Government urged to cut through red tape and fast-track national infrastructure
Dakar — Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has called on the Senegalese government to remove administrative, financial and technical hurdles blocking the completion of critical public infrastructure projects across the country.
The directive came during an inter-ministerial council meeting held in Dakar, where Sonko emphasized the need for urgent action to ensure these long-overdue projects reach completion and become operational without further delay.
Maritime and port facilities take center stage
Among the stalled projects under scrutiny are key maritime and port facilities. Sonko directed the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to expedite measures—particularly through public-private partnerships—to accelerate the operational readiness of the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay, the Soumbédioune landing site, and the processing centers in Rufisque. Additionally, the maritime affairs agency’s dredging units operating in Kaolack and Fatick regions were highlighted for immediate action.
A comprehensive review of 62 stalled projects
The government has identified a total of 62 infrastructure projects currently facing delays. This list includes the El Hadj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum, open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam and Kolda, the container terminal at the Port of Ndayane, cold storage facilities, and the memorial for the Le Joola disaster. The reconstruction of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar is also among the projects awaiting completion.
To ensure steady progress, Sonko announced the formation of a dedicated committee tasked with monitoring these projects and enforcing the decisions made during the inter-ministerial meeting. This committee will focus on implementing the necessary financial, administrative and legal measures to restart and finalize the work.
Quality, cost and sustainability at the heart of new infrastructure rollout
The Prime Minister stressed that all completed projects must meet strict quality standards and cost efficiency benchmarks. He also underlined the importance of integrating water, electricity and telecommunications networks into the planning phase of public projects. Ministers were instructed to prioritize durable maintenance, robust operational models and reliable technical equipment to ensure long-term functionality.
Deadline set for youth and citizenship centers
Sonko set a firm deadline of November 30, 2026, for the full equipment and activation of youth and citizenship centers under construction in multiple locations, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack and Tambacounda.
Agro-industrial development and rural transformation
The inter-ministerial discussion also covered the ongoing development of village farms under the Naatangué initiative and several agro-parks in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon and Mbellacadiao. Sonko called on relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to design sustainable operational models that ensure both economic viability and social impact for these agro-industrial infrastructures.
Exploring new financing models for public assets
The Prime Minister explored various strategies to unlock value from public infrastructure, including long-term leases, concessions, emphyteutic leases and other public-private partnership structures designed to attract fresh investment. The meeting also addressed the modernization of national stadiums, sports facilities, national parks, nature reserves and diplomatic properties abroad.
In a final push for efficiency, Sonko urged public bodies to propose mechanisms for recycling and optimizing state-owned real estate assets—including those managed by the armed forces—to maximize their contribution to national development.
