Dakar’s Leadership Calls for Accelerated Progress on Ongoing Developments
During a high-level interministerial meeting in Dakar, the Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, underscored the urgent need to finalize and operationalize a series of critical infrastructure projects across Senegal. The directives, outlined in an official release, aim to eliminate delays and ensure timely service delivery.
Maritime and Port Infrastructure Prioritized
The Prime Minister specifically highlighted maritime and port developments, urging the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to expedite the launch of key initiatives. These include the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay in the central region, the upgraded Soumbédioune landing site, and the processing facilities in Rufisque. Additionally, the National Maritime Affairs Agency’s dredging operations in Kaolack and Fatick were singled out for immediate attention.
Addressing Blocked Projects Nationwide
Ousmane Sonko drew attention to 62 stalled infrastructure projects, spanning education, transport, healthcare, and tourism. Among them are the El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Nadayane container terminal, cold storage units, and the Joola memorial. The reconstruction of Dakar’s Aristide Le Dantec Hospital was also flagged as a priority.
Committee to Oversee Implementation
A dedicated committee will be formed to oversee the resumption and completion of these projects. Sonko emphasized that all developments must meet stringent quality and cost standards while incorporating sustainable maintenance and operational frameworks. This includes ensuring robust water, electricity, and telecommunication networks for each site.
Youth and Citizenship Centers Under the Spotlight
The Prime Minister also addressed the construction of Youth and Citizenship Centers in multiple cities, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda. He tasked the ministries of Youth, Finance, and Local Governance with equipping these facilities and ensuring their operational readiness by November 30, 2026.
Agricultural and Industrial Developments
The interministerial meeting also reviewed progress on agricultural initiatives, including the Naatangué village farms across Fatick, Kaolack, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda, as well as agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao. Sonko called for sustainable public-private partnerships to accelerate their deployment and maximize local benefits.
Exploring New Models for Public Assets
The Prime Minister advocated for innovative approaches to unlock the potential of underutilized public assets, including universities, hospitals, postal services, railways, airports, highways, and diplomatic properties abroad. Options such as long-term leases, concessions, rehabilitation, or administrative reallocation were proposed to generate new investment streams and enhance efficiency.
Sports and Environmental Infrastructure
Regarding national stadiums and sports facilities, Sonko recommended exploring public-private partnerships to optimize their use. He also emphasized the need to develop mechanisms for sustainable valorization of natural sites, such as national parks (Niokolo-Koba, Hann, Saloum Delta, Djoudj) and urban reserves like the Technopole and Lac Rose.
For diplomatic properties overseas, he instructed the Minister of African Integration to propose frameworks that align with national interests and respect host country regulations, culminating in a unified strategy for asset management.
Military Assets in Focus
Finally, Ousmane Sonko directed the government to explore optimal management models for military infrastructure, including private sector involvement, to ensure their most effective utilization.