Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced plans to establish a special financing fund for the country's artisan sector. The move, revealed after a cabinet meeting on October 28, 2026, aims to make artisanship a key component of national entrepreneurship and economic transformation. According to a cabinet statement, the President has instructed the government to set up a special fund for artisan financing in the short term.
The proposed fund will integrate existing state initiatives and mobilize direct contributions from artisans to facilitate their access to the financial system. This announcement follows a meeting between the President and the heads of the Chambers of Crafts and their national union. During the meeting, President Faye praised the work of artisans and their commitment to Senegal's economic and social development.
President Faye reiterated his desire to make artisanship a cornerstone of national entrepreneurship, focusing on skills development, vocational training, job creation, and promoting "Made in Senegal" and "Consume Local" products. Beyond the creation of the fund, the President outlined a series of measures to structure and professionalize the sector, including a general census of artisans and their registration to facilitate their integration into existing support systems.
The President also emphasized the need to improve artisans' access to public contracts. To achieve this, he requested a complementary restructuring of the activities of the Artisan Promotion and Development Agency (APDA) and the National Furniture Project. Additionally, he instructed the government to strengthen and modernize the infrastructure, equipment, and logistics of the Chambers of Crafts.
The President also called for the regularization of land ownership for artisan villages. To ensure the implementation of these measures, the Prime Minister is tasked with organizing an inter-ministerial council on artisan development by the end of 2026. This meeting will define the necessary steps to modernize the sector and integrate it better into national development policies.
The planned special fund for artisans is part of a broader effort to boost Senegal's economy through entrepreneurship and job creation. The artisan sector is seen as a key area for growth and development in the country. President Faye's initiative aims to provide artisans with the necessary resources and support to contribute to Senegal's economic transformation.
According to Khadydja NDIAYE, the President's move is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many artisans in Senegal. The establishment of the special fund and other measures will help to promote the country's artisan sector and support the growth of small businesses.
Key points
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye plans to establish a special financing fund for Senegal's artisan sector.
