Senegal and China sign several agreements and memorandum of understanding during an economic forum between them

Senegal and China signed several cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding on Sunday in areas including industry, infrastructure, housing, energy, and transportation, during an economic forum between the two sides hosted by the Chinese city of Hangzhou.

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said in his opening remarks at the forum that “Senegal’s development depends on a strategic partnership with the private sector, and China is a key partner in this ambition”.

According to the Senegalese government’s press office, Sonko called on Chinese economic actors to “invest in Senegal,” highlighting “the opportunities offered by its geographical location, institutional stability, and political will for state-led structural transformation”.

The forum brings together Chinese and Senegalese business leaders, investors, and government officials.

Sonko’s participation is part of an official visit to China, which he began on Saturday at the head of a ministerial delegation.

Sonko is also expected to participate in the Summer Davos 2025 Forum, which will be held from June 24 to 26 in Tianjin, northern China.

The forum is being held under the theme “Entrepreneurship in the New Era,” and is expected to attract approximately 1,800 participants from more than 90 countries and regions.

Official figures released by the Senegalese government indicate that trade between Senegal and China reached a record high in 2022, reaching $4.34 billion, a 14.8% increase compared to 2021.