Senegal Questions and Answers

Updated April 9, 2020

What will the Foundation’s focus be in Senegal through the Mastercard Foundation COVID-19 Recovery and Resilience Program?

The Foundation aims to support FORCE-COVID-19 by collaborating with the Ministry of Economy, Plan and Cooperation (an existing partner to the Foundation) on two pillars of the Senegal Economic and Social Resilience Program:

Reinforcement of the health system by providing support to the health sector in increasing preparedness for preventive measures.

• Supply of adequate Personal Protective Equipment and diagnostic tests to increase capacity of testing, protect health workers, and limit the spread of the virus.
• Support in preventive measures and awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas, to limit the spread of the virus in production areas that could negatively impact food security levels.

Macroeconomic and financial stability to support the private sector and maintain jobs by supporting MSMEs in priority sectors to sustain employment.

• Partner with selected financial institutions to identify and support not only the continuity of business, but also the development of MSMEs in food processing, the health sector, and technology to avoid layoffs and downsizing, and to meet the need for adequate protective equipment while working.
• Support MSMEs to access adequate funding, and business development services through technology platforms given the imposed restrictions.
• Support the agricultural sector impacted by a disrupted supply chain, and high volumes of imported goods.
• To position and promote the Senegal destination to potential investors as a response post COVID-19.
• Transform the in-person cash intensive distribution network into a cashless delivery platform by employing young people – who would be fully equipped and protected – to connect producers to consumers thereby limiting gatherings, providing access to basic needs, and keeping young people employed.
• Accelerate the programs on cereals self-sufficiency and value addition on raw materials in anticipation of shortages in imported products while promoting the consumption of “made in Senegal” brands.
• Promote and expand the use of hand sanitizers in retail shops and at points of sale.
• Use technology platforms to allow continuity in accessing training for employees who find themselves unemployed due to the pandemic.
• Support the education sector to accelerate the development of e-learning platforms for the delivery of classroom materials to young people who are restricted to staying at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Supply e-learning platforms with tutorials for teachers, students, and professionals on the use of digital systems and applications.