Senegal highlights decade of progress toward sustainable development goals at un forum

Ten years ago, fewer than one in three rural residents in Senegal had access to electricity. Today, that figure has surged to seven out of ten. This remarkable transformation was among the key achievements highlighted by the country during its third National Voluntary Review (NVR) presented at the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 13, 2026. The review was led by Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, before the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development.

The HLPF, convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Council from July 7 to 15, 2026, focused on transformative, equitable, and innovative actions to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Agenda. Five critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were under the spotlight: clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry and innovation, sustainable cities, and global partnerships.

This year, 36 countries, including ten from West and Central Africa, submitted their NVRs. Senegal shared its findings alongside Cabo Verde and Italy, showcasing its commitment to transparency and accountability in tracking SDG progress.

Collaborative efforts behind Senegal’s voluntary review

« After presenting our first NVR in 2018 and the second in 2022, we now share our third review—a testament to our dedication to regularly assessing our progress toward the 2030 Agenda, » said Minister Dièye. He acknowledged the vital contributions of government ministries, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, and the United Nations system.

The review process incorporated innovative elements, including alternative reports prepared by civil society organizations, consultations with disability advocacy groups, and Senegal’s first-ever local voluntary review, conducted by the municipality of Pikine. These efforts ensured the review reflected the country’s diverse realities and priorities.

A National Voluntary Review is a self-assessment conducted by a country to evaluate its progress toward the 17 SDGs. Governments use this platform to showcase achievements, identify gaps, and exchange best practices with peers. The HLPF serves as the primary United Nations platform for monitoring the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Measurable gains for Senegalese communities

For a minister overseeing water and sanitation, progress on SDG 6 was a natural starting point. Access to clean drinking water has reached 97.8% in urban areas and over 96% in rural zones—a significant leap from ten years ago. In rural areas, water access has improved by nearly nine percentage points, while sanitation coverage has expanded dramatically, rising from 37.5% to 64.5% in rural communities since 2015. Urban sanitation has also seen steady growth, climbing from 62.5% to 73.65%.

The energy sector has witnessed equally impressive strides. Electricity access nationwide has grown from 62% in 2015 to 86% in 2024, with renewable energy now accounting for 29.1% of installed capacity, up from just 3% in 2016. Senegal’s national target aims for 40% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030.

Urban mobility in Dakar has also transformed, with the Regional Express Train (TER) transporting 23.1 million passengers in 2025—a tenfold increase from a decade prior. Additionally, the fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system prevents over 53,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Despite these advances, challenges remain. With over half of Senegal’s population now living in cities, the housing deficit is estimated at nearly 500,000 units. Public debt stands at 116.1% of GDP, though domestic revenue generation has improved, with national taxes financing 69.7% of the national budget in 2026, compared to 54.8% in 2015. Air quality in Dakar has also improved, with fine particulate levels dropping from 35 to 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter.

Four pillars to accelerate progress by 2030

The Minister outlined four key priorities to fast-track SDG implementation: systemic economic transformation through eight strategic sectors and special economic zones; securing water and sanitation via the National Water Security Compact; implementing the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and accelerating renewable energy adoption; and mobilizing sustainable financing through strengthened partnerships, including continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a national transition strategy to graduate from the least developed country category.

Transparent dialogue and global engagement

The interactive dialogue following the review allowed delegations and civil society to pose questions. The representative from Gambia praised the deep historical and familial ties between the two nations, asking how Senegal is enhancing transparency and combating corruption.

« Transparency, good governance, and anti-corruption are essential for improving public sector efficiency, restoring citizen trust, and fostering an environment conducive to achieving the SDGs, » Minister Dièye responded. He highlighted institutions like the National Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Office (OFNAC), the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), and the new Judicial Financial Pool. Noting that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed Senegal from its enhanced monitoring list in October 2024—a status reaffirmed on June 29, 2026—he described these as « tangible progress. »

A delegate from Spain inquired about the role of the diaspora in development. « Migration creates shared benefits, » the Minister explained. « Host countries gain from the skills and economic progress of migrants, while countries of origin benefit from remittances, knowledge transfers, and strengthened economic ties. » He added that well-managed migration, built on balanced cooperation among origin, transit, and destination countries, can be a powerful tool for sustainable development—a partnership Senegal is eager to strengthen with Spain.

Even football took center stage when the Irish delegation congratulated Senegal on the Teranga Lions impressive performance in the recent World Cup.

Concluding the session, Minister Dièye reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda. « We remain fully dedicated to this path, » he stated, « and will continue working alongside the international community to turn these goals into reality. »