Senegal’s markets need urgent modernization, says Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko

Dakar — Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has highlighted the urgent need to address the deteriorating condition and major security risks plaguing the country’s markets. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, he emphasized the vulnerabilities that have left these vital commercial hubs in dire straits.

Decades of neglect leave markets in critical state

Between 2013 and 2024, at least 53 markets across Senegal have suffered fire incidents, a stark indicator of the systemic failures in infrastructure and safety standards. Sonko pointed to a comprehensive assessment that revealed technical, structural, organizational, environmental, and hygiene-related challenges across these facilities.

‘’The situation demands immediate action,’’ Sonko stated, underscoring the need for a permanent administrative structure to oversee market management and modernization efforts.

PROMOGEM’s strategic plan aims for transformation

The Programme de Modernisation et de Gestion des Marchés (PROMOGEM), currently managing market upgrades, has developed a five-year strategic plan (2025-2029) to overhaul Senegal’s market landscape. This initiative includes:

• Restructuring 528 existing markets to meet modern commercial standards.
• Constructing 67 new, state-of-the-art markets across key urban and rural areas.
• Enhancing operational efficiency through better financial management and innovative funding strategies.
• Granting PROMOGEM greater autonomy to accelerate decision-making and resource allocation.

Proposed reforms seek long-term sustainability

To achieve these goals, Sonko has called for a major institutional overhaul of PROMOGEM, transforming it into an autonomous administrative and financial entity. This includes securing a 57.5 billion CFA francs investment over four years, drawn from the national public investment budget.

The Prime Minister has tasked the Ministers of Industry, Trade, Finance, and Budget with leading the implementation of this vision. Their mandate includes:

• Developing a nationwide network of modern markets.
• Ensuring rigorous management by local authorities and private sector partners.
• Integrating cutting-edge solutions for safety, sustainability, and economic viability.

‘’This is not just about rebuilding markets—it’s about revitalizing Senegal’s commercial backbone,’’ Sonko stressed, urging swift and decisive action to prevent further deterioration.