Lomé is set to host the inaugural International Festival of Local Economic Development (FIDEL) from May 15 to 17, 2025. This initiative is spearheaded by the NGO Youth Initiatives for Development (IJD) in collaboration with the SIM-Afrique firm.
With support from the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the festival aims to leverage local resources to benefit Togolese municipalities.
FIDEL is designed to serve as a networking platform for local officials, entrepreneurs, investors, international donors, and diaspora members. The goal is to enhance the local economic landscape, stimulate investment, and promote public-private partnerships that benefit regional development.
“We cannot discuss development without financial resources,” states Pascal Agbové, executive director of IJD and event promoter. “FIDEL offers a framework for municipalities to secure the funding needed to implement their projects,” he adds.
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The agenda will feature training sessions, B2B meetings, investment opportunity presentations, and a Decentralization Night dedicated to honoring local development contributors.
The event is anticipated to draw nearly 300 participants from various countries, including Benin, Ivory Coast, Mali, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
