create high-value jobs and reduce reliance on traditional sectors.
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