The implementation of the 2024-2029 cooperation program between the Belgian Development Agency (Enabel) and Senegal officially began on Monday in Dakar with the inclusive development of intervention and monitoring-evaluation frameworks involving over a hundred project implementation partners.
According to Enabel, “The 2024-2029 cooperation program aims to enhance sustainable and inclusive socio-economic opportunities for young people, women, and men, fostering human development in Senegal through two key projects. The first, titled ‘Sustainable Food Systems, Entrepreneurship, Employment & Decent Work,’ focuses on sustainable food sovereignty, socio-economic resilience, and climate change mitigation in the Sine Saloum region.”
The cooperation between Senegal and Belgium was further strengthened in March 2024 with the signing of a new agreement worth €40 million for the 2024-2029 period. The program aligns with Senegal’s national priorities outlined in the “Senegal 2050” plan, which seeks to improve socio-economic prospects for all.
A key focus of the initiative is increasing employment opportunities by promoting inclusive and gender-sensitive growth, vocational training, business incubation and acceleration, improving the business climate, and enhancing job hubs. As part of this effort, 2,500 women will receive support to establish or strengthen their entrepreneurial projects, while 3,000 businesses will be assisted in formalizing their activities.
Speaking at the launch workshop, Hannelor Delcour, Head of Cooperation at the Belgian Embassy in Senegal, highlighted that the program will also help improve access to essential services, particularly in the health sector, benefiting women, youth, and children.
“In the three regions of Fatick, Kaffrine, and Kaolack, healthcare services will be strengthened for three million people, focusing on adolescent health, care for victims of violence, children under five, and women of childbearing age. This includes operational and material support for healthcare institutions, enhanced training for medical staff, awareness campaigns for the population, and infrastructure development,” she stated.
Additionally, to support Senegal’s national health policy and expand social health protection coverage, the project will facilitate the extension of departmental health insurance units, aiming to provide universal health coverage to 1.5 million citizens.
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