This week, a tripartite memorandum of understanding was signed between Digicel Entrepreneur, the Investment Facilitation Center (CFI) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

"The CFI's decision to play an active role in this partnership is an important vote of confidence in the Digicel Entrepreneur program. This is a positive sign of the Entrepreneurship Promotion Program over the past 7 years and its central role in strengthening a business-oriented economy," said Maarten Boute, President of Digicel Haiti.

"This partnership is in line with the CFI's reaffirmation of its commitment to accompany private investment in Haiti, particularly local investment. This partnership must result from the CFI's promise to strengthen its work with investors so that they can fully benefit from all the advantages offered by the Haitian State. Particularly accompanying the CFI through the AfterCare unit whose objective is to assist them in certain steps to ensure the smooth running of the company after its installation," Particularly accompanying the CFI through the AfterCare unit whose objective is to assist them in certain steps to ensure the smooth running of the company after its installation, "added Tessa Jacques, the Director General of CFI.

The IDB, which jointly finances this program, intends to support this 8th edition of Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year, which focuses on the transfer and sharing of knowledge in management and entrepreneurship "[...] it is for the IDB another opportunity to encourage Haitian and foreign investors continue to believe in this country and maintain their commitment in favor of the economic development of Haiti [...]" said Luis Echebarria, IDB Representative in Haiti.

The 25 national finalists of Digicel Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced at an official ceremony to be held on October 28 at the Hotel Montana. As in previous years, the competition will reward 5 Heads of companies operating in the sectors of agriculture and the environment, construction, industry, in the services sector and emerging businesses nationwide.

The 25 national finalists will participate in a series of 5 television programs each episode will be based on a specific category and will feature the selected participants. These programs will be broadcast on national television in Haiti in November and December 2017, with a special program around the national final to be held in December 2017.

HL/ HaitiLibre