Rokhaya Solange Mbengue Ndir: from Senegal to the WEDO Montreal Summit 2025

Rokhaya already knows Montreal well: earlier this year, she completed a South-North volunteer assignment with the CECI as part of the Women Entrepreneurs in Solidarity project, representing the Association of Senegalese Women in the Information and Communications Technology Sector (FESTIC), a CECI partner organization in Senegal. This first experience was a real catalyst for mobilisation and collaboration, as it was during a meeting with the Printemps numérique organization that a link was established, leading to an invitation for a FESTIC delegation to attend the MTL Connect event from 28 to 31 October 2025. This international event attracts participants from nearly 90 countries each year and serves as a global platform for digital issues. This meeting therefore helped to consolidate lasting ties between the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Senegal and Canada and, at the same time, enabled Rokhaya Solange to participate in the WEDO event. Her participation in WEDO 2025 is a testament to the continuity and richness of her commitment, as well as the relevance of the mutual learning at the heart of the Volunteer Cooperation Programme.

An inspiring journey in support of women’s empowerment 

Originally from Saint-Louis, Senegal, Rokhaya Solange has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector. She is responsible for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public relations at Sonatel/Orange.

Founder of Passo, a brand that promotes luxury handmade leather goods from Senegal, Rokhaya Solange is also committed to promoting women's economic empowerment and access to sustainable craftsmanship rooted in local culture.

In addition to her professional activities, Rokhaya Solange is strongly committed to promoting women's leadership and their presence in decision-making bodies through her work with associations, notably the Association of Senegalese Women in the Information and Communication Technology Sector (FESTIC), which is a partner organization of CECI in Senegal.

A presence that reflects CECI’s mission 

Rokhaya Solange's participation in the WEDO Summit highlights the essential contribution of international volunteers from programme countries to the dynamism of Quebec's entrepreneurial ecosystem. It illustrates the positive impact of international exchanges on strengthening international relations, building bridges between communities and consolidating CECI's vision of inclusive development based on mutual learning.