As part of its common strategy, the EU-Africa partnership views relations through an innovative approach by considering Europe and Africa a single continent, determined to work together to tackle the global challenges with which they are faced.

An open political dialogue

Governed by the Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou in June 2000, and reviewed every 5 years, relations between the EU and the ACP [African, Caribbean and Pacific] partners allow for regular political dialogue to take place between the EU and the countries’ authorities where they are represented.

Dialogue focuses on issues of common interest not only at national level, but also at regional, continental and international levels. Its objective is to contribute towards peace and security and it aims to promote a stable and democratic political environment.

The exchange of views within the framework of this dialogue makes it possible to evaluate the partners’ progress with regard to respect for human rights and basic freedoms, democratic principles and the rule of law, and the transparent management of public affairs.

After the West Africa region, the EU is Senegal’s biggest trading partner. In 2014, 40.96 % of trade was with the EU, while Senegal’s two other major trading partners, Mali and Nigeria, respectively represent 14.5 % and 11.64 % of trade.

An increase in trade between Senegal and the EU has been observed since 2009, both at import and export level.

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)

There is significant potential for increasing Senegalese exports to the European market, judging by the balance of trade between Senegal and the EU.

Within this context, the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) could help Senegal to better take advantage of its potential, by contributing to its sustainable economic and commercial development. The implementation of such an agreement will enable Senegal to pursue its economic emergence.

The EPA between the EU and West Africa, represented by the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] and WAEMU [West African Economic and Monetary Union], aims to strengthen regional integration and to better respond to the challenges of trade globalisation which ACP countries face.

The partnership agreement in the fisheries sector

The current fisheries partnership agreement concluded between the EU and Senegal covers the period from 20 November 2014 to 19 November 2019, and is renewable by tacit agreement for periods of 5 years.

In accordance with this agreement, 38 EU ships, primarily targeting tuna, have authorisation to operate in the Senegalese Exclusive Economic Zone, in return for the payment of total financial compensation to the amount of approximately EUR 14 million for the next 5 years.

Further information

In accordance with Senegal’s development strategy, the 11th European Development Fund is contributing to the development of a sustainable and inclusive economy. Notably, three areas of focus have been chosen for the period from 2014 to 2020:

1. Strengthening democratic governance
2. Sustainable agricultural development
3. Food security, water and sanitation.
4. Support for civil society is another priority area of cooperation.

The total allocation from this 11th EDF for Senegal is 227.6 billion CFAF (EUR 347 million) divided into two phases: the first National Indicative Programme (NIP) covers the 2014-2017 period with a budget allocation of 131.1 billion CFAF (EUR 200 million). The second phase is scheduled for 2018 to 2020. 

Sustainable agricultural development and food security

50 % of the working population are employed in agriculture, and this sector represents the third largest budget heading in terms of public investment (13 % of expenditure). However, the sector only represents 7.1 % of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Support from the backers of funds like the EU should contribute towards establishing the infrastructure (roads, facilities, storage, energy) and inputs necessary (in terms of technical, environmental and management know-how and access to financing) to significantly increase the share of agriculture/sustainable livestock farming in GDP and strengthen food and nutritional security.

This will primarily involve:

• Improving preventative action and the response to food and nutritional crises;
• Improving the productivity of agriculture that is sustainable and resilient to climate change;
• Facilitating market access and food availability;
• Improving governance of the sustainable management of production factors and marketing of agricultural products.

Access to water and sanitation

The PEPAM (Programme d’eau Potable et d’Assainissement du Millénaire [Drinking Water and Sanitation Millennium Programme]), set up by the Senegalese government, aims to improve access to drinking water and sanitation.

Access to drinking water and sanitation in rural areas is a sector that requires an enormous adjustment since the gap between town and country has a tendency to widen (78 % water access rate in rural areas vs 99 % in urban areas).

The sector has been receiving ongoing support from the EU since the 8th EDF. This commitment will continue over the coming years since the water and sanitation sector has been chosen as a third area of focus in the NIP under the 11th EDF. The sum of EUR 65 million, in the form of a gift, will be allocated by the EU to the Senegalese State during the 2014-2017 period.

This will primarily involve:

• Improving access and rectifying disparities in access to drinking water in rural areas;
• Improving access and rectifying disparities in access to proper sanitation systems;
• Ensuring the preservation of drinking water and sanitation infrastructure assets;
• Ensuring the establishment of a mechanism for the sustainable management of water resources;
• Putting in place the tools for sectoral governance in order to prepare the sector for a Contrat de Réforme Sectorielle (CRS) [Sectoral Reform Contract].