During a recent Council of Ministers meeting, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko unveiled a sweeping reform agenda aimed at transforming the country’s markets, boosting agricultural output, and accelerating the digitization of public services. With a 57.5 billion FCFA investment plan, the government is doubling down on efficiency, transparency, and coordinated action to drive sustainable development.
Revamping markets: a nationwide modernization drive
Prime Minister Sonko highlighted the urgent need to modernize Senegal’s market infrastructure, many of which have been operating beyond their intended lifespan since the 1970s. The assessment reveals critical safety hazards and structural vulnerabilities, with 53 market fires recorded between 2013 and 2024 alone.
To address these challenges, the government is rolling out the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM), which outlines a five-year strategy (2025-2029) to restructure 528 existing markets and construct 67 new, state-of-the-art facilities. The program will also undergo institutional reforms to enhance its administrative and financial autonomy, backed by a 57.5 billion FCFA allocation from the public investment budget.
The initiative emphasizes collaboration between local governments and private sector partners to ensure efficient market management and service delivery nationwide.
Preparing for the 2026-2027 agricultural season
As preparations for the upcoming planting season get underway, the Prime Minister underscored progress in fertilizer and certified seed production, particularly through the contributions of the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) and agricultural cooperatives. However, key bottlenecks remain, including incomplete seed autonomy, uneven access to agricultural credit, and storage capacity limitations.
Sonko called for faster digital adoption in agriculture, pointing to successful pilot projects in areas like Tivaouane and Nioro. He also stressed the importance of transparent pricing for inputs and equitable distribution across all regions to support farmers effectively.
Flood prevention: proactive measures ahead of the rainy season
With the rainy season approaching, the Prime Minister urged an inter-ministerial mobilization to mitigate flood risks. He emphasized the need for urgent actions such as clearing drainage systems, inspecting flood barriers, and pre-positioning emergency response teams.
Additionally, Sonko mandated the update of municipal emergency plans, strengthening early warning systems, and conducting a joint simulation exercise by June 15, 2026, to ensure preparedness.
Senegal Connect Park: unlocking digital transformation
The Senegal Connect Park, a flagship digital infrastructure project, took center stage as the Prime Minister acknowledged its strategic role in enhancing digital sovereignty, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. Despite a reported 95% physical completion rate, financial and contractual hurdles have stalled its finalization.
Sonko directed relevant agencies to submit a realistic completion timeline to the African Development Bank (AfDB) and expedite discussions with the West African Development Bank (BOAD) to resolve concession negotiations promptly.
