The African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) joins the Republic of Senegal in celebrating the 66^th anniversary of its independence this Saturday, April 4, 2026.

On this occasion, the Director-General, Dr. Coffi Dieudonné Assouvi, the staff, and all CAFRAD member states extend their warmest congratulations to His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic, Head of State, the Government, and the people of Senegal for their remarkable achievements and their unwavering commitment to sovereignty, governance, peace, youth, justice, and sustainable development, while wishing them a very happy National Day.

The Director General of CAFRAD extends his most respectful wishes for health, lasting peace, and prosperity to His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic, Head of State, praying to the Almighty to preserve him for the good of the Senegalese people.

This historic date stems from a series of events during the year 1960. Indeed, Senegal proclaimed its independence on August 20, 1960, withdrew from the Mali Federation (Senegal and French Sudan) on June 20, and signed the agreement transferring power with France on April 4, 1960. This is why this date was chosen for Senegal’s Independence Day.

Since independence in 1960, the “Land of Teranga” (land of hospitality in Wolof) has experienced stable and democratic political development, marked by peaceful transfers of power. Under the presidency of Léopold Sédar Senghor (1960-1980), the country built its institutions, followed by Abdou Diouf (1981-2000), Abdoulaye Wade (2000-2012), Macky Sall (2012-2024), and then Bassirou Diomaye Faye (since April 2, 2024, the date of his inauguration), consolidating a multi-party democracy. Economically, the country has moved away from dependence towards diversification, notably through tourism, fishing, and the recent exploitation of oil and gas, while simultaneously combating poverty and managing rapid population growth from 2.8 million in 1960 to over 19.3 million in 2026.

(Worldometer based on the latest United Nations data).

At the beginning of this year, the Republic of Senegal embarked on a massive investment recovery phase under the aegis of the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), aimed at modernizing the economy through the three-year plan 2026-2028, part of the “Senegal 2050” vision. This vision aims to consolidate the achievements of the first decade of the PSE while accelerating growth. As a CAFRAD member state, Senegal, in its “Senegal 2050” vision, places particular emphasis on the modernization, digitalization, and decentralization of its public administrations. It is working tirelessly to improve the quality of services provided to citizens in order to promote more transparent, efficient, inclusive, and accountable public institutions. Despite these significant and multifaceted advances, challenges remain in certain areas, such as job creation for young people, improvements in education and healthcare, and the equitable management of natural resources. Other challenges include cumbersome processes, persistent centralization, and the need for ongoing training for public servants. It appears necessary for the government to make strategic investments in human capital to better capitalize on its demographic advantage.

On the occasion of this national celebration, CAFRAD, the first training and research center in Africa, established in 1962, reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Republic of Senegal in its ongoing efforts to modernize its administration, transform its institutions, and promote good public governance.

CAFRAD welcomes the significant efforts made by the Republic of Senegal and expresses its hope that this beautiful country will remain a model of political stability, structural transformation of a growing economy through the development of special economic zones (e.g., Sandiara) for the local processing of natural resources, particularly critical and strategic minerals in the era of the dual digital and ecological transition and rising demand, data governance (Open Data), and modernization of the transport network, with a view to positioning Dakar as a logistics hub in West Africa. CAFRAD also appreciates its strong role in maintaining peace and resolving regional crises, as well as progress in political parity and the promotion of women’s empowerment for better inclusive and equitable education.

Happy Independence Day to the Republic of Senegal. This is a significant moment to honor history, freedom, and national unity. May this celebration bring peace, joy, and prosperity to all Senegalese.