Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko arrived in the United Arab Emirates on September 7, 2025, for a five-day official mission aimed at deepening cooperation between Dakar and Abu Dhabi.
Welcomed by Sheikh Shakhboot Al Nahyan and senior Emirati officials, Sonko’s visit is set to cover a wide range of strategic sectors, including the economy, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and security.
The Prime Minister’s discussions are expected to identify new avenues of partnership while consolidating existing collaborations.
“The goal is to combine technical expertise, innovation, and capital to strengthen our bilateral ties,” said a government source accompanying the delegation.
The UAE already has significant investments in Senegal, including DP World’s operations and the construction of the Ndayane deep-water port, making it a crucial partner for national development initiatives.
Sonko’s visit forms part of a broader diplomatic tour, following recent trips to China and Turkey, highlighting Dakar’s strategy of engaging major global economic hubs.
“Each stop adds a piece to the puzzle of national transformation,” analysts note, pointing to Senegal’s efforts to diversify international support and attract investment in key growth sectors.
Beyond economic and technical discussions, the mission also focuses on sustainable development, energy transition, and agricultural modernization—areas critical to Senegal’s long-term recovery and Vision 2050 objectives.
The Prime Minister’s itinerary emphasizes practical outcomes, aiming to translate diplomatic engagements into tangible projects that directly benefit citizens.
Following Abu Dhabi, Sonko is scheduled to travel to Italy on September 13 to meet with the Senegalese diaspora.
This European stop will focus on governance, economic recovery plans, and long-term strategies under the National Transformation Agenda.
Officials stress that engaging Senegalese abroad is essential to fostering both financial investment and civic involvement in the country’s development trajectory.
Observers describe the UAE visit as a strategic crossroads for Dakar.
By building partnerships across multiple global hubs, Senegal seeks to create a robust diplomatic framework capable of supporting sustainable growth, economic resilience, and social progress.
Analysts note that the success of this approach will hinge on the government’s ability to rapidly convert international agreements into actionable projects that improve the everyday lives of Senegalese citizens.
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