Senegal’s market crisis: Sonko unveils bold modernization plan

During a recent Council of Ministers meeting, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a sobering assessment of the country’s commercial market infrastructure. The majority of these markets, constructed decades ago in the 1970s, now face severe structural decay, posing significant safety risks to vendors and consumers alike.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Sonko revealed that between 2013 and 2024, a staggering 53 markets experienced at least one fire incident, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability. A comprehensive diagnostic study identified critical challenges across governance, technical standards, infrastructure, operational efficiency, environmental concerns, and public health compliance.

The Prime Minister also outlined progress under the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM), particularly its 2025–2029 strategic development plan. This initiative aims to overhaul all 528 existing markets and introduce 67 new state-of-the-art facilities nationwide. Sonko emphasized the importance of the pilot phase while acknowledging implementation hurdles.

Key reforms and funding

To address systemic inefficiencies, Sonko proposed structural reforms to enhance administrative agility, optimize budgetary allocations, and attract innovative financing. Central to the plan is the transformation of the managing entity into an independent administrative and financial body, empowered to operate with greater autonomy.

The government will allocate 57.5 billion FCFA over four years through the Public Investment Plan (PIP), alongside revisions to the legal framework governing market operations. Sonko tasked the Minister of Industry and Trade, in collaboration with the Ministers of Finance, Budget, Urban Planning, Local Governance, and Territorial Development, with spearheading the nationwide rollout of modern market networks. He stressed the need for rigorous oversight by local authorities and private sector stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of these new facilities.