Strategy and Budget

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Senegal is a country with tremendous transformational development potential that also faces significant threats to its stability. Senegal has long been considered one of the most stable countries in West Africa and is one of the only West African countries to not have experienced a coup d’état. It has developed into one of the strongest economies in the region, in part due to relatively strong economic growth of greater than 6% per year. Viewed alongside the collapse or mismanagement of its neighbors and regional peers, Senegal’s stable and steady economic development appears even more noteworthy. In fact, a recent study published by the African Development Bank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) states “Senegal could replace pre-crisis Côte d’Ivoire as the motor for growth in French Africa.” However, Senegal’s stability is threatened by high unemployment, weak institutions, a lingering 23-year separatist rebellion in the Casamance region, and potential collapse in the neighboring states of Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania.

USAID’s strategy for transformational development in Senegal seeks to boost economic growth by improving the enabling environment to attract more investment, increasing the volume of trade, and creating wealth through better management of Senegal’s natural resources. A diversified economic base and a healthier, better educated population are keys to achieving and sustaining that growth. USAID will also continue to work towards securing a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Casamance. A peaceful Casamance will not only significantly reduce the risk of backsliding in Senegal and the region, but also has the potential to attract, rather than discourage, investment in Senegal. Working in partnership with the Senegalese Government to achieve its vision of becoming a modern, prosperous, democratic state with a majority Muslim population is an important U.S. foreign policy priority. Failing to achieve this goal would have grave regional repercussions. Success will require increased commitment by the United States Government (USG) and a sharply focused development assistance strategy.

For a complete overview of USAID/Senegal's program strategy, please see below.