Senegal is Calling: From Dakar to New York, an Experience Shaping the Future

Between May and June 2026, Senegal is Calling x Africa Pops brought together entrepreneurs, creators, investors, partners, and members of the diaspora around a shared ambition led by Josephine Garrick: to showcase Senegal on the global stage and foster new international collaborations.

From Dakar to New York The experience began on May 7 at the Noom Hotel Dakar Sea Plaza, during a launch event that brought together nearly 120 participants. This first gathering provided an opportunity to present the project’s vision and unite an engaged community around Senegal’s economic, cultural, and creative potential. A few weeks later, this momentum continued in New York.

A celebration in the heart of Manhattan On June 16, the Fan Zone organized at Virgin Hotels New York City during the France–Senegal match offered the public an immersive experience into Senegalese energy and culture. More than 150 participants gathered for this moment of connection, where traditional percussion, Simba Gaïndé, and cultural pride shaped the celebration, bringing together the diaspora, Senegal enthusiasts, and a wider audience eager to discover its vibrant universe. Beyond football, this day highlighted the power of sports and culture to create meaningful connections between communities.

Meaningful professional exchanges The following day, the Investors & Buyers Day held at Scandinavia House brought together entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and decision-makers for strategic discussions on investment, industries, innovation, digital infrastructure, trade, real estate, and diaspora engagement. This day also helped strengthen connections between West Africa, the diaspora, and international markets, while fostering new opportunities for collaboration and investment. The discussions were highly valuable, with particularly positive feedback on the quality of the speakers and the topics explored. Several connections initiated in New York are still developing today, with the goal of turning them into concrete opportunities. Maison Paré, which took part in a co-branded photoshoot with watchmaker Tinak, is now preparing for New York Fashion Week. The best is yet to come.

An experience built on adaptability The organization of this edition required several adjustments. The teams chose to move forward with flexibility and professionalism to preserve what mattered most: the quality of the connections and the impact of the project. Senegal is Calling x Africa Pops successfully connected Dakar and New York around a modern, ambitious Senegal that is open to the world. We would like to thank the speakers, partners, companies, media, creators, investors, and all the teams involved who contributed to making this experience possible. The first of many more to come.