During a meeting at the Matam regional stadium, Ousmane Sonko, national head of PASTEF list, presented his vision to transform the Matam region into a major industrial center and a modern agricultural hub. This ambitious project, which is part of its program for the anticipated legislative elections on November 17, aims to stimulate local development, reduce the rural exodus, and boost the economy of this region of northern Senegal.
Ousmane Sonko announced his intention to make Matam an “industrial hub” by locally transforming the phosphate extracted from Ndendory into fertilizer. He stressed that this project could generate 10,000 direct jobs, in addition to numerous indirect jobs linked to industrial facilities and the fertilizer production and distribution logistics chain. “The installation and development phase of the processing plants will create a unique industrial dynamic in the region and work opportunities for local youth,” he said.
Concerning the populations impacted by phosphate mining in the communes of Ndendory, Hamady Hounaré and Orkadiéré, Sonko promised that compensation will be done in a “fair and equitable” manner. He reassured residents that no injustice will be tolerated, and that the benefits of mining will directly benefit local communities.
In addition to his industrial ambition, Sonko insisted on the agricultural potential of Matam, which he considers to be the “first agricultural region of the country”. He is committed to modernizing the local agricultural program through financing, in order to optimize the region’s production capacities and improve the working conditions of farmers.
He also addressed the state of infrastructure in the region, mentioning several strategic projects such as the Dandé Mayo road, Souleymane Niang University, the new hospital, and the Ourossogui airport. He assured that these projects, temporarily suspended for control and evaluation reasons, will resume with substantial improvements to meet the needs of the region.
“We are going to do in Matam what no regime has achieved since 1960,” he declared, adding that this project could reverse the exodus of young people to Dakar and encourage sustainable and local development. This program, if carried out, could redefine the economy of Matam by integrating key sectors such as industry and agriculture, for the benefit of its inhabitants.
