Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has allocated a concessionary loan of AED53m ($14.44m) in Senegal’s National Road No.2 (Ndioum – Ourossogui – Bakel) project.

The National Road No. 2 development runs along the valley of the Senegal River, and will directly impact 15% of the total Senegalese population - 2.15 million individuals across three administrative regions including Saint-Louis, Matam and Tambacounda

Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “The government of Senegal’s strategy articulates recovery, growth, long- term development and infrastructure investments as core priorities.” 

“ADFD earmarked AED53m to fund the development of the Ourossogui - Hamady Ounaré Road Section - one of four segments of the National Road No.2 initiative,” he said.

“The 50km long road section will directly benefit 600,000 residents. Furthermore, the overall project reinforces the Senegalese national strategy and will kick-start socio-economic growth in the country, specifically improving transportation infrastructure, reducing travel time and helping curb high vehicle repair costs as a direct fall-out of accidents on ill-constructed roads,” he added.

Pointing out that one of ADFD’s goals is to support governments in achieving their desired development objectives, Al Suwaidi highlighted the high agricultural potential of surrounding areas. 

He said the road will play a vital role in alleviating living standards for communities through enabling infrastructure that significantly eases movement of goods and people.

For his part, Mansour Elimane Kane, the Senegalese Minister of Infrastructure, Land Transport and Opening up, emphasised that the National Road No.2 project is in line with the Senegalese government’s strategy to enhance, boost and increase access to public services – notably through proper transport infrastructure. 

He added that residents in the area will enjoy greater access to social service facilities and employment opportunities, including careers in agriculture, moving and delivering crops and construction. 

He commended the close ties between the UAE and Senegal and praised ADFD’s efforts.

Since 1976, ADFD has allocated concessionary loans worth AED193m ($52.55m) to sustainable development projects in Senegal across key sectors – most significantly, health, transportation, agriculture and water.