Portrait of Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida, founder of Autour de Mary and creator of Teranga Meet. Inspired by her African roots, she is building strong bridges between the diaspora and Africa, embodying a new generation of Afro-optimist entrepreneurs determined to turn the African Dream into reality.
Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida: When the diaspora builds the Africa of tomorrow
African roots and a childhood between two cultures
Born in France to a Senegalese mother and a Cape Verdean father, Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida grew up at the crossroads of two African cultures. From an early age, she was nurtured by the warm stories of the “Land of Teranga” (that hospitable Senegal whose language and values her mother passed on to her) and by the rich Cape Verdean history of her father. “I understood from childhood that my roots were my strength,” she readily says.
This dual heritage instilled in her an unshakable African pride and a deep desire to contribute to the continent, even while growing up far from it. In France, young Marie-Yvonne developed an Afro-optimistic spirit—a profound belief that Africa possesses immense potential just waiting to bloom. Later, she would turn that belief into her life’s mission.
Return to the roots: From France to Senegal
In her twenties, the “kingdom of childhood” passed down by her family was no longer enough: Marie-Yvonne felt the call of the continent. She decided to leave everything behind in France and settle in Senegal, reconnecting with her mother’s homeland. This return to her roots marked the beginning of an extraordinary personal and professional adventure. Settling in Dakar, she immersed herself for more than a decade in local life, learning the ways, making friends, and building her network.
These years on Senegalese soil brought her solid experience in business tourism and event management, even giving her the opportunity to launch her first company: a cleaning services business in Dakar. It was a bold move—venturing into entrepreneurship in a country she was still learning to navigate, especially as a woman. But Marie-Yvonne never lacked courage. This first entrepreneurial experience in Africa, driven by resilience and adaptability, taught her a key lesson: perseverance. “Each challenge I overcame brought me closer to the vision I have for Africa,” she would later say.
At the same time, she worked hand-in-hand with various local economic players and incubators. Thanks to her dual culture, she quickly became a living bridge between France and Senegal. Her ability to navigate both worlds (the diaspora and the African grassroots) made her invaluable to numerous projects. She guided visiting foreign investors, advised diaspora entrepreneurs aiming to settle, and wove powerful synergies between local talent and international expertise. These constant back-and-forths nurtured her vision: Africa’s future will be built with its diaspora, and in turn, the diaspora’s success depends on a reconnection with its roots.
The rise of an inspiring businesswoman
Nothing came easy for Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida. In Dakar, she had to prove herself in an environment she loved but had to tame. She faced administrative hurdles, occasional cultural misunderstandings, and even skepticism: “They saw me as the Toubab (white foreigner) around the corner; I had to show that above all, I was an African sister who came to build something lasting,” she recalls with a smile.
This period forged her character. Resilience—one of her core values—became second nature. Every obstacle strengthened her: logistical problems, endless paperwork, financial surprises… she learned to “fall seven times and get up eight,” as the proverb goes. Her determination won the respect of her Senegalese collaborators. She established herself in the women’s business scene, becoming a model of female entrepreneurship in West Africa.
Her first entrepreneurial success (her flourishing cleaning company) gave her the credibility and confidence to aim even higher. Emboldened by her African achievement, Marie-Yvonne dreamed of helping others follow the same path: if she could do it, so could others—if properly supported.
This idea began to grow in her mind: what if she created a network for mutual support and incubation to make the journey easier for others? Gradually, the vision took shape, fueled by her own experiences. Passing on her knowledge became her new mantra. Passing on expertise, contacts, energy, and optimism to a whole generation of diaspora members tempted by the African adventure. Thus was born Autour de Mary.
Autour de Mary: Passing the Torch to Create Tomorrow’s Champions
In 2021, Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida brought her major project to life by founding Autour de Mary, a new kind of incubator. The concept was visionary: the first immersive incubator for the African diaspora, designed as a bridge between the two sides of the Atlantic. Through Autour de Mary, Marie-Yvonne created real pathways between Africa and its sons and daughters scattered around the globe.
“I see myself as a facilitator whose mission is to connect Africa and its diaspora,” she explains. Her 360° incubator supports aspiring entrepreneurs, primarily from the diaspora, helping them transform a simple idea into a solid project ready to take root on the continent. The originality lies in the immersion approach: instead of staying behind a screen, selected candidates go on business trips to African cities.
There, in places like Dakar, Abidjan, or Cotonou, they test their projects against local realities, meet experts, business leaders, and partner incubators, and discover firsthand both the opportunities and challenges of the market. This unique method has made Autour de Mary the number one name in immersive business trips and networking in Africa—a pioneering position Marie-Yvonne holds with humble pride.
The programs at Autour de Mary focus on the synergy between diaspora talents and local African talents. For Marie-Yvonne, it is clear: tomorrow’s African champions will emerge from this alliance—high-impact companies founded by Africans who will become national or even continental leaders.
“We have extraordinary potential, diaspora and locals together. We just need to join forces to spark real change,” she says passionately. Thanks to her extensive network of local experts and close partnerships with Senegalese incubators, she offers personalized support to every participant. The goal: turn each idea into a tangible project by providing methodology, mentorship, and connections. The founding values of Autour de Mary (resilience, African pride, transmission) permeate every workshop and learning trip. Marie-Yvonne insists that her “incubees” leave not only with a business plan but also with newfound confidence, aware that they are the next African success stories.
