Open letter to the Director General of FONGIP (By Amath Diouf)

Madam Director General,

I am writing to you as a member of a Navétane ASC (Association Sportive et Culturelle) which is carrying out an economic and social development project.

Since March, our association has submitted an application to the FONGIP platform. To date, the status displayed remains "under review." We fully understand that processing applications requires time and meticulous attention to detail. However, the lack of information regarding processing times raises numerous questions and ultimately discourages project leaders.

Beyond our particular case, this situation raises a broader question: how can we encourage sports and cultural associations to engage in income-generating activities if they do not receive appropriate support and a response within reasonable timeframes?

The ASCs (Sports and Cultural Associations) of Navétane are today one of the most important organizational structures for Senegalese youth. Present in neighborhoods, villages, and towns, they mobilize thousands of young people around sports, citizenship, and community living. They can also become genuine agents of local development through agricultural, livestock, processing, service, or social and solidarity economy projects.

In a context where the government is calling on young people to become entrepreneurs and participate more actively in wealth creation, it would be beneficial to further encourage community-based organizations (CBOs) to develop viable economic projects. This would not only create jobs but also strengthen the financial independence of these organizations, which play a fundamental social role in our country.

To achieve this, financing and guarantee mechanisms must be accessible, responsive, and adapted to the realities of community organizations. Improved communication regarding processing times and enhanced support for community-based organizations would help build trust and encourage youth engagement.

Madam Director General, we are convinced that FONGIP can be a major partner in this dynamic. Supporting projects led by ASCs means investing in youth, employment, and regional development.

Pending a favorable outcome to our case and hoping that this matter will receive your attention, please accept, Madam Administrator General, the expression of our highest consideration.

Amath Diouf

For the ASC Friends of the Railway

Depot District, Tambacounda

Senegal