The recent meeting initiated by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo with the national private sector marks a significant step towards a new era in public-private relations. CNES President Abdel Kader Ndiaye welcomes this move, which focuses on six key areas: government-private sector dialogue, domestic debt, business environment, territorial attractiveness, implementation of the Senegal 2050 Vision, and private sector involvement in catalytic projects. CNES expresses its full availability to support the concretization of this strategic vision.
However, for this dialogue to be productive, CNES insists that there must be absolute frankness about the issues hindering the country's economic fabric. The organization's adherence to the process is conditional on the immediate removal of bottlenecks blocking the development of Senegalese companies. Ndiaye emphasizes that the economy can only prosper in a climate of peace, stability, and predictability, which is currently lacking due to institutional tensions.
The CNES stresses the need for a durable apolitical environment between the executive and legislative branches to ensure the smooth implementation of economic reforms. Any institutional blockage around crucial reforms would fragilize the private sector, which requires a strong political cohesion to guarantee the execution of debt treatment plans. The rapid materialization of the Rectified Finance Law and the consolidation of the technical agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are national priorities that should not suffer from political inertia.
Apuring the domestic debt is a crucial aspect of Senegal's economic recovery. The accumulated unpaid debts of the state weigh heavily on the treasury of local companies and paralyze investment. While welcoming the government's commitments, CNES recalls that the rapid settlement of this debt is essential to inject liquidity and restore market confidence. The organization also calls for urgent measures to address the situation at the Autonomous Port of Dakar, which is plagued by arbitrary billing and unfair competition practices.
The CNES supports the government's initiative to promote economic patriotism through a new law but stresses that this text must clearly define the legal status of national companies to better valorize and strengthen them. This clarification should be accompanied by the full application of local content in all strategic sectors, which is a prerequisite for the massive and effective participation of the private sector in major projects under the 2050 Agenda.
The organization also highlights the need to correct the imbalance in public procurement, which currently favors external companies, with national companies only capturing 30% of contracts. The National Regulatory Commission for Public Procurement (ARCOP) must play a more effective role as a regulator to address this issue. Furthermore, CNES emphasizes that two transversal priorities must structure the exchanges: professional training to align skills with real market needs and financing to enable companies to invest, innovate, and face international competition.
The CNES, representing the interests of Senegalese employers, is ready to co-construct the Senegal of tomorrow based on an equitable, transparent partnership focused on unlocking the country's productive potential. The organization calls on the government to work together to address the challenges facing the economy and create an environment conducive to growth and development. By working together, Senegal can overcome its economic challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Key points
- The CNES calls for institutional calm and private sector engagement to drive Senegal's economic reforms.
- The organization emphasizes the need to apure domestic debt and address the situation at the Autonomous Port of Dakar.
- The CNES supports the promotion of economic patriotism through a new law and stresses the importance of professional training and financing for Senegalese companies.
