Senegal’s prime minister urges swift completion of stalled infrastructure projects

The Prime Minister of Senegal has called on government officials to prioritize the completion and operationalization of ongoing infrastructure projects across various sectors.

During a high-level interministerial meeting in Dakar, Ousmane Sonko emphasized the need for diligent implementation, particularly for maritime and port infrastructures. Key projects highlighted include the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay, the Soumbédioune landing site, and the Rufisque processing sites. Additionally, the Prime Minister instructed the National Maritime Affairs Agency to expedite the deployment of dredgers in Kaolack and Fatick to support ongoing operations.

Challenges and solutions for delayed projects

A total of 62 stalled infrastructure projects were identified, including the El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum, open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Nadayane container terminal, cold storage facilities, and the Le Joola memorial. The reconstruction of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar was also flagged as a priority.

To address these delays, a dedicated committee will be established to oversee financial, administrative, and legal measures for project resumption and completion. Ousmane Sonko stressed the importance of adhering to quality and cost standards while ensuring technical excellence in water, electricity, and telecommunication networks for all infrastructure projects.

Youth and citizenship centers under scrutiny

The Prime Minister also raised concerns about the slow progress of youth and citizenship centers in Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda. He directed the relevant ministries—Youth, Finance and Budget, and Local Government—to finalize equipment and ensure these centers are operational by November 30, 2026.

Agro-industrial and economic infrastructure push

Government discussions also covered the progress of 11 Naatangué village farms in Fatick, Kaolack, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda, as well as agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao. The Prime Minister urged ministries of Agriculture, Industry, Finance, and Budget to collaborate with local governments to define sustainable public-private partnership models for these projects, ensuring timely service delivery aligned with community needs.

For underutilized assets such as youth centers, digital spaces, women’s centers, and agropoles, Ousmane Sonko advocated exploring various partnership models—including long-term leases, concessions, rehabilitation, or administrative assignments—to attract private investment and optimize resource mobilization.

Broader infrastructure and public asset optimization

The government also deliberated on the valorization of national and international assets, including national stadiums, sports infrastructures, and public real estate holdings such as those managed by La Poste, the railway and airport sectors, highways, public universities, and hospitals. The Prime Minister recommended implementing strategies to either recycle or enhance the value of these assets, potentially through public-private partnerships where feasible.

Similarly, he called for a review of the management models for military real estate, suggesting private sector involvement to maximize operational efficiency. The same directive applies to natural reserves like Niokolo-Koba, Hann, Saloum Delta, and Djoudj, as well as urban reserves such as Technopole and Lac Rose.

Regarding Senegalese diplomatic properties abroad, the Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad with proposing mechanisms for their valorization or recycling, ensuring alignment with national interests and host country regulations. An interministerial meeting will follow to establish a formal doctrine for this process.