AIR SENEGAL TAKES OFF
After unsuccessful attempts to create a fleet of planes under the Senegalese flag (Air Senegal International went bankrupt in 2009, and Senegal Airlines lasted from 2009 to 2016), Air Senegal was born and seems to be finding its place gradually on the international and national scene. The airline is part of the PSE and is aiming to become a reference airline (like Ethiopian Airlines is for the Horn of Africa) and a first class carrier to promote the image and reputation of Senegal in the world.
PORT DEVELOPMENT (PAD) The autonomous Port of Dakar (PAD) reflects the city’s economic vitality. It is a hub for most of the country’s import and export of goods, and as such serves as a reliable contributor to the steady growth that Senegal has enjoyed for the past several years. Since it handles close to 95% of foreign trade and accounts for more than 90% of customs revenue, the Port of Dakar is clearly the main platform for the logistics used in Senegal’s socio-economic development. The port was created in the old town in 1865 and has been a showcase of the changes in the national economy. In 2015 the Port of Dakar handled a record +15 million tons of goods. Traffic and flow figures, indicators of the port’s competitive position, showed double-digit growth: +17% for Malian transit, +16% for container shipping, and over 3 million tons for exports. These figures are evidence of the port’s dominant position, a model for the sub-region. Furthermore, the new management would like to enlarge the port and turn
it into West Africa’s “Port of Excellence” by 2023. This may well come true as the port continues to develop modern installations that meet the highest international standards.
MAJOR ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAMS Since his election Macky Sall has been furthering projects already underway to provide electricity and internet to the whole country, both needed for the development of the digital and numerical economy. Private producers supply 56.5% of the electricity. The Société nationale de l’électricité, a semi-public group, has the monopoly for distribution, and supplies 43.5% of the power. This is equivalent to a national electricity coverage rate of 61%. The production of adequate amounts of high quality energy is one of the major goals of the PSE. To reach this goal will require recourse to different sources of energy, restructuring the sector, strengthening the institutional framework and, most importantly, creating an environment that encourages a permanent role for private investors and operators. Besides these positive structural elements, the Senegalese energy market has an undeniable potential for growth, thanks to the country’s climate (solar energy) and the existence of fossil fuels (oil and gas)
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF SENEGAL IN WEST AFRICA Senegal is proud of its diplomatic tradition that has stood up well for several decades. Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor was a pan-Africanist, a visionary who worked untiringly for regional integration “in concentric circles”. His vision has been borne out by the creation of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the recent signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).
Page 30 | doingbusinessin Senegal | edition 2021
