At the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, the EU and Senegal signed new agreements that promote the digital economy, urban mobility, vocational training, food security and a clean environment in Senegal as part of the “Green Economy” Team Europe Initiative through which the EU, the European Investment Bank, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain support the green and digital transitions in Senegal. In addition, Senegal will benefit from an additional €25 million of EU funding to the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa.
Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “These new agreements demonstrate how the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Package for Africa, which we launched last year Dakar, covers both hard and soft infrastructure. From sustainable transport solutions to developing skills, our actions benefit the Senegalese people and uphold the highest social and environmental standards.”
The EU supports Senegal on its path to economic growth, in line with Senegal’s “Plan Sénégal Emergent” and “Programme d’Urgence Jeunesse” and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The actions of the partnership build on Senegal’s commitment to the green and digital transitions and its ambitions in the key sectors of pharmaceutical production, agricultural industrialisation and urban development. Senegal also plays a key role in the strategic transport corridor Praia–Dakar–Abidjan being developed as part of the Global Gateway EU–Africa Investment Package.
Green economy for Senegal
Digital technology is a growth sector in Senegal, but, as everywhere else, one that requires careful attention. This means having in place a favourable framework and strategic national management, ensuring that all citizens – including women and young people – can benefit from digital technologies, and fostering an innovation-oriented ecosystem for start-ups. The EU will provide €5 million to support Senegal in these aspects of its digital transition, while France and Germany contribute €2 million and €5 million respectively into this pilot project that paves the way for larger future EU interventions in the sector.
The EU will contribute a €20 million grant to the project Dakar Public Transport Network Restructuring, which aims to improve the quality and attractiveness of public transport services in the Dakar Region through the modernisation of 14 bus lines to feed the “Bus Rapid Transit” (BRT) and “Train Express regional” (TER) axes, the acquisition of 380 buses, the construction of two bus depots, the construction of 30 km of roads and the installation of modern ticketing, network management and control systems. The grant will be used in particular to purchase busses running with gas.
This €355 million project delivered jointly with the European Investment Bank, France and Germany contributes to the green transition in Senegal, giving a boost to sustainable and smart mobility through more affordable, accessible and healthier solutions, while supporting decent jobs and a professionalisation of the sector.
In addition, the EU will support with €22 million the social and professional integration of young people in Senegal. This joint €56 million project, with Team Europe members Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Italy, will make high-quality vocational training available to young people, in line with the needs of the labour market, and offer professional pathways in particular with a view to the Youth Olympic Games being held in Dakar in 2026.
In response to the food security crisis and economic shock in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries following Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has dedicated an additional €15 million to support Senegal in increasing its agricultural production with a focus on transforming value chains for selected produce into means for creating jobs, increasing food security and expanding export opportunities. These funds complement on-going EU support to the agrifood sector in Senegal, bringing the total investment from €51.5 million to €66.5 million.
Finally, the EU will provide €15 million to improve theecological state of Hann Bay and the environmental, health, economic and social conditions of the local population, while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The EU, France and the Netherlands have supported this emblematic €187.6 million green flagship for years. The new funds will help bring about an environmental upgrade of the Bay’s most polluting industrial companies through support to the installation of wastewater pre-treatment units and the application of the polluter-pays principle. By the end of this second phase of the project, all industrial companies will have been connected to the wastewater network, and the Port Autonome de Dakar will be clean.
Background
The Global Gateway Forum
The Global Gateway Forum brings together an assembly of government representatives from the European Union and across the globe, alongside key stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, thought leaders, financial institutions, and international organisations to promote global investment in infrastructure.
During this landmark occasion, a series of strategic investment announcements and agreements with partner countries are being presented, marking a significant leap towards the implementation of the Global Gateway strategy. These announcements not only underscore the tangible worldwide impact of Global Gateway but also provide a platform for governments and businesses to engage in critical discussions surrounding its priorities.
The Global Gateway Forum highlights a collective commitment to fostering sustainable growth and resilience worldwide through a Team Europe approach.
Global Gateway
Global Gateway represents the European Union’s effort reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. It provides sustainable investment opportunities to enhance the prosperity and security of our global partners and Europe alike.
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a collaborative approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we aim to mobilize up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
Team Europe stands out with a compelling proposition for democratic partner nations, focusing on sustainability across social, environmental, and financial aspects, promoting long-term drivers of growth through a comprehensive 360-degree approach, encompassing both hard and soft infrastructure, and reinforcing the resilience of nations seeking strategic autonomy.
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EU cooperation with Senegal
Global Gateway Forum
Global Gateway
