Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has publicly voiced significant alarm regarding the current condition of Senegal’s markets, drawing attention to the advanced state of disrepair affecting numerous commercial infrastructures originally constructed in the 1970s.
During his official statement, the head of government detailed the pervasive safety hazards prevalent in these commercial zones. He underscored the critical issue by revealing that a staggering fifty-three markets across the nation experienced devastating fires between 2013 and 2024.
In response to this pressing situation, Ousmane Sonko highlighted the pivotal Market Modernization and Management Program (PROMOGEM). Its strategic blueprint for 2025-2029 outlines an ambitious initiative to overhaul 528 existing markets and construct 67 brand-new, modern commercial facilities.
The Prime Minister also advocated for a crucial institutional reform of PROMOGEM, aiming to bolster its administrative and financial independence. To drive this transformation, a substantial fund of 57.5 billion CFA francs has been allocated over four years, stemming from the State’s Public Investment Plan.
According to the Prime Minister, the overarching goal is to establish a sophisticated network of markets spanning the entire national territory. This expansive project will feature stringent management protocols, fostering collaboration between local territorial authorities and the national private sector to ensure sustainable development.
