Senegal highlights decade of SDG progress at un forum

Ten years ago, barely one in three rural Senegalese had access to electricity. Today, that figure has climbed to seven out of ten—a transformation highlighted as Senegal presented its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations in New York on July 13, 2026.

The country’s delegation, led by Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, unveiled the review during the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, convened under the auspices of the UN Economic and Social Council from July 7 to 15.

The annual forum serves as the central platform for monitoring progress toward the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, 36 nations—including ten from West and Central Africa—shared their progress, with Senegal joining Cabo Verde and Italy in a joint presentation.

Collaborative process reflects national commitment

“Since presenting our first VNR in 2018 and the second in 2022, this third review demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tracking progress under the 2030 Agenda,” Dièye told delegates, acknowledging contributions from government ministries, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and the UN system.

Among the innovative features of this year’s review were alternative reports developed by civil society organizations, consultations with disability advocacy groups, and Senegal’s first-ever Voluntary Local Review, conducted by the municipality of Pikine.

Water, energy, and infrastructure lead transformative gains

For a minister overseeing water and sanitation, SDG 6 was a natural starting point. Access to safe drinking water has surged to 97.8% in urban areas and 96.2% in rural zones, with rural coverage improving by nearly nine percentage points over the past decade.

Sanitation improvements have been even more dramatic in rural communities, rising from 37.5% to 64.5% since 2015, while urban areas saw an increase from 62.5% to 73.65%.

The energy sector has witnessed a similar leap. National electricity access climbed from 62% in 2015 to 86% in 2024, with renewables now accounting for 29.1% of installed capacity—up from just 3% in 2016. The country aims to reach 40% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030.

Two flagship projects symbolize Dakar’s urban transformation: the Regional Express Train (TER), which carried 23.1 million passengers in 2025—a tenfold increase from a decade prior—and the fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), reducing CO₂ emissions by over 53,000 tons annually.

Urbanization and debt: pressing challenges remain

Despite progress, Senegal faces persistent hurdles. Over half the population now lives in cities, where a housing deficit of nearly 500,000 units persists. Public debt stands at 116.1% of GDP, though domestic revenue mobilization has strengthened, with national taxes now funding 69.7% of the national budget—up from 54.8% in 2015.

Air quality in Dakar has also improved, with average fine particle levels dropping from 35 to 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter.

Four strategic levers for SDG acceleration by 2030

To accelerate progress, the government outlined four key priorities: transforming the economy around eight strategic sectors and special economic zones; securing water and sanitation through the National Water Compact; implementing the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) with a focus on renewables; and mobilizing sustainable financing through stronger partnerships, including continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), alongside a National Transition Strategy to graduate from Least Developed Country status.

Global dialogue: transparency, migration, and governance

During an interactive session, delegates from Gambia praised Senegal’s enduring ties—rooted in shared history and family connections—while raising questions about transparency and anti-corruption measures.

Dièye emphasized that good governance and anti-corruption efforts are critical to SDG achievement, citing progress such as the removal of Senegal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2024—a status confirmed on June 29, 2026.

Spain’s delegation inquired about the role of the diaspora in development. Dièye highlighted how well-governed migration creates shared benefits: host countries gain skilled labor and economic growth, while countries of origin benefit from remittances, knowledge transfers, and strengthened economic ties. Senegal, he noted, is deepening its partnership with Spain to foster sustainable migration.

The forum even found room for football diplomacy, with Ireland congratulating Senegal’s Lions of Teranga on their recent World Cup performance.

Concluding the session, Dièye reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda: “We remain fully dedicated to implementing this agenda alongside the international community.”