JASON SETNYK
The Dev Hotel and Conference Centre in Cornwall hosted the 4th edition of MATDEL Canada from September 16 to 20, 2025. The event brought together elected officials, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from Canada and Africa to focus on women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.
“This edition was focused on community leadership and female entrepreneurship-how women evolve into working for the community in politics, social, and cultural sectors,” said organizer Jean Solaire Kuete Tchoumene, CEO of IOM SARL International.
Cornwall was chosen for its openness and tourism potential. “We chose Cornwall because its economy is developing, and it’s opening as a tourism destination,” said Kuete Tchoumene.
Over four days, participants engaged in forums, learning visits, and B2B meetings. Mayor Justin Towndale welcomed guests at the opening ceremony, and Senator Bernadette Clément attended as guest of honour. Notable speakers included Nicole Fortier Levesque and Marie Noelle Lanthier.
Kuete Tchoumene praised the discussions and international turnout but hoped for more local engagement. “The conference was good. I wasn’t satisfied with the participation of people of Cornwall-entrepreneurs and institutions like the Chamber of Commerce. But for those who were there, the debates and discussions were very good.”
“For me, it was a success,” he added. “The international guests were our main objective. They went back satisfied with what they learned about Canadian models of local development.”
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