Bassirou Diomaye Faye seeks to open public procurement to Senegalese artisans
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Senego
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for a census of artisans and the restructuring of the Agency for the Promotion and Development of Crafts to make it easier for them to access public procurement. The measures, presented to the Council of Ministers on 28 October 2026, include consideration of a special fund to finance the sector, according to Senego.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye wants to make it easier for artisans to access public procurement and has called for the restructuring of the Agency for the Promotion and Development of Crafts (APDA) and the National Furniture Project. He presented his proposals at the Council of Ministers meeting on 28 October 2026, according to Senego.
The head of state also called for a general census and registration of artisans to support their professionalisation and access to assistance and financing schemes. He wants a special fund to bring together state initiatives and direct contributions from professionals. The prime minister is to organise an inter-ministerial council on the development of crafts before the end of 2026.
The National Furniture Project has begun work on creating a machining centre in Diamniadio, whose foundation stone was laid by Alpha Thiam on 24 September. The facility is intended to modernise production equipment and help artisans access public contracts. Woodworker Ndiouga Diakhaté, however, described the project as “suicidal”, reflecting reservations within the sector.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye also called for the modernisation of equipment and infrastructure at Chambers of Crafts, as well as the regularisation of land titles for sites in craft villages.
