- ARD Rosso secured 15,000 euros in funding from the AGIR SA VIE Foundation, hosted by the Fondation de France, in 2022.
- This financial support is directed toward the GIE Femme et développement de Rosso for the artisanal processing of beverages and food products.
- The project aims to promote local production and strengthen the economic autonomy of women in Rosso, Mauritania.
- Our association thanks all members, partners, and board members for their commitment to this collective success.
A structuring partnership for local development in Rosso
We have just reached a decisive milestone in our field actions in Mauritania. Our association secured 15,000 euros in funding from the AGIR SA VIE Foundation, hosted by the Fondation de France. This remarkable financial support is specifically directed toward the GIE Femme et développement de Rosso, a local structure we have been wholeheartedly supporting since its creation. The main objective of this funding is to develop and professionalize the artisanal processing of beverages and food products directly on the ground in Rosso. This project is fully aligned with our mission to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development for the direct benefit of local communities.
The announcement of this success generated a wave of support across our social media channels. Numerous enthusiastic messages poured in, such as: “Congratulations and thank you for the tremendous work” — a recognition that deeply touches us and strengthens our determination to act. Another message simply reads: “Great work, congratulations,” illustrating the community’s strong support for our concrete initiatives.
What are the objectives for artisanal processing in Rosso?
The funding granted in 2022 targets a promising sector: local agro-processing. In Rosso, a border town along the Senegal River, agricultural resources are abundant but their processing remains insufficient. We designed this project to address this challenge by equipping and training the members of the GIE Femme et développement. Planned activities include the production of local fruit juices, cereal processing, and the preservation of perishable foods. These practices not only reduce post-harvest losses but also create stable income for women entrepreneurs in the region.
We place particular importance on women’s empowerment, as women are a fundamental pillar of the Mauritanian economic and social fabric. This initiative echoes other actions carried out by our association, such as the distribution of school supplies in Rosso, demonstrating our comprehensive commitment to both education and the local economy. As one member of our community expressed: “Long live a winning Rosso, congratulations” — a message that perfectly captures the spirit of this collective momentum.
Strengthening the capacities of women entrepreneurs
Our approach goes beyond simply purchasing equipment. We also plan to organize technical and management training sessions for the beneficiaries. The goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of these income-generating activities. The women of the GIE will thus be able to master the entire production chain, from raw materials to the marketing of finished products in the markets of Rosso and beyond. A heartfelt message shared on our social media reminds us of the importance of these human bonds: “Wonderful association. A big brother who was once a kid from Médina 1,” reflecting the deep roots of our actions in the memories and daily lives of the residents.
A collective success driven by our diaspora
Securing this 15,000-euro funding is no coincidence — it is the result of relentless teamwork. We wish to express our deep gratitude to all members of our association, our institutional and operational partners, and the members of our executive board. Their constant dedication, volunteer work, and shared vision made this project possible. The mobilization of the Rossossois diaspora plays a driving role in these achievements. By connecting skills, networks, and resources from France to Mauritania, we are building a solid bridge between both shores. This model of active solidarity proves that the diaspora is a driving force for the development of our regions of origin.
This participatory momentum is part of a series of structuring initiatives we are carrying out on the ground, much like the rehabilitation of the Ndiourbel school in Rosso, which reflects our determination to act on multiple complementary fronts. Messages of support continue to pour in, with encouragements such as: “Heartfelt congratulations, keep up the good work,” proof that our approach resonates far beyond those directly involved. This feedback fuels our energy for the steps ahead and reminds us that every advancement is a shared victory.
Toward economic autonomy for the women of Rosso
With this funding from the AGIR SA VIE Foundation, we are entering a new phase of action. The coming weeks will be dedicated to the operational rollout of the project on the ground in Rosso. We will oversee the installation of production units, the delivery of raw materials, and the launch of training cycles. Our ambition remains unchanged: to make this GIE a model of economic autonomy for women, one that can be replicated in other Mauritanian localities. We remain fully mobilized to ensure monitoring, evaluation, and real impact of this initiative. The trust placed in us by the Fondation de France compels us to strive for excellence and transparency at every stage of implementation.
