In a resolutely focused approach to local development and the resolution of critical issues, the Pan African Consortium of Experts (PACE) has established a strategic partnership with the Yoff City Hall, thus spearheading a bold and promising initiative. This collaboration is the result of a series of fruitful meetings and discussions between PACE and Mayor Seydina Issa Laye SAMB, aimed at identifying the municipality’s priority needs and creating a synergistic alliance to provide tangible solutions to the complex challenges facing Yoff.

In January 2023, PACE undertook a decisive visit to the Yoff City Hall. This meeting marked the beginning of a partnership that promises to catalyze development and improve living conditions within the municipality. Discussions between the two parties highlighted crucial areas requiring special attention. The themes addressed, ranging from capacity building for municipal officials to promoting entrepreneurship and youth employment, including local governance and taxation, education, local economic development, sanitation and public health, as well as culture and tourism, were carefully assessed.

This participatory and inclusive approach resulted in a consensus between PACE and the Yoff City Hall. Both recognized the need for formal cooperation aligned with a shared vision of improving living conditions and community development. This flexible partnership approach aims to highlight the respective expertise of both entities while fostering a joint commitment to common goals. These objectives include the establishment of a concerted roadmap for local development, as well as the implementation of concrete actions in crucial areas such as the environment, natural resource management, public health, education, and many others. At the heart of this alliance is a firm commitment to managing and improving the municipality’s sanitation systems. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code, the Yoff City Hall is committed to ensuring the proper functioning of sanitation infrastructure, preventing improper use of these systems, and promoting civic engagement through awareness-raising programs. Similarly, PACE is committed to providing its expertise to address sanitation issues and collaborating closely with the City Hall to achieve these essential objectives.

This partnership between PACE and the Yoff City Hall marks an important milestone in the journey toward sustainable and inclusive local development. By emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and concrete impact, this alliance promises to positively transform the lives of Yoff residents while creating an exemplary model of cooperation between a renowned think tank and a local institution. The future of the municipality of Yoff looks brighter than ever, thanks to this bold and visionary initiative, which bears the hallmark of PACE’s commitment to community progress.