Long affected by conflict and fragmentation, the Casamance region of Senegal is forging a new path grounded in collaboration and local leadership. Peace is being established and families return to their homes, but infrastructure remains fragile and public services access is uneven. Thanks to technical cooperation from UNDP and financial support from Luxembourg, Denmark, and the Republic of Korea, Mayors across Casamance joined forces to exchange experiences and co-create practical solutions for inclusive governance.
A platform for local innovation
The Project to support local development inclusive development brought together leaders from various cities in the Casamance region of Senegal, including Bona, Vélingara, Kerewane, Medina El Hadj, Oulampane, Djibanar, and Boutoupa Camaracounda, to co-create solutions, sharing both tools and lessons learnt. Through peer learning, concepts like participatory budgeting and digital public services began to take root as a practical, local possibility.
Inspiring digital transformation
One example came from Djibanar, where an electronic tax system is already delivering results.
“The experience from Djibanar with the e-tax system opened our eyes. It showed us that digitalization is not a distant dream, but a practical local solution,” said El Hadji Oumar Kanté, a deputy mayor.
Communities are co-creating digital strategies for waste management, land governance, and public services, emphasizing the power of mutual trust and shared learning.
Inclusive governance where voices are heard
The shift is not just technical but also social. In Santhiaba Manjack and Sédhiou, for the first time, youth and women were included in public budgeting forums and decision-making processes.
“It’s the first time I feel like my voice matters,” said a young woman from Santhiaba.
By inviting youth and women into decision-making circles, a new era of inclusive local governance is unfolding. Public forums and budgeting sessions are now open to diverse voices, fostering a sense of empowerment and participation.
Building a new rhythm of local governance
The platform has led to more than new tools —it’s created a new governance culture: improved public services, clearer communication, reduced bureaucracy, and most importantly, a shift in mindset. Local government leaders are recognising the value of working together across political and geographic divides.
“Thanks to this platform, we are no longer isolated communes facing our challenges alone. We share ideas, mistakes, and successes. This is what collective innovation looks like,” shared Abibatou Diatta, Deputy Mayor of Sédhiou.
Bridging the future together
As local leaders formalize the initiative, support pilot projects, and ensure that no commune is left behind, and critically, connect and learn from one another, the vision of a progressive Casamance becomes increasingly tangible.
This gathering marks more than just a meeting. It’s the beginning of a renewed rhythm in local governance, where communities move forward with shared purpose and trust. Through collective innovation and inclusive governance, communities are evolving from isolated entities to engines of progress and social change.
Read the full story here: https://gpgs.exposure.co/from-isolation-to-innovation
