SENEGAL GOVERNMENT
Dakar — On Thursday, the Prime Minister of Senegal urged government ministers in Dakar to expedite the completion and activation of ongoing infrastructure projects within their respective portfolios.
The directive came during an interministerial council meeting focused on infrastructure development, where Ousmane Sonko emphasized the need for timely execution and seamless operation of key initiatives.
Maritime and Port Infrastructure Priorities
Among the critical projects highlighted was the expansion of maritime and port facilities, with the Prime Minister instructing the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to accelerate the operationalization of these infrastructures. This includes establishing efficient public-private partnerships to ensure smooth exploitation.
Key projects under review include:
- The Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port expansion
- The Ndangane Sambou fishing quay (central region)
- The upgraded Soumbédioune landing point
- Processing sites in Rufisque (western region)
- Dredging equipment managed by the National Maritime Affairs Agency in Kaolack and Fatick (central regions)
Addressing Blocked Projects
The government has identified 62 stalled infrastructure projects, including:
- The El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum
- Digital open spaces nationwide
- Regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam (north), and Kolda (south)
- The Nadayane port container terminal (west)
- Cold storage facilities
- The Le Joola ship memorial
- The reconstruction of the Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar
Quality and Sustainability Standards
A dedicated committee will oversee the resumption and completion of these projects, ensuring strict adherence to quality, cost, and sustainability benchmarks. The committee will also address technical challenges related to water, electricity, and telecommunications networks integral to these infrastructures.
Ousmane Sonko stressed the importance of integrating robust technical planning in future projects, including proper equipment provision, sustainable management models, and long-term maintenance strategies.
Youth and Citizenship Centers
Projects such as the Maisons de la Jeunesse et de la Citoyenneté in Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda were also discussed. The Prime Minister set a deadline of November 30, 2026 for their completion, equipment finalization, and operationalization.
Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Initiatives
The council reviewed progress on the 11 Naatangué village farms under construction in Fatick, Kaolack, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda, as well as agro-industrial hubs in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao.
Ousmane Sonko called for sustainable public-private partnership models to accelerate the operationalization of these facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of local communities. He also urged exploring various valorization options, such as long-term leases, concessions, rehabilitation, or administrative assignments, to mobilize additional investment resources.
Sports and Environmental Infrastructure
The Prime Minister recommended leveraging public-private partnerships for national stadiums and other sports facilities where feasible, to ensure their optimal utilization and maintenance.
Similarly, he tasked relevant ministries overseeing national parks (Niokolo-Koba, Hann, Saloum Delta, Djoudj), urban reserves (Technopole, Lac Rose), and other natural sites with developing mechanisms for their valorization or recycling, while respecting national and host country regulations.
Diplomatic and Public Asset Valorization
Ousmane Sonko instructed the Minister of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad to propose a framework for maximizing the value of Senegal’s diplomatic and consular real estate assets abroad, ensuring alignment with national interests and host country laws.
The government also discussed strategies for recycling or valorizing assets across sectors including postal services, railways, airports, highways, public universities, and hospitals. For military real estate, the Prime Minister advocated exploring private sector involvement to optimize management and utilization.
