The inaugural African Impact Speakers’ Fair (SAFOI) took place in Abidjan on Saturday, 23 August 2025, bringing together aspiring and professional speakers from across the continent. The event aimed to foster public speaking as a catalyst for leadership, transformation, and youth empowerment.
Under the theme “Youth, leadership and impact: Public speaking as a driver of transformation,” the fair gathered Ivorian and African speakers, coaches, trainers, students, and enthusiasts eager to refine their communication skills.
Diarrassouba Abdoulaye, Commissioner General of SAFOI, said the initiative was born from the belief that African youth possess the potential to drive social, cultural, and economic change.
He emphasised that public speaking is one of the “essential keys” to unlocking that potential.
“Regardless of the sector in which one works, it is essential to master the art of speaking in order to better promote oneself and highlight one’s skills,” he said.
“The SAFOI, by bringing together enthusiasts, professionals and students, aims to be more than an event: it aims to be a school, a breeding ground, a source of inspiration for every young African who dreams of taking their place and contributing to the progress of our society.”
Representing the event’s sponsor, Ms. Fatou Sakho of Toastmasters International, Ms. Sawadogo said the fair was a vision of “an Africa that speaks, that breathes, that convinces by the strength of its ideas and the clarity of its expression.”
Panel discussions explored the role of authenticity and intentionality in impactful communication, urging young Africans to remain true to their values while inspiring change. Another panel examined how public speaking skills can enhance professional integration in universities and businesses.
The fair concluded with a masterclass titled “Becoming a Voice That Counts: Mastering Public Speaking to Create Opportunities” and an eloquence competition, setting the stage for what organisers hope will become a cornerstone event in shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders.
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