Senegal

Senegal belongs to the group of least-developed countries. It is ranked 157th of the 177 countries on the UNDP human development index (2005 figures). The population of almost 11 million, with a per capita GDP of USD 634, has a life expectancy of 56, higher than the average for sub-Saharan Africa (46.1). The literacy rate among Senegalese adults is 39.9% (29.2% for women and 51.1% for men), lower than the rates for these groups in similar countries (sub-Saharan Africa 60.5%, 2005 figures). The same applies to the gross school enrolment rate, which was 80% in 2005. In 2004 the proportion of the population living below the poverty line was put at 54%.

The main macroeconomic indicators point to a broadly healthy economy, in particular a low inflation rate, a sustainable budget deficit and outstanding public debt reduced to 17.1% of GDP thanks to Senegal's reaching the HIPC completion point and the G8's initiative to cancel multilateral debt. Over the period 2001-2005 Senegal's GDP grew by 4.7% on average, still insufficient to reduce poverty by much.

However, economic activity dipped in 2006 and growth was estimated at 2%. This slow-down in growth was mainly attributable to difficulties in the energy and chemicals sectors following the surge in oil prices. The outlook for 2007 looks better as long as the macroeconomic framework remains under control and the government fulfils the undertakings it made under the PRSP.

The Senegalese government has drawn up a poverty reduction strategy (PRSP II), which sets out its medium-term priorities. This strategy will include an Accelerated Growth Strategy (AGS), designed to achieve economic growth of over 7% a year. Senegal's development strategy is also evolving within the framework of the guidelines laid down by NEPAD, of which Senegal was one of the founders.

The overall objective of the Community's cooperation strategy is to support implementation of the second PRSP, namely: (i) reduce poverty through strong, balanced and better distributed growth; (ii) facilitate access to basic social services; (iii) offer protection, especially to the most vulnerable groups, against social risks and disasters; (iv) promote good governance and the rule of law. Implementation of the AGS is the key to achieving the first objective (or pillar) of this strategy.

The programmable 10th EDF allocation (A envelope) is €288 million. The two focal sectors of Community support under the 10th EDF are regional integration and trade, and sanitation. General budgetary support is planned and will account for 52% of the National Indicative Programme.

Non-focal sectors, migration issues, governance, cultural actions and other areas may enjoy Community support. Environmental and gender issues are considered to be crosscutting elements of this strategy and will be taken into account during the identification and implementation of specific actions.