On Friday, March 21, in Kompentoum, Tambacounda region, Senegal, the PROGRESS program (Programma di sostegno agli attori dell’Economia Sociale e Solidale) was officially launched. The initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy and supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), aims to strengthen Senegal’s social and solidarity economy sector.
The launch event was presided over by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, alongside Alioune Dione, Minister of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy, and Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarre, Minister of Vocational and Technical Training and government spokesperson. Representing Italy were Alessia Quartetti, Chargé d’Affaires of the Italian Embassy in Senegal, and Giovanni Grandi, Head of the AICS office in Dakar.
PROGRESS represents a new milestone in the collaboration between Italy and Senegal for economic and social development. Through AICS, Italy reaffirms its commitment to cooperatives, social enterprises, economic interest groups, and associations—key players in Senegal’s local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Senegalese authorities, through the 2025-2029 National Development Strategy of the Senegal Vision 2050 Agenda, emphasize the importance of financial and technical support for actors in the social and solidarity economy. This reflects the government’s awareness that inclusive development requires the active participation of all stakeholders.
Beyond their economic role—particularly in agri-food sectors—cooperatives, social enterprises, and associations play a crucial role in strengthening social cohesion. Their work directly contributes to improving the living conditions of communities across Senegal.
By investing in these economic and social actors, PROGRESS aims to foster a sustainable and inclusive economic model, further solidifying the long-standing partnership between Italy and Senegal.
