As a prelude to the first edition of the International Meeting of African Diaspora Investment (RIDIA) scheduled for September 26-28, 2025, in Satigny (Geneva), an upgrade meeting was held this Friday, September 12, at the Habib Thiam ministerial sphere, in Diamniadio (Dakar). This important meeting aims to take stock of the progress of preparations, identify strengths and shortcomings, and correct what needs to be corrected. The aim here is to harmonize approaches to ensure this first edition has a smooth, rigorous organization that meets expectations. It was chaired by Mr. Moussa Tine, Director General of Construction and Housing, in the presence of the Sub-Prefect of the Diamniadio district, Mr. Ibrahima Diouf; Mr. Abdoulaye Sène, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Industry and Trade; Mr. Cheikhou Oumar Faye, representative of the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock; partners; among others.

An event focused on housing and construction, agriculture and industry

Under the aegis of the Ministry of Urban Planning, Local Authorities and Regional Development, the first edition of the International Meeting of African Diaspora Investment (RIDIA), focusing on housing and construction, agriculture and industry, is co-organized by the Ministry of Urban Planning, Local Authorities and Regional Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock. In partnership with Médina Events international, 7Vision expertise, the Association village d'Afrique, Geneva and Afroneo, this event, placed under the high patronage of His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, and the effective presidency of the Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, will be held from September 26 to 28, 2025, at the prestigious Domaine de Choully, in Satigny (Geneva).

Objective: “to bring together the energies, skills and investments of the diaspora, technical partners, public institutions and the private sector around three fundamental pillars”

In his opening remarks at the meeting on behalf of Ministers Moussa Balla Fofana, Serigne Guèye Diop, and Mabouba Diagne, the Director General of Construction and Housing reviewed the context and objectives of this upgrading meeting. "This meeting is more than a meeting. It is an essential meeting because it marks a decisive step in the preparation of RIDIA, which aims to be a strategic platform for dialogue, innovation, and partnerships to serve the development of our country and our continent," emphasized Moussa Tine, who is also the president of the organization of this first edition of RIDIA.

According to him, the International African Diaspora Investment Meeting is more than just an event. "The RIDIA embodies an ambitious vision, that of bringing together the energies, skills, and investments of the diaspora, technical partners, public institutions, and the private sector around three fundamental pillars: housing, agriculture, and industry. We know that the stakes are immense. Our country, like many others in Africa, must respond to rapid population growth, massive needs in housing, infrastructure, agricultural production, and industrial transformation," explained the Director General of Construction and Housing.

He adds: "Faced with these challenges, we must innovate, pool our resources, and build strong alliances. The role of the diaspora is central to this dynamic. RIDIA must become a link between Senegalese and Africans living abroad and the economic and social realities of their countries of origin. We want to create a space where their skills, financial resources, and networks will find concrete expression in sustainable, viable, and inclusive projects."

In this regard, the ministers' representative praised the work already accomplished by the various teams in Dakar, Geneva, and Paris. "Significant efforts have been made, partnerships have been established, and investors have been mobilized. But they must go further, because the success of RIDIA depends on our collective ability to be coherent, effective, and united. The message must be clear: 'Senegal, through RIDIA, is opening its doors to innovation, collective investment, and the co-construction of solutions adapted to the real needs of the population,'" he insisted.

"The success of RIDIA will not be that of a particular ministry or team, but rather the result of collective action in the service of the general interest. We have the responsibility to demonstrate that Senegal is capable of organizing high-level international meetings, with real impacts on our territories and our economy," Moussa Tine immediately emphasized. Before inviting everyone to continue their efforts, strengthen coordination, and work with a spirit of rigor and solidarity.

"Together, we will make RIDIA an exemplary success and a source of national pride," concluded the ministers' representative.