Senegal’s PM Sonko accelerates market, agriculture and digital reforms

During a cabinet meeting this Wednesday, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined bold initiatives to modernize public markets, boost agriculture, and accelerate the digitalization of government services. With a 57.5 billion FCFA investment plan, the head of government emphasized the need for more effective governance and stronger coordination of public actions.

Market modernization: a sweeping restructuring program

The Prime Minister highlighted the critical state of Senegal’s markets, many of which date back to the 1970s and now face structural obsolescence and serious safety risks. Between 2013 and 2024, 53 markets suffered devastating fires, exposing deep vulnerabilities in the sector.

To address these challenges, Sonko introduced the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM), whose 2025-2029 strategic plan includes the renovation of 528 existing markets and the construction of 67 new, state-of-the-art facilities. He also proposed institutional reforms to grant PROMOGEM greater administrative and financial autonomy, backed by a 57.5 billion FCFA allocation over four years under the Public Investment Plan.

Agricultural campaign: transparency and digitization take center stage

Turning to preparations for the 2026-2027 farming season, the Prime Minister praised progress in fertilizer and certified seed production, particularly through the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) and Coopératives d’Utilisateurs de Semences (ICS). However, he identified persistent issues: incomplete seed autonomy, inefficiencies in targeting agricultural input beneficiaries, limited access to farm credit, and storage capacity constraints.

Sonko urged faster digitalization of the sector, citing successful pilot projects in areas like Tivaouane and Nioro. He also called for greater transparency in input pricing and more equitable distribution nationwide.

Flood preparedness: emergency measures ahead of the rainy season

With the rainy season approaching, the Prime Minister stressed the urgency of inter-ministerial mobilization to prevent flooding. He called for urgent desilting of drainage networks, inspection of water infrastructure, and pre-positioning of response resources.

Sonko also mandated updates to local emergency plans, strengthening early warning systems, and conducting a cross-ministerial simulation exercise before June 15, 2026.

Senegal Connect Park: overcoming financial and logistical hurdles

The Prime Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the Senegal Connect Park for national digital sovereignty, innovation, and economic growth. While the project has reached 95% physical completion, financial and contractual bottlenecks continue to delay its finalization.

Sonko directed relevant agencies to submit a realistic revised completion timeline to the Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD) and accelerate discussions with the Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD), alongside negotiations on project concessions.