Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has emphasized the need to establish a special fund to finance the country's artisan sector. During a recent Council of Ministers meeting, Faye highlighted the importance of facilitating artisans' access to the financial system. The President instructed the government to explore ways to set up the fund, integrating current state initiatives and mobilizing direct contributions from artisans.

The proposed fund aims to address the challenges faced by artisans in accessing financial services. According to the Council of Ministers' communiqué, Faye stressed the need to integrate existing state initiatives and artisans' contributions to ensure the fund's effectiveness. This move is expected to enhance the sector's growth and development. The President also emphasized the importance of modernizing infrastructure, equipment, and logistics for the Chambers of Crafts.

The Senegalese government plans to revitalize the artisan sector by repositioning it within the country's national transformation agenda. Faye instructed the government to deploy innovative projects and concerted reforms nationwide. This effort aims to promote the sector's growth and development, aligning it with the country's long-term vision, Senegal 2050. The President also highlighted the need for a general census of artisans and their adequate registration.

The census and registration of artisans are crucial steps towards professionalizing the sector. Faye noted that this would enable better facilitation of artisans' access to existing financing and support systems. The President also emphasized the importance of improving artisans' access to public procurement. This involves restructuring the activities of the Agency for the Promotion and Development of Artisanal (APDA) and the National Furniture Project.

The Senegalese government is committed to supporting the artisan sector through various initiatives. Faye's instructions to the government reflect the administration's efforts to promote the sector's growth and development. The proposed special fund is expected to play a significant role in enhancing artisans' access to financial services. The government's plans also include modernizing infrastructure and equipment for the Chambers of Crafts.

The establishment of the special fund is part of a broader effort to promote Senegal's economic development. The artisan sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, and the government's initiatives aim to harness its potential. By providing artisans with improved access to financial services, the government hopes to stimulate growth and job creation in the sector.

The Senegalese government's efforts to support the artisan sector have been welcomed by stakeholders. The proposed special fund and other initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on the sector's development. The government's commitment to promoting the artisan sector is seen as a step towards achieving the country's long-term economic goals.

Key points

  • President Bassirou Diomaye Faye calls for a special fund to support artisans' access to financial systems.
  • The proposed fund aims to address the challenges faced by artisans in accessing financial services.
  • The Senegalese government plans to revitalize the artisan sector by repositioning it within the country's national transformation agenda.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.