From Ouagadougou to Nairobi: Dominique’s Journey to the Global Climate Stage
GEC members Break the Mold are breaking down barriers—visible and invisible—and building a new generation of African leaders.
At the heart of the green economy transition are people—bold, creative, and determined individuals who are reimagining what sustainable futures can look like from the ground up. Dominique Ouedraogo, founder of Wifash, is one of them.
Wifash is a Burkinabe brand crafting leather goods and accessories from recycled materials. But it’s more than a business, it’s a movement too. Through Wifash, Dominique is empowering vulnerable communities in Burkina Faso with skills in sustainable craftsmanship, creating livelihoods while tackling waste.
Dominique was part of Cohort 1 of GEC members Break The Mold, a flagship fellowship programme that supports young African changemakers to lead locally-rooted, globally-connected green transitions. His journey is a powerful example of what happens when local leadership meets global opportunity.
“ Break The Mold didn’t just open the door—we helped Dominique walk through it with confidence. From coaching sessions to peer support, we worked with him to refine his story, sharpen his message, and navigate high-level conversations with clarity and purpose.”
Earlier this year, Dominique was selected to pitch at ChangeNOW in Paris—one of the world’s largest events for planet-positive innovation. It was a major opportunity for visibility and connection. But like many African entrepreneurs, Dominique faced a familiar barrier: he was denied a visa.
But this setback didn’t stop him. With Break The Mold’s support and recommendation, Dominique was selected to attend TED Countdown in Nairobi in June 2025—a fully sponsored opportunity to join one of the most influential gatherings on climate action.
Break The Mold didn’t just open the door—we helped Dominique walk through it with confidence. From coaching sessions to peer support, we worked with him to refine his story, sharpen his message, and navigate high-level conversations with clarity and purpose.
While he didn’t meet direct investors at TED Countdown, Dominique’s presence in that space—on African soil, in a global forum—was a milestone in itself. It was about equity, representation, and being in the room where change happens.
And there were wins: Dominique connected with potential partners who could help scale Wifash’s impact.
“Break The Mold believed in me before the world did,” said Dominique. “They recommended and helped me prepare for TED Countdown by giving me the confidence to own my story and the tools to articulate it clearly and impactfully. From the coaching to the community support, I felt ready and seen. Attending TED Countdown was a powerful experience—not only did I connect with global changemakers, but I also realized the importance of youth voices in climate conversations. Thank you for believing in me.”
Dominique's story is what Break The Mold is all about: local ownership, capacity-building, and results-oriented support. It's about breaking down barriers—visible and invisible—and building a new generation of African leaders driven by Purpose & defined by Impact, who are shaping the future on their own terms.
Break The Mold is currently looking for partners and sponsors to support our upcoming fellowship cohorts. If you’re interested in learning more, do check out their website.
- Clémence Betesuku, Break the Mold
