Senegal’s Annual UEMOA Reform Review Unveils Mixed Progress

Dakar witnessed a high-level gathering as Finance Minister Cheikh Diba led the political phase of the 2025 UEMOA reform review, flanked by UEMOA Commission President Abdoulaye Diop and key government officials. This annual assessment, now conducted bi-annually since 2023, marks its eleventh iteration since Senegal began participation in 2014 under the framework of the Union’s 2013 Addendum Act.

The technical sessions, held from November 10-12, scrutinized 145 reforms and five major projects before the political validation phase. Commission representative Mahamadou Gado highlighted the collaborative spirit of the technical discussions, describing the process as both professional and fraternal.

Key Performance Shifts in Senegal’s Reform Implementation

While the overall implementation rate stands at a respectable 76.45% for 2025—a slight dip from 78.59% in 2024—the results reveal significant sectoral variations. The most concerning declines emerged in culture and tourism (-15.10 points) and craftsmanship, quality standards, and business climate (-34.75 points), compounded by delays in submitting the 2024 GUDEF report to the Commission.

Conversely, Senegal demonstrated notable improvements in several critical areas:

• Customs union initiatives (+4.55 points)
• Human and social development (+6.58 points)
• Energy and mining sectors (+3.33 points)
• Public finance harmonization (+1.88 point)

Abdoulaye Diop emphasized the review’s strategic importance, calling it “a catalyst for deepening regional economic integration” within the UEMOA framework. The Commission’s leadership commended Senegal’s commitment to regional integration, acknowledging the pivotal support from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and the entire cabinet.

Next Steps and Government Response

Minister Cheikh Diba reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to elevating community performance standards, announcing that the review’s conclusions would be presented directly to the Prime Minister in an upcoming meeting with the Commission President. Diba also praised Amadou Tchambou, the Commission’s Resident Representative in Dakar, for his instrumental role in bridging institutional collaboration between UEMOA and Senegalese authorities.