May 21, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Ousmane sonko unveils 57.5 billion cfa francs for Senegal market modernization

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Modernisation : Ousmane Sonko annonce 57,5 milliards de fCfa pour restructurer 528 marchés

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has presented an ambitious strategic blueprint aimed at profoundly revitalizing Senegal’s commercial infrastructure. Recognizing the widespread dilapidation of facilities, many of which date back to the 1970s, and responding to a concerning tally of 53 market fires recorded between 2013 and 2024, the head of government is committing to the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM) as a cornerstone of his administration’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.

This significant undertaking involves the comprehensive renovation of 528 existing markets across the nation and the construction of 67 brand-new, modern commercial complexes. The initiative is backed by a substantial public investment of 57.5 billion CFA francs, allocated over a four-year period.
 

agricultural campaign, flood mitigation, and digital sovereignty

 

Addressing the upcoming 2026-2027 agricultural campaign, the Prime Minister called for immediate corrective measures to overcome current shortcomings. These include improving the targeting of beneficiaries, strengthening seed autonomy, and resolving storage limitations. While a complete overhaul of agricultural subsidies is pending, immediate priority is being given to accelerating digitalization efforts within pilot zones such as Tivaouane and Nioro.

Regarding the critical issue of flood management, an urgent directive has been issued. This mandates the validation of all communal emergency plans and the organization of an inter-ministerial simulation exercise, which must be completed before June 15, 2026. Finally, concerning the Sénégal Connect Park, a strategic national project that is 95% complete but currently stalled by contractual disagreements, the government has demanded that a new closing timeline be promptly submitted to the African Development Bank (BAD).