The General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) recently concluded its national economic empowerment campaign, carried out from September 24 to October 11, 2024. This initiative aroused notable enthusiasm, with the submission of 59,766 projects totaling a demand of 60.9 billion FCFA. Among these proposals, 48,074 complete files were selected, highlighting the challenges linked to administrative formalization and eligibility criteria.
With an initial budget of 5 billion FCFA, the DER/FJ ultimately financed 8,667 projects for a total amount of 5.6 billion FCFA, thus exceeding forecasts. This financing is divided into two main categories: micro-credit for projects requiring less than 2 million FCFA, and nano-credit for amounts between 50,000 and 500,000 FCFA. This distribution made it possible to reach 534 municipalities across 46 departments, demonstrating a desire for territorial equity.
The digital sector has benefited from particular attention. Startups such as Paps, Socium, AfricaMobile, Kalispot and Sotilma were supported, illustrating the potential of technology companies to drive economic growth and address the country’s socio-economic challenges.
Since its creation, the DER/FJ has set up several programs to support Senegalese startups. Among them, the LionsTech Invest program, in partnership with the French Embassy, with a fund of 2 million euros, aims to unite the Senegalese tech ecosystem and facilitate access to financing for startups. In addition, initiatives such as PAVIE (Project to Support and Valorize Entrepreneurial Initiatives) and PAAICE (Support Program for Industrial Acceleration, Competitiveness and Employment) support digital transformation and industrialization. .
-For the year 2025, the DER/FJ plans to finance 15,000 micro-enterprises with a forecast budget of 11.3 billion FCFA. It also aims to formalize 10,000 micro-enterprises and strengthen the capacities of 10,000 beneficiaries through targeted training. Particular emphasis will be placed on good payers in order to facilitate their access to the Very Small and Medium Enterprises (VSME) window, thus allowing them to gain momentum.
These initiatives are part of the vision of the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), aimed at promoting competitiveness and strengthening Senegalese economic activities. The DER/FJ, in collaboration with various partners, continues to play a central role in the economic transformation of Senegal, creating inclusive opportunities for youth and women across the country.
