A high-level delegation from Senegal, led by the Minister of Finance and Budget, Abdourahmane Sarr, visited Washington from April 15 to 21, 2024 to participate in the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The delegation was composed of the Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, the Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Birame Souleye Diop, and the Minister Secretary General of the Government, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.These annual meetings brought together private investors and various organizations working in the field of development and economic and financial cooperation. The Senegalese delegation took this opportunity to meet with key authorities, including those from the World Bank, the IMF, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
They also exchanged views with the Minister of Finance and Budget of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, currently President of the Council of Ministers of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), as well as with the Ministers responsible for finance of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Republic of The Gambia.In addition to these meetings, the delegation was received by several American and international institutions, including the Department of the Treasury and the Department of State, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the US Agency for International Development, the British Minister for International Development, the French Treasury and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
Furthermore, they established preliminary contacts with the African Development Bank, the West African Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.During these meetings, the delegation highlighted “the commitment of the Senegalese Government to establish a new dynamic focused on ethics, good governance, the fight against corruption, justice and transparency in public management,” values considered essential for any development effort. They also reaffirmed “the determination of the Government to implement public policies based on economic sovereignty”, while respecting Senegal’s international commitments.The delegation reiterated the authorities’ willingness to take concrete action to achieve the people’s aspirations, affirming that Senegal remains a “flagbearer for stability and peace in Africa.”
They highlighted the Government’s determination to first rely on its own resources, mobilizing budgetary revenues and reducing unnecessary public spending, to implement its development program in a responsible and optimal manner.Furthermore, the delegation reiterated “the firm intention of the new authorities to promote African integration and defend the interests of Senegal and Africa within international institutions.”
They expressed the State of Senegal’s willingness to play a significant role in realizing the aspirations of Africa, as guarantor of its food and industrial sovereignty, and ensuring access to basic social services for its citizens.The international partners met welcomed the messages conveyed by the Senegalese delegation, commending “the determination of the Senegalese people and institutions to preserve the country’s anchoring to democracy and the rule of law.”
They affirmed their commitment to strengthen their relations with Senegal, in line with the “relevant” good governance guidelines defined by the new authorities.
In conclusion, the article highlights the efforts of the Senegalese government to promote good governance, transparency, and economic sovereignty, as well as their commitment to African integration and development. It also emphasizes the positive reception and support from international partners for these efforts, highlighting the importance of maintaining stability and democracy in Senegal
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