The values at the heart of her leadership
Resilience: The golden thread of Marie-Yvonne’s life. She teaches her entrepreneurs that every apparent failure is a lesson to bounce back stronger. Her own journey, marked by obstacles, shows that perseverance always pays off. “In Africa, the road to success is not a straight river, but with perseverance, you eventually reach your destination,” she likes to remind people.
African Pride: Marie-Yvonne proudly waves the African flag. An unapologetic Afro-optimist, she celebrates African cultures and encourages the diaspora to find pride in their roots. She believes reconnecting with African identity gives unique strength to entrepreneurs. This pride shines through everything she does, from infusing her events with an Afro-chic touch to quoting the proverbs of her ancestors.
Transmission: Success only has meaning if it is shared. This phrase could sum up Marie-Yvonne’s philosophy. Having benefited from mentors and support throughout her career, she sees it as essential to give back. Through Autour de Mary, she passes on her expertise and opens her network to propel the next generation. “Each time a member of the diaspora successfully returns home, it’s a collective victory,” she says. Her vision of transmission extends beyond entrepreneurship: it’s about passing on a mindset, values, and faith in Africa.
A Vision for the diaspora: Building bridges to the futurer
The mission Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida has set for herself goes beyond her own story. Through her work, she embodies a vision for the African diaspora. She dreams of seeing Africa’s sons and daughters, wherever they were born, contributing to the continent’s rise. In her view, the diaspora is brimming with skills, ideas, and capital that only need the right conditions to be reinvested “back home.”
Yet, creating the conditions for a successful return is crucial. That’s where her bridge-building concept comes in. Marie-Yvonne works to remove the barriers that hinder many aspiring returnees. She knows from experience: the road back to Africa is often fraught with obstacles—lack of reliable information, fear of failure, administrative complexities, and more.
“Many dream of returning but don’t know where to start or whom to trust. I wanted to be that helping hand to guide them step-by-step,” she explains. Her pragmatic and empathetic approach aims to turn dreams of an African homecoming into reality.
She sees each diaspora project as a seed to be nurtured in African soil. And for her, every successful “repat” has a collective impact: every flourishing diaspora talent helps build the Africa of tomorrow. Her work is part of a broader African renaissance led by the continent’s dispersed children.
There is in her as much Senegalese patriotism (a deep drive to serve her country of origin) as there is Pan-Africanism—the desire to see the whole of Africa succeed. Her African pride is infectious, radiating from every word, every action. She is determined to prove that the future belongs to those who believe in Africa—and act for Africa.
Teranga Meet: A bridge to senegal for the diaspora
It was only natural that Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida would launch Teranga Meet, a unique event perfectly embodying her vision. Scheduled for May 17, 2025, in Paris, Teranga Meet is billed as “the gathering for the diaspora to prepare for a successful move to Senegal.”
Named after Senegal’s famed “Teranga” hospitality, the event serves as a concrete bridge for anyone considering a move to Senegal. “We’re bringing the Land of Teranga to Paris!” proclaim the posters, promising to help participants prepare their expatriation or return-to-roots projects. For Marie-Yvonne, Teranga Meet is more than just a conference: it’s a diaspora project accelerator.
Over a vibrant day, participants receive expert advice, listen to repats who made the leap, and attend practical workshops to leave with an actionable plan.
Everything is designed to address key questions: Is now the right time to leave? How do I start a business there? What mistakes should I avoid?
Marie-Yvonne has mobilized her entire network from Dakar to Paris for the occasion. No fewer than ten experts will come directly from Senegal to share their know-how, along with several surprises she has planned for participants.
Networking is at the heart of the event: she knows from experience that the right encounters lead to great successes. Teranga Meet thus offers a unique opportunity to connect with established professionals and fellow dreamers, in a warm and Afro-chic setting (dress code required!). The diaspora comes together like a family, daring to take the great leap to Africa. Teranga Meet truly embodies Marie-Yvonne’s philosophy: sharing, preparation, and passion in service of the return home.
“The Senegal I love has given me so much; now it’s my turn to give a little back to you, right here in Paris, so you can take flight,” she says with emotion as she presents the event.
Join the movement and build the africa of tomorrow
Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida’s journey is deeply inspiring. It is the story of an African success born in the diaspora and dedicated to the continent’s future. From her childhood in France to her achievements in Senegal, she has remained true to herself and her values of resilience, pride, and transmission. Her example shows that with determination and heart, it is possible to realize the African Dream and make a tangible impact.
Her call resounds as an invitation: why not join the movement too? Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional seeking meaning, or simply a lover of Africa, now is the time to dare. Join Teranga Meet on May 17 and take your first step toward your future in Senegal.
Come draw inspiration, advice, and energy from those who, like Marie-Yvonne, turned a dream into reality.
Together, supported by visionary leaders like her, let’s build bridges toward a brilliant and prosperous Africa. The Africa of tomorrow is being built today—and it needs all of us. The ball is in your court: embrace the Teranga, and write your own chapter in this beautiful common story.
Summary
- Marie-Yvonne D’Almeida: When the Diaspora Builds the Africa of Tomorrow
- African Roots and a Childhood Between Two Cultures
- Return to the Roots: From France to Senegal
- The Rise of an Inspiring Businesswoman
- Autour de Mary: Passing the Torch to Create Tomorrow’s Champions
- A Vision for the Diaspora: Building Bridges to the Future
- Teranga Meet: A Bridge to Senegal for the Diaspora
- Joining the Movement and Building the Africa of Tomorrow
