Senegal highlights transformative decade at UN sustainable development forum
The Senegalese government has demonstrated remarkable progress in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) presented at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York on July 13, 2026.
The delegation, led by Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, outlined a decade of transformative development across key sectors including water, energy, infrastructure and urban planning. Among the most striking achievements was the expansion of rural electrification, which has risen from just 30% a decade ago to 70% today.
A decade of measurable progress in key sectors
The forum, held from July 7 to 15 under the theme of transformative, equitable and innovative action toward the 2030 Agenda, examined five critical SDGs: clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, resilient infrastructure, sustainable cities and partnerships for development.
Senegal’s achievements in water and sanitation were particularly notable. The country now boasts a 97.8% urban drinking water access rate and 96.1% in rural areas, representing a nine-point increase over ten years. Sanitation coverage has surged from 37.5% to 64.5% in rural areas since 2015, while urban areas saw an increase from 62.5% to 73.65%.
Energy access has also seen dramatic improvements, with electricity availability rising from 62% in 2015 to 86% in 2024. Renewable energy now accounts for 29.1% of installed capacity, up from just 3% in 2016, with a national target of 40% by 2030.
Urban mobility has transformed with the introduction of the Dakar Regional Express Train (TER), which carried 23.1 million passengers in 2025 compared to 2.7 million a decade earlier, and the fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, reducing carbon emissions by over 53,000 tons annually.
Innovation in monitoring and accountability
The review process itself reflected Senegal’s commitment to transparency. For the first time, the country produced a comprehensive local voluntary review in Pikine, alongside alternative reports from civil society and consultations with disability associations. Nearly 93% of SDG indicators are now tracked through the national monitoring and evaluation system and the annual Joint Review, described as a crucial tool for dialogue and accountability.
The findings were integrated into national strategies including Senegal 2050 and the 2025–2029 National Development Strategy (NDS), demonstrating how SDGs are embedded in long-term planning.
Addressing challenges with pragmatic solutions
Despite these gains, significant challenges remain. With over half of Senegal’s population now living in urban areas, the national housing deficit stands at nearly 500,000 units. Public debt remains high at 116.1% of GDP, though domestic revenue collection has improved, now financing 69.7% of the national budget compared to 54.8% in 2015. Air quality in Dakar has also improved, with fine particle levels dropping from 35 to 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter.
The government outlined four key acceleration strategies for the coming years: systemic economic transformation through eight strategic sectors and special economic zones; securing water and sanitation through the National Water Security Compact; implementing the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) with a focus on renewable energy; and mobilizing sustainable financing through strengthened partnerships, including continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a National Transition Strategy to graduate from Least Developed Country status.
Global dialogue on governance and migration
The interactive dialogue that followed the presentation saw delegates from neighboring Gambia and other countries commend Senegal’s progress while raising important questions. Gambia’s representative highlighted the strong historical and familial ties between the two nations and inquired about efforts to enhance transparency and combat corruption.
Minister Dièye responded by pointing to institutional reforms, including the creation of the National Anti-Corruption Office (OFNAC), the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), and the new Financial Judicial Pool. He noted that Senegal was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2024 and confirmed compliant status on June 29, 2026, calling these tangible progress.
A Spanish delegate asked how the diaspora could further contribute to development. The minister emphasized the mutual benefits of well-governed migration, highlighting how remittances, skills transfers and economic linkages support both host and origin countries. He stressed the need for balanced cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination to harness migration as a driver of sustainable development.
The final exchange brought a lighter note when the Irish delegation congratulated Senegal on the impressive performance of the Lions of Teranga at the recent FIFA World Cup.
In closing, Minister Dièye reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda and its determination to continue this path in partnership with the international community.
