"Senegal’s dynamic economic development makes the country potentially attractive for German companies looking to invest," stressed Chancellor Angela Merkel before her meeting with Senegalese President Macky Sall. Stronger relations between German companies and Senegal are also one of the goals of the Compact with Africa. Senegal is a reform partner country of Germany’s development cooperation.

The goal of the Compact with Africa, which was founded in 2017 under Germany’s G20 Presidency, is to work with African states to enhance the conditions for private investment and employment in Africa.

Security in the Sahel region

Alongside the economic situation, Angela Merkel announced they would be discussing the security situation in the Sahel region. Although Senegal is not directly affected, it is in the immediate neighbourhood of the Sahel states which are seeing their security situation deteriorate. In this context, the Chancellor also pointed to this year’s extension of the United Nations’ MINUSMA mission and the EU Training Mission in Mali.

Germany is involved in the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), which is monitoring and implementing the 2015 Algiers peace agreement. The aim is to stabilise Mali and restore the integrity of the state.

Priorities areas of cooperation

Development cooperation between Germany and Senegal currently focuses on expanding the use of renewable energy, boosting energy efficiency and enhancing access to energy. In addition, relevant university education and technical and vocational education and training are receiving support. Germany is actively engaged in job creation projects in Senegal.