MC's liaison office in Dakar was created in 1987 with ODA-related projects being a major focus of its business. The office covers seven countries: Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia and Cape Verde.
In order to reach our objectives in terms of long and medium term projects, MC has pursued business development in line with the social priorities of each country in areas such as education, water supply, health, fisheries, environment and culture. This strategy has allowed MC to withstand the economic changes that have affected all our competitors. Today, MC is like a baobab tree with its roots firmly set in African society.
A new direction is emerging under our office's new general manger, Nozomu Sasaki, who is deeply inspired by President Kojima's INNOVATION 2007. Our office regards this new management plan as a basis for economic growth in Africa. The vision presented by President Kojima is actually very similar to that of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), which is a light of hope for progress in Africa.
 For a number of years, people in Senegal have increasingly come to prefer drinks with natural ingredients to sodas. These include drinks such as bissap, a local favorite made from a kind of hibiscus plant, as well as juices made from baobab fruits and ginger. Bissap is probably the most well known plant in Senegal. It is cultivated in all seasons in every part of the country. Bissap, which has either a red or white color, can be considered our main natural drink. The juice is made by steeping leaves in hot water for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. It is best when chilled and sweetened and the drink is commonly served during ceremonies and at family gatherings. These days, bissap can be found at a very affordable price in retail stores as a powder or a concentrate.
 Women in Senegal accentuate their beauty through their clothing, hairstyle and elegance. This is especially apparent at special events and festivals. When deciding their clothing or hairstyle, Senegalese women give consideration to their position in society, including such factors as their age, profession, cultural background, and ethnic group. Hairstyles can evoke the image of prominent figures in society. For example, a hairstyle may reflect the image of a high-ranking woman in Senegalese society, such as a queen. Hairstyles may also be associated with particular historical events, such as the democratic political transition that occurred in Senegal in 2000.
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