Developing impact projects in Africa: a look back at the UCO Africa Chair conference

On Tuesday February 4, 2025, the Chaire Afrique of the Université catholique de l'Ouest organized a conference on the UCO Angers campus around the theme:"Developing impact projects in Africa".

Presentations by Mgr Aristide Gonsallo and Déborah Gnagne shed light on the opportunities and challenges of development in Africa. The conference was moderated by Clément Bedouet (international recruitment at UCO) and Indira Houngue (economics and management student), with an introduction and conclusion by Pierre Usclat, vice-rector of UCO and holder of the Africa Chair. Over 300 students attended.

Mgr Aristide Gonsallo (Maîtrise de Lettres, 2001), Bishop of Porto-Novo (Benin), is committed to education in West Africa. Déborah Gnagne(Master's degree in Mathematics and Actuarial Science, 2008), CEO of Dayo Group, emphasized the role of the private sector in the continent's economic development.

They discussed the changes taking place in Africa and the opportunities for UCO students and alumni. The speakers encouraged participants to consider the continent as a space for initiative and professional commitment.

For a better understanding of African culture and history, they recommended several readings:

• Soundjata ou l'épopée mandingue, by Djibril Tamsir Niane (ed. Présence Africaine)
• Une vie de boy, by Ferdinand Oyono
• Financial Afrik, economic analysis media

Thanks to the speakers, participants and sponsors of the Chaire Afrique who make these meetings possible, in particular Henri Legarda (Groupe Vallée), whose message of support was shared during the event.