Dakar, Senegal 24, January 2017- President Macky Sall of Senegal has stated that the Islamic Development Group (IsDB) is the leading development partner for Senegal.

President Sall stated this when the IsDB Vice President (Sector Operations), Dr. Mansur Muhtar paid him a courtesy call at the Presidential Palace in Dakar.

Mr. Macky Sall told the Vice President that IsDB has been supportive of Senegal by providing financing for several development projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people. He cited example with the New Dakar Express Railway Project, where IsDB provides 42% of the financing by allocating Euro 300 million for the project.

President Macky Sall added that the train project supported by IsDB shows that African countries are ready to stand on their feet, and work on projects that are technologically advanced. He assured IsDB that the government of Senegal will support the Regional Office in Dakar by providing suitable accommodation that befits the status of IsDB.

In his remarks, The Vice President (Sector Operations) Dr. Mansur Muhtar who represented the IsDB President Dr. Bandar Hajjar in the tour of West Africa, stated that Senegal is an important partner for IsDB, and expressed satisfaction with the visionary leadership of Senegal that is working hard to bring development benefits to the country. He particularly expressed his satisfaction with the effort of Senegal to ensure speedy implementation of projects.

He then explained the new strategic direction of IsDB under the leadership of Dr. Bandar Hajjar, who came up with the President’s 5 year Programme, in line with the 10-Year Strategic Framework of IsDB, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He told President Macky Sall that the cornerstone of the President’s 5-year programme is on improving results and development effectiveness of IsDB-supported operations; being more proactive, adaptable and responsive to the needs of clients; as well
as enhancing delivery through innovative approaches, partnerships and decentralization. He then thanked Senegal for its role in promoting regional cooperation and solidarity among countries in the region.

Dr. Muhtar further elaborated on the series of agreements signed with Senegal’s Finance Minister Mr Amadou Ba. The projects are worth US $92 million, focusing on malaria control and eradication, Islamic microfinance and (Waqf) endowment.

The IsDB Group delegation to Senegal include representatives of the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), International Islamic Finance and Trade Corporation (ITFC), Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Export Credits (ICIEC), and the poverty alleviation arm of the IsDB, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (IsFD).

Notes to Editor:
For information and media enquiries about this story contact:
Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u
Senior Communication Specialist
Email: myushau@isdb.org
Twitter: @jameelyushau
Tel: +966126466492