Saint-Louis: The DER/FJ enrolls 725 beneficiaries for a funding of 72.5 million CFA francs

As part of its regional development strategy, the General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Youth (DER/FJ), currently on a national tour, stopped in Saint-Louis this Tuesday for an awareness-raising, enrollment, and funding distribution campaign. On this occasion, 29 groups, representing 725 beneficiaries, were targeted for a total funding of 72.5 million CFA francs.

Following its work in the Louga region, particularly in Kébemer, the DER/FJ is continuing its nationwide outreach tour to engage with local communities. The goal is to raise awareness of its support programs, including the "BE YES" program and "Nano Credit," while also facilitating access to financing opportunities for women and young people.

Present in the northern capital, the Director General of DER/FJ, Dr. Abdoulaye Niane, reaffirmed his organization's commitment to strengthening its field operations. According to him, this involves providing greater support to local entrepreneurial initiatives and contributing to the development of sectors with high growth potential.

“Our objective today is to enroll 29 groups, representing 725 beneficiaries. In terms of volume, this represents 72,500,000 CFA francs,” said Dr. Niane, specifying that this allocation constitutes a step in a dynamic that is expected to intensify.  

Fishing, agriculture and processing are at the heart of the priorities

Beyond supporting individuals wishing to launch their economic activities, the DER/FJ intends to focus its interventions on strategic sectors in the Saint-Louis region. Fishing is among the priorities, particularly through the processing of fish products and the marketing of fish.

In this context, the delegate general mentioned ongoing discussions with oil companies operating off the coast of Saint-Louis. The aim is to mobilize resources to support communities affected by oil and gas exploration activities.

"We have already started discussions and we are hopeful that, in the coming weeks or months, you will see funds allocated to support populations relatively impacted by oil or gas exploitation," he announced.

Agriculture is another key pillar of this strategy. In a region renowned for its agricultural potential, the DER/FJ aims to support rice value chains and horticultural activities. The objective is to strengthen local economic initiatives and promote income and job creation.

Cultural and creative industries, particularly artistic activities, are also among the areas of intervention envisaged by the structure.

Support included in the 2050 Agenda

For Dr. Abdoulaye Niane, this tour reflects a commitment to bringing financing mechanisms closer to the people and supporting the economic ambitions of women and young people. The head of the DER/FJ affirmed that his organization intends to remain alongside local stakeholders to contribute to the development of the national economy.

This approach is in line with the vision of the Senegalese authorities and with the guidelines of the National Transformation Agenda for 2050.

In Saint-Louis, this stage of the national tour reflects the stated desire of the DER/FJ to diversify its interventions, by combining support for small entrepreneurs and support for strategic economic sectors.

It now remains to deliver on the commitments announced, particularly in terms of financing and support for populations affected by the economic changes linked to the exploitation of natural resources.