The U.S. Government is celebrating sixty years of partnership and collaboration with the Government of Senegal through various activities highlighting the enduring relationship between the two nation’s citizens. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) is also marking its 60 years as a government agency dedicated to development cooperation with partner countries around the world.
USAID partners with individuals, communities and governing institutions so that they can eventually address their development challenges without USAID assistance. It is a long-term approach with a key objective to transition partner countries from recipients of U.S. foreign assistance to sustainable development and economic partners.
USAID has been working with the people of Senegal since USAID’s creation on November 3, 1961. From the start, USAID supported the newly independent Government of Senegal, providing guidance, expertise, and financial backing from the American people.
Over the years of partnership, USAID worked with Senegal to privatize rice and cereal markets, enabling the country to produce some of the highest yields of rice in the dry season in the world. USAID contributed to the construction of 250 additional secondary schools, exponentially boosting the number of graduates, including many of today’s political leaders. And USAID helped support Senegal’s introduction of major reforms in the banking sector, improving stability and risk management, and raising Senegal’s status as an international trading partner.
As Senegal has developed, the challenges facing the Senegalese government and its people have changed. USAID remains an important partner in the ongoing effort to fight poverty and promote resilient and democratic societies. The U.S. and Senegalese governments continue to improve lives by creating a healthy economy and jobs, increasing access to education and health care, and strengthening democratic institutions. And the bonds between the American and Senegalese people are stronger, deeper, and more promising than ever.
Throughout 2021, USAID will celebrate its partnership with Senegal through a campaign “USAID at 60 in Senegal” (#USAID60Senegal). Information and updates on the campaign will be available on social media platforms (Facebook , Twitter and Youtube) and at the USAID Senegal website.
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