Participant Information Note
The conference will be held in Dakar from April 23 to 26, 2025.
The venue is located in the University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar at CIGASS (refer to the Maps below):
Accommodation
Polycivis-sponsored participants will be lodged at “Fleur de Lys Point E” hotel https://pointe.hotelfleurdelysdakar.com. All accommodation fees will be paid directly to the Hotel.
Self-sponsored participants will be responsible for securing their own accommodation. Below is a list of recommended hotels that are close to the venue:
- The 5 stars hotel "Terrou-bi" https://terroubi.com
- The 5 stars hotel "Radisson Blue" https://www.radissonhotels.com/fr-fr/hotels/radisson-blu-dakar-sea-plaza
- The 4 stars hotel "Fleur de Lys Point E" https://pointe.hotelfleurdelysdakar.com
- The 3 stars hotel "Le Joloff" https://www.hoteldjoloff.fr
Visa
All participants who require a visa to enter Senegal can receive a BIOMETRIC VISA at the airport upon arrival.
Please visit https://diplomatie.gouv.sn/visiter-le-senegal for more information about visas for your country.
Getting to Dakar
The main airport in Senegal is Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD).
Several daily flights connect Senegal to the rest of the word.
Transport
For Polycivis sponsored participants, a free airport shuttle service has been arranged by UCAD Voyage and the hotel, based on each guest’s flight details (arrival and departure time). Please look for your name poster when you exit the airport terminal. Travel from the Airport to Fleur de Lys Point E Hotel is approximately a 40-minute drive.
UCAD Voyage can be reached at +221 77 632 19 74.
The hotel can be reached at +221 33 869 53 00.
For the self-sponsored participants, UCAD voyage can also take care of your shuttle from the Airport to your Hotel (at your own charge). Please call +221 77 632 19 74 for more information about payment modalities.
During the event, a 20-seater bus will be available to transport all Polycivis participants between their hotel and the venue. Non-sponsored participants staying near the Fleur de Lys Point E are also invited to join the bus, free of charge. The bus will leave the hotel at 8am every morning and will leave CIGASS by 5pmevery evening to return participants to the hotel.
Getting around DAKAR
Common ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Bolt are not available in Dakar. However, similar applications named YANGO and HEETCH are available, which can be easily downloaded and accessed with a local SIM card.
General Travel & Safety Advice
Senegal is typically seen as one of the safest countries in Africa. However, we still encourage participants to remain vigilant when moving in Dakar, and to be accompanied by a Senegalese person when going out after 10pm.
Emergency contacts details
City of Dakar police number: 17
Firefighters: 18
Health emergency: You can call Suma Assistance at +221 33 824 24 18
Weather and GMT Time Zone
In April, temperatures in Senegal are generally pleasant. Average temperatures vary between 22°C and 30°C, depending on the region. In Dakar, you can expect an average of 22 to 23°C. No rain is expected at that period of the year.
Senegal observes GMT time all year. There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes.
Electricity supply
The power plug sockets in Senegal are types C (typically known as the European plugs). Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins. Senegal operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Internet
The hotel and event venue will offer high speed internet for all delegates. Mobile and broadband internet affordability in Senegal, along with its mobile internet stability, is among the best in Africa.
Telephones and SIM cards
Mobile telephone service providers also provide gateway to Internet using 4G / 4G+ / 5G. Cell phone SIM cards are widely available and at a low cost. The three main mobile network operators in Senegal are Orange, Free (known as Yas now) and Expresso. You can get them from the airport at arrival.
Money and banking services
Senegal is member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) which has the CFA franc (franc of the African Financial Community) as its common currency. It is a currency indexed to the euro with a fixed parity rate (1Euro = 655,95 Xof). For information, the CFA franc of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), code XOF according to ISO 4217 is different from the CFA of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).
To exchange foreign currencies such as Euro, Dollar and the Pound Sterling as well as many other strong currencies, you can go to one of the bank branches, or one of the exchange offices available in Dakar. Exchange stands at the airport as well as some hotels also offer to exchange foreign currencies.
Restauration
Dakar offers a range of cuisines from different nationalities (Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, French, Ivorian, Italian, Cape Verdean, American, Vietnamese or Moroccan restaurants) and in different categories. Fast food, Senegalese cuisine, and other dishes are available to suit every budget.
In the higher category, we recommand the following three establishments:
1. The Terrace at Terou-Bi
Terrou-Bi welcomes you every day from 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The hotel's lounge bar offers you a panoramic view of the private marina and the Magdalen Islands from 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
2. The Avenue at Radisson Blu (west corniche)
At Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar Sea Plaza, you will find Senegalese cuisine with an international touch. The restaurant also offers buffets throughout the week.
3. La Pointe des Almadies
An original decoration with bright colors, an ideal setting with a vast choice of restaurants that will allow you discovering generous and tasty world cuisine: fresh seafood and wood-fired grills are always on the menu.
Touristic attractions
Senegal offers a superb mix of natural beauty and historical sites. There are plenty of things to do in Senegal, such as going on a wild safari or sailing the saline waters of the pink-hued Lake (lac-Rose). The Goree Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also worth a visit. It was one of the largest centers of the slave trade on the African coast, as a solemn reminder of the Atlantic slave trade's four centuries of inhumane brutality.
The Renaissance Monument, Museums and Natural Spaces & Parks are also interesting to visit.
Shopping and groceries
To do your groceries in Dakar, you have plenty choice of supermarket such as Auchan, Carrefour, Casino, Hypermarche Exclusive, Supeco, etc.
For shopping, you have China Mall, The craft village of Soumbédioune, The Kermel market, the Sandaga market and much more.
UCAD Memories
A gift service stamped UCAD is available at the reception of “Maison de l'Université” in the hall of the Directorate of Cooperation and in the Agency premises: Polo shirt, Pen, T-shirt, Cap, Mug, Key ring, Pin's
For further inqueries about the event, please contact
Aminata MBOUP, +221 784467700, aminata4.mboup@ucad.edu.sn
Rokhaytaoul DIOP, +221 782163791, rokhayatoulkoubra.diop@ucad.edu.sn
Ndiack FALL, +221 779419278, ndiack.fall@ucad.edu.sn