On 17 December 2025, Senegal reached a historic milestone by organising the first ever National Day of the Senegalese Diaspora. By officially recognising Senegalese citizens abroad as strategic partners in development, the authorities have opened a new era of national co-construction, in which the diaspora’s skills, investments and active citizenship will be key drivers of Vision Senegal 2050.

Senegal intentionally took a significant political and symbolic step by holding the inaugural National Diaspora Day, on 17 December 2025, presided over by Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Diakhare Faye. With the evocative theme of “The Senegalese diaspora, a lever for the country’s transformation”, the day officially and unequivocally recognises the central role played by Senegalese living abroad in nation-building. The initiative marks a significant shift in the relationship between the State and its diaspora. It demonstrates a clear political commitment to moving beyond viewing the Senegalese living abroad as merely financial contributors, and recognising them as genuine strategic development partners, fully integrated into public policies and the country’s long-term vision.

The President of the Republic of Senegal made it clear in his address that the Senegalese diaspora is not marginal or peripheral, but an integral part of the national community. The diaspora is a driving force, an economic pillar and a cultural, scientific and technical actor, as well as a showcase for national sport. Furthermore, it emerges as a dynamic extension of the Senegalese nation across the world. This recognition fully aligns with the National Transformation Agenda and Vision Senegal 2050– the strategic roadmap adopted by the authorities to build a sovereign, just, prosperous and united Senegal. Within this framework, the diaspora occupies a prominent place as both an active citizen and a means of mobilising skills, talent and resources. “I wanted to solemnly reaffirm the strategic importance I attach to our compatriots living abroad,” declared the head of State, emphasising the need to strengthen ties between the nation and its diaspora sustainably and to further integrate their aspirations into the design and implementation of public policies.

Clear-eyed assessment of the diaspora’s challenges

Beyond mere recognition, President Faye offered a candid evaluation of the challenges experienced by Senegalese living abroad. The major challenges identified were:

• access to housing, which has become a priority issue for many diaspora families;
• lack of reliable and accessible information on investment opportunities;
• delays in the issuance of administrative documents; and
• distance and poor accessibility of consular services.

Regarding housing, the head of State acknowledged the need for ‘appropriate and sustainable’ responses based on credible public policies, innovative financial mechanisms and strong partnerships capable of providing decent, secure housing that meets the expectations of Senegalese living abroad. Regarding consular administration, significant reforms were announced. Three clear objectives were set out: simplifying procedures, improving reception of users and ensuring the reliability of documents issued, particularly passports and consular cards. These reforms are expected to come into force in the near future.

Consular protection and human dignity: already reaffirmed as a priority

The Senegalese President emphasised the need to strengthen protection and assistance for his citizens living abroad, especially in the event of tragedies involving murder, human trafficking and trafficking. These painful and complex situations often leave families waiting for long periods to learn the fate of their loved ones. “Our consular protection and support system must be strengthened to ensure close follow-up of each case,” President Faye added, making the dignity and security of Senegalese abroad a moral and political imperative.

Implementing the technological New Deal is another key aspect of the renewed relationship between Senegal and its diaspora. Digital technology is expected to play a central role in bridging the gap between skills abroad and the country’s needs. “Digital technology renders distance irrelevant. The diaspora, already close to our hearts, is becoming even closer through its ongoing and tangible commitment to serving the country,” declared President Faye, expressing his ambition to make Senegal a true hub for brains and expertise, particularly in economics, finance, administration, science and technology. Digitalisation enables knowledge-sharing, remote expertise and support for public administrations, universities and businesses on a large scale, thereby strengthening the qualitative impact of the diaspora on national development.

Financial power in the service of economic sovereignty

The economic importance of the Senegalese diaspora is strikingly demonstrated by financial remittances, which reached an all-time high in 2024. According to BCEAO central bank data, these transfers totalled 2,211 billion CFA francs, up from approximately 1,600 billion in 2023, representing almost 12% of the country’s GDP. These financial flows now exceed official development assistance and rival the country’s main export sectors. They support household consumption, contribute to poverty alleviation and help maintain macroeconomic stability.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko refers to this diaspora as a “financial goldmine” and has called upon them to play a central role in financing Senegal’s economic sovereignty. With this in mind, the authorities have launched a strategy to channel part of these resources into direct State financing, notably through borrowing mechanisms designed specifically for the diaspora. The recent success of the third Public Savings Call (APE), which received subscriptions totalling 450 billion CFA francs against an initial target of 300 billion, illustrates the growing commitment of Senegalese living abroad to funding national development instruments. These ‘diaspora bonds’ provide the State with a stable source of funding while strengthening foreign exchange reserves and reducing dependence on international financial markets.

Towards integrated and sustainable diaspora governance

Building on this momentum, the President of Senegal announced the government-led launch of the Special Programme for the Support and Promotion of Senegalese Living Abroad. In line with the Senegal 2050 framework, the programme aims to promote integrated, sustainable and inclusive governance of the diaspora by strengthening support, assistance and protection mechanisms, and enhancing its economic, social and cultural contributions.

“The diaspora must no longer be viewed solely as a source of financial resources, but as a genuine strategic partner in building our shared future,” the head of State concluded, calling for greater engagement, stronger representation and support that addresses the challenges faced by Senegalese living abroad. By holding the first National Diaspora Day, Senegal is entering a new era of national co-construction, founded on trust and recognition, and the strategic utilisation of one of its most valuable resources: its diaspora.

Migration trajectories defined by success and excellence

Beyond statistics and public policies, the Senegalese diaspora is notable for the quality of its migration trajectories and the diversity of its achievements around the world. Present on every continent, its members excel in strategic sectors such as finance, medicine, engineering, higher education, scientific research, new technologies, entrepreneurship, sport and culture. Many Senegalese people now hold senior positions within international administrations, major corporations, prestigious universities and research centres. Others have established successful businesses that generate employment in both their host countries and Senegal, thereby promoting the circulation of capital, skills and innovation. 

This migratory success is rooted in deeply held values namely hard work, resilience, solidarity and a strong connection to the country of origin. Despite the challenges of integration, members of the diaspora have turned migration into an opportunity, becoming ambassadors for Senegalese expertise and image on the international stage. In academic and scientific fields, the diaspora plays a pivotal role in knowledge transfer, university collaboration and training the next generation. Through transnational professional networks, mentoring initiatives and institutional partnerships, the diaspora actively contributes to the strengthening of the nation’s human capital.

Sporting and cultural achievements also enhance Senegal’s international profile. Artists, intellectuals, elite athletes and cultural figures from the diaspora represent the nation with pride, thereby reinforcing Senegal’s soft power on the global stage. These successes, both individual and collective, bring the authorities’ ambition to life: to make the diaspora an economic lever and a strategic reservoir of skills, ideas and experience in service of the country’s structural transformation. They demonstrate that, rather than being a loss, Senegalese migration constitutes a significant development asset – provided it is supported, structured and fully integrated into public policy.