Senegal’s infrastructure crisis: sonko unveils task force to unlock stalled projects
In a decisive move to address long-standing bottlenecks in public infrastructure, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko chaired a high-level interministerial council on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the President Mamadou Dia Administrative Building. The session focused on unlocking 245 stalled or underperforming public assets and projects, valued at over several trillion FCFA.
a stark reality: billions in frozen investments
The council’s audit revealed a troubling landscape: 30 completed but inactive infrastructures, including 25 currently blocked, represent a frozen investment of 279 billion FCFA. Fifteen of these were classified as “high priority” due to their economic and strategic significance.
Additionally, 23 operating assets worth 1,065 billion FCFA are identified for potential recycling or revaluation. Meanwhile, 94 ongoing projects—62 of which are at a standstill—require an estimated 5,227 billion FCFA, with an additional 973 billion FCFA needed to complete them.
state assets under scrutiny
The audit also extended to Dakar’s real estate and land holdings, tallying 97 properties with a market value of 132 billion FCFA. These assets, once optimized, could generate significant returns for the state.
a task force to restore momentum
Prime Minister Sonko announced the immediate establishment of a dedicated task force, led by the Secretary-General of the Government. This committee will meet weekly and deliver a comprehensive action plan by June 30, 2026. Its mandate includes:
- Accelerating the commissioning of completed projects
- Defining viable operational and management models
- Identifying strategies to recycle and revalorize dormant assets
root causes of delays
The diagnostic highlighted financial constraints as the primary obstacle. Among the stalled projects, 42 face funding gaps, delayed payments, or insufficient investment credits. Other hurdles include technical challenges, legal disputes, and the absence of sustainable operational frameworks.
The Prime Minister emphasized the “paradoxical situation” of completed but unused infrastructures, some standing idle for years. These gaps often stem from poor inter-agency coordination, unresolved final inspections, or misalignment with actual needs.
prioritizing key projects
The government has earmarked several emblematic projects for urgent action:
- Port and maritime infrastructures: Foundiougne, Soumbédioune, Ndangane
- Youth and Citizenship Centers: Nationwide expansion
- Agricultural initiatives: Naatangué ANIDA village farms, agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacoulon, and Mbellacadiao
- Major stalled works: Sine-Saloum University, 45 Digital Open Spaces (ENO), regional airports (Saint-Louis, Matam, Kolda), Ndayane Container Terminal, Joola Memorial, and Aristide Le Dantec Hospital
public-private partnerships as a lever
To enhance efficiency, the government plans to leverage public-private partnerships for stadiums, national parks, select state-owned properties, and diplomatic representations abroad. This approach aims to maximize returns and reduce the burden on public finances.
The comprehensive audit underscores a broader strategy: turning stalled investments into productive assets, reducing waste, and ensuring every franc invested delivers tangible value to citizens.