Joint USAID, Government of Senegal Portfolio Review for Effective Impact

The U.S. Embassy through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Senegal held a joint review of the USAID portfolio in Senegal on Tuesday, July 27, 2012 to assess progress and results achieved and discuss challenges ahead. 

 

This event coincides with the celebration of USAID's 60th anniversary in Senegal, so the review was an opportunity to celebrate some of the long-term impacts that USAID and the Government have achieved. While satisfied with the partnership, the review was an opportunity to discuss the major reforms that must be carried out to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. 

 

The review highlighted the alignment of USAID's programs with the Government's priorities, notably the economic recovery plan and the strategy for the training and integration of young people. It also highlighted what needs to be improved in the coordination and joint supervision of projects in order to strengthen accountability to the citizens of both countries.

 

The opening ceremony of this virtual review was co-chaired by the Minister of Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, Mr. Amadou Hott, and the US Ambassador to Senegal, Dr. Tulinabo S. Mushingi. Mushingi, in the presence of the USAID Director, Mr. Peter Trenchard, the Minister of the Emerging Senegalese Plan, the National Executive Secretary of the National Nutrition Development Council, the Director of Economic and Financial Cooperation (DCEF), and representatives of the various sectoral ministries that are USAID partners.

 

The joint annual review allows USAID and the Government of Senegal to take stock of the progress in the implementation of projects funded by the American people through USAID. 

 

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Mushingi stated that the Joint Portfolio Review is an illustration of a transparent partnership that promotes a vision of self-reliance and economic growth for Senegal. 

 

For his part, USAID Director Peter Trenchard recalled that the support of the American people is strategically linked to Senegal's development vision as presented in Senegal's Plan d'Actions Prioritaires, Ajusté et Accéléré du Sénégal (PAP 2A).  "Our activities also respond to the Emergency Youth Employment and Socio-Economic Integration Program implemented through our partnerships with line ministries, local authorities, the private sector and civil society".

 

This year's joint review provided an opportunity to showcase a productive and equitable partnership that is mutually respectful, continues to evolve and benefits both Senegal and the United States. 

 

Minister Hott took the opportunity to thank the US authorities for their continued efforts to support Senegal in achieving its development goals.

 

He pointed out that the cooperation between Senegal and USAID began in 1961 and events celebrating the 60th anniversary of USAID's presence in Senegal are being held this year. This long partnership confirms that USAID remains a privileged partner of Senegal in development cooperation.

 

Indeed, our bilateral partnership is in line with Senegal's goal of economic advancement by 2035 and is particularly active in the sectors of education, health, economic growth, and the promotion of democracy, governance, and peace, which are the three strategic axes of the  Plan Sénégal Emergent (ESP).

 

This review therefore provided an opportunity to take stock of the progress made thanks to significant USAID funding, particularly in the key reforms of the PAP 2A.

 

It should be recalled that USAID and the Government of Senegal, through the Ministry of Economy, signed four bilateral agreements at the beginning of the year for a total of 333 billion CFA francs (600 million dollars) as part of the new strategy for the next five years. 

 

USAID has built a strong reputation for its long-standing partnership with Senegal and long-term development efforts, working with citizens, communities, the private sector, civil society and governments to improve everyday life.

 

USAID's long-term goal is to support partner countries like Senegal in transitioning away from U.S. foreign assistance and becoming sustainable economic and development partners.