Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko convened a landmark interministerial council meeting on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Presidential Administrative Building in Dakar to address the nation’s infrastructure challenges. The session revealed a comprehensive audit uncovering 245 public assets and infrastructure projects currently stalled due to financial, legal, technical, or operational hurdles, amounting to investments exceeding several trillion West African CFA francs.
Unfinished but Completed Projects Represent Major Losses
The audit identified 30 completed infrastructures that remain unused, with 25 currently blocked. These dormant assets represent a frozen investment of 279 billion FCFA. Fifteen of these projects have been prioritized due to their economic and strategic significance to the nation.
Government Identifies High-Value Assets for Recycling
Additionally, the government discovered 23 operational assets that could be repurposed or enhanced, valued at 1,065 billion FCFA. Among these are 94 ongoing projects, 62 of which are at a standstill, with a combined investment of 5,227 billion FCFA requiring an additional 973 billion FCFA to reach completion.
State-Owned Real Estate Under Scrutiny
The audit also examined the state’s real estate and land holdings, identifying 97 properties primarily located in Dakar, with an estimated market value of 132 billion FCFA.
Task Force Launched to Revitalize Stalled Projects
In response to these findings, Prime Minister Sonko announced decisive measures to accelerate the activation, completion, and valorization of these infrastructures. He instructed the Secretary-General of the Government to establish an inclusive committee under his leadership, effective immediately. This task force will meet weekly and deliver an operational roadmap by June 30, 2026.
The committee’s mandate includes proposing solutions for project completion, defining sustainable management and operational models, and developing strategies for recycling and enhancing public assets.
Financial Constraints Remain the Primary Obstacle
The diagnostic assessment highlighted financial difficulties as the most prevalent issue. Among the stalled projects, 42 face funding gaps, payment delays, or insufficient investment credits. Other projects are hindered by technical constraints, legal disputes, or the absence of suitable operational frameworks.
Prime Minister Sonko emphasized the paradoxical situation of completed yet unutilized infrastructures, some of which have remained idle for years. He attributed this to poor coordination among stakeholders, lack of definitive handover, or misalignment with actual needs.
Key Projects Targeted for Intervention
The government’s revitalization efforts focus on several emblematic projects, including the port and maritime infrastructures in Foundiougne, Soumbédioune, and Ndangane; the Youth and Citizenship Houses across multiple regions; the Naatangué ANIDA village farms; and the agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacoulon, and Mbellacadiao.
Among the major stalled initiatives are the Sine-Saloum University, the 45 Digital Open Spaces (ENO), regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Container Terminal at the Port of Ndayane, the Joola Boat Memorial, and the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital.
Public-Private Partnerships to Boost Efficiency
The executive branch is also exploring public-private partnerships to optimize the operation of several infrastructures, including national stadiums, parks and nature reserves, as well as certain state-owned properties and diplomatic representations abroad.
Through this extensive audit and rationalization initiative, the government aims to enhance the efficiency of public investment, reduce dormant assets, and improve the profitability of state-funded infrastructures.