Sénégal: Sonko’s bold reforms to modernize markets, boost agriculture and digital transition

During a pivotal Council of Ministers meeting, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko unveiled a sweeping reform agenda targeting market modernization, agricultural enhancement, and accelerated public service digitization. With a 57.5 billion FCFA investment plan, the government aims to streamline governance and strengthen inter-ministerial coordination to drive these transformative initiatives.

In a decisive Council of Ministers session, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined a comprehensive strategy to address critical sectors. The meeting focused on three core priorities: revitalizing public markets, preparing for the 2026-2027 agricultural season, preventing seasonal flooding, and expediting the completion of the Sénégal Connect Park project.

Revitalizing public markets: a structural overhaul

Addressing the state of markets nationwide, the Prime Minister highlighted alarming deficiencies in infrastructure built decades ago. Many facilities dating back to the 1970s now pose significant safety risks, with outdated systems and inadequate maintenance. Between 2013 and 2024, 53 markets suffered fire incidents, exposing deep-seated vulnerabilities in the sector.

To tackle these challenges, Sonko announced the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM), with a strategic vision spanning 2025 to 2029. The initiative aims to restructure 528 existing markets and construct 67 new, state-of-the-art facilities. A 57.5 billion FCFA budget has been earmarked for this four-year public investment plan, with enhanced administrative and financial autonomy granted to PROMOGEM.

The Prime Minister called for a collaborative approach involving local authorities and national private sector players to ensure rigorous management and sustainable development of these markets across all regions.

Boosting agriculture: transparency and digital innovation

Turning to agricultural preparation for the 2026-2027 season, Sonko acknowledged progress in certified seed and fertilizer production, particularly through the Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA) and Interprofessions des Semences (ICS). However, he underscored persistent obstacles: incomplete seed autonomy, inefficiencies in targeting agricultural input beneficiaries, limited access to farm credit, and insufficient storage capacity.

Emphasizing the need for swift action, the Prime Minister urged faster digitization of agricultural processes, building on successful pilot programs in areas like Tivaouane and Nioro. He stressed the importance of transparent input cost structures and equitable distribution mechanisms to ensure nationwide accessibility.

Preparing for seasonal flooding: proactive measures

With the rainy season approaching, Sonko emphasized the urgency of inter-ministerial collaboration to mitigate flood risks. He mandated immediate actions including drainage network clearance, verification of water infrastructure, and pre-positioning of emergency response resources.

The government has been tasked with updating municipal emergency plans, reinforcing early warning systems, and conducting a cross-sector simulation exercise before June 15, 2026, to ensure preparedness and coordinated response.

Sénégal Connect Park: overcoming hurdles for digital sovereignty

The Sénégal Connect Park project took center stage, with Sonko affirming its strategic role in advancing digital sovereignty, fostering innovation, and catalyzing the growth of Senegal’s digital economy. Despite achieving 95% physical completion, financial and contractual bottlenecks continue to delay finalization.

The Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to submit a realistic revised completion timeline to the Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD) and accelerate negotiations with the Banque Ouest-Africaine de Développement (BOAD) while finalizing concession terms to unlock progress.