Senegal’s president highlights country’s strengths in Berlin talks

The President of Senegal is in Berlin this week, where he is meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to strengthen economic ties between Dakar and Berlin. On Monday, Bassirou Diomaye Faye took part in a German-Senegalese economic forum, where he outlined the country’s “unstoppable progress” and why foreign investors should look to Senegal.

Speaking to a room of business leaders and policymakers, Faye emphasized the rapid improvements in Senegal’s business climate, its ongoing efforts to fight corruption, and the introduction of new legal frameworks designed to streamline trade. Among these reforms is a new investment code and a revised customs code, both aimed at “cutting through red tape” and making business easier for international companies.

Why Senegal stands out in West Africa

Faye also highlighted Senegal’s stable political environment and deep democratic traditions, positioning the country as a “gateway to over 300 million consumers” in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and an even larger market of nearly 1 billion people across the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The president drew attention to Senegal’s untapped natural resources, including newly discovered oil and gas fields now in production, as well as critical minerals such as phosphate, iron, gold, zircon, and significant uranium potential. He also pointed to Senegal’s young and dynamic workforce as a key advantage for foreign investors seeking skilled labor.

A strategic partnership with Germany

Germany, facing a growing labor shortage, is increasingly looking to train and attract skilled workers from Senegal and other African nations. Faye’s visit comes at a time when German businesses—particularly in the energy sector—are eager to expand their footprint in Africa’s most stable democracies.

Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently completed an assessment of Senegal’s economy, noting its resilience despite a challenging global environment. The IMF welcomed Senegal’s commitment to “a new supported program”, though the initiative remains a point of debate within the country’s leadership.