Franck Kouakou Reflects on the 2024 Global all-staff conference at USADF Headquarters : Fostering Impact and Collaboration
As the Senior Project Manager of USADF-CDI at ESP, I recently had the privilege of attending the 2024 Global all-staff conference of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) in Washington DC, alongside our CEO at ESP, Mr Eric Kacou. This conference proved to be a pivotal experience, providing numerous insights and opportunities for our partnership and projects in Côte d’Ivoire.
First and foremost, the conference served as a platform for re-engaging partners on the vision of USADF. It reignited our passion and commitment to creating tangible impact in the communities we serve. The discussions and sessions were not only informative but also inspiring, leaving us with a greater thirst to make a meaningful difference.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the chance to meet face-to-face with the individuals we collaborate with at the USADF level. Putting faces to names forged stronger links and deepened our relationships, paving the way for more effective communication and collaboration moving forward.
Moreover, the conference facilitated fruitful exchanges of ideas among partners, allowing us to learn from each other’s experiences and best practices. Topics such as hygiene in agro-industrial processing, the challenges of climate change in Africa, and the fundamentals of renewable solar energy were particularly enlightening and relevant to our work.
Personally, one key takeaway was the emphasis on effective communication to showcase the impact of our activities. This insight was reinforced during a training session led by the President of USADF himself, highlighting the importance of transparent and compelling communication strategies.
Overall, the conference was a transformative experience that not only expanded our knowledge but also strengthened our commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at sustainable development and positive change in Côte d’Ivoire. We look forward to implementing the lessons learned and maximizing the impact of our partnership with USADF.
Franck Kouakou
Senior Project Manager, USADF-CDI
ESP
