Guinea and Senegal have jointly embarked on a renewed path of cooperation aimed at building a robust South-South development model that prioritizes mutual growth and regional solidarity. This strategic partnership was reaffirmed on Monday by Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and his Senegalese counterpart Ousmane Sonko after high-level discussions in Conakry, Guinea’s capital.
The two nations have identified six primary areas for collaboration: mining, energy, infrastructure, fisheries, cultural exchange, and cross-border security. These sectors are seen as vital pillars not only for bilateral development but also for fostering broader regional integration across West Africa. A statement from the Guinean government emphasized that the agreement seeks to formalize and deepen sectoral partnerships that already show promising potential.
The announcement followed Prime Minister Sonko’s arrival in Conakry on Sunday, marking his first official visit to Guinea since assuming office. The visit underscored the importance both governments place on regional collaboration and solidarity in addressing shared challenges.
During the joint session, Sonko outlined the vision behind the initiative, calling for a transformative leap in cooperation. “Our aim is to initiate a shift—both in scale and substance—by combining our strengths and resources. This cooperation must move beyond symbolic gestures to yield measurable benefits for our people,” he said.
Sonko also stressed the essential role of unity among neighboring states. “Guinea’s journey is closely tied to Senegal’s, as well as to that of Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Mali, and the broader West African community. The issues we confront—economic disparities, insecurity, and underdevelopment—are far more significant than our political or historical differences, which are often exaggerated by outdated narratives.”
Echoing this sentiment, Prime Minister Bah reaffirmed Guinea’s commitment to strengthening ties with Senegal. He acknowledged that while the two countries have occasionally followed distinct historical paths, these differences have never hindered the shared aspirations of their people.
“There is an urgent need for both our countries to respond decisively to the developmental challenges we face,” Bah stated. “We must innovate, think strategically, and draw from successful global models to cultivate a region rooted in stability, prosperity, and unity.”
He emphasized that collaborative thinking and regional cooperation are essential to overcoming systemic underdevelopment and fostering peace and opportunity across borders. Bah called on leaders in West Africa to rise above narrow national interests and invest in long-term partnerships that can serve as a foundation for lasting progress.
This new chapter in Guinea-Senegal relations marks a significant step toward regional integration, with both governments pledging to move from dialogue to concrete action. By focusing on shared priorities and leveraging their collective strengths, the two nations aim to become a beacon of homegrown cooperation in the Global South.