After years of holding significant government positions in Senegal, Doudou Ka has embarked on a new and dynamic phase in his career. Following his tenure as Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation under President Macky Sall, Ka has shifted his focus from politics to international business, with the aim of fostering tangible economic transformation across Africa.
In August 2024, Ka announced his decision to leave government for the private sector, stating: “After having held multiple public positions, including Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation, I have chosen to concentrate entirely on my international professional activities and my work as an investment banker.” He emphasized that this move stems from a deep-seated belief that he can make a more direct impact on the projects that matter most to him through entrepreneurial endeavors.
Leveraging Networks for Africa’s Growth
Since stepping down from his official duties, Doudou Ka has dedicated himself to building international connections and participating in major forums to engage with business leaders and government officials. In May 2024, he attended the Francophone Entrepreneurs’ Meeting (REF) in Marrakech, Morocco, where he further expanded his professional network. This was followed by crucial meetings in Paris with leaders from the French business community, including representatives from the Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF), a prominent employer federation in France. These interactions have opened new avenues for collaboration on projects spanning both Europe and Africa.
Ka’s networking efforts reflect a broader vision: to cultivate a sustainable and interconnected economic environment capable of driving real development across the African continent. His strategy involves not only building relationships but also gaining firsthand insights into the challenges faced by various African nations.
During his travels, he conducts thorough assessments of specific regional challenges, particularly in infrastructure and housing. By engaging with local leaders, Ka and his team can develop solutions tailored to the needs of the communities they aim to serve.
A Commitment to Tangible Outcomes
An engineer by training, Ka has consistently advocated for transforming ambitious ideas into concrete results. His public sector experience demonstrated a strong understanding that success lies not just in planning but also in execution. This conviction led him to establish Interface, a consulting firm dedicated to assisting governments and businesses in implementing large-scale projects across Africa.
Through his firm, Ka champions the importance of public-private partnerships, mobilizing resources and expertise to ensure that projects are not only conceptualized but also effectively completed. His leadership in transforming Senegal’s air transport infrastructure—most notably through his work at Blaise Diagne International Airport—serves as a testament to his ability to execute complex initiatives.
As he redirects his efforts toward broader economic development in Africa, Ka remains committed to implementing projects that yield economic benefits while fostering sustainable and lasting change on the continent.
The Entrepreneurial Shift: A Strategic Decision
Despite speculation regarding a potential return to politics, Ka has been clear about his intentions: “I am not seeking any political position or alliance.” His transition into entrepreneurship is not an abandonment of public service; rather, it represents a new and more effective means of contributing to Africa’s development. Through this path, Ka believes he can make a direct and lasting impact on the continent’s growth.
This shift aligns with Ka’s broader perspective on Africa’s economic future. He argues that the continent must rely less on external aid and more on its own resources and private sector capabilities. The past 60 years of development assistance have proven valuable yet limited; now, Ka insists that Africa’s future lies in empowering local businesses and leaders to address their challenges and seize opportunities.
His focus is on initiating projects that create employment opportunities, enhance infrastructure, and provide enduring solutions to Africa’s most pressing issues.
A Vision for Africa’s Economic Transformation
Ka’s entrepreneurial journey is not merely a career shift; it is a commitment to shaping Africa’s economic future. With extensive experience navigating both public and private sectors, Ka is uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between governments, businesses, and local communities.
At the core of Ka’s new mission is an unwavering emphasis on practical, large-scale projects that generate wealth, create jobs, and foster infrastructure development. As 2025 approaches, Ka’s expanding portfolio of international ventures offers insight into the future of Africa’s economic landscape—one where local solutions driven by African leaders and entrepreneurs form the foundation for a self-sustaining and globally competitive continent.
By translating his vision into actionable projects, Doudou Ka is determined to contribute to the emergence of a resilient and independent Africa that asserts itself as a formidable force on the global stage.
