SENEGAL-GOVERNMENT
Dakar – In a decisive move to accelerate national development, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently directed his cabinet ministers to prioritize the completion and operationalization of all ongoing infrastructure projects within their respective departments.
Addressing the pressing need for progress, Prime Minister Sonko specifically highlighted the maritime and port sectors. “Regarding maritime and port infrastructure,” he stated in a document released by the Prime Minister’s Office following an interministerial council on infrastructure, “I urge the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to implement the necessary measures for their swift and appropriate exploitation, particularly through public-private partnerships.”
Key facilities targeted by this directive include the port of Foundiougne-Ndakhonga, the Ndangane Sambou fishing wharf in the central region, the developed landing point at Soumbédioune, and the processing sites located in Rufisque, to the west.
Additionally, the dredgers managed by the National Agency for Maritime Affairs in the Kaolack and Fatick regions, both situated in central Senegal, are also slated for enhanced utilization.
The government has identified a substantial portfolio of 62 infrastructure initiatives currently facing delays. Among these crucial projects are the University of Sine-Saloum El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass, various open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam (north), and Kolda (south), the container terminal at Nadayane port (west), cold storage facilities, and the poignant memorial dedicated to the victims of the “Le Joola” ferry disaster.
The ambitious reconstruction of Dakar’s Aristide-Le-Dantec hospital also features prominently on the list of stalled projects, as confirmed by the Prime Minister.
“Upholding all required quality standards”
A forthcoming committee, tasked with inventorying ongoing infrastructure and overseeing the implementation of measures from the interministerial council, will be instrumental in addressing these delays. According to the Prime Minister, this committee will “undertake appropriate financial, administrative, and legal actions to facilitate the resumption and finalization” of all projects currently experiencing setbacks.
Prime Minister Sonko offered assurances that the completion of these 62 initiatives would strictly adhere to “all required quality and cost standards.”
Beyond completion, Ousmane Sonko voiced concerns regarding the technical aspects of water, electricity, and telecommunication networks integrated within ongoing infrastructure developments. “I call upon all ministers to ensure, from now on, that the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects correctly incorporate technical considerations related to water, electricity, and telecommunication networks, their adequate equipment, the definition of appropriate operational models, sustainable management, and maintenance,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister also turned his attention to the youth and citizenship centers under construction in Tivaouane, Mbour (west), Linguère, Ranérou (north), Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack (center), and Tambacounda (east). He instructed the relevant ministries—Youth, Finance and Budget, and Local Authorities—to “finalize their equipment and take the necessary steps for their commissioning, no later than November 30, 2026.”
The interministerial council further delved into the status of 11 “Naatangué” village farms being established across the regions of Fatick, Kaolack (center), Louga (north-west), Thiès (west), and Tambacounda (east).
Discussions during the governmental meeting also encompassed the agropoles located in Mpal (north), Adéane, Dioulacolon (south), and Mbellacadiao (south).
Mobilizing new investment resources
“I urge the ministers responsible for Agriculture, Industry, Finance and Budget, as well as the local authorities where these agro-industrial infrastructures are situated, to define sustainable operating models with private partners for their diligent commissioning, taking into account the needs of the affected populations,” the Prime Minister declared.
Regarding youth and citizenship centers, open digital spaces, women’s centers, and agropoles, he affirmed, “I request the concerned ministries to examine the best options for valuing each infrastructure.”
Ousmane Sonko outlined various potential valorization strategies, including the cession of usage rights, emphyteutic leases, rental agreements, long-term concessions, rehabilitation, administrative allocation, or “any other legally sound public-private partnership model capable of mobilizing new investment resources.”
For national stadiums and other sports infrastructure, he recommended that the government “take appropriate measures for their suitable exploitation, within the framework of public-private partnerships, where beneficial.”
“Propose a valorization or recycling mechanism”
Prime Minister Sonko extended a similar recommendation to ministries overseeing national parks (Niokolo-Koba, Hann, Saloum Delta, and Djoudj), urban reserves like Technopole and Lac Rose (west), and various other natural sites.
Concerning the real estate and land assets of Senegalese diplomatic and consular missions abroad, he instructed the Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad to “propose a valorization or recycling mechanism, taking into account national interest and respecting the legislations of accredited states.”
“An interministerial meeting must be convened without delay to define an appropriate doctrine for the valorization of this heritage,” Mr. Sonko underscored.
The government also discussed the real estate and land assets of La Poste, the railway and airport sectors, highways, public universities, and hospitals, among others. The Prime Minister advised the ministries and other public entities involved to “take the necessary steps for the recycling and/or valorization of these assets.”
Finally, regarding the real estate of the armed forces, he requested that the government “implement appropriate provisions to identify the most suitable management model, including private sector involvement, for its optimal exploitation.”
