Senegal builds momentum for green investment through national dialogue

As part of the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance project, Senegal convened a high-level national dialogue on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, to explore how Green Energy Zones can encourage the scaling up of green investment. Organised by the Climate Parliament and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with support from the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la  Transition Écologique., the event was held at the National Assembly in Dakar.   

The national dialogue brought together over 40 parliamentarians, investors, civil society organisations, and government representatives to ensure national policies aligned with the key stakeholders essential to delivering Green Investment Zones. 

It was a direct follow-up to the Green Investment Dialogue held in Morocco in June, which launched a conversation on strengthening public-private partnerships to unlock climate finance across Africa. This Senegal meeting moved that conversation into a national context, with a strong emphasis on policy alignment, investment readiness and cross-sector collaboration. 

A key part of the meeting was the presentation of a draft roadmap developed by the seven Members of Parliament who attended the regional dialogue. It outlines actions to align investment conditions with Senegal’s national energy goals. The roadmap sets out how Green Energy Zones, geographically defined areas designed to attract renewable energy and green industry investment can be developed and supported through legislative reform and stronger regulatory frameworks. 

The roadmap was reviewed during a dedicated feedback session involving 15 parliamentarians. This peer review is critical in shaping the political consensus and institutional buy-in needed to move from concept to implementation. 

The meeting also involved renewable energy and climate finance discussions. These practical considerations reflect a clear intention to ensure the process is not only participatory but also visible, accessible and impactful. 

As other countries prepare to host similar discussions, Senegal’s experience provides a promising model for aligning political will, private capital, and technical expertise in service of a just, green transition. 

Steering Committee Chairman Ayib Daffe, commented  “We must continue the dialogue between parliamentarians and investors on the issue of Green Energy Zones.” 

The Hon Oumar Sy, Chairman of the Committee on Land Use Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, Infrastructure, and Transportation, said “Private investment should be adapted to and implemented at the local level, both municipal and departmental in Senegal.” 

Professor Mouhamed Fadel Kebe of the Senegalese Renewable Energy Employers' Council (COPERES) added “The Parliamentarians for Climate Finance project is a strong signal of the private sector's commitment to low-carbon development that is also inclusive and socially equitable.”