Senegal has officially launched the second phase of the Support and Promotion Project for Women’s and Youth Entrepreneurship Initiatives (PAVIE II), with a budget of €163.449 million. The program aims to create 92,633 new direct and indirect jobs, significantly impacting the country’s economy and the social well-being of thousands of Senegalese citizens.
This initiative not only focuses on the empowerment of women and youth but also promotes food sovereignty, a key pillar of the national development strategy “Senegal 2050.” The project plans to support 51,212 business initiatives, with 58% led by women and 56% by young people. With this, the program seeks to ensure inclusive participation and foster gender equality and youth employment in critical sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
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PAVIE II builds on the achievements of the first phase, which created 93,000 jobs and supported 24,000 entrepreneurial ventures. It also mobilized more than €100 million in financing, including €33.5 million from private banks. With the new phase, the combined impact of both stages is expected to generate a total of 185,633 jobs—40% for women and 70% for youth. This expansion in employment is crucial for reducing unemployment rates and offering sustainable opportunities to the country’s most vulnerable populations.
In terms of budget allocation, €91.463 million will be dedicated to job creation and agricultural production, while €45.732 million will support innovative small and medium-sized enterprises and digital solutions. The project will also integrate full digitalization of business processes, enhancing efficiency and expanding the reach of supported initiatives.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the transformative potential of PAVIE II in reshaping Senegal’s economy. He emphasized the drive toward economic independence and a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem. The AfDB’s contribution of over €74 million aligns with its Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), which places a strong focus on youth empowerment and strengthening Africa’s private sector.
The social impact of PAVIE II goes beyond statistics. Testimonials like that of rice farmer Tahibou Ba—who expanded his operations from two to 313 hectares thanks to program funding—underscore the tangible benefits of the initiative in improving lives. These success stories illustrate how access to resources and tailored support can turn small ventures into engines of economic growth and food security.
