Building capacity for employment impact assessment and policy simulation techniques in Senegal

DAKAR, Senegal (ILO News) – In March 2023, the Agence de Gestion des Routes (AGEROUTE) of the Infrastructure Ministry, the Youth Ministry, the UCAD university and the National Statistics Agency welcomed the STRENGTHEN2 team in Dakar. The mission enabled the national side to identify and formulate a request for capacity building in employment impact assessment and policy simulation techniques in Senegal.

© STRENGTHEN2/ILO

In response, S2 organised a first training on employment impact assessment in September 2023. The workshop was actively attended by 26 participants representing 9 administrations and institutions. Following this training, AGEROUTE submitted a written request for further training on the ‘Input-Output’ method. The STRENGTHEN2 therefore organized an additional training in Ziguinchor on 30 July 2024.

The primary objective of the training was to re-enforce technical capabilities by spending more time on practice. The training started with a theoretical review of IO fundamentals, and was then followed by intensive applications and simulations of investment policies. At the end of the training, the participants were able to acquire and develop a number of techniques for assessing the impact of development programmes on employment.

However, it was noted that additional trainings would be necessary, particularly for the new participants coming from companies. These additional workshops should focus on how to apply the models, how to identify and obtain the necessary data, and how to formulate policies with the active involvement of companies.

The mission was also a good opportunity to meet with the mayor of Coubalan, Mr. Mamadou Lamine Sora, who was instrumental in mobilising companies and resource people.