The Head of State, His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar FAYE, chaired the weekly Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Palace of the Republic.
Strengthened Role of Culture, Crafts, and Tourism in the National Transformation Agenda
At the outset of his address, the President of the Republic discussed the enhanced role of Culture, Crafts, and Tourism in the National Transformation Agenda. He reminded the Government of the importance of culture and crafts in revitalizing Senegal as a tourist destination, as well as promoting entrepreneurship and employment. He emphasized that preserving our ancestral traditions, optimally leveraging our cultural potential, and the diverse expertise of our artisans, artists, and cultural figures remain fundamental pillars for the success of the Project for a Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Senegal. To this end, he instructed the Prime Minister, Mr. Ousmane Sonko, to mobilize all the nation’s vital forces to strengthen the role and place of culture in all its expressions within the National Transformation Agenda.
The Head of State directed the Minister in charge of Culture, in collaboration with the attached Secretary of State, to prioritize the preservation of our historical heritage, a robust decentralization of cultural policy, and the deployment of an innovative policy for diversifying and labeling cultural and creative industries, artisanal productions, and tourism offerings. This reinforced political and economic commitment to Culture, Crafts, and Tourism must be materialized through the construction of modern cultural infrastructure across the national territory.
He advocated for the development of Arts and Letters, the protection of artists’ rights, and the mobilization of adequate funding to support stakeholders in achieving a well-managed national and international cultural agenda, supported by a consensual and tailored communication and tourism promotion strategy.
The President underscored that the new roadmap for this ministerial department must include a major component on “training, capacity building, and professionalization of stakeholders,” as well as equipping the culture sector with high-quality human resources, particularly cultural advisors and facilitators, to better lead the nation’s cultural policy under the Government’s guidance. Additionally, he instructed the Minister in charge of Crafts to streamline structures, interventions, and resources dedicated to the sector, with the long-term goal of establishing a national fund for the promotion of crafts. He stressed the need for strategic control over the planning and establishment of hotel and tourism facilities through concerted planning with operators and promoters to significantly increase the country’s accommodation capacity. Consequently, a competitive economic model for Senegal as a destination must be consolidated, highlighting the country’s comparative advantages in key markets. He urged the Minister in charge of Tourism to revitalize tourist sites and zones (Petite Côte, Cap Skirring, Saloum Islands, Gorée, etc.), restructure and relaunch the hotel credit system, the National Tourism Council, and the activities of SAPCO, which should define a new partnership framework with the State.
Finally, the Head of State requested the Minister in charge of Culture, Crafts, and Tourism to prepare, with all relevant stakeholders, the organization of the General States of the sector. This exercise in co-construction and convergence of strategies and interventions aims to establish an attractive framework for Senegal that significantly enhances the expertise of our artisans and our exceptional cultural and tourism potential, while strengthening job creation and the integrated development of sectors in line with the Senegal 2050 Vision.
New Policy on Construction and Implementation of Public Infrastructure
The President of the Republic addressed the new policy on the construction and implementation of public infrastructure, which must remain a government priority. The creation of a dedicated Ministry of Infrastructure should support, under the Prime Minister’s coordination, an interministerial dynamic for executing sectoral infrastructure projects with significant impacts on growth, employment, and population well-being. He urged the Prime Minister to accelerate the pace of execution for all funded and validated works, projects, and constructions, with their timely completion being a priority. He reminded the Government of the urgency of finding concerted ways and means with recognized stakeholders to build a sovereign buildings and public works sector, aligned with the new requirements of professionalism, economic patriotism, and transparency carried by the Government’s priority programs, projects, and reforms.
Commemoration of the “Le Joola” Ferry Disaster
On September 26, 2025, Senegal will solemnly commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the “Le Joola” ferry disaster. The Head of State instructed the Government to take all necessary measures to support families returning to villages, enhance road, air, maritime, and river connectivity, and revive economic and social activities in the affected administrative regions, particularly by promoting local fruit and agricultural production, which are priority components.
Role of the Senegalese Diaspora in National Development
The Head of State addressed the involvement of the Senegalese diaspora in national development. He reiterated his warm congratulations, encouragement, and support to them. Their multisectoral and multifaceted contributions have a significant impact on national economic development and social stability. He commended the Prime Minister for the success of the Milan meeting with compatriots, focusing on addressing their concerns and promoting the National Transformation Agenda and the Economic and Social Recovery Plan (PRES). In the same vein, he instructed the Minister and Secretary of State in charge of the Senegalese Abroad to finalize, under the Prime Minister’s guidance, a Special Program for the Support and Promotion of the Senegalese Diaspora, to be launched on December 17, 2025, during the first edition of the National Diaspora Day. He urged the Government to ensure the proper organization of this significant event, which requires the involvement of all stakeholders.
