Almamy Diagana is the Chief Finance Officer of Smart System Services, where he focuses on leveraging technology to combat global warming. The company’s flagship solution, Smart Trash, optimizes waste collection to reduce carbon emissions in Nouakchott. In 2018 and 2019, Almamy and his brother won the 'Marathon de l'entrepreneur' and secured second prize in the Kosmos Innovation Challenge. Their endeavors also led them to semi-finalist positions in the Earth Tech Challenge. Almamy's commitment to excellence earned him recognition from HUAWEI's Seeds of the Future program, affording him the opportunity to intern in China, delving into cutting-edge ICT technologies. He was selected among the 100 personalities of Mediterranean civil society and represented Plan International at the G7 summit on education and development in Paris.  Almamy graduated from the military school of Nouakchott and earned diplomas in network and telecommunications, finance, and management.

IVLP Impact Award Project: WeMentor

The project provides tailored guidance and support to new entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of establishing and growing their businesses. It will offer personalized mentorship from experienced professionals across various fields, equipping novice entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge essential for success in the Mauritanian market.

So far, Almamy has held a full-day workshop in Kaédi as part of the WeMentor project with over 25 participants from various sectors. The workshop taught women and young entrepreneurs practical business management tools, financial literacy, and effective marketing strategies. In addition, he held one-on-one mentoring sessions for 10 participants throughout the month.   

In the workshop, participants engaged in hands-on activities like building a Business Model Canvas to map their business ideas and learned fundamental financial planning techniques. The evening conference, featuring successful entrepreneurs, provided valuable networking opportunities and real-world insights into the challenges and successes of early-stage businesses.   The event sparked interest in ongoing mentorship and follow-up sessions to support participants' entrepreneurial journey. Almamy stated, "Through workshops on the Business Model Canvas, participants have refined their project ideas, ensuring they are more viable and sustainable."   

IVLP Exchange Experience  

Almamy participated in the IVLP Project Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, organized by the U.S. Department of State and World Learning, in partnership with Global Santa Fe, Global Ties ABQ, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, and World Boston.

Almamy’s exchange experience led to the development of his project: "During my IVLP experience... I gleaned four key lessons: 1. The significance of supporting, advising, assisting, and promoting SMEs through public procurement, as exemplified by the practices within the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development in Washington D.C; 2. The value of experiential feedback and entrepreneur involvement at the community level, through volunteering and mentoring, as demonstrated by organizations such as SCORE in Albuquerque, WESST, and other national associations exclusively dedicated to guiding and mentoring entrepreneurs; 3. The pivotal role of incubators in fostering the emergence and growth of SMEs; 4. The importance of collaboration between universities and the private sector. Within the scope of my WeMentor project, I will draw inspiration from these four lessons to forge connections and synergies among SMEs, incubators, professional associations, and universities.”

U.S. Communities Visited   

Washington D.C.; Boston, MA; Alburquerque, NM; Santa Fe, NM; Dallas, TX

Country: Mauritania

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