The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has directed government officials to expedite the completion and operationalization of key public infrastructure projects currently underway across the country.
During an interministerial council meeting in Dakar, Sonko emphasized the urgent need to address administrative, financial, and technical bottlenecks hindering progress on several high-priority projects.
Maritime and port infrastructure under the spotlight
The Prime Minister called on the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to accelerate efforts to ensure the rapid and efficient operation of maritime and port facilities. This includes leveraging public-private partnerships to fast-track projects such as the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing wharf, the Soumbédioune landing site, and the processing facilities in Rufisque. Additionally, the national maritime agency’s dredging operations in Kaolack and Fatick regions must be prioritized to resolve logistical challenges.
Over sixty stalled infrastructure projects identified
A comprehensive audit revealed 62 infrastructure projects currently blocked, ranging from the El Hadj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum to regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda. Other critical projects include the Ndayane container terminal, cold storage facilities, and the restoration of the historic Le Joola memorial. The Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar, a vital healthcare facility, is also among those awaiting completion.
To oversee progress, a dedicated committee will be established to monitor infrastructure development and enforce necessary financial, administrative, and legal measures to revive these projects. Sonko underscored the government’s commitment to delivering these infrastructures with uncompromising standards of quality and cost efficiency.
Integrating essential utilities and sustainable maintenance
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of embedding water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into the planning of all public projects. He tasked ministers with ensuring robust technical equipment, sustainable operational models, and long-term maintenance strategies to prevent future disruptions.
Deadline set for youth and citizenship centers
Sonko set a strict deadline of November 30, 2026, for the full equipping and operationalization of youth and citizenship centers under construction in multiple locations, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda.
Agro-industrial infrastructure and sustainable models
The interministerial council also addressed the development of village farms under the Naatangué initiative and agro-parks in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao. Sonko urged relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to design sustainable business models that balance profitability with social impact in these agro-industrial zones.
Unlocking value through public-private partnerships
Exploring diverse avenues for infrastructure valorization, Sonko proposed long-term leases, concessions, emphyteutic leases, and other public-private partnership frameworks to attract fresh investments and maximize the utility of public assets.
Broader infrastructure priorities
The government’s discussions extended to national stadiums, sports facilities, national parks, nature reserves, and the real estate holdings of Senegalese diplomatic missions abroad. Sonko also instructed public bodies to propose mechanisms for recycling and optimizing state-owned real estate and land assets, including those managed by the armed forces, to better serve national interests.