Dakar,Senegal,is set to become a hub for Francophone entrepreneurial innovation next november. From November 23-28, 2025, the city will host the Grande Rencontre des jeunes Entrepreneurs du monde Francophone (GREF), a key event for fostering enduring business practices among young leaders. This marks the first time the conference will be held on the African continent, signaling a growing focus on economic ties and opportunity within the Francophone world.Organized by the Office franco-québécois pour la jeunesse (OFQJ),the GREF will convene 34 entrepreneurs from roughly ten countries to address challenges and explore solutions in sustainable and responsible business.
Dakar, Senegal, will host a major gathering of young French-speaking entrepreneurs from November 23-28, 2025, marking the first time the event has been held in Africa. The conference aims to foster sustainable and responsible business practices among a new generation of innovators.
The Grande Rencontre des jeunes Entrepreneurs du monde Francophone (GREF), organized by the Office franco-québécois pour la jeunesse (OFQJ), will bring together 34 young entrepreneurs from approximately ten countries to discuss “Sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship: challenges and solutions.” The event underscores the growing importance of Francophone economic ties with the African continent.
Participants will focus on three key areas: the blue economy, emphasizing responsible marine resource management; the green economy, centered on waste reduction and the energy transition; and sustainable agrofood, promoting environmentally conscious agricultural innovation. These sectors represent critical areas for growth and sustainability in the Francophone world.
An Official Opening Focused on Dialogue and Action
The conference will officially open on November 24 at the Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (CCIAD) with introductory remarks from Florian Blazy, minister-counselor at the French Embassy, and Armelle Dugué, secretary general of the OFQJ in France.
The opening session will center on “The Francophone economy as a driver of growth and dialogue for young entrepreneurs,” featuring contributions from key figures in Francophone cooperation, including:
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Iya Touré, Delegate General of Quebec to Dakar,
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Jean-François Pakula, Representative of Wallonia-Brussels,
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Anne-Louise Mésadieux, representing the Île-de-France Region,
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Fatima Ouidat, from the International Organization of La Francophonie,
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Dingam Donon-Horbe, CONFEJES.
The opening will set the stage for a week of intensive discussions between young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and sustainable development experts.
A Week of Exchange, Workshops, and Opportunities
The conference agenda includes:
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A session titled “Doing Business in Senegal,” designed to provide insights into the local economic climate;
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Visits to local Senegalese businesses showcasing innovative practices;
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A SPRINT day organized by the Île-de-France Region;
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Workshops focused on securing funding, supporting female entrepreneurship, and promoting corporate social responsibility.
The goal is to facilitate connections between Francophone ecosystems and identify practical solutions for developing impactful businesses.
“Africa is no longer simply a destination for business. It is a space of innovation, creativity and sustainability,” a representative from the OFQJ stated.
The GREF is part of the “Génération Francophonie” initiative, which supports youth-led projects driving economic and social transformation within the Francophone world. The OFQJ annually supports nearly 4,000 young people aged 18-35 with mobility, training, and entrepreneurial ventures across France, Quebec, and the Francophone community.
