Souveraineté économique : Pourquoi le Sénégal doit urgemment recenser sa diaspora
Long considered a discreet pillar of the national economy, the Senegalese diaspora is now emerging as a strategic player in development. Yet, behind the acknowledged importance of financial transfers, a major challenge remains: the effective management of data concerning Senegalese living abroad.
Invited on the program "Jury du Dimanche," migration expert Ibrahima Kane emphasized that "the diaspora constitutes one of Senegal's main economic drivers, but the lack of accurate statistics still prevents the strategic exploitation of this potential." In a context where migration is becoming an economic, diplomatic, and political lever, Senegal's ability to obtain reliable data now appears as a matter of national sovereignty.
A large diaspora, but still difficult to quantify.
Estimates indicate that several million Senegalese live outside the country, spread across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other African nations. However, these figures remain approximate due to the lack of a consolidated and up-to-date statistical system. According to the expert's analysis, "this statistical weakness limits the ability of public authorities to precisely identify the professional profiles, sectors of activity, and areas of residence of expatriates." A better understanding of this data would, however, allow for more effective guidance of investment policies.
Financial transfers, a pillar of economic resilience
The diaspora plays a crucial role in the country's stability. Remittances are a vital source of income for many families and support key sectors such as housing, healthcare, and education. Institutions like the World Bank regularly highlight the significant impact of these flows on the national economy.
However, as Ibrahima Kane points out, reducing the diaspora to its financial contribution alone is a narrow view. According to him, "the diaspora also represents a reservoir of skills, expertise, and diplomatic influence that remains largely untapped." The implementation of an integrated statistical tracking system would, in particular, facilitate the return of talent and stimulate innovation. The expert thus emphasized the need to create digital tools to connect these skills to national economic needs.
The diaspora, a lever of international influence
Beyond the financial aspect, Senegalese communities abroad contribute to the cultural and diplomatic influence of Senegal.
They play a key role in promoting the national image and developing international partnerships. In an era of global competition for talent, the structured mobilization of this vital force could strengthen the country's strategic position.
Mastering the figures therefore goes beyond mere statistics: it is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at transforming migration into a lever for sustainable development. As the guest on the Sunday Jury program emphasized, Senegal's ability to better structure and mobilize its diaspora will be one of the major pillars of its diplomatic assertiveness in the years to come.
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