ADEPME is counting on its creative entrepreneurs to showcase Senegal at the Cannes Film Festival

Dakar, May 2026 — In a strong commitment to supporting Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI), the Agency for the Development and Support of SMEs (ADEPME) is taking a new step by accompanying a delegation of Senegalese entrepreneurs to the 2026 Cannes International Film Festival, one of the most influential events in the global film industry.

Through this initiative, ADEPME confirms its commitment to including the cultural and creative industries — particularly cinema, audiovisual and gastronomy — among the strategic growth sectors, in line with the Senegal 2050 Vision.

A structuring first for Senegalese cultural and creative industries

For the first time, a structured cohort of around fifteen film and audiovisual professionals, as well as players in Senegalese gastronomy, are benefiting from dedicated support to access the Cannes Film Festival and its Film Market.

Objective :

to position Senegalese entrepreneurs in international markets, facilitate access to financing and develop opportunities for co-production, distribution and partnerships.

“This participation marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen the access of Senegalese SMEs to international markets, including in high-potential sectors such as cultural and creative industries, with the aim of promoting ‘Made in Senegal’ and ‘Invest in Senegal.’ Our mission is to reveal our talents and our champions, which we do alongside the remarkable work of other state support structures,” emphasizes Alpha Thiam, CEO of ADEPME.

An economic lever beyond cultural influence

Far from being merely an artistic showcase, Senegal's presence in Cannes is part of a comprehensive economic strategy. The Film Market, a true global hub, brings together thousands of international producers, distributors, investors, and platforms every year.

For Senegalese entrepreneurs, this immersion represents a unique opportunity to:

1. to present their projects
2. establish strategic contacts
3. access to international financing channels

Special attention is paid to women in the sector

As part of this mission, ADEPME is also supporting a delegation of film professionals through the recently launched WIFT Senegal (Women in Film & Television) network.

This network, which already brings together more than 200 women from the audiovisual sector, is part of an international dynamic aimed at strengthening the visibility, skills and access to opportunities for women in the industry.

This commitment reflects the desire to make supporting women's leadership a priority, in line with national guidelines on inclusion and equal opportunities.

Made in Senegal in the spotlight

Beyond cinema, the delegation will highlight a broader creative ecosystem, including:

1. Senegalese gastronomy, promoted by the Kourel des Chefs collective
2. processed local products
3. fashion and design

Dedicated events — panels, screenings, B2B meetings and gastronomic experiences — will showcase Senegalese expertise to an international audience of decision-makers and investors.

A clear ambition: to transform creativity into economic opportunities

By accompanying this delegation to Cannes, ADEPME is affirming a vision:

to make the cultural and creative industries a true engine of growth, job creation and influence for Senegal.

This initiative is part of the SME Impact Transformation Plan, which aims to facilitate companies' access to markets, mobilize appropriate financing and integrate Senegalese SMEs into international value chains.

Towards a new generation of African entrepreneurs

Beyond the event itself, the 2026 edition of the Cannes Film Festival could mark a turning point for Senegalese creative entrepreneurs.

By giving them access to the largest international platforms, Senegal is sending a strong signal:

African creativity is not only a cultural asset, but also an economic lever for the future.