Since 2018, tensions between the United States and China have revolutionized the world economic landscape. Considerable customs duties, technological obstacles and industrial relocations redefine value chains. In this disturbed context, Africa is struggling to impose itself, although strategic possibilities are to be seized, especially for Senegal. The latter can be transformed into a land of reception for industries seeking stability and as an alternative outlet for Chinese products faced with Western restrictions.
This trade war is not limited to a duel between two powers. It symbolizes a reorganization of world industrial flows. Senegal is able to take advantage of this transformation, becoming a key actor in this new configuration. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko campaign in favor of industrial and technological sovereignty, stressing the urgency of an “African New Deal” to get rid of economic dependence.
Under the Trump administration, then with Biden, the United States multiplied the restrictions to slow down the industrial ascent of China, impacting businesses like Huawei. In response, many multinationals highlight a diversification strategy known as “China +1”, settling, for example, in Vietnam, India or Indonesia. Africa, strangely, remains behind in this movement.
Senegal, with its political stability, its access to the Atlantic and its ambitions, turns out to be an ideal candidate to attract these investments. His strategic vision “Senegal 2050”, recently mentioned by Bassirou Diomaye Faye, aims to set up the foundations of a logistics and industrial hub in West Africa. However, a rigorous and coherent implementation is essential to concretize these ambitions.
In Africa, some countries like Egypt and Algeria have already attracted massive Chinese investments. These initiatives show that Africa can be part of this global strategic game if it implements concerted strategies. China, seeking new economic allies, sees in Africa a potential partner to relocate certain production chains. However, Senegal must act with speed and vision to ensure a place among these economic partners of choice.
Historically, large periods of industrialization are frequently born from geopolitical crises. Senegal must therefore anticipate and adapt by establishing credible industrial ecosystems accompanied by special economic areas, incentive tax policies and qualifying industrial training. This model could be reinforced by a dedicated sovereign fund, based on future oil and gas revenues, to finance strategic industrial partnerships.
In summary, Senegal, under the direction of Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, has the opportunity to promote African industrial leadership based on sovereignty, innovation and the concrete implementation of its ambitions. As reported by our colleagues from South Daily, the desire to embark on this path seems to be the key to transforming intentions into tangible actions.
