Saint-Louis – Economic development: the State listens to businesses in the North Pole

The Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Planning organized, on October 20 and 21, 2026 in Saint-Louis, a territorial consultation with strategic companies in the North Pole. The objective is to identify obstacles to private investment and propose solutions to strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses, create jobs and support the Senegal 2050 vision.

Give new impetus to the private sector. This is the ambition of these two days of exchanges between businesses and public authorities. The discussions focus on the difficulties encountered by economic actors and the measures necessary to support their activities. For Khoudia Leye Diouf, assistant to the governor of Saint-Louis in charge of development, this meeting constitutes a framework for listening and consultation. “This is an opportunity to listen to companies operating in the region so that they can discuss the difficulties they face, but also formulate their recommendations,” she explained.

The proposals collected must help to inform the decisions of the authorities. Aziz Fall, coordinator at the General Directorate of Cooperation, External Financing, Private Sector Development and Partnerships, underlines the State’s desire to transform these exchanges into concrete solutions. “We are not going to solve all the problems in two days, but we are going to show that there is a new dynamic that is taking place,” he declared. He also insisted on the need to allow local companies to take advantage of opportunities linked to gas exploitation. “This dynamic will not leave any value chain stranded, including the hydrocarbon sector,” he assured. Included in the National Strategy for Private Sector Development and Investment Promotion 2025-2029, the consultations target in particular the rice, tourism and onion sectors. The work must result in priority recommendations and an action plan to improve the business environment.

The second day is devoted to thematic work, project presentations and company visits. Participating in the meeting, Adama Ba CEO of Senegal Agrogreen, pleads for concrete measures in favor of local businesses. During territorial consultations, he pointed out three major constraints: land, taxation and financing. “We want state resolutions to allow us to reduce taxes and also to help us develop better,” he said. His company, which currently employs 1,000 people, aims to achieve 3,000 decent jobs by 2027, with support from the State.