At the Council of Ministers session held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko highlighted several key priorities for Senegal. These included the modernization of public markets, comprehensive preparations for the 2026-2027 agricultural season, crucial flood prevention measures, and the expedited completion of the Sénégal Connect Park project.

The Prime Minister also called for a more streamlined governmental approach, emphasizing the acceleration of public service digitalization and improved oversight of government actions through strengthened inter-agency coordination.

Transforming markets: a comprehensive restructuring initiative

In his address, the Prime Minister presented a concerning assessment of Senegal’s market infrastructure. He noted that numerous commercial facilities, many dating back to the 1970s, are now significantly dilapidated and pose considerable safety risks to vendors and consumers alike.

Highlighting the urgency, the head of government revealed that between 2013 and 2024, fifty-three markets experienced devastating fires, exposing deep-seated structural vulnerabilities within the sector. In response, he emphasized the Programme de Modernisation et de Gestion des Marchés (PROMOGEM). Its strategic plan for 2025-2029 outlines the ambitious restructuring of 528 existing markets and the construction of 67 brand-new, modern facilities across the nation.

Ousmane Sonko further advocated for an institutional overhaul of PROMOGEM to grant it greater administrative and financial autonomy. He announced a substantial allocation of 57.5 billion FCFA over four years, drawn from the State’s Public Investment Plan, to fund these vital upgrades.

Modernizing public markets for safety and efficiency

Consequently, the Prime Minister directed the relevant ministries to collaborate on establishing a robust network of modern markets throughout the national territory. This initiative will require stringent management practices, actively involving local authorities and the national private sector to ensure sustainable development and operation.

Agricultural campaign: enhancing transparency and digital integration

Turning to the preparations for the 2026-2027 agricultural campaign, the Prime Minister commended the progress made in producing certified fertilizers and seeds, particularly by institutions such as ISRA and ICS.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged several persistent challenges. These include a continuing reliance on external sources for seeds, inefficiencies in accurately targeting beneficiaries for agricultural inputs, obstacles to accessing agricultural credit, and limited storage capacities for produce.

Ousmane Sonko stressed the imperative to accelerate the digitalization of the agricultural sector, building on successful pilot programs in regions like Tivaouane and Nioro. He also demanded greater transparency regarding input costs and a consistent, equitable distribution of resources across the entire country.

Flood prevention: urgent actions ahead of the rainy season

Preparing for the agricultural season and mitigating risks

With the rainy season (hivernage) just weeks away, the Prime Minister called for a concerted inter-ministerial effort to mitigate the risk of flooding. He urged prompt operations to clear drainage networks, thorough inspections of existing drainage infrastructure, and the strategic pre-positioning of intervention resources.

The head of government mandated the updating of communal emergency plans, the strengthening of early warning systems, and the organization of a comprehensive inter-ministerial simulation exercise to be conducted before June 15, 2026.

Sénégal Connect Park: addressing project roadblocks

The strategic Sénégal Connect Park project also featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s communication. Ousmane Sonko reiterated the vital importance of this infrastructure for Senegal’s digital sovereignty, fostering innovation, and driving the nation’s digital economy.

He noted that the project has achieved an estimated 95% physical completion rate, despite facing financial and contractual hurdles that have delayed its finalization. The Prime Minister instructed the relevant departments to swiftly provide the African Development Bank (BAD) with a revised, realistic completion date. Concurrently, he urged accelerated discussions with the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and intensified negotiations concerning the project’s concession agreement.