World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, has arrived in Dakar for a high-level working visit from August 4 to 8, 2026. The delegation’s agenda centers on deepening the strategic partnership between the World Bank Group and Senegal, focusing on the country’s core development priorities.

This mission unfolds against the backdrop of Senegal’s ongoing economic transformation drive, characterized by ambitious goals in industrialization, employment generation, infrastructure development, and investment mobilization.

High-level meetings with Senegalese leadership

During the visit, Ousmane Diagana is set to engage in comprehensive discussions with top Senegalese officials. The agenda spans key areas of cooperation, including national economic and social priorities, ongoing World Bank-funded projects, and strategies to strengthen institutional support for public policies.

The delegation will also interact with private sector representatives, technical and financial partners, and development stakeholders to foster collaborative solutions.

Strengthening a long-standing strategic alliance

The World Bank Group stands as one of Senegal’s foremost development partners, providing sustained support across multiple critical sectors:

• Infrastructure development to enhance connectivity and mobility;
• Education through skills training and institutional capacity building;
• Healthcare to improve public health systems;
• Agriculture to boost food security and rural livelihoods;
• Social protection for vulnerable populations;
• Energy access and renewable energy initiatives;
• Economic governance to improve transparency and efficiency;
• Private sector growth to stimulate innovation and competitiveness.

These interventions aim to drive more inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and build long-term economic resilience in Senegal.

Reviewing ongoing projects and new investment opportunities

The visit will include an assessment of current initiatives and exploration of future financing avenues. Discussions are expected to highlight reforms aimed at improving the business climate, encouraging private investment, and supporting job creation—especially for young people and women.

Aligning cooperation with national priorities

For years, the World Bank has collaborated with Senegal to implement transformative programs across key sectors of its economy. The institution’s support spans vital areas such as:

• Access to reliable electricity;
• Upgrade of road networks and transport systems;
• Human capital development through education and vocational training;
• Climate resilience and environmental sustainability;
• Modernization of public administration to enhance service delivery.

These areas form the cornerstone of cooperation between Dakar and the World Bank, reflecting shared commitment to sustainable and equitable development.

Key takeaways from the visit

• Ousmane Diagana’s official Senegal visit runs from August 4 to 8, 2026;
• The mission aims to reinforce the strategic partnership between the World Bank and Senegal;
• A series of high-level meetings will be held with authorities, the private sector, and development partners;
• Discussions will focus on ongoing projects, future investments, and the country’s economic priorities.