UNIDO contributes to the first edition of the Invest in Senegal Forum  

The first Edition of the Invest In Senegal Forum (IIS) took place under the high patronage of H.E.M. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, from 6-8 July 2023 in Dakar. This event which will be a biennial event is devoted to the development of local and regional markets in a logic of integration and promotion of investment and trade opportunities of the private sector, to better grasp the advantages of the continental market (ZLECAF). 

During the plenary session, Mr. Christophe Yvetot, UNIDO Representative to the European Union contributed to the panel discussion on 'SEZ: a lever for industrialisation and the creation of value and productive jobs'. The panel addressed the question of the impact of SEZs in terms of job creation in the African context, trade and economic integration across Africa. The panel was moderated by Marie-Roger Biloa, Président of Africa International Media Group.  

In his talk, Mr. Christophe Yvetot underlined how SEZs can significantly influence growth, development, investments, job creation, and exports - both directly and indirectly where they succeed in building linkages with the broader economy. He further indicated that SEZ like Diamniadio Industrial Park, which was established with the support of UNIDO, can offer investors attractive administrative and financial conditions as well as a modern logistical infrastructure that facilitate the installation and  production processes. He said, “in addition, the ACP Investment Platform established by UNIDO with the financial support of the European Union and OACPS, helps mobilize local, regional and foreign investors who can then also benefit from the access to AfCFTA".   

Nearly 3,000 participants from more than 70 countries, including officials, investors, national and international private sector players, regional and international organizations participated in this forum.

UNIDO in the EU-Africa Business Summit  

The sixth edition of the EU-Africa Summit, organised by European Business Summits, took place in Brussels on 15 June 2023. Under the motto “Africa Europe: Re-energising a Common Future”, high-level representatives from the European Commission, leaders of the African continent, as well as delegates from the private sector and financial institutions, convened in Brussels for this summit. The event aimed to discuss how to accelerate opportunities and overcome challenges in trade and investment between the EU and Africa while fostering enhanced dialogue among stakeholders from both regions.  

Mr. Christophe Yvetot, UNIDO Representative to the European Union contributed to a panel on the role of SMEs in driving environmental transformation in global value chains. He underlined in his address that SMEs can establish clusters and together have better access to finance, technology, and international markets through global value chains. UNIDO has supported the development of clusters in many countries, including Senegal, with the support of the European Union through the Programme for the Resilience of SMEs. He said, “Many SMEs like Ecoplastile in Uganda are successful, but, at some point, their limited capacity and their size might become obstacles to their development. Partnership through clusters, including between African and European companies, can really make a difference and help SMEs reach another level”.