In line with the implementation of the Senegal 2050 forward-looking vision, COSEC is increasing its initiatives through structuring programs by supporting development strategies that contribute to the promotion of more competitive local projects at the level of regional growth centers. While awaiting endogenous sustainable development, the Northern region, rich in exceptional agricultural, pastoral, and fisheries potential, making it a lever for the country's food security and economic competitiveness, faces numerous constraints. Due to persistent challenges such as the lack of modern infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and vulnerabilities linked to climate change and food insecurity, its significant potential remains partly untapped. It is to help remove these obstacles that the COSEC, faithful to its statutory missions of logistical support, support for the competitiveness of shippers and promotion of export sectors, initiated an important day of mobilization and consultation around high-impact projects, in particular within the framework of its CSR mission, notably in fish farming, with the promotion of pilot ponds in several localities, the strengthening of local capacities, with young people and women trained in modern fish farming techniques as well as in support of health and logistics infrastructure, in connection with the development of the northern corridor.

  

It was in the commune of Méry, located in the Podor department, in the heart of the Senegal River Valley, a region symbolizing vitality, innovation, and hope, that this day of the Senegalese Shippers' Council (COSEC) was held, in partnership with IPAR, which was distinguished by the strong mobilization of stakeholders. In the presence of administrative and territorial authorities, institutional and technical partners such as ANA, ADL, SAED, PNA, and IPAR, as well as local associations, women's economic interest groups, sector presidents, young entrepreneurs from the region, and community leaders, not to mention the mobilization of the populations of Méry and elsewhere.

In her speech, the Director General reaffirmed COSEC's commitment and determination to be at the heart of the economic and social development of the territories, by contributing to the creation of sustainable jobs, the promotion of local sectors and the reduction of regional inequalities. This, in accordance with the Senegal 2050 Vision, championed by the President of the Republic and translated into action by the Prime Minister and his government, which aims to build a sovereign, just and prosperous Senegal, based on the sustainable development of local resources and the reduction of territorial disparities where each territory becomes a center of growth and opportunity.

A perspective for the northern region with exceptional agricultural, pastoral and fishing potential, partly unexploited due to persistent challenges noted around a lack of modern infrastructure, post-harvest losses and vulnerabilities linked to climate change and food insecurity.

"It is precisely to help remove these obstacles that COSEC initiated this outreach day. The approach aims to strengthen the competitiveness of local sectors, create added value at the territorial level and promote the logistical and economic integration of areas with high potential, such as the river valley, and bring our services closer to economic players," said Ndèye Rokhaya Thiam.

In his opinion, the meeting held in the northern territory pole is part of the continuity of an approach of proximity, listening and action, faithful to the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the COSEC. In the sense that it allows to consolidate the achievements of past interventions, such as those of November 2024, and to project structuring initiatives for the future.

As part of its 2024 interventions, COSEC supported the milk, onion, okra, meat, and fisheries sectors, two women's economic interest group unions (Podor and Dimat), a local fishing committee, a young farmers' union, and a business. 2025 was marked by the consolidation of achievements, through feedback from beneficiaries. Stakeholders shared their views on the development of key infrastructure, including projects to install heavy-duty truck stations in Matam and Rosso, as well as storage and conservation areas along the northern corridor.

Another highlight is innovation in fish farming, with the creation of pilot ponds in Orndoldé, in the Kanel department, Méry and Médina Ndiathbé, in the Podor department, as part of the "One Home, One Pond" project initiated by the Convergence des Soubalbés. This is in addition to raising awareness of solutions through IPAR to reduce post-harvest losses, improve competitiveness and combat fish pollution caused by immigration, which leads to poverty and socioeconomic challenges. In addition to strengthening institutional, technical and community partnerships for local sectors, support for health infrastructure has resulted in the donation of medicines to two health districts with three health posts: Méry, Mbolo-Birane and Médina Ndiatbé and four other health posts in the Podor health district.

To support the population during this difficult time of river overflow in the valley and on Morphile Island, in conjunction with the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, COSEC has donated more than 200 life jackets. These actions reflect COSEC's commitment to supporting communities in strengthening community health and social resilience.

Positioning the day as a platform for motivating collective commitment, Ndèye Rokhaya Thiam launched a call for action, solidarity, and innovation. In this regard, she called for a decisive mobilization of stakeholders to transform the potential of the river valley into a model of inclusive and sustainable transformation, serving Senegal and the Africa of tomorrow.