European Commission Directorate General for Inte : Senegal

A factor of stability in West Africa by its democratic tradition, Senegal serves as the bridge of the Western world to the countries of West Africa. In terms of security, Senegal is committed to the fight against terrorism and organised crimes.

Although not on the list of fragile states, a low-intensity conflict still occurs in its southern region, Casamance, and neighbouring countries face the risk of crisis or breach of the rule of law. On the economic level, although Senegal has the potential to play the role of a regional pole by becoming a centre of attraction for external private investments, delivering high growth rates remains a key challenge in order to reduce poverty significantly. It remains a least developed country (LDC). The consolidation of the rule of law based on a real separation of powers, the modernisation of the public functions and the fight against corruption and clientelism are essential in order to restore the trust of citizens in state institutions.

The National Indicative Programme for Senegal outlines the main focal sectors of the EU cooperation with the country during the period 2014-20 under the 11th European Development Fund.

The Country Strategy Paper (2008-13) and the National Indicative Programme for Senegal detail the priority areas for € 340.3 million of funding under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).

Specifically, assistance is aimed at developing regional trade through improving transport infrastructure at national and regional levels. It also promotes good governance. In addition, EU initiatives are helping to improve the supply of clean drinking water and provide project support to the sanitation sector.

Additional aid was committed for private sector initiatives, capacity building and technical cooperation. All EU programmes in Senegal address cross-cutting issues such as gender and the environment.