Mantchini TRAORÉ

With nearly two decades of experience in cultural project management, Mantchini Traoré has built strong expertise in cultural engineering, team coordination, and strategic support, both in Africa and in France. As a project manager at the Institut français, she currently leads the European programme Connect and Create - Cultural Cooperation Africa-Europe, bringing together public and private partners, institutions, and professional networks to foster innovative, inclusive, and sustainable cooperation. Her career reflects extensive experience in implementing internationally funded programmes, particularly by the European Union, and in supporting cultural operators and civil society actors. Since 2016, she has contributed to major initiatives such as the ACP-EU Culture - AWA programme, the Biennale de la danse en Afrique, and the production of French showcases at major international events, including the French Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Her commitment also extends to innovative projects such as developing Africa's esports ecosystem and designing mentorship programmes for young people. Through these initiatives, she works to anticipate the transformations of the creative industries and to strengthen emerging collaborative dynamics between Africa and Europe.