Senegal, is a country in West Africa, which got its name from the Senegal River that borders it to the east and north. The country is an independent country with a democratic government. Groundnut and Fish are mainly exported while agriculture and mining sectors are the most important sectors which act as a backbone in the GDP of the country. Dakar, the capital is located in the westernmost country.
Climate in Senegal is tropical with distinct two seasons: hot and winter. The dry season faces hot and dry wind whereas the months of December to February has an optimal temperature between 27 at the maximum and 18 at the minimum. The average annual rainfall is about 600 mm.
Music is very popular in Senegal, there are different forms of music for every occasion. The tama, another instrument is used by ethnic groups. Akon, very popular and platinum hip-hop singer is from Senegal.
Education in Senegal is very interestingly carried out on the basis of French system. It is differentiated in various stages. Primary education is free and compulsory in senegal up to the age of 16, in almost every area except in the Islamic area. Children at the age of 6 has to face exam if they want to study in their future. Secondary school competition is tough because the competition lies there as high as 80:1.
Students who are not getting admission takes vocational training in return for no-wage, but different agencies are trying to change this pattern of vocational education. There are 6 Universities in which tertiary education can be taken from. Tertiary education includes humanities, sciences, engineering, medicine, finance, accounting and law all are taught in French.
Prosperous Economy
The country’s market is based on agriculture. The agriculture faces interruption from the drought conditions which makes the economy into severe recession. The country is a member of West African Economic and Monetary Union and Organization of Business Law in Africa. Large quantities of rice are exported and the most important crops are millet and sorghum.
Investing Sectors in Senegal
Agriculture
Investment sector is one of the most suited sector to invest into, as the country’s climate is favourable for an off seasonal production. Agriculture contributes 12.5% of the total GDP as Senegal has got a total area of 240,000 hectares of irrigable land with a suitable climate. Several initiative were taken in order to experiment different product which has resulted in the reduction of the products like groundnut. Cherry, tomatoes, green bean mangoes and melons have been doing well in the area. As Europe and American country are close so it has a vast market for the production.as there is high dependence on the agriculture so the government is trying to attract the private sector in various areas in which processing, packaging and marketing of fruits and vegetables are to be taken out. Manufacturing of agricultural equipment can also be a vast area of investment.
Telecom
Liberalization has brought a vast difference in the telecom facilities representing 95% of the telephone lines. The users of mobile has increase vividly and the sales generated from that accounts for 7% of the total GDP. The broadband is also expected to see enhancement after the fibre optics submarine cables coming into the country. The telecommunication services of French is served by Senegal, and due to its proximity the government is trying to make Senegal a big market for telecommunication.
Mining
Mining in Senegal is yet unexplored and major innovation would be taking place after modern Law. So investing in this field which is unexplored will be something which will be very innovative and it will lead to discover many new things.
Tourism
Tourism is one of Senegal’s most vibrant sector in Senegal. Economy is enhanced by the tourism as 700,000 tourists visit every year. Senegal has a culture which is very much appreciated by the tourist. The government thinks the tourism as a sector to invest as it will increase the employment of the people, and increase in the betterment of land management the government wants to make Senegal a beautiful destination for the World tourist which in return will increase the economy of the country.
Infrastructure
Though the country is facing problems in infrastructure, it has made significant progress in some areas of its infrastructure, including the transport, electricity, water, and information-and-communication-technology (ICT) sectors. But looking ahead, the country faces important infrastructure challenges, including improving road conditions, boosting air and rail trafic, updating electricity infrastructure, and boosting the pace of expansion of the water-and-sanitation network. Senegal currently spends around $911 million per year on infrastructure, with $312 million lost annually to inefficiencies.
