Senegal accelerates infrastructure completion under Sonko’s directive

SENEGAL—GOVERNMENT

Dakar, May 21 — The Prime Minister has urged government ministers to prioritize the completion and operationalization of ongoing infrastructure projects within their respective portfolios. This directive was issued during a high-level interministerial council meeting convened to address bottlenecks in critical infrastructure development.

Ports, fisheries, and maritime projects top the agenda

Ousmane Sonko specifically highlighted the need to expedite maritime and port infrastructure, calling on the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to establish clear public-private partnerships for the swift and efficient exploitation of these facilities. Key projects include the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay in the central region, the Soumbédioune landing site, and processing facilities in Rufisque (west). Additionally, the government will fast-track the deployment of dredging equipment operated by the National Maritime Affairs Agency in Kaolack and Fatick (central Senegal).

62 stalled projects identified for urgent resolution

A comprehensive review has uncovered 62 infrastructure projects across multiple sectors that remain incomplete. Among them are the El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum, open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam (north), and Kolda (south), the Nadayane port container terminal (west), cold storage facilities, and the Le Joola memorial. The reconstruction of Dakar’s Aristide Le Dantec Hospital has also been flagged as a priority.

Strict adherence to quality standards

A dedicated interministerial committee will oversee the resumption and completion of these projects, ensuring all financial, administrative, and legal measures are aligned with the highest quality and cost-efficiency benchmarks. Ousmane Sonko emphasized the importance of integrating robust technical solutions for water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into every infrastructure plan, alongside sustainable operational and maintenance frameworks.

Youth and citizenship centers set for 2026 completion

The Prime Minister also directed ministries overseeing Youth, Finance, Budget, and Local Governance to finalize and operationalize youth and citizenship centers in Tivaouane, Mbour (west), Linguère, Ranérou (north), Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack (central), and Tambacounda (east) by November 30, 2026. These facilities are expected to serve as hubs for skill development and civic engagement.

Agroindustrial and rural development projects gain momentum

Eleven Naatangué village farms under construction in Fatick, Kaolack (central), Louga (northwest), Thiès (west), and Tambacounda (east) were discussed, along with agropoles in Mpal (north), Adéane, Dioulacolon (south), and Mbellacadiao (south). Sonko called on the Ministries of Agriculture, Industry, Finance, and Budget, along with relevant local authorities, to collaborate with private partners in developing sustainable operational models that align with community needs. He further urged exploration of innovative financing mechanisms, including long-term leases, concessions, or public-private partnerships, to unlock additional investment resources.

Sports and heritage assets earmarked for strategic management

National stadiums and other sports infrastructure are slated for enhanced public-private partnerships to ensure optimal utilization. Similarly, the government will devise tailored strategies for the valorization or recycling of public assets, including those managed by La Poste, railway and airport authorities, highways, public universities, hospitals, and military properties. A specialized interministerial meeting will be convened to establish a national doctrine for the sustainable management of diplomatic and consular real estate abroad, balancing national interests with host country regulations. The same approach will apply to national parks (Niokolo-Koba, Hann, Saloum Delta, and Djoudj), urban reserves, and natural sites.

The Prime Minister’s directives underscore a renewed commitment to accelerating Senegal’s infrastructure agenda, ensuring every project delivers tangible benefits to the population while adhering to fiscal prudence and operational excellence.