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

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined sweeping reforms during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, targeting market modernization, agricultural transformation, and accelerated public service digitization. With a 57.5 billion CFA franc investment plan, Sonko emphasized tighter governance and improved inter-ministerial coordination to drive these initiatives forward.

Overhauling markets: a nationwide restructuring drive

Sonko highlighted the urgent need to upgrade Senegal’s market infrastructure, noting that many facilities built in the 1970s have become structurally unsafe. Since 2013, 53 market fires have exposed deep vulnerabilities in the sector. In response, the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM) will restructure 528 existing markets and construct 67 new, state-of-the-art facilities under its 2025–2029 strategy. The government has allocated 57.5 billion CFA francs over four years to fund this initiative, with calls for greater administrative and financial autonomy for PROMOGEM.

Agricultural sector targets greater transparency and tech adoption

The Prime Minister underscored progress in certified seed and fertilizer production, led by the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research and cooperatives. Yet key challenges remain: incomplete seed self-sufficiency, uneven distribution of agricultural inputs, limited access to farm credit, and inadequate storage capacity. Sonko urged faster digitization of the sector—already piloted in areas like Tivaouane and Nioro—to improve transparency and streamline input distribution nationwide.

Flood prevention takes center stage ahead of rainy season

With the rainy season approaching, Sonko called for urgent cross-ministerial action to mitigate flood risks. He mandated immediate clearing of drainage systems, inspection of retention structures, and pre-positioning of emergency resources. Local governments were tasked with updating emergency plans, strengthening early warning systems, and conducting a joint simulation exercise by June 15, 2026.

Senegal Connect Park: unlocking digital potential

The Prime Minister stressed the strategic importance of the Senegal Connect Park for national digital sovereignty, innovation, and economic growth. Despite achieving 95% physical completion, the project faces financial and contractual hurdles. Sonko directed relevant agencies to submit a realistic new completion timeline to the African Development Bank and accelerate negotiations with the West African Development Bank and concession partners to resolve outstanding issues.