Senegal shares third voluntary national review with world leaders

The Senegalese government has presented its third Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations, showcasing a decade of tangible progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The announcement came during the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, where Minister of Water and Sanitation Cheikh Tidiane Dièye outlined the country’s achievements and future priorities.

The review, delivered on July 13, 2026, reflects the country’s commitment to monitoring and accelerating progress across multiple development pillars. Senegal is among 36 nations—including 10 from West and Central Africa—presenting their reports this year, alongside Cabo Verde and Italy.

Key milestones in access to essential services

Electricity access has surged from just one in three rural households a decade ago to seven in ten today. In urban areas, the figure now stands at 96%, while nationwide coverage has climbed from 62% in 2015 to 86% in 2024. Renewable energy has also gained ground, now accounting for 29.1% of installed capacity, up from a mere 3% in 2016, with a national target of 40% by 2030.

Water and sanitation access has seen remarkable improvements. Potable water coverage now reaches 97.8% in cities and 96.2% in rural areas, up nearly nine percentage points in the past ten years. Sanitation has expanded even faster, with rural coverage jumping from 37.5% to 64.5% since 2015, and urban areas seeing growth from 62.5% to 73.65%.

Urban mobility has transformed with the introduction of the Train Express Régional (TER), which carried 23.1 million passengers in 2025—an eightfold increase from a decade earlier. The fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system has further reduced emissions by over 53,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

National strategies and innovation in tracking progress

The Senegal 2050 Vision and the National Development Strategy (SND 2025–2029) embed the SDGs into long-term planning. Nearly 93% of SDG indicators are now tracked through a robust national monitoring system, including an annual joint review that fosters accountability and dialogue among stakeholders.

The review process involved unprecedented collaboration, including alternative reports from civil society, consultations with disability rights groups, and the country’s first-ever local voluntary review, led by the municipality of Pikine.

Addressing challenges and setting the course for 2030

Despite progress, obstacles remain. With over half of Senegal’s population now living in cities, the housing deficit has ballooned to nearly 500,000 units. Public debt stands at 116.1% of GDP, though domestic revenue has improved, financing 69.7% of the national budget in 2025 compared to 54.8% in 2015. Air quality in Dakar has also improved, with fine particle levels dropping from 35 to 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter.

Four priority areas have been identified for accelerated action: systemic economic transformation through eight strategic sectors, territorial development zones, and special economic zones; securing water and sanitation via the National Water Security Compact; advancing the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and renewable energy goals; and mobilizing sustainable financing through strengthened partnerships, including continued engagement with the International Monetary Fund and a National Transition Strategy to graduate from the least developed countries category.

Global dialogue and commitments

During a lively interactive session, delegates from neighboring countries and beyond commended Senegal’s achievements while posing pointed questions. The Gambia praised the strong historical and familial ties between the two nations and inquired about efforts to bolster transparency and anti-corruption measures. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye highlighted the role of the National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Office (OFNAC), the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), and the new Financial Justice Pool, noting that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) removed Senegal from its enhanced monitoring list in October 2024—a status reaffirmed in June 2026.

Spain’s delegation sought insights on how the diaspora could further contribute to development. The minister emphasized the mutual benefits of well-governed migration, citing remittances, skill transfers, and stronger economic ties as key drivers. Senegal reiterated its commitment to deepening partnerships with Spain and other nations to maximize these opportunities.

Even sports took center stage when Ireland’s representatives congratulated Senegal on the impressive performance of the Lions de la Teranga at the recent World Cup.

Concluding the session, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering dedication to the 2030 Agenda, stressing the importance of continued international cooperation to turn global goals into local realities.