A Senegalese Student's Journey to the Debate Stage
Astou Sokhna, a final year master's student at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (LSH) at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Senegal, has always been passionate about sustainable development and natural resource management. However, like many of her peers, she lacked in-depth knowledge of the extractive sector, a field still largely unexplored in Senegalese academia.
Authorities in Senegal have for some years prioritized energy access and sustainable development. In a world undergoing an energy transition, this will require careful management and exemplary resource governance. To prepare for these challenges, NRGI and its partners aimed to equip young Senegalese, especially students and university graduates, with the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills. As part of the four-year USAID/TRACES program, funded by USAID to enhance governance in the extractive sector and ensure more equitable revenue management and distribution for the benefit of all Senegalese citizens, the debate competition emerged as a key initiative.
I felt immense joy. It was as if a door had finally opened for me, a chance to understand and discuss the issues that will shape the future of our country.
Before participating in a debate competition organized by NRGI in partnership with the OHADA club at Gaston Berger University, as part of the USAID/TRACES program, Astou and her fellow students had few opportunities to learn about and discuss the complex issues related to Senegal's hydrocarbons and mineral resources. This lack of knowledge often hindered their ability to interact effectively with the government and stakeholders on crucial policy issues, their perspectives often being overlooked in discussions.
So, when Astou then learned about the debate competition she saw an opportunity to deepen her knowledge and contribute to a crucial debate about her country’s future. “I felt immense joy. It was as if a door had finally opened for me, a chance to understand and discuss the issues that will shape the future of our country,” she says.
Astou was aware of the importance of this competition not only for her academic training but also for her professional future. She knew that the Senegalese youth of today would one day lead the efforts in natural resource governance. She committed herself fully, determined to make the most of this experience. Astou and her teammates quickly formed a cohesive team of five students alongside nine other teams from seven other faculties and two institutes.
This competition was a revelation. I learned that natural resource governance is not just a matter of politics, but also of justice and the future of our country. From now on, I want to dedicate my career, or at least part of it, to this cause, to ensure that every citizen can benefit equitably from our wealth
Over eight weeks, the competition allowed participants to engage in intense and stimulating debates on various topics such as “Hydrocarbon Exploitation and Senegal’s Socioeconomic Development: A Hidden Burden?” and “Do Extractive Sector Companies Respect Human Rights?” Astou defended her position in front of a packed auditorium, using data and meticulous research to support her arguments. At each match, around 500 people came to support the teams and create a lively atmosphere in the room.
Each week, the teams debated increasingly complex topics, requiring research skills, critical analysis, and communication. With each debate Astou gained confidence and skill. “Every week, I felt a mix of thrills and fear. I wondered if I was really ready, if I could defend my ideas in front of so many people. But deep down, I knew it was also a unique opportunity to prove what I was capable of,” she recounts.
Participants had benefited from training provided by NRGI on reliable data sources in the Senegalese extractive sector. Additionally, the jury members, experts in the extractive sector, provided constructive feedback after each match, helping students refine their arguments and better understand the issues of resource governance.
The final, held on 20 July, was the climax of this adventure. Astou and her team (LSH faculty) were faced with the faculty of Law and Political Science (SJP) on the theme “Senegal in the Era of Hydrocarbons: A Blessing?” Judges declared her team the victors, with Astou awarded the prize for the best conclusion of the entire competition.
For Astou, this competition was not just an academic experience. It was also a platform to connect with industry professionals, broaden her horizons, and envision a future where she could play a key role in promoting transparency and accountability in resource governance.
Through initiatives like this, NRGI and its partners are preparing Senegalese youth to take charge of the country’s future. By involving young people like Astou in high-level debates, they contribute to creating an informed, engaged civil society ready to tackle the challenges of natural resource governance.
“This competition was a revelation," Astou shares. "I learned that natural resource governance is not just a matter of politics, but also of justice and the future of our country. From now on, I want to dedicate my career, or at least part of it, to this cause, to ensure that every citizen can benefit equitably from our wealth.”
Many competition participants are looking to the future with optimism and determination, ready to apply the lessons learned and contribute meaningfully to the transparency and sustainable management of Senegal’s natural resources. With the commitment of Senegalese youth and the support of NRGI and its partners, Senegal is well-positioned for more transparent, equitable, and sustainable natural resource governance for future generations.
