Senegal Economy — The Prime Minister has highlighted the critical state of Senegal’s markets, citing severe structural decay and significant safety hazards. In a bold move to address these challenges, Ousmane Sonko has proposed the creation of an autonomous administrative body dedicated exclusively to market management and modernization.
During a recent council of ministers meeting, the Prime Minister underscored the urgent need for intervention, noting that “the condition of commercial infrastructure in Senegal is plagued by outdated facilities and alarming security risks.” Between 2013 and 2024 alone, 53 markets across the country have been affected by fires, a stark indicator of the systemic vulnerabilities in the current system.
Diagnosis reveals multi-faceted challenges
The assessment conducted by the Prime Minister’s office uncovered deep-rooted issues spanning technical, infrastructural, organizational, environmental, and sanitary dimensions. These findings have prompted calls for a comprehensive overhaul of how markets are managed and operated nationwide.
The existing Programme de Modernisation et de Gestion des Marchés (PROMOGEM) has made progress in this area, but Sonko emphasized that further reforms are necessary to enhance its effectiveness. A strategic development plan for 2025–2029 has already been drafted, aiming to restructure all 528 existing markets and construct 67 new, modern market facilities.
Proposed autonomy for PROMOGEM
To achieve these ambitious goals, the Prime Minister has advocated for a “functional transformation” of PROMOGEM, transforming it into an entity with full administrative and financial autonomy. This includes securing a dedicated budget allocation of 57.5 billion CFA francs over four years, drawn from the state’s public investment plan.
The proposed changes also aim to improve budgetary efficiency and attract innovative financing solutions to sustain long-term development.
Vision for a modern market network
Sonko has tasked key ministers—including those overseeing Industry, Commerce, Finance, and the Budget—to spearhead the creation of a nationwide network of modern markets. The initiative places strong emphasis on rigorous management by local authorities and private sector stakeholders to ensure sustainability and operational excellence.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of collaborative governance, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the modernization agenda as a national priority.
