In a context where air transport plays a strategic role in economic development and regional integration, the Supdeco Dakar Group, through its Higher Institute of Transport (IST), organized an exceptional conference on the theme: “AIBD: A lever for economic transformation”»
The event was moderated by Mr. Cheikh Mamadou Abiboulaye DIEYE, General Manager of Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD SA), and brought together professionals, students and industry experts. The aim was to highlight the central role of AIBD in Senegal’s economic transformation and inspire the next generation of transport and logistics leaders.
Since its inception, IST has established itself as a key player in transport and logistics training in West Africa. With 28 years of expertise, the Institute accompanies strategic changes in the transport sector, with a mission to train leaders capable of anticipating and addressing economic and technological challenges.
By organizing this conference, the IST wishes to:
- Connect education and industry: Offer students the opportunity to interact with influential decision-makers such as Mr. Cheikh Mamadou Abiboulaye DIEYE.
- Stimulate strategic reflections: Explore the impacts of air transport on the economic and social development of Senegal.
- Strengthen its pedagogical commitment: Integrate current topics in the curricula to prepare students for the realities of the market.
A theme at the heart of economic issues
In his speech, Mr. Cheikh Mamadou Abiboulaye DIEYE detailed the ambitions and prospects of the AIBD, which are part of the vision of the Senegal Emerging Plan (PSE) :
- Turning AIBD into a benchmark air hub: With a projected capacity of 10 million passengers per year by 2035, AIBD aims to rival Africa’s largest hubs.
- Modernize regional infrastructures: The networking of Senegal’s 14 regional airports will unify regions and increase economic opportunities.
- Creating economic hubs around the airport: The AIBD Airport City project is designed as a growth engine, with commercial, industrial and innovative infrastructure.
- Adopt sustainable and innovative practices: The focus is on digitalization and energy efficiency, including a dedicated solar power plant.
- Le Directeur Général a souligné que l’AIBD ne se limite pas à être une infrastructure de transport, mais se positionne comme un catalyseur de transformation économique, sociale et environnementale.
Students at the heart of strategic thinking
The organization of this conference reflects IST’s desire to make its students engaged and enlightened actors. Through direct exchanges with leaders like Mr. DIEYE, they were able to explore key themes such as:
- The role of air transport in the economic and tourist attractiveness of Senegal.
- The opportunities offered by AIBD’s innovative projects for young talents in the sector.
- The challenges of sustainability and digitalisation in modern infrastructures.
A conference that inspires and mobilizes
The conference “AIBD: A Lever for Economic Transformation” created a bridge between the strategic vision of AIBD and the academic mission of IST. It reinforced the idea that air transport, beyond its logistical role, is a lever for growth and innovation for Senegal and West Africa.
Learn more about our programs and initiatives:
Click here