Édouard Mendy has conquered the world’s biggest soccer stages, winning the African Cup of Nations with Senegal and the Champions League with Chelsea. But today, he’s embarking on a new mission—one that goes beyond sports. Through Change Keepers, Mendy is championing a different kind of victory: empowering Senegal’s youth to become entrepreneurs and changemakers.
“Dreaming isn’t enough. You have to act. And to act, you need resources, a framework, and people who believe in you.” — Édouard Mendy, CEO of Change Keepers
After years of guarding the goal, Édouard Mendy is now guarding the future of Senegal’s young talent. His initiative, Change Keepers, is designed to help ambitious youth turn their ideas into impactful businesses. But Mendy’s vision extends beyond Senegal. As the official patron of the AfricaTech Awards 2025, set to take place at VivaTech in Paris on June 14, he is amplifying the voices of African innovators on a global stage. This dual commitment—local and continental—symbolizes a powerful intersection of sports, technology, and social impact, all working together to shape Africa’s future.
Change Keepers is more than an incubator—it’s a launchpad for young entrepreneurs with high-potential projects. The program is built on four key pillars: identifying and nurturing talent, helping young innovators step out of the shadows and bring their ideas to life; creating local employment, rooted in Senegal’s economic realities; fostering an inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, ensuring long-term success; and showcasing inspiring stories, motivating others to take action.
Change Keepers isn’t just about good intentions—it’s backed by concrete resources to help young entrepreneurs succeed. Participants receive 110 hours of training over seven months within a dedicated incubator, a €5,000 grant to kickstart their projects, and free coworking space available throughout the program to encourage collaboration and networking. Applications opened on June 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for youth entrepreneurship in Senegal.
In a time when unemployment, economic instability, and illegal migration threaten the dreams of thousands of young Africans, Change Keepers offers a real, tangible solution. Entrepreneurship is not an easy path, but it is a road to independence and fulfillment. What young people need is not just a dream—but a launchpad.
Édouard Mendy’s leadership is paving the way for a new generation of African entrepreneurs. His dual commitment—both as patron of the AfricaTech Awards at VivaTech and founder of Change Keepers—is a testament to his belief in Africa’s potential. Here’s to Change Keepers and the future of African talent!
