Senegal Roundup: Food security, foreign visits, 100 days in power

Workers are processing cashew nuts at a cashew nut factory in Kollam, Kerala, India, on April 25, 2024. Kollam is renowned as the Cashew Capital of the World, as the district is the largest processed cashew exporter globally. Currently, 80 percent of India's export-quality cashew kernels are being prepared in Kollam. The district has been holding the title of the cashew capital since the 1930s. Kollam district is also considered the center of the cashew industry in Kerala, as it is primarily concentrated in this area. (Photo by Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto)NO USE FRANCE

Source: X07413

Cashew export

Senegal's cashew export season has started with 2,000 tonnes from Guinea-Bissau, indicating growth in West Africa's cashew export industry, Bulkmaterialsinternational reports.

First 100 days in power

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s new 44-year-old president, has prioritised audits of public finances and minerals contracts. All Africa reports that he has also implemented measures to attract capital and ease rising living costs. A $750 million Eurobond was issued to meet government financing needs ahead of the start of oil and gas production this year.

German Foreign Minister visits

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. She expressed concern about the population in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Baerbock called on the military governments of these countries to protect the population from violence in the fight against Islamist militias. Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are important partners for Europe in West Africa, according to Deutsland.de.

U.S. visits

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell visits Ghana, Gabon, Senegal, and the UK to strengthen partnerships on democracy, security, and economic growth. Mirage News reports that he will also focus on environmental and sustainable management practices in Gabon's rain forests and discuss pressing global challenges with senior UK officials.

Food security

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Senegal have partnered to implement a new programme to improve food security and resilience for smallholder farmers. The €27.8 million Food System Resilience Programme aims to reach 600,000 participants, focusing on the western, Niayes, and southern regions of the country. The programme will address the underlying causes of food crises and work to prevent food insecurity on a regional scale. It will also contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, zero hunger, and climate action. Miragenews reports that this partnership is part of IFAD's continued investment in rural development in Senegal, which has directly benefited over 667,000 rural households.

Wonder Hagan