World Bank Approves $140 Million for Road Connectivity in Senegal’s Key Agricultural Areas

Dakar: The World Bank has approved a second additional financing of EUR 119.6 million, equivalent to $140 million, for the Republic of Senegal under the Enhancing Connectivity in the Northern and Central Agricultural Production Areas of Senegal Project. Mobilized through the International Development Association and complemented by a $2 million contribution from the Government of Senegal, this support brings the project's total investment to $470.8 million, directly benefiting about 570,000 people.According to World Bank, this financing consolidates the project's achievements to date, including the construction and upgrading of 414 kilometers of roads with enhanced resilience features and improved access to socioeconomic services for 350,000 people. It will extend these results to two key economic corridors linking Koussanar to Koumpentoum and Tambacounda to Dianké Makha, where agriculture and livestock are the main sources of activity. By facilitating access to production areas, markets, and community infr astructure, the project is expected to foster new job and income opportunities, particularly for youth, women entrepreneurs, and actors in agricultural value chains. Aligned with Senegal Vision 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025-2029, it supports more inclusive, resilient, and job-creating territorial growth.When a road connects an agricultural production area to an urban market, it does more than shorten a journey: it helps farmers get more value from their harvests, women entrepreneurs reach new markets, and communities access greater economic opportunities. It also improves access to schools, health centers, and other essential services, thereby accelerating the human development of the communities it serves. This is the momentum that this financing aims to support, said Djibrilla Issa, World Bank Division Director for Senegal, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia.The project is structured around three areas. The first focuses on the construction of 171 kilometers of paved roads and 104 kilometers of laterite tracks, with integrated climate-resilience features. The second will finance community infrastructure within five kilometers of the roads constructed, including agricultural processing platforms for women, storage facilities, market areas, water points, and school and health facilities. The third is dedicated to strengthening the institutional capacity of stakeholders in road safety and road asset management through training and the acquisition of management and control tools that meet international standards.By connecting about 221,000 people along the two new corridors to regional markets and essential services, this second additional financing will help strengthen local economic dynamics and facilitate the integration of rural producers into more efficient value chains, in line with the AgriConnect initiative. Implementation is entrusted to the Road Works and Management Agency, under the supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure.