A delegation of 34 Moroccan entrepreneurs arrived in Dakar this week to explore new business opportunities, aiming to strengthen the economic and trade ties between Morocco and Senegal.
Hosted by the Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (CCIAD), the mission reflects both nations’ commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across various sectors.
The CCIAD’s grand hall, a landmark in central Dakar, was adorned to welcome the visiting delegation on Tuesday.
Led by Said Dor, President of Morocco’s Souss-Massa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services (CCIS), the group has been in Senegal since Sunday, focusing on potential business ventures and economic collaboration.
In his welcoming remarks, CCIAD President Abdoulaye Sow expressed his enthusiasm for this visit, noting its special significance as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment agreement between Senegal and Morocco.
“Welcome to Senegal, the land of Téranga (hospitality),” he said, highlighting the successful cooperation between the two countries in sectors such as education, religion, infrastructure, fishing, healthcare, real estate, agriculture, and construction.
Sow underscored the importance of the recently launched Dakar-Agadir maritime route, calling it “a testament to the vibrancy of this partnership.”
He urged Moroccan businesses to invest more in Senegal as part of a “win-win partnership,” emphasizing the need to balance trade flows between the two nations.
Currently, Moroccan imports to Senegal amount to over 123 billion CFA francs, compared to approximately 20 billion CFA francs for Senegalese exports to Morocco.
“This partnership would benefit from greater balance,” he remarked, suggesting that Moroccan companies establish production units in Senegal and promote local exports.
Adama Lam, President of the Senegalese National Confederation of Employers (CNES), expressed the readiness of Senegal’s private sector to collaborate with Moroccan investors.
“Morocco has built a strong and diversified economy,” he said, encouraging the delegation to focus on “productive investments” in Senegal.
Said Dor, head of the CCIS, extended his gratitude to the event organizers and the Moroccan ambassador to Senegal, Hassan Naciri, for their support.
Emphasizing the shared heritage between Morocco and Senegal, Dor described the economic mission as a symbol of a mutual commitment to sustainable co-development.
“By bringing together economic actors from both regions, we are working to strengthen South-South cooperation,” he noted, addressing global challenges like job creation, innovation, and transitioning to an inclusive economy.
Sow highlighted Senegal’s position as a strategic hub in West Africa and emphasized the country’s improving business environment.
He pointed to the government’s recent efforts to make Senegal more attractive for investment, including the General Assembly on Industry and Trade held in October.
“The goal is to fine-tune strategies for a competitive business environment and to accelerate industrial and commercial development for national sovereignty,” he stated, adding that Senegal is aiming to implement a new industrial and commercial strategy by 2050.
Ambassador Naciri reassured Senegalese officials of Morocco’s intention to foster growth across all sectors, emphasizing the concept of “comparative advantages.”
He noted that “there are things that can be done in both Morocco and Senegal.”
Dor praised the commitment of King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, crediting their leadership as the driving force behind this dynamic partnership.
“Their enlightened vision is not only for the benefit of their people but also contributes to Africa’s global influence,” he said.
The Moroccan delegation includes real estate developers, service operators, and livestock importers, who will continue holding B2B meetings with Senegalese businesses.
Having visited the special economic zone in Diamniadio on Monday, they will engage in further economic prospecting activities throughout the week, before departing on Saturday.
