Senegal maintains robust performance in annual UEMOA reforms despite sectoral challenges
The Minister of Finance and Budget, Cheikh Diba, led the political phase of the annual review of UEMOA’s community reforms, policies, programs, and projects in Dakar on Monday. The session was attended by the President of the UEMOA Commission, Abdoulaye Diop, alongside key government officials.
Established under Additional Act No. 05/2013 of October 24, 2013, and conducted in Senegal since 2014, this review has transitioned to a biennial format following a decision made in Bissau in July 2023. Now in its eleventh edition, the process serves as a critical tool for strengthening economic integration within the West African region. As highlighted by Abdoulaye Diop, it enables executive bodies to assess collective actions undertaken under the Union’s Treaty. The technical phase, held in Dakar from November 10 to 12, 2025, evaluated 145 reforms and 5 projects before the political phase validated the findings.
Mixed performance: Senegal’s reform implementation dips slightly
Senegal’s overall progress in implementing UEMOA reforms stands at 76.45% in 2025, a modest decline from 78.59% in 2024, reflecting a 2.14-point drop. This regression is primarily attributed to underwhelming results in the culture and tourism sectors (-15.10 points) and handicrafts, quality, and business climate (-34.75 points). Delays in submitting the 2024 GUDEF report to the Commission further exacerbated these challenges.
On a positive note, notable improvements were recorded in customs union alignment (+4.55 points), human and social development (+6.58 points), energy and mining (+3.33 points), and public finance harmonization (+1.88 point).
Collaborative efforts pave the way for constructive dialogue
The technical phase was marked by a collaborative approach between Senegalese teams and the UEMOA Commission, described as fraternal, professional, and objective. The findings will be presented by Mahamadou Gado, Commissioner for Economic Policies and Domestic Taxation.
Cheikh Diba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing its community performance, announcing that the political phase’s conclusions will be submitted directly to the Prime Minister during a meeting with the Commission President. He also commended Amadou Tchambou, the Commission’s Resident Representative in Dakar, for his facilitative role in bridging regional institutions with Senegalese administrations.
Abdoulaye Diop praised President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for his dedication to regional integration, as well as the support of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the entire government in advancing the Union’s objectives.
