Concertations nationales : l’économie ne peut plus attendre (Par Abd'El Kader NDIAYE, Président de la CNES)
Senegal talks about sovereignty. Senegal talks about rebuilding. But Senegal forgets its businesses. Since the advent of the new regime, one observation is inescapable: public authorities are snubbing the private sector at all levels of the hierarchy.
This silence is all the more deafening given the current situation. Economic operators are facing a triple burden alone: the state's domestic debt, for which promises of settlement are piling up without follow-through; social unrest, fueled by the failure to respect the commitments of the National Pact for Social Stability; and the total lack of visibility for our businesses and industries.
This situation is the result of an accumulation of unresolved crises: the after-effects of Covid-19, the riots and social instability from 2021 to 2024, the permanent election campaigns since 2024, and the handling of the "hidden debt" affair which has undermined the confidence of investors and lenders.
However, these vital economic emergencies are relegated to the back burner. The public sphere is saturated with often sterile political debates, while the productive apparatus is suffocating.
It must be stated gravely: Senegal is experiencing a persistent economic crisis. This crisis risks being exacerbated by a political crisis which, if nothing is done, will lead to an institutional crisis with unpredictable consequences for the nation. The sincerity of the political will in favor of economic and social progress is now in question.
The most glaring symbol of this decline: the national consultations. The driving economic forces, legitimate components of the State, were deliberately excluded. How can we understand that, in the midst of a crisis, the consultations for Tabaski 2026 did not give absolute priority to economic issues?
Let's remember a fundamental truth: it is private companies that invest, create national wealth, generate over 90% of jobs, and train our youth. In 2024, the private sector accounted for over 85% of productive investment. Ignoring this is to sabotage the recovery.
Faced with this deadlock, employers' organizations are changing their stance. If the existing consultation frameworks prove ineffective, then the economic debate will take place in the public sphere. If the government chooses unilateral action with international financial institutions, the private sector will assume its responsibilities and interact directly with technical and financial partners.
The mobilization of business leaders has begun. A press conference will be held on June 18, 2026 in Dakar to present our assessment and proposals.
We are not here to protest. We are here to offer solutions. We reiterate our commitment to actively contribute to the recovery from this crisis, provided that the status of the private sector is respected. There will be no economic sovereignty without strong SMEs. There will be no recovery without confidence. The time for talk is over.
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