• Senegal and Rwanda sign cooperation deals in key sectors

• Agreements cover visas, development, agriculture, health, and prisons

• Ties deepen amid shared push for self-reliant, united Africa

Senegal and Rwanda signed a series of cooperation agreements on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2025, during an official visit by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to Kigali, aimed at strengthening ties across key sectors.

President Kagame and his Senegalese counterpart, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, will now witness the signing of five bilateral agreements between Rwanda and Senegal, covering cooperation on visas, agriculture, health, correctional services, and Vision 2050. The two Heads of…

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) October 18, 2025

The agreements include a visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports; an MoU on cooperation in planning and monitoring development programs; and a partnership focused on agriculture and health.

 The two countries also signed a deal on cooperation in correctional and prison services.

“Rwanda and Senegal are guided by the same values: putting people first, delivering results, and pursuing a bold, transformative vision. We also share the vision of a self-reliant, united continent, guided by accountable governance and inclusive development,” said Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Relations between Kigali and Dakar have grown steadily in recent years, driven by a shared commitment to strengthening intra-African cooperation. Rwanda opened its embassy in Dakar in 2011, and Senegal followed with a diplomatic mission in Kigali in 2020.

On Sept. 8, 2025, the two nations also signed an air services agreement to improve and expand transport links between their capitals.

Ingrid Haffiny