Senegal highlights decade of progress on un sustainable development goals

Senegal showcases third voluntary national review at United Nations amid decade of ODD achievements

The face of rural Senegal has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Just ten years ago, only one in three households had access to electricity. Today, that figure stands at seven out of ten. This remarkable progress was highlighted as Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, presented Senegal’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 13, 2026.

The High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, held from July 7 to 15 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council, served as the platform for this assessment. The forum focused on transformative, equitable, and innovative actions to advance the 2030 Agenda, with particular attention to five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, infrastructure and innovation, sustainable cities and communities, and global partnerships.

Senegal joined Cabo Verde and Italy in presenting its progress, one of 36 countries worldwide—and ten from West and Central Africa—to undergo this comprehensive evaluation this year.

A decade of collective effort

« Since our first Voluntary National Review in 2018 and our second in 2022, this third review reflects our ongoing commitment to monitoring progress toward the 2030 Agenda, » Dièye told delegates. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the process, acknowledging contributions from sectoral ministries, local governments, civil society, the private sector, and the United Nations system.

The review incorporated innovative elements, including alternative civil society reports, consultations with disability advocacy groups, and Senegal’s first-ever comprehensive Local Voluntary Review, led by the municipality of Pikine. A Voluntary National Review is a self-assessment conducted by a country to evaluate progress on the 17 SDGs, identify challenges, and share lessons with the global community during the High-Level Political Forum.

The SDGs are deeply embedded in Senegal’s national framework, particularly in the « Senegal 2050 » transformation agenda and the 2025–2029 National Development Strategy (NDS). Nearly 93% of SDG indicators are now tracked through the national monitoring and evaluation system, including the annual Joint Review—a mechanism praised for fostering dialogue and accountability.

Tangible improvements for communities

For a minister overseeing water and sanitation, progress on SDG 6 was a natural starting point. Access to clean drinking water has reached 97.8% in urban areas and 96% in rural regions—a nine-percentage-point increase over the past decade. Sanitation improvements have been even more pronounced in rural areas, rising from 37.5% to 64.5% since 2015, while urban coverage has grown from 62.5% to 73.65%.

The energy sector has also seen dramatic transformation. Electricity access has surged from 62% in 2015 to 86% in 2024, with renewable energy accounting for 29.1% of installed capacity, up from just 3% in 2016. The national target aims for 40% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030.

Urban mobility in Dakar offers further evidence of change. The Regional Express Train (TER) recorded 23.1 million passengers in 2025, a tenfold increase from a decade earlier. Meanwhile, the fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system prevents more than 53,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

The review did not shy away from acknowledging challenges. With over half of Senegal’s population now living in cities, the housing deficit exceeds 500,000 units. Public debt stands at 116.1% of GDP, though domestic revenue now funds 69.7% of the national budget—up from 54.8% in 2015. Air quality in Dakar has also improved, with fine particulate levels dropping from 35 to 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter.

Four pillars for accelerated progress by 2030

Looking ahead, Dièye outlined four strategic levers to fast-track development:

• Systemic economic transformation: Focusing on eight strategic sectors, territorial poles, and special economic zones.
• Water and sanitation security: Through the National Water Security Compact.
• Climate action and renewable energy: Aligning with the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and accelerating renewable energy adoption.
• Sustainable financing: Strengthening partnerships, including continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and implementing a National Transition Strategy to graduate from Least Developed Country status.

Dialogue and accountability in focus

During an interactive session, delegates posed direct questions to the Senegalese delegation. The Gambia praised the strong historical and familial ties between the two nations and inquired about efforts to enhance transparency and combat corruption. Dièye responded by emphasizing the role of institutions such as the National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Office (OFNAC), the National Financial Information Processing Unit (CENTIF), and the new Financial Investigation Pool. He noted that Senegal was removed from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list in October 2024—a status reaffirmed on June 29, 2026—calling these developments « tangible progress. »

Spain asked how the diaspora could contribute further to national development. Dièye highlighted the mutual benefits of migration, noting that host countries gain skilled labor and economic growth, while countries of origin benefit from remittances, knowledge transfers, and strengthened economic ties. « Well-governed migration is a lever for sustainable development when it is built on balanced cooperation between origin, transit, and destination countries, » he stated. Senegal aims to deepen this partnership with Spain.

The delegation from Ireland even took a moment to commend Senegal’s national football team, the Lions of Teranga, for their impressive performance in the recent World Cup.

Concluding the session, Dièye reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda. « We remain fully engaged in implementing this agenda and will continue this journey with the international community, » he declared.