Senegal’s prime minister unveils ambitious market modernization and infrastructure plans

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has introduced a comprehensive strategy aimed at profoundly transforming the nation’s commercial infrastructure. Recognizing the severe deterioration of existing facilities, many of which date back to the 1970s, and responding to 53 market fire incidents recorded between 2013 and 2024, the head of government is launching the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM) as a key component of its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.

This ambitious initiative seeks to revitalize 528 existing markets and oversee the construction of 67 new, contemporary commercial complexes. A substantial public investment of 57.5 billion CFA francs has been allocated to support these efforts over a four-year period.
 

Agricultural campaign, flood prevention, and digital sovereignty

Addressing the upcoming 2026-2027 agricultural season, the Prime Minister has called for immediate corrective actions to overcome challenges such as inefficient beneficiary targeting, insufficient seed autonomy, and inadequate storage capabilities. While awaiting a comprehensive reform of agricultural subsidies, the immediate focus is on accelerating digital integration within the pilot regions of Tivaouane and Nioro.

Regarding the critical issue of flood management, an urgent directive has been issued for the validation of communal emergency preparedness plans. Additionally, an inter-ministerial simulation exercise is mandated to take place before June 15, 2026. Finally, concerning the Sénégal Connect Park, a pivotal strategic project that is 95% complete but currently stalled by contractual disagreements, the government has requested the prompt submission of a revised completion timeline to the African Development Bank (BAD).