While Nigeria is still struggling to get decent power supply, Senegal is busy doing its own thing, building world-class facilities and behaving like a regional leader.

For instance, check out their new international conference centre, Centre International de Conférence Abdou Diouf (CICAD), that recently hosted no less than the fabulous Rihanna, as well as world leaders including President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Macron of France for a global educational conference earlier this year.

Senegal’s president Macky Sall is building a new, modern city outside of the capital Dakar to be the new engine of growth and development, not just for the country for the region, and the conference centre is part of that new city.

Because of its safety and security along with a beautiful new airport close to the centre, it makes Senegal an ideal place for regional conferences to be held. Governments need to invest in more of these types of infrastructure to invite jobs and opportunities for young people.

Conference centre pictures by: Emre Dörter