On the eve of the 138th edition of the Marian pilgrimage of Popenguine, scheduled for May 23-25, 2026, the National Bank for Economic Development (BNDE) paid a courtesy visit to Bishop André Guèye, in order to reaffirm its support for this important spiritual event in Senegal.

Placed this year under the theme: "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God", this 138th edition of the Marian Pilgrimage of Popenguine 2026 brings together each year thousands of faithful from all over the country and the sub-region in a spirit of faith, sharing and communion.

True to a tradition established in 2014, the year of its creation, BNDE is once again partnering with the organizers of this major religious event. On this occasion, the Bank has renewed its significant act of solidarity by providing thousands of bottles of water as well as hundreds of t-shirts and caps for the pilgrims who will be walking under the Popenguine sun.

Beyond its economic mission, the BNDE also intends to fully play its social and civic role. Through this support, the banking institution reaffirms its commitment to the values of peace, dialogue, and national cohesion embodied by this pilgrimage, which has become, over the years, a powerful symbol of Senegalese unity.

The meeting between the Bank's officials and the Archdiocese of Dakar was also an opportunity for the Director General of BNDE, Mr. Mamadou Faye, to present the institution's mission, its shareholders, and its ambition to become the leading bank in Senegal.

For his part, Bishop André Guèye praised the numerous actions undertaken by the Bank in support of the Church and communities. He specifically mentioned BNDE's ongoing support through twelve editions of the Popenguine pilgrimage, its assistance to the Diocese of Ziguinchor, its participation in the World Youth Days of the Archdiocese of Dakar, and its contribution to the completion of the Saint John the Baptist Parish in Niakhar.

The Archbishop of Dakar also invited the Bank to further strengthen its support for the Church, before closing the ceremony with prayers offered for the BNDE and all its staff.

Since its creation in 2014, BNDE has pursued its mission of supporting the economic and social development of Senegal, with the ambition of contributing sustainably to job creation and the prosperity of communities.