Regarding his diplomatic agenda, the President informed the Council that he will travel to New York from September 21 to 26, 2025, to participate in the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister’s Address: Guidelines and Directives for the New Government
In his address, the Prime Minister thanked the Head of State for acting on his proposal by restructuring the government on September 6, 2025. He expressed appreciation for this mark of confidence and committed to redoubling efforts in leading the government team to achieve even more satisfactory results. He extended heartfelt congratulations and thanks to outgoing ministers for their 17 months of work and welcomed incoming ministers, encouraging them to spare no effort in addressing the current challenges.
The Prime Minister reflected on the government formed in April 2024, which faced an unprecedented situation following a profound political change. He highlighted the discovery and disclosure of hidden debt, which had significant consequences for macroeconomic stability, resource mobilization capacity, and budgetary margins.
He noted that under these conditions, fulfilling sovereign duties, ensuring state continuity, guaranteeing security, reducing the prices of essential commodities, and providing public health and education services were not easy tasks. From organizing agricultural campaigns to implementing corrective measures to prevent and combat flooding, and thoroughly examining the situation of struggling public enterprises, no effort was spared.
Following the President’s guidelines, the Prime Minister emphasized key points for effective government work, considering the progress made and commitments to the Senegalese people. These include cohesion in implementing government policy, professional reserve and discretion, speed, proactivity, pragmatism, collegiality, and proximity to the population through active listening, dialogue, and consultation.
Transparency in Public Affairs Management
The Prime Minister stated that the guiding principles for each minister’s actions must include absolute transparency, requiring impeccable conduct in the face of temptations, implementation of the National Transformation Agenda (ANT) and the Economic and Social Recovery Plan (PRES), strengthening Senegal’s economic pillars, and improving human capital through education and health. He stressed the urgency of finalizing the plan to streamline public structures to limit resource waste and retain only entities demonstrating public utility and efficiency. Given the scale of the task and the scarcity of resources, strict discipline in their use is essential.
He emphasized the need for extreme rigor in managing ministerial departments, including budgets, benefits, personnel, and resources, with no exceptions. Oversight bodies will conduct regular checks to ensure compliance with these requirements. He urged every government member to rise to the demands of their role, demonstrate humility and exemplary conduct, and take actions to strengthen trust between the population and the State. He invited ministers, in collaboration with relevant services, particularly the Secretary of State for Relations with Institutions and Government Spokesperson, to ensure transparent communication to inform citizens about government actions and explain their significance.
Implementation of the National Transformation Agenda
The Prime Minister addressed the implementation of the National Transformation Agenda (ANT) through the Economic and Social Recovery Plan (PRES). The framework adopted in October 2024 has entered an effective implementation phase, which must be supported by an appropriate governance platform. All structures dedicated to strategic or operational management are already working to deliver expected results. He emphasized that the success of the national transformation project relies on collective discipline, coherent actions, and individual accountability of each government member. The Economic and Social Recovery Plan 2025-2028, “JUBBANTI KOOM,” is the first milestone in accelerating the ANT’s implementation. The implementation committee, established by Prime Ministerial Decree No. 028426 of August 7, 2025, has begun its work within four poles, each with a president and rapporteur. He urged all government members to support the committee’s actions by responding promptly to its requests and actively participating in its work. However, shortcomings and deficiencies have been noted. He expects the Government to adopt a new dynamic based on more effective execution of directives, stronger engagement in project ownership, increased rigor in initiative preparation, and exemplary responsiveness and organization to turn ambitions into tangible results.
Strengthening Senegal’s Economic Pillars
The Prime Minister addressed the issue of strengthening Senegal’s economic pillars. He urged all government members to prioritize events like the Invest in Senegal Forum (FII Senegal), scheduled for October 7-8, 2025, and similar events both in Senegal and abroad to showcase “Brand Senegal.” He emphasized the need for reforms to create a favorable environment for business prosperity, encouraging ministers to improve relations with businesses and make the administration more credible and responsive to private sector concerns. Modernization projects through digitalization are a priority, with a modern and efficient public administration being a key indicator. This improved ecosystem will contribute to implementing impactful structural projects, particularly in port and maritime infrastructure (Ndayane, Bargny Sendou, new Dakar port, Ndakhonga, Nikine, and secondary ports like Kaolack, Ziguinchor, and Saint-Louis), which must be regularly monitored to become sustainable economic drivers.
