After several weeks of touring the major European capitals, the ‘‘European Link Sunugal’ Tour concluded in apotheosis on 11 December 2024 in Offida, Italy. An unfailing link has been established between Italy and Senegal. The ceremony, which brought together elected officials, diplomats, entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora, highlighted the economic opportunities and possible synergies between the two countries. All were present to seal economic and solidarity partnerships between the two countries.

Link Sunugal: an investment opportunity
In the presence of an enthusiastic audience composed of the mayor of Offida and several high-ranking personalities, Mr. Ibrahima Badji, president of IBC INVEST, Paid tribute to the hard work of the organizers and thanked participants for their determination to strengthen economic ties between Senegal and Italy. Indeed, the Link Sunugal tour highlighted key economic issues for Senegal, particularly in the context of oil and gas spill-overs. Highlighting the central role of the Senegalese diaspora as a key player in this economic development, Mr. Badji highlighted the new business opportunities that are now opening up to Senegalese companies through this enhanced bilateral cooperation. The Link Sunugal tour is therefore a real platform for trade and investment, where concrete and lasting benefits for both countries are expected.

More than symbolic distinctions, a mutual commitment pact
At this Salon, Aliou Gning, mayor of Sandiara, was honored by Luigi Massa, mayor of Offida, for his leadership in the development of his commune. Abdou Karim Sy, mayor of Koki, was honoured by Mauro Broda, president of the International Consular Institute (ICI), in recognition of his role in promoting economic diplomacy and international partnerships. It should be noted that these distinctions, far from being honorific, reflect the commitment of both mayors to promoting inclusive and sustainable development. It was an opportunity for the two men to start business visits and partnerships with the municipalities of Offida and San Benito.

For inclusive and sustainable development
At the recent fair dedicated to social and solidarity economy, several strategic levers were highlighted to promote harmonious and inclusive development. Marketing in local languages is a good approach, because it allows for greater involvement of the population, especially women and young people. Education and civic engagement have also been identified as essential pillars for strengthening the economy. In addition, microfinance can become an effective tool for combating poverty and improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable segments of society, participants said. Cultural industries were also presented as a means of boosting the local economy while preserving cultural heritage. Special emphasis was also placed on diaspora investments, which represent vital support for small and medium-sized enterprises. There is also the need to take into account environmental issues for a transition to greener energy sources that create jobs, as Mr. Badji has argued.

Concrete partnerships for a future of solidarity
Good news came to this fair: the creation of a network of the Senegalese diaspora in Italy. This network will be chaired by Mr. Mamadou Faye and moderated by Ms. Nor Ndiaye. It will aim to meet the needs of members of the diaspora, including facilitating access to funding, health coverage, repatriation of remains or legal assistance. This initiative stems from the desire to strengthen the link between Senegalese living in Italy and their country of origin. This vision is shared by the mayor of Sandiara, who has a clear ambition: to raise his town to the rank of emerging city by 2035. In this context, he appealed to Italian investors to encourage them to seize the opportunities offered by Senegal.

The strategic triptych: Senegal – Italy – Moldova
This triangular partnership between Senegal, Italy and Moldova is supported by speakers such as Senesi Roberto. Due to some shared cultural and economic similarities, they intend to promote mutual and sustainable development between these three countries, with the key idea of a twinning between the municipalities of Offida in Italy and Koki in Senegal. This partnership represents a valuable opportunity to address pressing water, health and environmental challenges. This project, which is part of a triangular cooperation framework between Senegal, Italy and Moldova, aims to solve crucial challenges such as access to drinking water, health and environmental preservation. In addition, a prospecting mission conducted on Monday 16 December at the Monvimox plant, specialized in the processing of fishery products, illustrates the ambition of both mayors to diversify investments in their municipalities. This partnership could, in the long run, help modernize Senegal’s fishing industry while creating jobs for young people.

Link Sunugal: Meeting for Hope
At the end of the fair, Mr. Ibrahima Badji, president of IBC-Invest, urged participants to take action: turn the ideas exchanged into concrete initiatives to eradicate poverty and build a future of solidarity for future generations. He expressed the wish to see tangible results emerge before the next edition. The participants left this fair with a sense of optimism and determination, which will enable Senegal and Italy to consolidate a lasting strategic alliance. The Sunugal 2024 Link Show not only celebrated successes; it laid the foundation for strong economic and social cooperation between Senegal and its partners. The results of these initiatives will be eagerly awaited at the next edition.