Panel discussion of 23.02.24

One of the pillars of the IKOUĒ project is to bring concrete answers to a recurring question within the diaspora:

I want to invest and contribute to the development of my country. Where do I start?

The first steps

As early as 2023, we placed the emphasis on education and training, working with a selection of professionals from the diaspora. Driven by a desire to share, they offered their expertise to run free software development training. This approach, beyond building a bridge between the diaspora and the country of origin, perfectly illustrates the spirit of solidarity and mutual support we seek to promote.

We aim to continue on this momentum in 2024, expanding our training offer to other areas of technology. This diversification aims to respond more effectively to the varied needs of the market and to foster the professional integration of young people in high-potential sectors.

At the threshold of 2024, it was essential to continue our analysis of the country’s specific needs in terms of entrepreneurship, the structuring of companies of all sizes, and investment opportunities. A thorough understanding of these aspects is indispensable to align our mission with local realities and aspirations.

Organising a panel discussion emerged as an ideal way to bring together various stakeholders on the ground and engage in a constructive dialogue around these issues.

BêafrikâConnect

BÊAFRIKÂCONNECT represents a partner of choice, sharing our vision of a digitally advanced and economically autonomous Central African Republic. Founded in 2023 by a team of young Central African executives from the public and private sectors, this association has set itself the missions of developing the digital skills of women and young entrepreneurs, of promoting the adoption of digital payments and e-commerce, and of encouraging financial education among the population.

The synergy between IKOUĒ and BÊAFRIKÂCONNECT, particularly in our goals and our approaches, naturally led us to co-organise the panel discussion. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering digital and economic inclusion in the CAR.

The panel discussion

Panel 1 - The state of technology in the CAR

For this first panel, the guests were:

• Gauthier GUEZEWANE: Project officer in Digital Economy and Technological Innovation (CAB-RCA)
• Djallo AMADOU: Director of Regulations, Studies and Technological Watch (ARCEP)
• Fridolin NGOULOU: Director/Promoter (Oub@ngui Médias)

Panel 2 - Partnerships for an innovative economy

For this second panel, the guests were:

• Agnès FAURE: Adviser for cooperation and cultural action (Embassy of France in the CAR)
• Zita LARME: Digital adviser (BêafrikâConnect)
• Abel AZOUPIOU SOUROU: CEO (BURVAL)

Panel 3 - Valuing human capital

For the third panel, the guests were:

• Robby KONGOLO: Project officer in technological innovation (**Ministry of Higher Education **)
• Doctor Romaric NZOUMBOU-BOKO: Head of scientific outreach (Institut Pasteur Bangui)
• Aubain MONGA: Director of Training and Organisational Consulting (ACFPE)
• Laurent S. GRENGOU: Commercial and Marketing Director (ONI)

General public

Opening the panel to the general public and the participation of people enrolled in the 2023 programme enriched the exchanges, allowing a wider dissemination of the ideas and visions shared during this event.

The panel discussion

This panel, the first of its kind for IKOUĒ, marked an important milestone in our approach of collaboration and dialogue with the various local and international stakeholders.

We leave this event enriched, with new perspectives to strengthen our impact in the Central African Republic and within its diaspora.

The success of the IKOUĒ project rests on our ability to weave solid partnerships and to mobilise a wide range of support, with a view to creating lasting opportunities for all.