Montreal: Mamy Kaya Social-Impact Pitch Competition

Montreal, Quebec — In a vibrant atmosphere gathering over a hundred people, the event hall resonated with hope, innovation, and collective commitment as Mamika World and the Mamikaya group hosted the Mamika Sustainable Social Impact Pitch in Montreal. The initiative aims to propel diversity-driven entrepreneurship, particularly that of African women, while embedding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business models.

Opening the event, Naladi, representative of Mamikaya and founder of Mamika World, outlined the main objectives of the gathering: “We are here to encourage diversity entrepreneurship to integrate the SDGs into their business models and to insert them into Quebec’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Pooling our strength as African leaders is essential.”

Entrepreneurs in attendance were invited to structure their projects using the renowned Business Model Canvas developed by Yves Pigneur of the University of Lausanne, incorporating a sustainable and measurable dimension.

At the heart of the competition, a $2,000 prize was awarded by Or du Fond Afro-Entrepreneur Mer, a partner of the event. The amount is intended to concretely support the development of the most promising entrepreneurial project.

The event also marked an important diplomatic moment with the presence of Mr. Zakaria Koulibaly, First Counselor of the Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa, representing His Excellency Gorgui Ciss.

“We commend the commitment of Ms. Badji, who spares no effort in promoting African women’s entrepreneurship. What I saw today was active solidarity — a youth taking control of their future and that of their community.”

Among the applauded initiatives, the project of an 18-year-old entrepreneur proposing a therapy based on African organic products to support youth in distress particularly moved the audience. Other projects covered areas such as solidarity-based catering, eco-responsible thrift stores, and community support, demonstrating a rich and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The grand winner of this edition of the pitch was Shama Rosidor, president of Rotin Naturöl, a company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of hair care products for children with curly and kinky hair.

“This prize will allow me to organize a large family event for children, to celebrate their natural hair. Thank you to Mamika for this wonderful opportunity.”

Rotin Naturöl products are now available in pharmacies such as Jean Coutu and in many hair salons, both in Canada and internationally.