Senegal Signs €134 Million Deal with Italian Firm to Transform Agriculture in Casamance

Senegal Signs €134 Million Deal with Italian Firm to Transform Agriculture in Casamance

The Senegalese Government has entered into a transformative partnership with the Italian company Bonifiche Ferraresi International, signing a €134 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to revolutionize the country’s agricultural sector. This agreement is a major step in the implementation of the Diomaye Plan for Casamance, a long-term initiative designed to turn the Sédhiou region in southern Senegal into a thriving agricultural hub.

In a statement shared on social media, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock emphasized that this collaboration will play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity, livestock farming, and aquaculture, benefiting the local economy and communities. The project is expected to cover more than 10,000 hectares of land and focus on sustainable practices aimed at increasing self-sufficiency in food production.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock, explained that the partnership is crucial for reducing Senegal’s reliance on food imports. The country currently spends around 1,070 billion CFA francs annually on imported food, a burden the government aims to alleviate through this transformative project.

“This collaboration will directly contribute to our efforts to improve food sovereignty, create jobs, and build sustainable agricultural systems,” said Dr. Diagne. The project is expected to yield multiple socio-economic benefits, including job creation, particularly for women and youth, and the establishment of Community Agricultural Cooperatives (CACs) in the region. These cooperatives will empower local farmers and provide them with the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in a competitive agricultural environment.

In addition to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, the initiative will include the construction of key socio-economic infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities, and water management systems, which will benefit local communities. The project also aims to integrate modern technology and innovative techniques in agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock management to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability.

The Diomaye Plan is a key part of Senegal’s broader strategy to modernize its agricultural sector and reduce dependence on food imports, positioning the country as a leader in regional food security and agricultural innovation. With the backing of Bonifiche Ferraresi International, this partnership is expected to generate long-term positive outcomes for Senegal’s economy, agriculture, and rural communities, helping to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.

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