« Impact’Elle » : à peine lancé avec la Première Dame, le projet est accusé de plagiat
On July 3, 2025, the women's network "Impact'Elle" was officially launched at a ceremony in a major local hotel. The event took place in the presence of the First Lady of Senegal, Mrs. Absa Faye, the patron of this new project. Led by a group of influential women, including Khadija Dramé (wife of Eumeu Sène), Ngone Kane Diaw (owner of O Bon Food), and Ndeytou Sidibé (founder of Ndema Look), the launch was initially met with widespread acclaim, both from the First Lady and on social media.
An intellectual property conflict
However, the initial enthusiasm quickly gave way to controversy. From the moment the event was announced, Ms. Lamba Ka publicly claimed ownership of the organization's name. She asserted that she was leading a pre-existing association with the same name: "Since 2020, the Impact'elle association has been working to support and build the capacity of women entrepreneurs in Senegal. Officially recognized by the authorities on June 7, 2022 (under number 00020766/MINT/DGAT/DLPL/DAPA), our organization has, over the years, built an identity and expertise in all 14 regions of the country."
Ms. Ka deplores the fact that another organization is using the name "Impact'elles" in its public communications, presenting itself as an association, when it is registered under a different legal structure. She maintains that she attempted an amicable approach, pointing out that the creation of an organization requires prior verification of name availability and that a name represents years of commitment.

A wave of support on social media
Faced with this situation, many voices have risen in support of the historical founder. Activist Ghaels Babacar Mbaye, in particular, reacted: “Respect for intellectual integrity must prevail. Two entities cannot legitimately bear the same identity in the same country. This situation creates damaging confusion and raises questions about respect for intellectual property. It is essential that our authorities not be associated, even unintentionally, with such practices.”

Legal expert Mariama Gackou Faye also offered her technical insight and support in response to Ghaels' post: "Those involved continue to use the term 'Association,' even though they know they have a different legal structure. Admitting their mistake is a sign of maturity and honesty. I appeal to the responsibility of our sisters: I do not doubt their commitment, but the method needs to be reviewed."

For now, the initiators of the new network sponsored by the First Lady have not yet commented on these accusations.
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