Senegal’s PM Sonko drives market, agriculture and digital reforms
The latest Council of Ministers meeting in Dakar saw Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko unveil sweeping reforms targeting public market modernization, agricultural productivity and digital governance. With a 57.5 billion FCFA investment plan, the government is prioritizing efficiency, transparency and cross-sector coordination to revitalize key economic sectors.
Revamping public markets: a national restructuring drive
Prime Minister Sonko opened the session with a stark assessment of Senegal’s market infrastructure, highlighting that many facilities dating back to the 1970s now pose serious safety and operational risks. The revelation that 53 markets burned between 2013 and 2024 underscored the urgent need for intervention.
The government is rolling out the Modernization and Market Management Program (PROMOGEM) with a 2025-2029 strategy that will transform 528 existing markets and construct 67 new, state-of-the-art facilities. To ensure rapid execution, Sonko proposed granting PROMOGEM greater administrative and financial autonomy. The initiative will be backed by 57.5 billion FCFA over four years under the National Public Investment Plan.
Boosting agricultural output through technology and transparency
With the 2026-2027 farming season approaching, the Prime Minister emphasized both achievements and persistent challenges in Senegal’s agricultural sector. While praising progress in certified seed and fertilizer production—particularly through the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) and agricultural cooperatives—he noted critical gaps in seed self-sufficiency, beneficiary targeting accuracy, agricultural credit accessibility and storage capacity.
Sonko called for accelerated digital transformation in agriculture, pointing to successful pilot programs in regions like Tivaouane and Nioro. He stressed the need for transparent pricing of agricultural inputs and equitable distribution across all districts to ensure farmers nationwide can access essential resources.
Flood prevention takes center stage before rainy season
With the rainy season approaching, the Prime Minister demanded immediate, coordinated action to mitigate flood risks. He urged ministries to prioritize drainage network clearing, verify critical infrastructure and pre-position emergency response teams. Local governments were instructed to update municipal emergency plans, enhance early warning systems and conduct inter-ministerial simulation exercises by June 15, 2026.
Senegal Connect Park: clearing hurdles to digital sovereignty
The Prime Minister highlighted the Senegal Connect Park as a cornerstone of national digital sovereignty, innovation and economic growth. Despite achieving 95 percent physical completion, financial and contractual delays have stalled finalization. Sonko directed relevant agencies to submit a realistic completion timeline to the African Development Bank (BAD) and expedite negotiations with the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and concession stakeholders.
The Council of Ministers closed with a firm commitment to governance reforms that will streamline operations, enhance digital service delivery and ensure every sector contributes to Senegal’s sustainable development goals.
