Building Bridges Between Innovation and Africa
The Boston–Senegal Business & Diplomacy Forum is a landmark initiative connecting Senegal’s entrepreneurial and public leaders with Boston’s innovation, education, and investment ecosystem.
Organized by WorldBoston and Consciously Exposed Consulting & Education, with coordination by Leonard Tshitenge (Boston) and Dr. Dethié Ndiaye (Senegal), the Forum will take place in Boston, June 17–20, 2025.
🌍 Background
The partnership began in July 2024 with the Boston–Kafountine Project, a virtual meeting between Mayor David Diatta (Kafountine) and Chief Segun Idowu (City of Boston).
This first step was followed by a delegation visit in October 2024, where Senegalese representatives met Boston city officials and innovation networks such as BECMA, Venture Café, and MassChallenge.
The meetings led to a shared commitment to create a structured collaboration platform through this 2025–2026 Forum.
🎯 Forum Objectives
- Strengthen economic diplomacy and trade cooperation between Senegal and Massachusetts.
- Create bridges in innovation, education, and entrepreneurship.
- Position Senegal as the Francophone gateway to Africa for Boston-based investors.
- Build lasting city-to-city partnerships ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Boston.
🏛️ Organizers
- WorldBoston – Boston’s leading institution for global diplomacy, working with the Governor’s Office, MOITI, and the U.S. State Department.
- Consciously Exposed Consulting & Education (CEC) – Founded by Leonard Tshitenge, a key U.S.–Africa strategist promoting trade, leadership, and diaspora engagement.
- Choose Senegal / Dr. Dethié Ndiaye – A platform linking Senegal’s public and private sectors with U.S. innovation ecosystems.
🤝 Key Partners
Massachusetts Government, City of Boston, U.S. Commercial Service, Venture Café, CIC, MassChallenge, MIT, Harvard, UMass, and Suffolk University — along with private investors and diaspora networks — will support this initiative.
🔑 Areas of Collaboration
| Sector | Senegal Focus | Massachusetts Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Technology & Innovation | Startup Act, DER, fintech | MIT, Harvard, MassRobotics |
| Creative Industries | Fashion, art, beauty | Design, marketing, creative economy |
| Urban Development | Housing and sustainability | Green & modular construction |
| Agriculture & Food | Agro-processing, fisheries | Agritech and biotech |
| Education & Leadership | Youth and local governance | Leadership programs and universities |
| Tourism & Culture | Arts and cultural diplomacy | Global cultural networks |
🌐 Mutual Opportunities
Boston for Senegal: Innovation transfer, leadership training, U.S. market access, and creative collaboration.
Senegal for Boston: Access to West Africa’s Francophone market, skilled bilingual talent, cultural assets, and ethical trade supply chains.
💬 Vision
“This isn’t about handshakes; it’s about access, trust, and shared growth.”
— Leonard Tshitenge
The Boston–Senegal Forum is more than an event — it’s a model for modern U.S.–Africa city diplomacy, uniting innovation, investment, and inclusion.
