Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko chaired a high-stakes interministerial council on infrastructure at the President Mamadou Dia Administrative Building on Thursday, May 21, 2026. After a thorough assessment, the government identified 245 public infrastructure projects and assets facing severe financial, legal, technical, or operational bottlenecks, with total investments exceeding several trillion CFA francs.

Breaking down the findings, 30 completed but non-operational infrastructures were recorded, 25 of which remain stalled, representing a frozen investment of 279 billion CFA francs. Fifteen of these projects have been designated as high-priority due to their economic and strategic significance.

The audit also revealed 23 already operational assets suitable for recycling or value enhancement, valued at an estimated 1,065 billion CFA francs. Additionally, 94 ongoing projects were identified, 62 of which are currently on hold, with a total investment commitment of 5,227 billion CFA francs. Completing these will require an additional 973 billion CFA francs in funding.

State-owned real estate and land assets were also part of the review. A total of 97 properties were cataloged, primarily located in Dakar, with an estimated market value of 132 billion CFA francs.

Immediate action plan

In response, Prime Minister Sonko announced decisive measures to fast-track the commissioning, completion, or monetization of these stalled assets. He directed the Secretary-General of the Government to establish an inclusive task force under his leadership, effective immediately. This committee will conduct weekly reviews and deliver an operational roadmap by June 30, 2026.

The task force’s mandate includes proposing solutions for project completion, defining sustainable management and operational models, and developing strategies to recycle and enhance the value of public assets.

Root causes and targeted solutions

The interministerial assessment highlighted financial constraints as the primary obstacle. Among the stalled projects, 42 are hindered by funding gaps, delayed payments, or insufficient investment credits. Other challenges include technical hurdles, legal disputes, and the absence of viable operational frameworks.

Sonko emphasized the paradoxical situation of completed but unused infrastructures, some left idle for years. He attributed the delays to poor coordination among stakeholders, lack of final acceptance, or misalignment with actual needs.

Key projects in focus

The government’s action plan targets several emblematic projects, including port and maritime infrastructures in Foundiougne, Soumbédioune, and Ndangane; Youth and Citizenship Centers across regions; Naatangué ANIDA village farms; and agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacoulon, and Mbellacadiao.

Major stalled initiatives include the Sine-Saloum University, 45 Open Digital Spaces (ENO), regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Ndayane Container Terminal, the Le Joola Memorial, and Aristide Le Dantec Hospital.

The executive is also leveraging public-private partnerships to optimize the utilization of several assets, such as national stadiums, parks, nature reserves, and state-owned diplomatic properties abroad.

Through this comprehensive audit and rationalization effort, the government aims to boost the efficiency of public investment, reduce dormant assets, and improve the profitability of state-funded infrastructure.