The Dakar Job Dating Fair, held at the Grand National Theater on December 17 and 18, 2025, brought together companies, experts, and job seekers to facilitate direct connections. Following the closing ceremony, its initiator, Amadou Lamine Fall, a human capital specialist, spoke with Seneweb. He reflected on the event's success, the structural challenges of employment in Senegal, and issued a strong appeal to the authorities to move from words to action.

Mr. Fall, what are your impressions of the exhibition you organized here at the Grand Théâtre?

We've been working for months to make this event a success, and today we can clearly say it's been a triumph. The high turnout, the confidence evident at the booths, and the quality of the interactions between companies, experts, and candidates all testify to the success of Dakar Job Dating. The presentations were insightful, the sectors represented were diverse, and the discussions were highly constructive.

How did the idea come about to hold this event that connects entrepreneurs with young job seekers?

The idea for the job fair stemmed from a daily observation: unemployment is no longer just a social issue, but a genuine societal challenge. In our families and in our work, we see younger siblings spending months, even years, searching for a job or even a simple internship. Drawing on my experience as a human capital specialist, I've had the privilege of facilitating at least 3,000 to 4,000 recruitments since returning to Senegal. For me, this is an act, a gesture, a way to contribute to the fight against unemployment. We wanted to organize this major event that directly connects companies that are hiring with job seekers. But the job fair goes beyond simple job dating; we've added an inspirational dimension by inviting CEOs, HR directors, experts, and successful entrepreneurs to demonstrate that success is possible in Senegal, whether through salaried employment or entrepreneurship.

What is your perspective on the challenges of employment and entrepreneurship in Senegal in this context?

difficult economic situation?

Faced with a difficult economic climate and a job market unable to absorb all graduates, I have no choice but to take action and play a proactive role, because in the face of this scourge, there is no alternative but action. In my view, full employment is not a utopia. I firmly believe that with incentive-based public policies, a reform of the Labor Code, a favorable investment climate, and training programs tailored to the real needs of businesses, Senegal can move closer to achieving it, because I remind you that jobs are created by the private sector and that the role of the State is to create favorable conditions.

Have you spoken with the authorities and what was their position regarding your initiative?

On this issue, the organizer aims for transparency, but I have mixed feelings, even concerns. In reality, of the numerous public organizations contacted, only a few responded favorably, and I take this opportunity to thank the ANPEJ (National Agency for Youth Employment), the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, and certain government teams for their support. However, overall, the expected level of support in terms of logistics, technical assistance, personnel, and especially funding was inadequate, even though the initiative wasn't intended to generate any return on investment. We undertook it out of patriotism and solidarity with our youth.

What shortcomings did the trade show highlight?

The trade show highlighted the limitations of the education system. Much of the training content is not adapted to the actual needs of businesses; for example, IT and cybersecurity training is insufficiently aligned with market demands. Competitiveness requires a complete overhaul of curricula and a better updating of training structures to reflect the evolving nature of professions.

What are the prospects after the trade fair?

The next step will be a rigorous evaluation: number of participants, positions filled, and satisfaction levels of both companies and candidates. A memorandum will be shared with the authorities, along with the results of the qualitative and quantitative monitoring. Furthermore, a magazine entitled "Oser Plus" (Dare More), whose first issue is scheduled for January 7th, will extensively cover the event and the challenges of employment and entrepreneurship.

A message to the youth?

I encourage young people to change their perspective on work. We mustn't underestimate different professions. Creating your own job, even on a small scale, is a matter of dignity and can lead to great things. For me, every individual is a "candidate," because everyone possesses a talent. It simply needs to be awakened, refined, and valued. "Wealth doesn't come from salaries, but from entrepreneurship."