Contribution to the regional development of the country

The project will significantly contribute to the development of the local business sector and the creation of new jobs. The new airports will thus not only contribute to better utilization of the existing economic potential, but will also help to activate new economic processes and projects. A wide range of Senegalese companies specializing in the areas of construction, transport and various types of services will participate in the implementation of the project. The project plans to employ local workforce during its implementation. Many of the local workforce involved will receive specialized training. The selected staff will be specially trained for tasks associated with the maintenance and operation of the airport facilities.

Project objectives

Project history

The project will significantly contribute to the development of the local business sector and the creation of new jobs.

The development of airport infrastructure is also closely linked to the growth of tourism, which is and should continue to be an important source of income for the Senegalese economy in the future. With its magnificent natural scenery and seven sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Senegal has enormous tourism potential.“

Saint Louis and Ourossogui-Matam airports are located in the northern (semi-desert) part of the country. The historic center of Saint Louis and the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (in northern Biffeche, north east of St-Louis) are featured on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ourossogui-Matam is situated in a quiet desert, but highly remote area, near the borders with Mauritania, which limits its further development.

Tambacounda, Kedougou and Ziguinchor airports are located in the southern (tropical) part of the country. Tambacounda is traditionally an important transport hub within Senegal, allowing connections between the interior of Senegal and Mali. Kédougou is a town situated in a region that bears the same name, where the city itself is unofficially referred to as the capital of the Senegalese mining industry and is also located to the nearby two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Niokolo-Koba National Park and Bassari Cultural Reserve (inhabited by the Bassari, Bedik and Fula ethnics). Ziguinchor is the capital of the Ziguinchor Region, and the chief town of the Casamance area characterised by fertile farmland and stunning natural scenery. For these reasons, a seaside resort was set up near Ziguinchor, in 1973, in Cap Skirring, which is very popular among European visitors.

Speaking of Saint Louis Airport, it is also worth mentioning that it was founded in 1927 and as such is older than many European airports. The airport was founded by Pierre-Georges Latecoere and his company Aeropostale, which developed air (especially postal) connections between Europe, Africa and Latin America. One of Aeropostale’s pilots securing the air links was the world-famous writer Antoine de Saint Exupéry.