At the May 20, 2026 Council of Ministers session, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko highlighted key priorities including public market modernization, preparation for the 2026-2027 agricultural campaign, flood prevention measures, and completion of the Sénégal Connect Park initiative.

Sonko called for more efficient governance, faster public service digitalization, and tighter monitoring of government actions through enhanced inter-ministerial coordination.

Market modernization: sweeping restructuring program announced

The Prime Minister painted a concerning picture of Senegal’s market infrastructure, noting that many commercial facilities built in the 1970s have become structurally unsound and pose security risks. He revealed that between 2013 and 2024, 53 markets were affected by fires, exposing systemic weaknesses in the sector.

To address these challenges, Sonko presented the Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM), whose 2025-2029 strategic plan includes renovating 528 existing markets and constructing 67 new modern facilities. He also proposed institutional reforms to grant PROMOGEM greater administrative and financial autonomy, backed by a 57.5 billion FCFA allocation from the state’s public investment plan.

The Prime Minister instructed relevant ministries to establish a nationwide network of modern markets, with rigorous management involving local governments and domestic private sector partners.

Agricultural campaign: transparency and digitalization take center stage

Discussing preparations for the 2026-2027 agricultural season, Sonko praised progress in fertilizer and certified seed production, particularly through the Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research (ISRA) and agricultural training centers (ICS).

However, he identified persistent challenges including incomplete seed autonomy, inconsistent targeting of agricultural input beneficiaries, limited access to farm credit, and storage capacity constraints.

Sonko urged accelerated digitalization of the agricultural sector, already piloted in areas like Tivaouane and Nioro, and demanded greater transparency in input pricing alongside consistent nationwide distribution.

Flood prevention: emergency measures before rainy season

With the rainy season approaching, the Prime Minister called for a cross-ministerial mobilization to prevent flooding. He emphasized the need for drainage network cleaning, structural integrity checks, and pre-positioning of emergency response assets.

Sonko also ordered updates to municipal emergency plans, strengthening of early warning systems, and a joint ministerial simulation exercise before June 15, 2026.

Sénégal Connect Park: breaking through final hurdles

The Prime Minister devoted considerable attention to the Sénégal Connect Park project, stressing its strategic importance for national digital sovereignty, innovation, and the growth of Senegal’s digital economy. Though physical completion stands at 95%, financial and contractual obstacles continue to delay finalization.

Sonko directed competent authorities to submit a realistic new completion timeline to the African Development Bank (BAD) while accelerating negotiations with the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and concession discussions.