Decoration of Mr. Boubacar Mané
A lifetime of public service and development cooperation
In February 2026, HOPE’87 proudly celebrated the decoration of Mr. Boubacar Mané, Country Representative of HOPE’87 in Senegal, in recognition of his distinguished career and his exceptional contribution to the economic and social development of Senegal, as well as to strengthening cooperation between Senegal and Austria.
This prestigious honor reflects not only a remarkable professional journey, but also the values of partnership, commitment, and solidarity that define HOPE’87’s mission.
A foundation of service and excellence
Born on March 3, 1956, in Saré Pathé Bouya in the rural region of Kolda, Senegal, Mr. Mané, has dedicated his life to public service and development.
After earning his teaching qualification (C.A.E.M.) in History and Geography from the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Dakar in 1987, he began his career as a teacher in Rufisque. His professionalism and dedication quickly led to senior responsibilities within the Senegalese public administration.
Over the years, he served as: Technical Advisor to the Minister of Industrial Development and Handicrafts, Secretary General of the Chamber of Trades of Ziguinchor and Coordinator of the European Development Fund (EDF) programs in Kolda and Ziguinchor. After 20 years of committed public service, Mr. Mané joined HOPE’87 as Country Representative — a decisive step that would profoundly shape the organization’s long-term impact in Senegal.
Transforming communities in Southern Senegal
Under his leadership, HOPE’87 implemented major development initiatives between 2002 and 2009 in Mampatim and Médina Chérif, focusing on food security, environmental protection, livestock development, job creation through microcredit mechanisms and the establishment of a rural bank supporting women’s and youth entrepreneurship.
At a time when many development partners had withdrawn due to the Casamance conflict, HOPE’87 remained present — restoring economic opportunity and hope to local communities.
The organization also contributed to the landmark Cité Baraka housing relocation project, enabling families living in informal settlements to access improved housing and living conditions.
During the official inauguration ceremony of Cité Baraka on December 7, 2024, President Macky Sall publicly acknowledged Austria’s contribution through HOPE’87:
“I would like to thank the Republic of Austria, through HOPE’87, which carries out significant actions for the economic and social well-being of the Senegalese population.”
Strengthening bilateral relations
Beyond development programs, Mr. Mané has played a vital role in enhancing the visibility of Austria’s engagement in Senegal. Through official audiences with successive Senegalese presidents, he consistently highlighted Austria’s development cooperation and its tangible socio-economic impact.
HOPE’87 expresses its sincere appreciation to H.E. Ursula Fahringer, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Senegal, for her commitment and support in facilitating this important recognition.
The organization was represented at the February 2026 decoration ceremony by Ambassador Gerhard Doujak, appointed as Special Envoy of HOPE’87 Vienna. In his laudatory address, he paid tribute to Mr. Mané’s integrity, leadership, and decades of dedication.
A recognition of shared commitment
The decoration of Mr. Boubacar Mané honors a lifetime of service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to sustainable development and international cooperation.
For HOPE’87, this distinction is also a testament to the strength of long-term partnerships and to the shared commitment between Senegal and Austria to promoting inclusive economic and social progress.
We warmly congratulate Mr. Boubacar Mané on this prestigious and well-deserved recognition.
