Senegal’s markets face decades of neglect, PM Sonko pushes for urgent reforms
Dakar – Senegal’s commercial infrastructure is in dire need of transformation, according to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who has highlighted severe structural decay and escalating security threats plaguing the country’s markets.
Decades of underinvestment and rising security risks
The Prime Minister’s assessment reveals a troubling reality: Senegal’s marketplaces, which serve as vital economic hubs, suffer from chronic neglect. Over the past decade alone, 53 markets have been ravaged by fires, a direct consequence of outdated infrastructure and inadequate safety measures. The situation has deteriorated to the point where many facilities now pose serious hazards to vendors and consumers alike.
Sonko’s diagnosis extends beyond structural deficiencies. A comprehensive evaluation uncovered multifaceted challenges spanning technical, organizational, environmental, and sanitary dimensions. These systemic issues have stifled economic activity and compromised public safety across urban and rural markets nationwide.
The PROMOGEM initiative: a step toward modernization
To address these pressing concerns, the government has launched the Programme de Modernisation et de Gestion des Marchés (PROMOGEM), a strategic initiative aimed at revitalizing Senegal’s market ecosystem. The program has already achieved notable milestones, including the formulation of a forward-looking development strategy spanning 2025 to 2029.
Under this plan, authorities aim to restructure all 528 existing markets and introduce 67 new modern market facilities. The goal is to create a more resilient, efficient, and secure commercial infrastructure capable of supporting Senegal’s economic aspirations.
Proposals for institutional autonomy and enhanced funding
Prime Minister Sonko has proposed a bold institutional transformation for PROMOGEM, advocating for its evolution into a fully autonomous administrative entity. This move seeks to enhance operational agility, streamline financial management, and unlock innovative funding opportunities.
The proposed structure would operate with a dedicated budget of 57.5 billion CFA francs over four years, drawn from the state’s public investment plan. This financial empowerment is expected to accelerate the implementation of modernization projects while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Sonko has called on key ministers, including those overseeing Industry and Commerce, as well as Finance and Budget, to collaborate on this ambitious agenda. Their mission: to design and implement a nationwide network of state-of-the-art market facilities. The Prime Minister has also emphasized the need for rigorous management of these new infrastructures by local authorities and national private sector stakeholders.
A vision for inclusive economic growth
Beyond physical upgrades, the Prime Minister’s vision prioritizes inclusive economic growth. By modernizing market infrastructures, the government aims to bolster trade, enhance food security, and create employment opportunities across Senegal. The initiative reflects a commitment to building a more resilient and prosperous future for all citizens.
