Arlington, VA – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Senegal’s national utility – Société Nationale d’Electricité (Senelec) – for training that will help bring power to 440,000 people in rural communities using American technology. USTDA made the award to support Senelec’s investment in power grid technology supplied by Illinois-based Weldy Lamont Associates, which will carry out the training program.
“This grant demonstrates a commitment to support Senegal’s investment in American power grid technology,” said Todd Abrajano, USTDA’s Chief Operating Officer and Head of Agency. “With USTDA’s help, Weldy Lamont overcame formidable global competition to win this contract, and this project will have a significant impact on the professional development of the Senelec’s staff.”
Senelec’s procurement of Weldy Lamont technology will be financed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States and is expected to support approximately 500 U.S. jobs across 10 States.
“For the past 75 years, Weldy Lamont has brought the best of American innovation to its clients, and our partnership with Senegal expands our commitment as a company to improving and sustaining quality of life around the world,” said Patrick Hennelly, President, Weldy Lamont Associates. “We are especially thankful to USTDA for playing a decisive role in helping our company compete and win on a difficult global stage. We now look forward to helping Senegal electrify many more communities and enhancing the knowledgebase of Senelec’s field crew.”
“USTDA’s support combines infrastructure development with human resources development in a critical sector, ensuring the sustainability of the energy equipment that will be installed with reliable and safe operation,” said Senelec CEO Papa Mademba Biteye.
“USTDA’s support illustrates the vibrant, mutually beneficial partnership between the American and Senegalese people. The grant strengthens our ties in the crucial energy sector. It also helps Senegal reach its goal of universal electrification,” said U.S. Ambassador to Senegal Tulinabo S. Mushingi.
“This project is a significant win for both our great American exporters and workers across 14 states, as well as the United States and Senegal,” said EXIM President and Chairman Kimberly A. Reed. “EXIM and the entire Trump Administration are committed to the goals of Prosper Africa – to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and Africa – and this project demonstrates that commitment.”
This project supports the U.S. government’s Power Africa and Prosper Africa Initiatives.
USTDA’s grant signing ceremony with Senelec can be viewed here.
Photograph courtesy of Weldy Lamont Associates
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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries.
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