Capitalizing on local content remains a challenge. Stakeholders are refining strategies to seize opportunities. This involves strengthening the participation of local businesses and integrating Senegalese technology and capital into the value chain of the oil, gas, and mining industries. Hence the awareness-raising and promotion activities of economic opportunities undertaken by the Technical Secretariat of the National Committee for Monitoring Local Content (ST-CNSCL).

It is within this framework that an awareness and exchange workshop was organized in Matam by the Technical Secretariat of the National Committee for Monitoring Local Content (ST-CNSCL). The aim is to improve understanding of the issues and regulatory obligations related to the local content policy in the extractive sector .

The event brought together administrative and local authorities, extractive companies, local economic operators, training institutions and communities.

During this meeting, several key points were addressed. These included the presentation of the legal and institutional framework governing local content in the extractive sector, as well as raising awareness among stakeholders regarding their obligations in this area. Furthermore, the missions, role, and operational mechanisms of the Technical Secretariat of the National Council for Monitoring Local Content (ST-CNSCL) were also discussed in detail. Emphasis was placed on promoting the electronic networking platform (e-CNSCL) and showcasing the business and employment opportunities generated by extractive projects, among other topics.

The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the national platform dedicated to human capital and the National Youth Integration Program for Local Content (PNICL).

Underlining the richness of the exchanges and discussions, Dr. Mor Bakhoum, Technical Secretary of the National Committee for Monitoring Local Content, highlighted the various initiatives that fostered constructive dialogue with stakeholders. In this regard, he reiterated the relevance, importance, and strategic and political significance of local content within the framework of the Senegalese government's policies, in order to ensure that resource development positively impacts the population.

Local content primarily involves facilitating access for national players to the market and the opportunities it offers, promoting local employment, and encouraging technology transfer. This aims to strengthen the competitiveness of businesses at all levels of the value chain.

"For better implementation and optimized impact of local content on regional development, our presence is to assess what exists in Matam by taking stock of existing projects and opportunities in the region to encourage companies that have obligations to respect local content," he said.

For the authority, the establishment of a dedicated platform also allows actors to follow market processes, but also to discuss with the ecosystem, thus facilitating interactions and collaborations between them and local businesses.

The priority remains facilitating access for local businesses to markets and employment, while supporting them in compliance with current regulations. “When we talk about local content, it’s also about adopting a proactive approach to analyze the current situation and anticipate future needs. With this in mind, a capacity audit of the mining sector is being prepared to assess the resources and skills available in Senegal.”

"The goal is to better position local businesses within the value chain," said Mr. Bakhoum.

The mining sector constitutes a genuine value chain offering numerous opportunities. Regarding contracts, the Technical Secretary of the National Committee for Monitoring Local Content announced the implementation of a steering and control process, notably through a networking platform. On this platform, all contracts in the extractive sector are regularly published, and prior review is conducted to ensure compliance with local content requirements.

As an illustration, in 2025, no fewer than 700 markets were reviewed in the mining sector alone, highlighting the immense potential of this industry.

This year, although it is only April, more than 300 markets have been examined in the same sector. It is important to note that these figures do not include opportunities related to the hydrocarbon sector, which, in the opinion of the Technical Secretary, further demonstrates the promising prospects offered by these industries.