This summer, WIDE ANDCO embarked on an exciting collaboration with the Délégation générale à l’Entreprenariat Rapide des Femmes et des Jeunes (DER/FJ) in Senegal, offering online training to participants in DER/FJ’s D4D (Digital for Development) programme. This initiative was made possible through a joint Luxembourgish effort with LuxDev.
The 11 participants, all entrepreneurs, are pioneers in the field of agricultural technology (agritech), dedicated to advancing food sovereignty and food security in Senegal. Their ventures are diverse, ranging from integrated farming and agricultural product transformation to smart irrigation solutions and mobile apps that provide tailored management tools across the agricultural value chain.
As part of this collaboration, WIDE ANDCO designed a week-long online summer training tailored specifically to the needs of these entrepreneurs. The programme covered key topics such as No Code, Digital Businesses, UX, Product Management, and Digital Entrepreneurship.
The vibrant summer session culminated in a benchmarking visit to Luxembourg which took place from 30th September to 6th October, offering a unique opportunity for an exchange of best practices in agritech between Senegal and Luxembourg. WIDE ANDCO teamed up with EcoTransFaire, a Luxembourg-based social enterprise dedicated to sustainable development, to make this visit truly special. EcoTransFaire organised insightful field visits, introducing the enthusiastic Senegalese entrepreneurs to local agritech practices, enterprises and research centres. Meanwhile, WIDE ANDCO led an intense yet highly stimulating Project Lab day, where participants delved into Business Model Canvas (BMC), persona development, user stories, interface design, and more. The resulting projects were not only innovative but also targeted specific gaps in the Senegalese market. From e-marketplaces connecting producers and consumers to platforms for better financial management for farmers and solutions like crèches to support modern parents, these entrepreneurs are paving the way for impactful change.
WIDE ANDCO remains committed to supporting these entrepreneurs as they explore new business ventures. We will continue to offer mentorship, guidance, and technical support to help them bring their ideas to life by developing prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
