Senegal - Casamance Economic Development Project : Additional Financing

Overview & Synopsis

The development objective of the Casamance Economic Development Project for Senegal is to build inclusive local governance systems that deliver climate-resilient local services and infrastructure in targeted communities in selected fragile regions, specifically Casamance and Kedougou. The additional financing responds to persistent fragility, high poverty, food insecurity, and climate risks in the South and South-East territorial development poles, the return of displaced populations in Casamance, cost pressures linked to more complex rural road works, and the strategic opportunity to scale a proven local development platform into Kedougou while aligning with the Government’s territorial strategy and the AgriConnect Senegal Compact (AgriConnect). It will reinforce social cohesion and local institutions; expand the project’s geographic scope; and consolidate results by strengthening participation, inclusion of women and youth, and climate resilience. The Bank will work on: (i) local governance, citizen engagement, and civil registration and vital statistics to regularize legal identity through operational registry centers, staff training, and mobile registration in Casamance; and climate-resilient school infrastructure in Kedougou to replace temporary shelters and improve water, sanitation, lighting, and safety while enhancing social accountability; (ii) rural mobility through rehabilitation of climate-resilient feeder roads in Casamance, preparation of Rural Mobility Plans and critical point treatments in Kedougou, and maintenance via labor-intensive works; and (iii) productive infrastructure and livelihoods through rehabilitated irrigation and rice valleys, storage and processing platforms, and logistics links in Casamance, coupled with certified vocational training and dual apprenticeships, recognition of prior learning, and grants to community-based organizations with stronger market linkages and co-investment requirements, all prioritizing women, youth, and vulnerable groups. The project intends to improve access to markets and basic services, increase agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses, expand safe and inclusive learning environments, boost employability and job creation, crowd in private sector partnerships including through International Finance Corporation advisory support, and strengthen data-driven planning and knowledge sharing, while maintaining capacity for rapid response through a Contingent Emergency Response Component and contributing to long-term resilience and territorial development.