Spain-Senegal Business Meeting
On March 25, 2026, the Spain–Senegal Business Meeting took place, bringing together institutional representatives and private sector leaders from both countries with the aim of strengthening economic relations and fostering new investment opportunities.
During the opening session, the President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, José Luis Bonet, highlighted that relations between Spain and Senegal have steadily consolidated over the years, positioning both countries as preferred partners. He also emphasized Senegal’s growth potential and stable business environment, underscoring initiatives such as the Africa Forward Alliance and the Spanish Horizonte programme.
For her part, the President of the International Relations Commission of CEOE, Marta Blanco, stated that Senegal represents a combination of strategy, opportunity, and challenges. In this regard, she highlighted the Senegal 2050 Plan as a roadmap for the country’s development, focused on industrialization and economic sovereignty, while encouraging Spanish companies to promote flagship projects in key sectors.
The President of the National Union of Chambers of Commerce of Senegal (UNCCIAS), Serigne Mboup, stressed that the meeting marked a step toward transforming bilateral relations into concrete actions, emphasizing the fundamental role of the private sector as a driver of economic development.
On the institutional side, the Director General for Economic and Commercial Intelligence, Juan Luis Gimeno, underlined that strengthening economic relations between Spain and Senegal is a strategic priority. He also highlighted the value of available financial instruments such as CESCE, FIEM, and COFIDES, which have contributed to the development of projects in sectors including healthcare, rural electrification, and agribusiness.
Meanwhile, the Director General of APIX, Bakary Séga Bathily, emphasized that Senegal is not seeking investors, but strategic partners, presenting the country as a regional hub with strong potential in sectors such as agribusiness, energy, infrastructure, and digitalization. He also highlighted the improvement of the business climate, political stability, and Senegal’s competitive advantages, including its geographical proximity to Spain and access to regional markets.
The meeting also highlighted the dynamism of the Senegalese economy, which has experienced sustained growth in recent years, with positive forecasts driven by strategic sectors such as hydrocarbons, mining, and information technologies.
Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, reaffirmed the commitment of the Spanish Government to Senegal’s development, emphasizing the improvement of the business climate and the role of the private sector as a reliable partner.
Finally, the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, called for the construction of a balanced relationship based on shared interests, highlighting opportunities in sectors such as fisheries, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism, and the agri-food industry.
Overall, the meeting demonstrated the strength of bilateral relations between Spain and Senegal and the wide range of opportunities to enhance economic cooperation, with the private sector playing a key role in consolidating this strategic partnership.