Between a continuity in a political policy of a party in power and an innovative and inclusive break, what should be done to vitalize the economic office of the Senegalese embassy in the United States of America and allow it to succeed in its mission? For the Senegalese that I am, living for more than thirty (30) years in the United States and more particularly in the metropolitan region of the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia), I remain convinced that the economic office of the embassy must be deeply rooted in the promotion of the economic interests of Senegal. It must also establish valuable and innovative connections and partnerships within the local communities of the fifty-two (52) States of the Union, without forgetting the senatorial and congressional authorities.
Promote and strengthen economic relations
The United States of America, as the world’s leading power, with a dynamic economy and diversified industries, can be a robust and exciting trading partner. To take advantage of this environment, the economic office of the Senegal Embassy should focus on strengthening economic relations and cooperation in the investment and export sectors. By actively collaborating with local businesses, chambers of commerce, economic and financial development agencies and institutions. The economic office must identify synergies and opportunities for beneficial collaboration both for Senegal and for its partners in the West African sub-region.
Spread information about Senegal
The Washington DC metropolitan region is renowned as a zone of influence and “lobbying” for the American federal state, the Senate and Congress, but also for the Bretton Woods institutions. The economic office must exploit, in an intelligent and targeted manner, various channels to disseminate precise and convincing information on investment opportunities in Senegal. Targeted awareness efforts, including media outings, cultural events on Senegal as well as educational seminars. All this communication will highlight the teranga (Senegalese hospitality), the democratic and inclusive governance of our political system without forgetting its economic stability. By highlighting the positive attributes of Senegal, the office should aim to create a favorable perception that would strengthen the attractiveness of the country for investment and business partnerships.
Defend Senegal’s position
The DMV region is a crossroads of international diplomacy and trade, making it an ideal platform to defend Senegal’s interests on the global stage. The economic office must actively engage with the country’s policy makers, local think tanks as well as the human resources of the Senegalese diaspora in North America, to explain and defend Senegal’s strategic position as a gateway to the African continent. Indeed, with the Atlantic Ocean, which is in fact a border between Senegal and the United States of America, the economic office must exploit this natural fact to make it a preferred destination for tourism and foreign investment. Through strategic partnerships and advocacy campaigns, the office must promote policies and initiatives that support the innovative and transformational agenda of the new ruling regime.
Mobilizing the Senegalese diaspora
With a large Senegalese diaspora community in the United States, the economic office should work to highlight the importance of engaging and empowering members of the diaspora as actors in Senegal’s development. Through targeted outreach events, lobbying opportunities, and capacity-building programs, the office should foster a sense of belonging and encourage members of the diaspora to actively participate in joint projects and initiatives that can advance Senegal’s economic interests. By tapping into the talents and resources of the diaspora, the office should be able to strengthen ties between Senegal and its diaspora while promoting inclusive economic growth.
In short, my vision for a successful economic office is based on proactive engagement, strategic communication and meaningful partnerships that promote the achievement of the mission entrusted to it. By adopting this vision and leveraging the host country’s strengths, the office could help position Senegal as a dynamic and attractive destination for investment, trade and international partnership opportunities.