He also noted that airport infrastructure requires necessary investments for upgrades and expansion. Measures for the recovery of Blaise Diagne International Airport and Air Senegal must be implemented. Environmental considerations must be integrated into ongoing programs and projects, focusing on protecting fragile ecosystems like the coastline and inland waterways, combating deforestation, and promoting soil conservation and restoration. He urged relevant ministers to follow this roadmap, set goals for implementation, and regularly report on progress and challenges.
The Prime Minister called for strong private sector involvement and rigorous monitoring of job creation by relevant ministers. To definitively boost the economy, the sector strategy must be implemented promptly, targeting sectors with real potential and historical strengths, such as phosphates, leather and hides, cotton, pharmaceuticals, and digital industries. Struggling sectors, like oilseeds with SONACOS, must be urgently revitalized. The digital transformation through the “Technological New Deal” is a key pillar for reviving the tertiary sector, with the national postal service playing a decisive role. The chemical industry and agropoles should be significant drivers for job creation and territorial equity. Mineral and gas resources must be optimally exploited to ensure industrial growth.
Human capital development through health and education is a core objective of public policies. Priority must be given to reforming the education system, university governance, and the health system, with critical focus on completing school, university, and health infrastructure projects.
Regarding international economic cooperation, the Prime Minister informed the Council that a flexible and effective mechanism is being established to capitalize on the outcomes of visits by the President, the Prime Minister, and ministers abroad, and to materialize the interest generated by Senegal among partners.
Finally, he addressed the organization of the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games as a particular concern of the President. He announced that he will hold bi-monthly working sessions with all stakeholders to monitor progress.
Other Communications
- The Minister in charge of Protocol made a communication on state protocol.
- The Director General of the Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Major Projects (APIX) made a communication on the Invest in Senegal Forum (FII Senegal).
Legislative and Regulatory Texts
The Council reviewed and adopted:
- The Draft Decree establishing and setting the organization and functioning rules of the Nation-Army High Schools for Quality and Equity (LYNAQE).
Individual Measures
The President of the Republic made the following decisions:
At the Presidency of the Republic
- Mr. Amadou Lamine SY, Senior Organization Advisor, is appointed Director General of the Organization and Methods Office (BOM), replacing Mr. Ibrahima NDIAYE.
At the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum, and Mines
- Mr. Adama Faye, Manager, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Refining Company (SAR), a vacant position.
- Mr. El Hadji Mamour SAKHO, holder of a PhD in Applied Physics and specialist in energy and nanotechnology, is appointed Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Agency for Energy Economy and Management, replacing Mr. Boukhadirou KABA.
At the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation
- Mr. Saliou Abdoulaye NGOM, Civil Administrator, is appointed Director of General Administration and Equipment (DAGE) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, replacing Mr. Laïty MBENGUE.
At the Ministry of Industry and Commerce
- Mr. Alpha THIAM, Lawyer and Human Resources Management Expert, is appointed Director General of the Agency for the Development and Support of Small and Medium Enterprises (ADEPME), a vacant position.
At the Ministry of Culture, Crafts, and Tourism
- Mr. Seck DIENG, PhD candidate in Modern and Contemporary History, is appointed Director General of the Fund for the Development of Urban Cultures and Creative Industries (FDCUIC), replacing Mr. Cheikh NDIAYE.
- Mr. Jean Benoit BAKHOUM, Music Education Professor, is appointed Secretary General of the Fund for the Development of Urban Cultures and Creative Industries (FDCUIC), replacing Ms. Khady Diattou NDOYE.
At the Ministry of National Education
- Mr. Saliou NDIAYE, Secondary Education Professor with a PhD in Physical Sciences, is appointed Director of General Secondary Education, replacing Ms. Fatimata Ba DIALLO.
- Mr. Aliou FAYE, Secondary Education Professor, is appointed Director of the National Institute for Education and Training of Blind Youth, replacing Mr. Youssou FAYE.
Secretary of State to the Prime Minister, in charge of Relations with Institutions and Government Spokesperson
Marie Rose Khady Fatou FAYE