In Senegal, youth employment and women's empowerment are not just economic issues: they are national priorities. In Dieuppeul-Derklé, this ambition took concrete form with the official handover of professional booths to local micro-entrepreneurs on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This initiative, led by Nestlé Senegal in partnership with the neighborhood council, aims to create and strengthen employability, modernize Nescafé's presence in the public sphere, support the development of micro-enterprises, and improve food quality and safety.

In a vibrant area where small businesses support many families, this initiative strengthens local economic activity while offering better working conditions for beneficiaries.

Targeted support for women and young people

The president of the neighborhood council, Oumar Nahari, did not hide his satisfaction. According to him, the choice of beneficiaries was deliberately focused primarily on women, "very active young women, present on the ground and determined to succeed".

For him, this initiative represents much more than a simple donation of equipment: "It's a real opportunity for job creation, improved income, and dignity in the workplace." A commitment has also been made to provide rigorous supervision and support to the beneficiaries to guarantee the sustainability of the activities.

A strong partnership serving local development

In the same vein, the mayor of Dieuppeul-Derklé, Cheikh Gueye, recalled that "the promotion of entrepreneurship is fully in line with the mission of local authorities: to sustainably improve the well-being of the population."

He praised the ongoing partnership between the municipality and Nestlé Senegal, which has already enabled the implementation of several social programs. He believes this collaboration exemplifies the strength of public-private partnerships in the fight against unemployment and poverty.

Around a hundred stands for a lasting impact

The General Manager of Nestlé Senegal, Issa Sanogo, specified that "the symbolic handover marks the launch of a larger program: nearly one hundred stands will be progressively distributed in the coming weeks."

Present in Senegal for several decades, the company has integrated this initiative into its approach of creating shared value, aiming to generate both economic and social impact. Through the Nescafé brand in particular, the program supports those who earn their living from coffee sales by offering them a more structured, secure, and professional working environment.

A ceremony under the banner of solidarity

Organized during the blessed month of Ramadan, the ceremony was marked by messages of solidarity, forgiveness and unity.

Following the various speeches, the professional booths were symbolically handed over to the beneficiaries amidst applause from the authorities and the large crowd in attendance. A highlight of the event was the distribution of "Ndogou" kits, a highly symbolic gesture during this Ramadan period. This sharing, which took place at the end of the ceremony, reinforced the spirit of solidarity and community, giving the event both an economic and a profoundly human dimension.