Senegal’s Sonko urges swift completion of stalled public infrastructure projects

The Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has called on government members to expedite the completion and operationalization of ongoing public infrastructure projects nationwide.

During the interministerial council on infrastructure held in Dakar, the head of government emphasized the urgency of removing administrative, financial, and technical bottlenecks hindering several strategic projects.

Maritime and port infrastructure priorities

Sonko specifically tasked the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy with ensuring the swift and efficient exploitation of maritime and port infrastructures, including through public-private partnerships. Key projects include:

• The Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port
• The Ndangane Sambou fishing quay
• The Soumbédioune landing site
• Rufisque processing facilities
• Dredging operations by the National Maritime Affairs Agency in Kaolack and Fatick

Comprehensive infrastructure review

The government has identified 62 blocked infrastructure projects, including:

• The El Hadj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum
• Digital open spaces
• Regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda
• The Ndayane container terminal
• Cold storage facilities
• The memorial of the Joola ferry disaster
• The reconstruction of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar

A dedicated committee will be established to monitor progress, enforce financial measures, and ensure compliance with quality and cost standards during project completion.

Holistic infrastructure development

Sonko underscored the need for integrated planning, incorporating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into public project frameworks. Ministers were instructed to prioritize technical equipment maintenance, sustainable operational models, and long-term infrastructure durability.

Deadlines were set for specific projects, including the full equipping and commissioning of youth and citizenship centers in Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda by November 30, 2026.

Agricultural and agro-industrial initiatives

The council also addressed the Naatangué village farms and multiple agropoles under development in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao. Sonko urged ministries to collaborate with private partners to define sustainable operational models ensuring both profitability and social utility.

The Prime Minister explored various mechanisms for infrastructure valorization, such as long-term leasing, concessions, emphyteutic leases, and public-private partnerships to attract new investments. Discussions also covered national stadiums, sports facilities, national parks, nature reserves, and diplomatic real estate assets abroad.

Finally, Sonko tasked relevant public bodies with proposing mechanisms to recycle and optimize state-owned real estate assets, including those managed by the armed forces, to maximize their contribution to national development.