Ousmane Sonko unveils 57.5 billion FCFA plan to modernize Senegal’s markets

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has introduced a comprehensive roadmap aimed at revitalizing the nation’s commercial infrastructure. Addressing the pressing issue of aging facilities, many of which date back to the 1970s, and a concerning record of 53 market fires between 2013 and 2024, the head of government is championing the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM) within its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. This ambitious initiative, vital for the African economy, seeks to overhaul 528 existing markets and construct 67 new, state-of-the-art complexes. A substantial public investment of 57.5 billion CFA francs has been allocated to support this four-year endeavor.

Agricultural campaign, flood prevention, and digital sovereignty

Beyond market modernization, Prime Minister Sonko also outlined crucial measures for the 2026-2027 agricultural campaign. He called for immediate corrective actions to address existing deficiencies in beneficiary targeting, enhance seed autonomy, and resolve storage limitations. While a comprehensive reform of agricultural subsidies is pending, the immediate focus is on accelerating digitalization efforts in the pilot zones of Tivaouane and Nioro, aiming to bolster food security across Senegal. Regarding flood management, an urgent directive has been issued for the validation of communal emergency plans and the organization of an inter-ministerial simulation exercise, scheduled to take place before June 15, 2026. Furthermore, concerning the Sénégal Connect Park, a strategic digital project 95% complete but currently stalled by contractual disagreements, the government has demanded the prompt submission of a new closing timeline to the African Development Bank (BAD).