The Senegalese and Mauritanian governments have taken a significant step towards bolstering their partnership in the Senegal River Valley. On September 29, 2026, the two countries co-hosted the first meeting of the Regional Coordination Committee (CRC) for the Resilience and Community Development Program in the Senegal River Valley (PRDC-VFS). This program, funded by the World Bank to the tune of nearly 90 billion CFA francs, aims to enhance the resilience of communities and promote inclusive and sustainable territorial development in the concerned areas of both countries.
The meeting, co-chaired by Senegalese Minister of Infrastructure Déthié Fall and Mauritanian Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Mohamedou Ould M'Haïmid, brought together administrative and territorial authorities from Senegal and Mauritania, representatives of the World Bank, and national officials of the PRDC-VFS. The CRC's primary objective is to ensure effective coordination among stakeholders, foster synergies, and anticipate potential challenges in implementing the program. This initiative seeks to address common challenges faced by the region, including climate change, access to water, rural infrastructure, and economic integration of young people and women.
Minister Déthié Fall emphasized that the CRC meeting marks a crucial milestone in the program's implementation at the regional level. He highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among local authorities, state services, communities, and development actors in the Senegal River Valley. To achieve this, Fall announced plans to establish local cross-border cooperation groups, aimed at promoting proximity cooperation between the territories of both countries. This move is expected to facilitate the exchange of best practices, expertise, and resources.
Mauritanian Minister Mohamedou Ould M'Haïmid described the CRC meeting as a "decisive step" in enhancing cooperation between Dakar and Nouakchott. He stressed that the Senegal River Valley is a shared territory for livelihoods, production, and trade, facing common challenges that require collective action. M'Haïmid called for sustained joint efforts in irrigated agriculture, livestock, sustainable natural resource management, and the transformation and commercialization of agricultural products. He also underscored the need for effective coordination among different intervention levels to ensure the program's success.
The Resilience and Community Development Program in the Senegal River Valley (PRDC-VFS) is designed to address the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by communities in the region. By promoting sustainable development and enhancing resilience, the program aims to improve living standards, foster economic growth, and reduce poverty. The World Bank's financial support for the program demonstrates its commitment to regional development and cooperation.
The CRC meeting has provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and agree on strategies for effective program implementation. Participants reviewed the program's objectives, identified potential challenges, and outlined a roadmap for its successful execution. The committee's establishment marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Senegal and Mauritania, demonstrating their commitment to collaborative development and regional growth.
The strengthened partnership between Senegal and Mauritania is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of communities in the Senegal River Valley. By working together, the two countries can leverage their resources, expertise, and experiences to address common challenges and promote sustainable development. The PRDC-VFS program is poised to play a critical role in achieving these objectives, enhancing the region's economic prospects, and improving the well-being of its inhabitants.
Key points
- The Senegalese and Mauritanian governments have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trans-border cooperation in the Senegal River Valley.
- The Resilience and Community Development Program in the Senegal River Valley (PRDC-VFS) aims to enhance the resilience of communities and promote inclusive and sustainable territorial development.
- The program is funded by the World Bank to the tune of nearly 90 billion CFA francs.
