Aywa International

Aywa International is a social enterprise that has been making a significant impact through its focus on technical training, business development, and technology incubation. Since its establishment in 2003, the organization has been providing technical training to Senegalese students in wood, metalwork, textiles, and other handicrafts. It has also been instrumental in supporting the marketing and quality control aspects of these ventures. Notably, Aywa has successfully incubated several Senegalese-owned businesses, including Malika Monkeys, an artisan handicraft brand with distribution through stores in Dakar and direct sales worldwide. In 2008, Aywa expanded its focus to include the incubation of technologies and solutions related to energy, water, and agriculture. The organization received a grant from the World Bank Development Marketplace to develop an outboard motor aimed at increasing mobility and market access for farmers along the Sine-Saloum River. Additionally, Aywa initiated a project in partnership with local women’s groups to test the viability of producing Jatropha seed oil as an alternative fuel for the motor, by planting hundreds of Jatropha trees. Since 2010, Aywa has been collaborating with design, marketing, and engineering students from various university programs. These partnerships have not only contributed to the launch of successful development pilots and design products but have also facilitated cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchange. Despite not having recent information on their last investment or investors, Aywa International's diverse initiatives and impact exemplify its commitment to sustainable development and social entrepreneurship.