The Prime Minister of Senegal has called on government ministers to accelerate the completion and operationalization of ongoing infrastructure projects across the country. Speaking at a high-level interministerial council in Dakar, Ousmane Sonko outlined a comprehensive plan to tackle delays in key initiatives, emphasizing quality, efficiency, and sustainable management.
urgent measures for maritime and fishing infrastructure
Sonko specifically highlighted the need to expedite maritime and port infrastructure, urging the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to prioritize their swift exploitation. This includes the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay in the central region, the Soumbédioune landing site, and the processing facilities in Rufisque. Additionally, the government is addressing delays in dredging operations managed by the National Maritime Affairs Agency in Kaolack and Fatick.
62 stalled projects identified for resolution
A total of 62 infrastructure projects have been flagged as stalled, ranging from educational and healthcare facilities to transportation hubs. Among them are the El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Nadayane port container terminal, cold storage units, and the Joola memorial site. The reconstruction of the Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar is also included in the list.
commitment to quality and cost efficiency
A dedicated committee will oversee the resumption and completion of these projects, ensuring strict adherence to quality and cost standards. Sonko emphasized the importance of proper technical planning, particularly regarding water, electricity, and telecommunication networks, to guarantee sustainable operations and maintenance.
youth and citizenship centers under deadline
The Prime Minister also addressed delays in the construction of youth and citizenship centers in Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda. He set a firm deadline of November 30, 2026, for their finalization and operationalization, mandating the Ministries of Youth, Finance and Budget, and Territorial Communities to take immediate action.
agricultural and agro-industrial initiatives
Discussions also centered on 11 ongoing Naatangué village farms across regions such as Fatick, Kaolack, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda, as well as agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao. Sonko called for sustainable public-private partnerships to ensure these initiatives meet local needs and are brought online efficiently.
exploring innovative funding and management models
To unlock stalled projects, the government is considering flexible financing and operational models, including long-term leases, concessions, rehabilitation, and administrative assignments. These approaches aim to attract private investment while ensuring long-term viability for infrastructures such as digital centers, women’s centers, and agropoles.
sports and environmental infrastructure priorities
Sonko also stressed the importance of leveraging public-private partnerships for national stadiums and other sports facilities where feasible. Similarly, he urged ministries overseeing national parks (Niokolo-Koba, Hann, Saloum Delta, Djoudj), urban reserves, and natural sites to explore mechanisms for valorization or recycling to maximize their potential.
diplomatic assets and public sector real estate
In a bid to optimize national resources, the Prime Minister directed the Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs to develop strategies for valorizing Senegalese diplomatic and consular properties abroad. This includes exploring legal frameworks that respect host countries’ regulations while advancing national interests. A follow-up interministerial meeting will soon define a clear doctrine for such asset management.
The government also discussed strategies for recycling and valorizing real estate assets belonging to postal services, railways, airports, highways, public universities, and hospitals. For military properties, Sonko called for finding the most effective management models, including private sector involvement, to ensure optimal utilization.
