High hopes in Senegal as preparations are underway for the arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama.
This will be the American President's second visit to sub-Saharan Africa since taking office.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) DAKAR BUSINESSMAN, MOR NDIAYE, SAYING:
"As far as I'm concerned, it's a good thing for our state. It's good for diplomacy. It's good for Senegal."
Some residents are looking for help.
(SOUNDBITE) (Wolof) LAUNDRY WORKER, NGING, SAYING:
"We're happy about the arrival of President Obama, but what we would like is help. We work day and night, but we still can't manage a good life."
Many hope that this visit will signal an increased focus by U.S. policymakers on sub-Saharan Africa.
Many of the high expectations in Africa over the Obama Presidency have not been met so far, with Obama spending less than 24 hours on the continent during his first term in office.
