DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING

As part of the SKILLING ECO-VET project, an intensive Digital Entrepreneurship Training was held from 25 to 29 November 2024 at the Médina Nursery in Dakar. This five-day program, co-financed by the European Union, aimed to equip key actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with the tools and strategies needed to develop viable digital projects tailored to the market.

The training represents a promising step forward, with active follow-up of participants to ensure the application of acquired knowledge and the replicability of the models introduced.

PARTICIPANTS AND OBJECTIVES

The training brought together a diverse and engaged group, including three (3) Heads of the Support to Insertion Units (RCAI) and six (6) entrepreneurs, primarily young women from Don Bosco vocational training centers. The participants came from Dakar, Thiès, and Tambacounda, reflecting a wide geographic representation.

The operational objectives of this session were threefold:

1. Train participants in the fundamentals of digital entrepreneurship.
2. Facilitate the development of their business models.
3. Optimize the creation of digital content and the use of social media.

TRAINING APPROACH

The training adopted a highly interactive and participatory approach. The facilitator employed a combination of proven techniques to maximize learning, including:

• Practical workshops and group work on case studies for concrete application of concepts.
• Use of the SMART Goals methodology (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) to help participants formulate innovative project objectives.
• Plenary discussions providing rich feedback and open exchanges on encountered challenges.
• Simultaneous use of Wolof and French to ensure a comfortable working environment and full participation by all attendees.

The program was structured around several core aspects of digital entrepreneurship:

1. Business Model and Value Creation: Participants were encouraged to reflect on how their offerings can create value for customers.
2. Customer Understanding: Identifying customer needs was central, with the use of tools such as surveys and focus groups to tailor offerings to market demands.
3. Digital Marketing and Positioning: Emphasis was placed on standing out in a saturated market, covering digital marketing strategies, social media utilization, online advertising campaigns, and SEO.
4. Brand Identity and Content: Sessions addressed the creation of relevant and engaging digital content, and the importance of brand identity, mission, vision, and values to establish authentic connections with audiences.

This training represents a significant step toward local economic integration and development. Through innovative methodologies and the establishment of a valuable support network, participants now have the tools and confidence to navigate and thrive in the Senegalese digital entrepreneurial landscape.