Commerce de proximité : L’ABDS plaide pour la modernisation et un meilleur accompagnement des boutiquiers
As part of its efforts to modernize the retail sector, the Association of Retailers of Senegal (ABDS) is continuing its national awareness campaign. This initiative, conducted from January 22 to February 9, 2026, allowed the association to meet with shopkeepers, local stakeholders, and residents in several regions, markets, and neighborhoods.
The ABDS thus intends to lay the foundations for an inclusive dialogue around the modernization of retail trade, a key sector for employment, social stability and economic development in Senegal.
According to its president, Alioune Bâ, this tour highlighted a widely shared reality: local commerce plays a central role in the national economy, but remains insufficiently taken into account in public policies.
"What we have seen and heard is clear: local businesses keep the country going, but they are still very often forgotten," he said.
Following this tour, the ABDS made three key observations. First, traders want to be heard more by the authorities. Second, they demand fair, clear rules that are applied equitably to all stakeholders in the sector. Finally, they ask to be recognized as genuine players in national economic development.
Alioune Bâ emphasized that ABDS is not engaged in a confrontational approach, but rather in a constructive, proactive one. The association stated its willingness to collaborate with the government, local authorities, and private partners to modernize, structure, and protect local commerce.
“We are not engaged in sterile protest. We are focused on making proposals. ABDS will remain steadfast, responsible, and committed to standing alongside traders and the people,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, the president of ABDS stressed that the shopkeepers met during the tour strongly emphasized two major concerns: lack of funding and insecurity.
Many traders have denounced the difficulties in accessing credit as well as the resurgence of burglaries and assaults.
Faced with this situation, ABDS is calling on the State to provide more support to shopkeepers by putting in place appropriate financing mechanisms and strengthening the security of local businesses.
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