Senegal’s PM Sonko pushes for swift completion of stalled public projects

Government urged to break bottlenecks in critical infrastructure projects

Dakar — Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has directed cabinet ministers to fast-track the completion and commissioning of stalled public infrastructure projects nationwide. During a high-level interministerial council meeting held in the capital, he underscored the urgency of resolving administrative, financial and technical hurdles impeding progress on several flagship initiatives.

Maritime and port infrastructure top the agenda

The Prime Minister specifically tasked the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy with expediting efforts to ensure swift and efficient operationalization of key maritime and port facilities. He emphasized leveraging public-private partnerships to enhance delivery and sustainability. Among the projects highlighted are:

• The Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port
• The Ndangane Sambou fishing quay
• The upgraded Soumbédioune landing site
• Processing plants in Rufisque
• Dredging operations by the National Maritime Affairs Agency in Kaolack and Fatick

Over 60 infrastructure projects remain stranded

The government has identified 62 infrastructure projects currently blocked, including:

• The El Hadj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum
• Open digital spaces
• Regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam and Kolda
• The Ndayane container terminal
• Cold storage facilities
• The memorial for the Le Joola ferry disaster
• The reconstruction of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar

To ensure accountability and progress, a dedicated committee will be established to oversee implementation, monitor decisions and enforce necessary financial, administrative and legal measures.

Sustainability and integrated planning emphasized

Ousmane Sonko stressed that all infrastructure projects must meet stringent quality and cost-efficiency standards. He called for the seamless integration of water, electricity and telecommunications networks into project planning. Ministers were also instructed to prioritize technical equipment, operational models and long-term maintenance strategies to safeguard public investments.

Youth and citizenship centers set for November 2026 completion

The Prime Minister set a firm deadline of 30 November 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.

Agricultural and agro-industrial projects targeted for efficiency

Attention also turned to rural development initiatives such as the Naatangué village farms and emerging agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon and Mbellacadiao. The Prime Minister urged relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to design sustainable operational models that balance economic viability with social impact in the agro-industrial sector.

Exploring innovative financing for public assets

Sonko highlighted multiple avenues for unlocking the potential of public infrastructure, including long-term leasing, concession agreements, emphyteutic leases and other public-private partnership structures designed to attract fresh investment. The meeting also addressed the development of national stadiums, sports infrastructure, national parks, nature reserves and diplomatic real estate assets abroad.

Maximizing state assets through strategic reuse

In closing, the Prime Minister called on public bodies to propose innovative mechanisms for recycling and enhancing the value of state-owned real estate and land assets, including those under military administration. The goal is to optimize their utility and contribution to national development priorities.