On September 30, 2026, Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye held a Council of Ministers meeting, where he emphasized the need for swift implementation of policies to address youth unemployment and socio-economic integration. The President instructed the Prime Minister to oversee the urgent deployment of the new National Employment Policy, which has already been validated. This move aims to create more job opportunities for young people in Senegal.

The new National Employment Policy is part of a broader effort to strengthen the participation of young people in Senegal's governance. On September 29, 2026, President Faye inaugurated the Conseil consultatif des Jeunes du Sénégal (CCJS), a new advisory body that will provide a platform for young people to contribute to policy-making. The CCJS is expected to play a key role in ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and their needs are addressed.

President Faye also stressed the importance of territorializing youth policies to ensure that they are tailored to the specific needs of different regions in Senegal. He called for a more inclusive approach to policy implementation, which would involve regular monitoring and evaluation. This approach is expected to help identify areas of improvement and ensure that policies are effective in addressing youth unemployment.

The President's emphasis on youth employment and socio-economic integration comes at a time when Senegal is facing significant development challenges. The country has a large youth population, with many young people facing difficulties in accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. By prioritizing youth employment, President Faye aims to address these challenges and create a more prosperous future for Senegal.

To ensure the effective implementation of the new National Employment Policy, President Faye has called for a permanent and constructive dialogue with young people. He wants to encourage young people to participate actively in policy-making and to provide feedback on the effectiveness of policies. This approach is expected to help build trust and ensure that policies are responsive to the needs of young people.

The President has also announced plans to establish an annual meeting with members of the CCJS, which will focus on evaluating the effectiveness of policies implemented to support young people. This meeting will provide a platform for young people to share their experiences and provide feedback on policies. By doing so, President Faye aims to ensure that policies are effective and responsive to the needs of young people.

Overall, President Faye's call for the swift implementation of the new National Employment Policy reflects his commitment to addressing youth unemployment and promoting socio-economic integration in Senegal. By prioritizing youth employment and engaging with young people, the President aims to create a more prosperous future for Senegal and to ensure that young people are able to reach their full potential.

Key points

  • President Faye urges swift implementation of new National Employment Policy to tackle youth unemployment.
  • The policy aims to create more job opportunities for young people and promote socio-economic integration.
  • President Faye inaugurates Conseil consultatif des Jeunes du Sénégal (CCJS) to strengthen youth participation in governance.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.