National Caravan Kicks Off Funding Initiative

On monday, September 13, 2025, the General Delegation for the Fast Entrepreneurship of Women and Young ⁢People (DER/FJ) initiated a two-day national caravan⁤ in Tambacounda, Senegal,⁣ to promote the Beyes funding program. Led by General Delegate Dr. Aïssatou mbodji and attended by Prefect Alioune Badara⁤ Mbengue, the⁢ caravan followed stops in Kaffrine, Kaolack, and Gossas, with planned visits to ⁢Saint-Louis, Kébémer, Tivaouane, and Thiès.

1.7 Billion FCFA to Support 1,000 Enterprises

The Beyes program will provide a⁤ total of 1.7 billion FCFA (approximately $2.85 million USD, using a conversion rate of 1 USD =‍ 596 FCFA as of September 15, 2025) in funding to 1,000 formalized and trained enterprises (GIEs) across senegal’s 46 departments. This initiative is a key component of the DER/FJ’s territorialization strategy and ⁢aligns⁢ with Senegal’s national agenda for 2050.

The program is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and focuses on stimulating self-employment,reducing regional disparities,and fostering social inclusion,with a particular emphasis‍ on opportunities for young⁤ people,women,and individuals with disabilities.

Targeted Job Creation and Demographic ⁣Focus

Beyes aims to create 10,000 jobs, with 7,000 specifically designated for women and 675 for ⁤people with disabilities. In Kaffrine,85 ⁤GIEs will receive 144.5 ⁢million FCFA to generate 850 jobs, while in Tambacounda, 98 GIEs will benefit from 166.6⁢ million FCFA, anticipating the creation of nearly 1,000 jobs.

Beyond Funding: Training and Digital Capacity Building

The Beyes program extends beyond financial assistance, offering comprehensive training and‍ support services. Over 10,000 young people have already been introduced to entrepreneurship through the program, receiving a total of 4,011 hours of coaching and mentoring. To further⁤ bolster innovation and digital skills, seven D-Hubs and 14 Fablabs will be established.

Contributing to the Young Africa Works Strategy

The initial phase of Beyes is projected to generate 13,500 jobs, directly contributing to the‍ Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which aims to create 30 million dignified jobs across sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.