The new Director General intends to strengthen the competitiveness of Senegalese companies, diversify exports and promote local products in international markets.

Amadou Diallo officially took up his duties as Director General of the- Senegalese Export Promotion Agency (ASEPEX) Thursday, 15 October 2026, following a service transfer ceremony at the institution's premises.

The meeting took place in the presence of several general managers, local elected representatives from the Kolda region, from whom the new head comes, as well as relatives, collaborators and sympathizers. Mayor of the municipality of Mampatim, Amadou Diallo intends to include its action in the guidelines of the National Agenda for Transformation Senegal 2050.

In his installation speech, the new Director General placed the competitiveness of national enterprises at the centre of his priorities. In particular, he stressed the support of small and medium-sized enterprises and industries (SMEs/MIPs), with the aim of strengthening their export capacity and facilitating their access to external markets.

It also wants to encourage local product transformation, the creation of added value and the emergence of new offers capable of meeting the requirements of international markets.

Amadou Diallo also stressed the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFTAAf) for the development of Senegalese exports. According to data from the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD) cited in his speech, 28.9 per cent of Senegal's exports were to the African continent in 2025, valued at CFAF 1,680 billion.

The new Director General intends to build on this momentum to help companies seize new opportunities beyond traditional business markets. West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The promotion of « Made in Senegal », respect for international standards and the strengthening of commercial diplomacy are also among the priorities announced.

The ceremony was also an opportunity for Amadou Diallo to thank his predecessor, Modou Mbène Guèye, for the work done at the head of the Agency. He said he wanted to pursue the gains while adapting the action of IASPEX changes in the economic environment.

Its roadmap includes increased cooperation with government, the private sector, financial institutions and diplomatic representations, as well as Senegal's increased participation in international trade meetings, including the Special Exhibition of Belgrade in 2027 and the Universal Exhibition of Riyadh in 2030.

Finally, the new Director General called on the Agency's teams to focus on accountability, transparency and performance in implementing its guidelines.