The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has sounded the alarm about the deteriorating condition of the country’s market infrastructure, many of which date back to the 1970s and pose significant safety risks to both vendors and shoppers.
Decades-old markets in dire need of renewal
Speaking on national television, the Prime Minister highlighted alarming statistics: between 2013 and 2024, 53 markets across Senegal were ravaged by fires, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive renovation and modernization.
A bold investment plan for market revitalization
To address these challenges, Ousmane Sonko announced the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM), a strategic initiative spanning 2025-2029. The ambitious plan includes the renovation of 528 existing markets and the construction of 67 new, state-of-the-art market facilities nationwide.
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of institutional reforms to enhance PROMOGEM’s administrative and financial independence. In support of this vision, the government has allocated a substantial investment of 57.5 billion CFA francs over four years, as outlined in the Public Investment Plan.
Toward a modern, sustainable market network
The overarching goal of this initiative is to establish a nationwide network of modern, secure, and efficiently managed markets. This transformation will involve close collaboration between local authorities and private sector stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability and economic viability.