The General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Youth (DER/FJ), in partnership with the Belgian development agency Enabel, officially launched the "Nataal Sine Saloum" project on Friday, April 10, 2026. This initiative aims to support 300 businesses, at least half of which will be led by women, in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, local processing, market gardening, and salt production. Khadidjatou Diop, the project manager, explained that "the goal is to support established leaders, accelerate their growth, and enhance their competitiveness," adding that 150 beneficiaries will have easier access to financing.

On the ground, more than 350 businesses have already been identified, according to Khadidjatou Diop. These businesses have a strong female presence and are predominantly in the agri-food and market gardening sectors. Ultimately, the program aims to generate 600 jobs and increase the revenue of the supported businesses by at least 20%.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Aïda Mbodji, Director General of the DER/FJ, stated that the Sine Saloum region represents a pool of untapped potential, despite its agricultural, artisanal, and fishing resources. The "Nataal Sine Saloum" project aims to unlock these opportunities, leveraging the DER/FJ's local presence and its network of departmental offices.

With funding of €500,000, the 30-month program also relies on increased private sector involvement. For Abou El Mahassine Fassi-Fihri, Enabel's country director, "the future lies with the private sector," with the ambition of supporting very small businesses in their growth so that they become true economic drivers. This comes in an international context marked by a decline in official development assistance (ODA), estimated at nearly 20% by 2025.

Thus, DER/FJ and Enabel are laying the foundations for a more inclusive entrepreneurship, capable of generating value and sustainable jobs at the heart of local communities. The Director General of DER/FJ affirms that this initiative is a continuation of the institution's work. Aïda Mbodj noted that more than 303,000 project leaders have already received support nationwide, with funding exceeding 208 billion CFA francs. "But beyond the figures," she emphasized, "it's about lives transformed and communities revitalized."

The “Nataal Sine Saloum” project is part of the bilateral cooperation between Senegal and Belgium for the period 2024-2029.