Follow Up - Progress to date: Senegal

A preparatory mission took place in November 2001 during which the government expressed the view that the IF would provide the opportunity to prepare a pro-poor export oriented growth strategy. Work on the DTIS started in January 2002 and the study was completed in November 2002. A National Workshop took place in December 2002. Based on the results of the Workshop the government prepared a report that included a validated Action Plan (french PDF - 203k). This report was approved at the Cabinet level in April 2003.

The Action Plan included cross-sectoral topics including:

• Trade Policy

• Private Sector Development

• Customs Reform

• Export Capacity Building

Sectoral priorities included:

• Fisheries

• Agriculture

• Tourism

• Textiles and Clothing

• Handicraft

The government organized a Round Table meeting (french PDF - 162k) with donors on June 2, 2003. The meeting was well attended and participants included four ministers, representatives of the private sector and the main multilateral and bilateral donors. During this meeting donors expressed their interest in helping the government to implement the validated Action Plan. Donors noted that they were already active in a number of the priority areas of the Action Plan. It was noted that the IF exercise will contribute to a more systematic coordination among donors. Also, donors indicated to use an integrated programmatic approach during the more specific project formulation discussions between the government and donors. It is expected that Senegal will submit a number of project proposals for Window II funding.

On June 12 and 13, the Senegal Consultative Group (french PDF - 86k) meeting took place in Paris. During this meeting the outcome of the Round Table was confirmed including the necessity to include trade in the PRSP process. It is therefore anticipated that trade will be included in Senegal’s 2003 PRSP report.

In 2003, the World Bank is expected to start the execution of a Private Investment Promotion project (IDA credit, $46 million). One of the project’s objectives is strengthening of Senegal’s international competitiveness. There is considerable synergy between this project and the IF diagnostic study, in particular in areas such as incentive framework, tourism, agriculture, customs and infrastructure.

The European Commission is the IF facilitator in Senegal.

Page Last Updated On July 12, 2005