Sénégal keeps strong UEMOA reform score despite small drop in community progress

The Minister of Finance and Budget, Cheikh Diba, led the political phase of the annual review of UEMOA reforms, policies, programs, and projects in Dakar on Monday. The session was attended by the President of the UEMOA Commission, Abdoulaye Diop, along with several government officials.

The review, established by Additional Act No. 05/2013 of October 24, 2013, has been conducted in Sénégal since 2014. Since a 2023 decision in Bissau, it has been held biennially, marking its eleventh edition this year. According to Abdoulaye Diop, the review serves as a “powerful lever for strengthening economic integration” within the community, enabling executive bodies to assess collective actions under the Union Treaty. The technical phase took place in Dakar from November 10 to 12, 2025, covering 145 reforms and 5 projects before the political phase validated the results on Monday.

Sénégal’s reform implementation: progress and setbacks

The overall assessment is positive but reveals a slight decline. In 2025, Sénégal achieved an average reform implementation rate of 76.45%, down from 78.59% in 2024—a drop of 2.14 points. This dip is primarily attributed to underwhelming performances in the culture and tourism sectors (-15.10 points) and the handicrafts, quality, and business climate sectors (-34.75 points), compounded by delays in submitting the 2024 GUDEF report to the Commission.

On a brighter note, significant strides were made in customs union (+4.55 points), human and social development (+6.58 points), energy and mining (+3.33 points), and harmonization of public finances (+1.88 point).

The political phase followed technical discussions between Sénégambia’s and UEMOA’s teams, described as “fraternal, professional, and objective.” The findings will be presented by Commissioner Mahamadou Gado, responsible for Economic Policies and Domestic Taxation.

Government’s commitment to regional integration

Cheikh Diba reaffirmed the government’s determination to enhance its community performance, announcing that the political phase’s conclusions would be presented directly to the Prime Minister during a meeting with the Commission President. He also praised Amadou Tchambou, the Commission’s Resident Representative in Dakar, for facilitating collaboration between the regional institution and Sénégal’s administrations.

Abdoulaye Diop commended President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s commitment to regional integration, as well as the support of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the entire government in fulfilling the Union’s missions.