This spring, I had the privilege of traveling to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to lay the groundwork for Global Impact Innovators’ first expansion into Francophone West Africa. It was a meaningful milestone for our organization, marking the beginning of what we hope will be a long-term commitment to empowering communities across the region.
Abidjan—and Côte d’Ivoire more broadly—offers a compelling starting point. As the economic and cultural heart of the country, it reflects both the opportunities and challenges that define the broader Francophone West African landscape. Its dynamic population, expanding entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic position make it an ideal launchpad for our community-driven approach.
At GII, we believe that transformation happens from the inside out. Our strategy has always been rooted in partnership with local organizations that already have strong relationships, existing infrastructure, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. We do not seek to impose solutions, but rather to co-create them—tailoring our programs to local realities and aspirations.
Our impact vision at GII is to unlock human potential in marginalized communities by connecting local talent to global opportunities. We are building a movement that fosters entrepreneurship, strengthens educational ecosystems, and creates pathways to economic resilience. By working with trusted partners on the ground and aligning our efforts with the unique strengths and challenges of each community, we are committed to delivering long-term, locally owned impact.
One of the core principles that guides our work is ensuring equitable access to opportunity—regardless of location. At GII, we believe that communities should not have to chase resources; instead, resources should meet communities where they are. Our guiding mantra reflects this: “GII comes to your community—rather than youth having to travel to distant hubs to access foundational educational and entrepreneurial training.” We are committed to breaking the barriers imposed by geography and creating pathways for growth that are both inclusive and community-rooted.
During this visit, I was introduced to Father Olivier Akoun, the parish priest at St. Joseph d’Akouebo in Abidjan. His warm welcome and generosity in connecting us to his network were instrumental. Through him, I met Kahamoua Jean Vincent Kamin, a dedicated parishioner and an experienced business development leader in the technology sector. Currently serving as Business Development Manager for Dell in West and Central Africa, Mr. Kamin brings over a decade of experience driving digital transformation strategies, developing IT markets, and managing complex client relationships across Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. His extensive background in IT infrastructure and his role in expanding digital access across the region make him uniquely attuned to the importance of GII’s mission.
We had a thoughtful and engaging conversation during which I shared GII’s mission—to help shift the mindset of youth and women in underserved and rural areas, equipping them to succeed in today’s increasingly digital and interconnected world. By the end of our discussion, it was clear that the mission resonated. We found common ground in the belief that access to skills and the right support system can transform entire communities.
As we look ahead, GII will return to Côte d’Ivoire this summer to begin implementing foundational training programs designed to inspire and equip participants with high-impact skills. For youth, we will deliver technology-focused education aimed at preparing them for careers in today’s digital economy. For women, we will provide focused training in entrepreneurship and business development, empowering them to lead ventures, grow enterprises, and build economic independence.
These programs will focus on:
- Product Management
- Information Technology and Software Tools
- Project Management
- Coding and Web Development
- Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
- Entrepreneurship and Business Development
- Continuous Mentorship and Personal Growth Support
We will begin this work in Abidjan and gradually expand to other cities and regions, including Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, San Pedro, Korhogo, Man, and Daloa. Each of these areas presents unique opportunities and cultural richness that we are eager to learn from and support. Our partnership with the Catholic Church—an institution deeply woven into the social and spiritual fabric of Ivorian life—will be central to this work, especially in more rural communities.
What we learn in Côte d’Ivoire will guide GII’s future initiatives across Francophone West Africa. We envision similar collaborations and impact in countries such as Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, and Benin.
This journey reaffirmed what we have always believed at GII: the potential is already there—we just need to help unlock it. The solutions we need often exist within the communities themselves—our role is to listen, collaborate, and help amplify them.
We are excited for the road ahead and look forward to building meaningful, lasting partnerships—one community at a time.
Stay tuned as we begin laying the foundation for this next chapter. We are just getting started—and we invite you to follow along, lend your voice, and be part of the movement to bring opportunity home to every corner of the continent.
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