The prefect of the Mbour department officially launched the festivities marking the 100th anniversary of the municipality of Mbour. The celebration is focused on collective memory, social cohesion, and a vision for sustainable development. Through a program running until December 31, 2026, the municipal authorities intend to use this historic anniversary as a catalyst for citizen engagement and regional development.

At the launch ceremony, the centenary coordinator presented the timeline of the festivities, recalling the commitment of the historical figures who have shaped the town since its creation. From 1922 onwards, the growth of the population and economic activities led to the construction of the first major buildings, including the health center, the school, and the prison, thus laying the foundations for the town's development.

In a century, Mbour has experienced remarkable growth, increasing from 1,700 inhabitants to over 280,000 today, becoming the economic and social heart of the Petite Côte. This expansion has been based on a strong identity as a "mosaic city," marked by the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities, notably Serer, Soce, Toucouleur, Wolof, Lebou, and Lebanese-Syrian, illustrating a model of living together praised by the authorities.

The mayor of Mbour, Cheikh Issa Sall, who chairs the centenary steering committee, emphasized that this celebration aims to highlight the city's historical heritage while strengthening its unity in diversity and laying the foundations for its development in the coming century. The initiative rests on three main pillars: community mobilization, the promotion of cultural and economic heritage, and the development of major infrastructure projects and infrastructure.

The program of festivities includes several highlights. February will be dedicated to social cohesion and community spirit, notably with the Ramadan Fair showcasing local produce. In March, the women of Mbour will be celebrated through roundtables and exhibitions. April will be dedicated to youth, education, and sports, with job and entrepreneurship forums, excellence competitions, and sporting activities.

Social initiatives will also play a significant role, particularly in October with health, screening, and solidarity campaigns. The celebrations will conclude in December with a major arts festival, the publication of the Centenary Book recounting the city's history, and the development of a strategic plan outlining Mbour's direction for the next hundred years.

Beyond the festivities, the mayor emphasized the ambition to sustainably transform the city by modernizing sanitation, developing solar energy, digitizing municipal services, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure. The stated objective is to set Mbour on the path to becoming a "Smart City" while preserving its traditions and cultural identity.

The authorities also stressed the importance of preserving the seafront against coastal erosion and launched an international appeal for funding for projects related to the blue economy, in order to enhance the city's fishing and tourism potential while protecting the ecosystem.

An appeal has been launched to the diaspora, the private sector, and young people to actively participate in this transformation. Initiatives such as the creation of a centennial skills hub and entrepreneurship forums aim to make Mbour a true center of opportunity for future generations.

Celebrating a rich heritage and a history marked by cultural resistance and community solidarity, Mbour now aims to make this centenary the starting point for a new dynamic of development. For the municipal authorities, it is not only a matter of honoring the past, but above all of building the foundations for a second century of prosperity.