Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) is a capacity building program for African entrepreneurs in sub-
Saharan Africa region, who operate in environments characterized by unorganized markets, almost non-existent
sources of financing and very insufficient government support systems. According to official statistics from the
Senegalese ministry responsible for SMEs, more than 65% of businesses disappear before their first anniversary date.
Micro, Small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), represent 98% of businesses in Senegal, making them the
backbone of the Senegalese economy. However, they only benefit from 9% of credits granted to businesses.

The development objective of the EDP program is to strengthen the resilience capacities of 500 African
entrepreneurs by 2030. To achieve this objective, two components will be implemented: Training (Component 1) and
Business Networking (Component 2).

The Training Component is implemented through the conclusion of agreements with renowned American
universities. In this context, CTS MANAGEMENT, the initiator of the program, has entered into a three-year
partnership agreement with Bowie State University, a public university of the State of Maryland, member of the
prestigious American network called Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The first session will take
place from October 14 to 18, 2024 in person at the premises of Bowie State University. The theme will focus on how
to develop the Entrepreneurial Mindset of the entrepreneurs attending the training course. The last day of the session
will see the participation of American entrepreneurs who will graciously share their experiences and discuss business
opportunities with the participants. It should be noted that the university has made practical arrangements for
English-French and English-Wolof translation for participants who may need it, many of them are illiterate in Senegal.

This partnership would not have been possible without the leadership of Dr. Aminta H. Breaux, President of Bowie
State University, who authorized our delegation to be received last April at Bowie State University. Thanks to her
team, the Provost, the Directors of international affairs and the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center who give to our
delegation a warm welcome.

In a recent country mission conducted in September 2024, the World Bank committed to strengthening its partnership with
Senegal, promising to support the priorities of the new Government. Discussions focused on ways to support micro, small and
medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM is working on this purpose.

In a strategic partnership with SEDE SENEGAL Association, led by Honorable Dieynaba Goudiaby, 1st Secretary of the
High Council for Local Government, the second session aims to train 30 women entrepreneurs every year. Moreover,
CTS MANAGEMENT and SEDE SENEGAL are closely working with Prince George’s County Public Schools Board of
Education in a project named “Fostering Women Leadership Education” aiming at introducing entrepreneurship
courses in specialized school entirely dedicated to young girls.

The communication of this training session will be provided by Voice of America, who received the delegation in his
studios in Washington, DC.