Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, aimed at strengthening Senegal’s economic diplomacy and continental influence.
Among the key discussions was a meeting with Rodolphe Saadé, head of CMA CGM, focused on the development of the deep-water port of Ndayane and its special economic zone, which Senegal hopes will become a major logistics hub on Africa’s Atlantic coast.
He also met with Thierry Déau of Meridiam to discuss new infrastructure projects linked to the Senegal 2050 Vision. In another major diplomatic engagement, Faye met with Emmanuel Macron to discuss bilateral cooperation and global issues.
During a panel on sport and development alongside William Ruto and Duma Boko, President Faye promoted sport as a driver of economic growth and social transformation, highlighting preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event to be hosted in Africa.
Discussions in Nairobi also covered debt management and development financing, including talks with Kristalina Georgieva on energy costs and economic reforms.
Senegal also received renewed support from the West African Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
President Faye further co-chaired a blue economy round table with the Mauritian Prime Minister and met with Azali Assoumani to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Private sector engagements included discussions with Danone, Laiterie du Berger and NBA Africa on investment, agriculture and the possible return of the Basketball Africa League to Dakar.
