Message from the President

The debate that matters: the economy and development!

Senegal is reflecting deeply on its future. Sovereignty, renewal and structural transformation are now central to public debate. This ambition is legitimate. It is even necessary. But a fundamental question remains: what place is given to businesses on this national path?

For several months, the private sector has watched with concern as economic issues gradually fade from public debate. Even though companies face major difficulties, questions of investment, competitiveness, employment, financing of the economy and the business climate struggle to find the place they deserve among national priorities.

Yet the challenges are many. Companies still bear the consequences of the successive crises our country has gone through: the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the episodes of instability that affected economic activity between 2021 and 2024, persistent strains on value chains and the difficulties of the national economic and financial environment. On top of this come concerns about delays in settling domestic debt, social tensions in some sectors and the lack of economic visibility that investors need to plan their decisions.

In this context, the private sector asks for neither privileges nor special treatment. It simply asks to be recognised as a central player in national economic development and as a full partner in building public policy.

This recognition matters all the more because businesses remain the country's leading investors, its main job creators and the main source of opportunities for our young people. Every day, they create value, support the regions, innovate and contribute to Senegal's economic and social stability.

There can be no economic sovereignty without a strong private sector.
There can be no lasting economic transformation without competitive businesses.
There can be no large-scale job creation without private investment.

That is why the National Confederation of Employers of Senegal reaffirms its readiness to take an active part in every reflection and initiative aimed at accelerating the country's economic development. Our role is not to protest. Our responsibility is to propose, to sound the alarm when necessary and to help find concrete solutions.

CNES will therefore continue to be the voice of business, to promote a demanding and constructive public-private dialogue and to put forward proposals in the public interest.

The time has come to put the economy back at the heart of national priorities. The time has come to restore investor confidence, support our businesses and create the conditions for sustainable, inclusive, job-creating growth.

Senegal has considerable assets. To turn them into shared prosperity, the State and the private sector must move forward together.

Economic sovereignty cannot be decreed. It is built. And it is built with strong businesses.

Abdel Kader NDIAYE
President of the National Confederation of Employers of Senegal