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Senegal highlights transformative decade in sustainable development journey
The face of rural Senegal has changed dramatically over the past ten years. Where just one in three households had access to electricity in 2016, today that figure stands at seven in ten. This remarkable transformation was among the key achievements presented by Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Senegal’s Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, during the country’s third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York on July 13, 2026.
Held under the theme of transformative, equitable and innovative action for the 2030 Agenda, the Forum examined progress across five critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, industry innovation and infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities, and global partnerships. Senegal was one of 36 countries—including ten from West and Central Africa—to present its VNR this year, joining Cabo Verde and Italy in a shared session.
National review reflects inclusive, participatory approach
« After presenting our first VNR in 2018 and the second in 2022, today we stand before you with our third review. This process is not just about reporting—it is about accountability, learning and continuous improvement, » Dièye told delegates. He emphasized that the review was built on contributions from government ministries, local authorities, civil society, the private sector and the UN system, ensuring a comprehensive reflection of national realities.
The process included innovative elements such as civil society-led alternative reports, consultations with disability rights groups and Senegal’s first-ever Voluntary Local Review, conducted by the municipality of Pikine. A VNR is a self-assessment in which countries evaluate their progress toward the 17 SDGs, share lessons learned and identify areas needing accelerated action. These reviews are central to the UN’s monitoring of the 2030 Agenda.
The SDGs are fully embedded in Senegal’s national framework, including the Senegal 2050 Transformation Agenda and the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2025–2029. Nearly 93% of SDG indicators are now tracked through the national monitoring and evaluation system and its annual joint review, described by the minister as « a vital tool for dialogue and accountability. »
Tangible gains for communities across sectors
For a minister responsible for water and sanitation, progress on SDG 6 was a natural focal point. Access to safe drinking water has reached 97.8% in urban areas and over 96% in rural zones—a nine-point increase in 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 increased from 62.5% to 73.65%.
The energy sector has also seen dramatic advances. National electricity access grew from 62% in 2015 to 86% in 2024, with renewables now accounting for 29.1% of installed capacity—up from just 3% in 2016. The country has set a national target of 40% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030.
Urban transport users in Dakar are witnessing two flagship changes: the Regional Express Train (TER), which carried 23.1 million passengers in 2025 compared to 2.7 million a decade earlier, and the fully electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which is preventing over 53,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Yet challenges remain. With more than half of Senegal’s population now living in cities, the national housing deficit is estimated at nearly 500,000 units. The minister also addressed public debt, which stands at 116.1% of GDP. On a positive note, domestic revenue now funds 69.7% of the national budget—up from 54.8% in 2015—and Dakar’s air quality has improved, with average fine particulate levels dropping from 35 to 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter.
Four pillars to accelerate progress by 2030
Looking ahead, Dièye outlined four strategic levers to accelerate SDG implementation: systemic economic transformation through eight priority sectors, territorial hubs and special economic zones; securing water and sanitation through the National Water Compact; implementing the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and accelerating renewable energy deployment; and mobilizing sustainable financing through strengthened partnerships, including continued engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a National Transition Strategy to graduate from least developed country status.
Global dialogue: praise, questions and shared commitments
The interactive session that followed allowed delegates and civil society to engage directly with Senegal’s delegation. The representative from Gambia praised the strong historical and familial ties between the two nations and inquired about efforts to strengthen transparency and combat corruption.
« Transparency, good governance and anti-corruption are essential for improving public service efficiency, building citizen trust and creating an enabling environment for achieving the SDGs, » Dièye responded. He highlighted the National Anti-Fraud and Corruption Office (OFNAC), the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF) and the new Financial Judicial Pool, noting that Senegal was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list in October 2024—a status reaffirmed on June 29, 2026.
The Spanish delegation asked how the diaspora could contribute more effectively to development. « Migration generates shared benefits, » the minister said. « Host countries gain skilled labor and economic growth, while countries of origin benefit from remittances, skills transfer and stronger economic links. » He stressed that well-governed migration, based on balanced cooperation among origin, transit and destination countries, is a key driver of sustainable development—a principle Senegal aims to deepen with Spain.
Even football took center stage when the Irish delegation congratulated Senegal on the recent World Cup performance of the Lions of Teranga.
In closing, Dièye reaffirmed Senegal’s unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda. « We remain fully dedicated to implementing this agenda with our international partners, » he stated. « The journey is long, but our resolve is stronger than ever. »
