Dakar, July 1, 2014:  Senegalese Budget Minister Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé lauded “exceptional” U.S. development assistance to Senegal at the 2013 Joint Portfolio Review with USAID held in Dakar.

The meeting was co-presided by U.S. Chargé d’affaires Sandra Clark and Minister Cissé, who noted that U.S. support for Senegal has increased significantly, from over $24.5 million in 2001 to more than $111 million last year.

“The contribution of the United States of America is much appreciated – and even exceptional for a bilateral partnership in the implementation of Plan Sénégal Émergent,” Minister Cissé said, referring to Senegal’s ambitious new economic growth strategy.

Chargé Clark in turn applauded “the strong and sustained collaboration between USAID and the Government of Senegal that yielded measurable, meaningful development results.”

“Together, we can help develop a more vibrant economy and responsive social services to improve the quality of life so that all people can look forward to a brighter future,” Chargé Clark said.

At the annual recapitulation of technical, administrative, and financial aspects of U.S. development assistance to Senegal highlighted successes in Health ($57 million), Economic Growth and Agriculture ($20 million), Water and Sanitation ($8 million), Education ($23 million), and Good Governance ($3 million). 

USAID Senegal Mission Director Susan Fine and Senegal’s Economic and Financial Cooperation Director Mamadou Moustapha Ba, as well as representatives of other concerned ministries, also took part in breakout sessions that evaluated the year’s successes and the challenges that remain as the U.S-Senegal partnership moves forward.

“Senegal is also one of USAID’s success stories when it comes to Global Health, the President’s Malaria Initiative, and good governance,” Ms. Fine said.  “We are happy to say that your success is our success.”