Ms. Caterina Bertolini, the Italian Ambassador to Senegal, attended the opening ceremony of the 11th International Exhibition for Construction, Finishing and Infrastructure (SENCON), held from February 5 to 7, 2026, at the Diamniadio Exhibition Center. Following a visit to the stands of Italian companies, the Ambassador expressed her satisfaction with the even greater Italian participation. "This is a strong signal. This presence demonstrates the interest that Italian companies have in the Senegalese market and their desire to partner with Senegalese businesses," she stated.

This interest, she explains, is the result of several years of work to support businesses, particularly through the important Italy-Senegal forum held at the end of October 2025. For this trade fair, Her Excellency Caterina Bertolini hopes that Italian excellence will receive greater recognition. She anticipates that numerous mutually beneficial partnerships with Senegalese companies will be established. Italy, which says it is following the implementation of the country's national agenda for structural transformation with great interest, wishes to expand the partnership not only in the commercial sphere, but also in the areas of cooperation and development, particularly in the cultural sphere.

For his part, Alessandro Gerbino, director of the ITA agency – Dakar office, emphasizes the growth of Italian-Senegalese collaboration in the construction sector. Present in Dakar for two years, this agency is supporting 12 companies at this trade fair, offering cutting-edge technologies and architectural services. The goal is to meet the quality and innovation needs of a rapidly expanding local market. To sustain this momentum, ITA facilitates strategic meetings and joint ventures. This approach fosters a stable presence of Italian players in the concrete, ceramics, and logistics sectors, thereby encouraging high-performing local production.