In response to decades of neglect, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has launched a sweeping initiative to transform Senegal’s market infrastructure, addressing both safety concerns and economic stagnation in commercial hubs nationwide.
Decades of decay drive urgent reforms
Addressing the media, Sonko highlighted the critical state of many markets built during the 1970s, emphasizing the growing security threats in these aging facilities. Between 2013 and 2024, 53 markets across the country were ravaged by fires, exposing vulnerabilities in outdated infrastructure and management systems.
PROMOGEM’s bold vision for 2025-2029
The Programme de Modernisation et de Gestion des Marchés (PROMOGEM) now stands at the forefront of this transformation. With a strategic roadmap spanning 2025 to 2029, the initiative aims to revamp 528 existing markets while constructing 67 new, state-of-the-art facilities. Sonko underscored the need for institutional reforms within PROMOGEM to bolster its financial and operational independence, ensuring sustainable growth.
Investment and collaboration at the core
To fuel this ambitious project, the government has allocated 57.5 billion CFA francs over four years through the Public Investment Plan. The goal is clear: establish a modern, nationwide network of markets that prioritizes efficiency, safety, and public-private partnerships. By integrating local governance and private sector expertise, the programme seeks to revitalize trade while protecting livelihoods tied to these vital commercial spaces.
With construction and modernization efforts set to roll out across regions, Sonko’s plan signals a new era for Senegal’s market landscape, where development meets resilience.
