Senegal

The sustainable integration of young people into the economic and social fabric is by far the main challenge to be addressed massively and urgently by the governments of Sahel countries.

The issues of migratory pressure and the rise of violent extremist movements that Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and, to a lesser extent, Senegal are currently experiencing are largely the consequence of this very strong and pressing demand for social recognition, expressed by a large proportion of Sahel youth, struggling for their rights and in need of reassurance about their future.

There is no official training and qualification system for the trades and professional branches of the informal handicraft and agricultural sectors.

Swisscontact, with its project "Training and opportunities: improving the economic integration of young people and women in the Sahel" proposes to respond directly to the following challenges: employment or self-employment; the issue of socio-economic integration of young people; as well as food security. It aims to promote the introduction of innovations in vocational training and integration systems in Sahel countries (Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali), by supporting local and national public and private actors in the development of efficient vocational training systems adapted to market demand and local contexts: dual apprenticeship training in the craft industry and agricultural training through SIFA-type systems (Integrated Agricultural Training Sites). In the same vein, financial inclusion schemes for youth and women will also be supported.