Anta Babacar Ngom Diack, the CEO of the Sedima Group, once stood as a presidential candidate in the February 2024 elections in Senegal. At 40, she was among the youngest and one of the few female contenders. Her journey was fraught with challenges, including media attacks that labeled her a privileged individual detached from the realities of poverty. These accusations, and her responses to them, were met with public skepticism.
Ngom hailed from a prominent Senegalese family; her father founded the Sedima Group, and her husband was a former gendarmerie officer. Despite her family’s success, she faced criticism over their business practices, including alleged land grabbing from Ndingler’s rural farmers.
She often recounted her modest upbringing in Pikine, a suburb of Dakar, and her educational journey that took her from the Immaculée Conception school to the West African College of the Atlantic, where she earned three Baccalaureates. Her pursuit of higher education continued in Canada and France, culminating in an Executive MBA from Sciences Po in Paris. Ngom’s intelligence and diligence were recognized by her colleagues and employees.
Beyond her business achievements, Ngom ventured into politics as the president of the Alternative for a Citizen’s Turnover movement (ARC), advocating for tangible solutions to Senegal’s challenges. Her campaign, under the slogan “It is time for change, it is time for citizens,” aimed to inject new ideas into the political discourse.
Yet, her political journey was not without controversy. Critics questioned her motives and highlighted the potential conflicts of interest due to her family’s business empire and her limited political experience.
Despite these hurdles, Ngom’s resolve to impact her country positively remained unshaken. She promised to prioritize education, emphasizing English proficiency, and vowed to fortify the justice system’s independence. Even with her father’s initial hesitance, she managed to convey her commitment to Senegal’s progress.
In retrospect, Anta Babacar Ngom Diack’s presidential campaign was marked by her resilience and work ethic, distinguishing her from her competitors. Although the election did not turn in her favor, her campaign’s evolution and her approach to addressing the critiques remain a testament to her dedication to public service.
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Brought to you by Senegal English Media Group
