Empowering Women Through Economic Development: The HBCU Green Fund's Mission to Senegal

In February 2025, the HBCU Green Fund, directed by its founder Felicia Davis, commemorated Black History Month with a significant initiative — a week-long women's economic development trade mission to Senegal. This ambitious mission brought together a diverse group of 22 women, including elected officials, non-profit leaders, and businesswomen, all united by a common purpose: to enhance commercial, cultural, and humanitarian connections with Senegal.

Among the prominent figures participating were Georgia State Representative Rhonda Burnough, Forest Park Mayor Angelyne Butler, and Palmetto Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith. Their arrival in Senegal was met with a warm embrace from Yene's Mayor Massamba Mbengue, who showcased the vibrant culture of the region through music, dance, and even an ocean boat race — all highlighting the flourishing Sister City relationship between Forest Park and Yene.

Felicia Davis expressed her enthusiasm for the mission, stating, "We are honored to bring this extraordinary group of women leaders to Senegal, strengthening the Sister City relationship between our communities and establishing real opportunities for collaboration. We are here to open doors for business partnerships, innovation, and sharing sustainable solutions that uplift communities. Together, we can drive economic growth and prove that when women join forces, they create unstoppable momentum for a better future."

As part of the week's festivities, Mayor Butler presented Mayor Mbengue with a proclamation that reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing cultural, economic, and educational exchanges. This was a follow-up to Mayor Mbengue's earlier visit to Forest Park, further solidifying their relationship.

The agenda for the delegation was filled with activities that combined cultural immersion with strategic dialogues, carefully arranged by HBCU Green Fund's Africa director, Cheikhou Thiome. The delegation toured various establishments, including schools, health clinics, and the HBCU Green Fund English STEM Education Center, where they generously donated educational materials, medical supplies, and hygiene products.

Additionally, they explored pivotal historical and environmental sites such as Gorée Island's House of Slaves and the Door of No Return, serving as a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade's victims. They also visited La ferme des 4 chemins, a women-led farm, drawing attention to the pressing challenges posed by climate change — evident in the plastic waste on beaches and severe coastal erosion threatening local communities.

Representative Burnough shared her experience, stating, "One highlight was meeting the African Women who were in management positions—especially those working at the Port and Water department. Savannah, Georgia's Port ranks as the 4th busiest in the United States, and in my district, the Clayton County Water Authority has won many awards. These agencies provide partnership opportunities with the Port in our Sister City Yene."

Mayor Butler remarked on Forest Park's unique position as the second-largest logistics center in the Southeast, emphasizing the potential to connect local students with practical training and economic prospects, both nationally and globally. She expressed her desire for reciprocal programs where Georgia students could study logistics at the Port in Yene while Senegalese students could gain experience at the Gillem Logistics Center.

Throughout their visit, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with high-ranking officials and business leaders, including former Senegalese Minister of State Innocence Ntap Ndiaye and others such as Daouda Ngom, Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition, and Fatou Diene, Commercial Director for Africa Global Logistics.

Mayor Thomas-Smith reflected on the engagements, particularly with representatives from DP World, a key player in Yene's development. She stated, "It was purpose-affirming to engage with DP World's representatives and explore how their billion-dollar project in Yene is creating new opportunities."

The delegation also explored ways to repurpose surplus equipment and supplies from government agencies to provide essential resources to communities in need. Mayor Butler pointed out an old water buffalo trailer in Forest Park that could be transformed to deliver drinking water to areas lacking access, while others proposed collaborative initiatives with DP World to promote sustainability.

This mission was attended by distinguished leaders, including former US Virgin Islands State Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory, environmental specialist May Adams Cornwall, and CEOs of companies focused on sustainability. Notably, no government funds were required to support this venture.

Illai Kenney, managing director of HBCU Green Fund, highlighted this trade mission as a step toward expanding their initiatives in Senegal. He announced plans for a follow-up trip on March 6, which will focus on ecological projects, including planting trees and cleaning beaches in collaboration with local communities.

The HBCU Green Fund is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability at historically Black colleges and their surrounding areas. Their fellows program equips students with training in renewable energy, urban agriculture, and sustainable transportation. The organization's ongoing efforts in climate resilience and community-based climate solutions aim to empower young leaders across sub-Saharan Africa.

For further details about HBCU Green Fund and its initiatives, visit hbcugreenfund.org.