Senegal’s PM Sonko unveils bold reforms for markets, agriculture and digital transformation
During a recent ministerial council meeting, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined sweeping reforms aimed at revitalizing Senegal‘s markets, boosting agricultural output and accelerating the digitalization of public services. With a 57.5 billion FCFA investment package, the government is pushing for greater efficiency and tighter coordination across sectors.
Market modernization takes center stage with ambitious restructuring plan
Addressing the deteriorating state of Senegal’s market infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted that many commercial facilities built in the 1970s now pose serious safety risks. Between 2013 and 2024, 53 markets were destroyed by fires, exposing critical structural vulnerabilities in the system.
The government’s Programme de Modernisation et de Gestion des Marchés (PROMOGEM) will spearhead this transformation, with plans to renovate 528 existing markets and construct 67 new modern facilities by 2029. To ensure effective implementation, Sonko announced plans to grant PROMOGEM greater administrative and financial autonomy, backed by a 57.5 billion FCFA allocation over four years from the public investment plan.
The reforms call for close collaboration between territorial authorities and private sector partners to establish a nationwide network of modern, efficiently managed markets.
Preparing for agricultural season 2026-2027 with transparency and digital tools
Turning to agricultural preparations, the Prime Minister commended progress in certified seed and fertilizer production through institutions like ISRA and ICS. However, persistent challenges remain, including incomplete seed autonomy, inconsistent targeting of agricultural input beneficiaries, limited access to agricultural credit and storage capacity constraints.
Sonko emphasized accelerating digitalization efforts already piloted in areas like Tivaouane and Nioro. He called for greater transparency in input pricing and more equitable distribution systems across the country to support farmers ahead of the upcoming season.
Flood prevention measures ahead of the rainy season
With the rainy season approaching, the Prime Minister urged inter-ministerial mobilization to prevent flooding. He emphasized the need for urgent dredging operations, drainage infrastructure inspections and pre-positioning of emergency response resources.
Sonko also called for updating municipal emergency plans, strengthening early warning systems and conducting a joint simulation exercise by June 15, 2026 to ensure readiness across government agencies.
Senegal Connect Park: overcoming final hurdles to digital sovereignty
The strategic Senegal Connect Park project received significant attention during the council meeting. At 95% physical completion, the digital infrastructure initiative faces financial and contractual delays in its final stages.
The Prime Minister directed relevant agencies to submit a realistic completion timeline to the African Development Bank (BAD) and expedite negotiations with the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and concession discussions to unlock the project’s potential in driving digital innovation and economic growth.
