Senegal prime minister urges completion of stalled infrastructure projects

Dakar — Senegal’s Prime Minister has directed government officials to prioritize the completion and operationalization of ongoing infrastructure projects across various sectors. Speaking during a high-level inter-ministerial meeting in Dakar, he emphasized the urgent need to resolve project delays and ensure timely delivery.

key infrastructure projects facing delays

The government has identified 62 major infrastructure projects currently stalled across the country, including critical facilities in education, health, transport, and maritime sectors. Among these are:

The University of Sine-Saloum El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass
Regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda
The container terminal at the Port of Nadayane in Dakar
Cold storage facilities and the Le Joola memorial
The reconstruction of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar

In the maritime sector, the Prime Minister highlighted several port and fishing infrastructure projects, including:

The Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port
The Ndangane Sambou fishing quay in central Senegal
The Soumbédioune landing site in Dakar
Processing sites in Rufisque
Dredging operations by the National Maritime Affairs Agency in Kaolack and Fatick

ensuring quality and sustainability

The Prime Minister stressed that all completed projects must meet strict quality standards while adhering to budgetary constraints. He instructed ministers to ensure proper technical planning for essential utilities such as water, electricity, and telecommunications in every infrastructure project.

A dedicated inter-ministerial committee will oversee the resumption and finalization of stalled projects, implementing financial, administrative, and legal measures to expedite progress. Each project will be evaluated to determine the most effective public-private partnership model, including long-term leases, concessions, or rehabilitation initiatives.

youth centers and agricultural infrastructure

Construction of 11 Naatangué village farms across Fatick, Kaolack, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda was also reviewed. Additionally, the government examined the progress of agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao.

Senegal’s Prime Minister directed relevant ministries to develop sustainable operational models for these facilities, prioritizing community needs. He emphasized the importance of exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as lease agreements or long-term concessions, to attract private investment.

valorizing public assets

The meeting also addressed the optimization of national assets, including:

National stadiums and sports infrastructure
Public university buildings
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Railway, airport, and highway networks
Postal service properties
National parks (Niokolo-Koba, Djoudj, Hann, Saloum Delta)
Urban reserves like Technopole and Lac Rose

Ministers were tasked with proposing strategies to enhance the value of these assets, including potential privatization or public-private partnerships where feasible. The Prime Minister also called for a comprehensive review of Senegal’s diplomatic properties abroad to identify opportunities for better utilization while respecting international regulations.

timeline for completion

All youth and citizenship centers under construction in Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda are expected to be fully equipped and operational by November 30, 2026.