The Ziguinchor region, in terms of overall entrepreneurship, ranks behind Dakar and Kédougou, which occupy the top ranks, according to the entrepreneurial density indicator, which reports the number of businesses per 10,000 inhabitants. However, when it comes to formal entrepreneurship, the southern region faces challenges.

This is the reading of the technical advisor to the Directorate of Private Sector Development at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Cooperation. Gnambi Sonko co-chaired, with the deputy governor in charge of development, Alsény Bangoura, the launch of regional consultations with the private sector in the South Pole.

 

For Mr. Sonko, the population must take action to prevent the sector from being dominated by foreigners. The technical advisor highlights several government efforts in Casamance, particularly in Ziguinchor, to facilitate the development of the private sector, although he acknowledges that additional efforts are needed.

"There have been public efforts. We can note the dredging of the river. Today, 5,000-ton ships can dock in Ziguinchor. We have two international airports. We have easy access to Dakar via the RN4, but also to Mali and Guinea-Bissau via the RN6. There are still things to be done, such as regulations that reduced VAT for the tourism sector at the time, specifically for Casamance, to 10% or 18%. So, there are efforts to be completed," said Gnambi Sonko.

 

Highlighting the importance of these consultations, he stated that "dialogue has become a central tool in the process of formulating, implementing, and evaluating policies." And for these consultations, Gnambi Sonko noted that there are three dimensions to take into account: "A sectoral dimension, which focuses on sectors and value chains. A territorial dimension, which allows stakeholders to discuss private sector development issues at the territorial level. And a global dimension, which focuses on issues that transcend the boundaries of sectors and territories, and therefore cross-cutting issues."

 

Alsény Bangoura, Deputy Governor for Development, stated that this meeting is part of a national dynamic driven by Vision Senegal 2050, which aims to build a sovereign, just, and prosperous Senegal. "The national strategy for private sector development and investment promotion, developed under the leadership of the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation, now constitutes the backbone of this systemic transformation." This strategy establishes the private sector as a central driver of growth, sustainable job creation, and productive investment, particularly in territorial hubs, he added.

The deputy governor continued that in the specific context of the South Pole, these consultations are of strategic importance. He cites as evidence the major assets that the South Pole has, determined by the regions of natural Casamance (Kolda, Sédhiou and Ziguinchor) in terms of natural resources, recognized agricultural and tourism potential and its dynamic youth.

However, there are structural challenges to be addressed, such as infrastructure, access to financing, technical support, tax supervision and the integration of young people.