Senegal Aims to Transform Industry and Commerce to Drive Development
Serigne Gueye Diop, Minister of Industry and Commerce, stated at the opening of the Salma Dialogue in Dakar that "Senegal wants to transform its industry and commerce to become a driver of development."
A Forum for Industrial Transformation and Regional Integration
This forum brings together African and international stakeholders to discuss industrial transformation, sustainable trade, and regional integration. The strong ties between Senegal and Tunisia, dating back to the 1960s, provide a unique opportunity to launch new initiatives and strengthen industrial cooperation between the two countries.
A New Industrial and Commercial Policy
Senegal has recently unveiled its industrial and commercial policy, which is part of its national transformation agenda by 2050. The goal is to reduce dependence on imports and promote local resources.
Six Priorities to Attract Investments
Serigne Gueye Diop presented six key areas to stimulate industry:
- Diversify the Productive Tissue: Transform local raw materials instead of exporting them, targeting sectors such as phosphate, agro-food, and fishing.
- Strengthen Regional Integration: Facilitate intra-African trade and open businesses to African and international markets.
- Modernize Distribution: Create modern, sustainable, and accessible supermarkets and hypermarkets everywhere.
- Green and Digital Transition: Digitalization, clean technologies, local innovation, and training in technical and digital skills.
- Access to Financing and Support: Support SMEs, startups, and innovative companies with sectoral funds, incubators, and adapted tools.
- Strengthen Governance and Transparency: Simplify procedures, combat corruption, and secure investments with a clear framework.
The Key Role of the Private Sector
The Minister emphasized the crucial role of the private sector, in partnership with the state and international institutions. He invited young entrepreneurs and women to actively participate in this dynamic.
A Budget to Match Ambition
To demonstrate its commitment, the industry budget has been multiplied by six, from 50 to 350 billion FCFA. Serigne Gueye Diop concluded:
"Let us make industry a source of prosperity for our populations and a vector of solidarity."
