Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has unveiled a broad slate of reforms aimed at decentralising power and modernising the economy, as detailed in an official communique, following a high-level cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
Government spokesperson Marie Rose Khady Fatou FAYE shared a press release containing the president’s statements on her official X account.
In the communique, President Faye emphasised the need for a responsive government at every level. “A modern state must listen to its citizens—not from afar, but through authorities rooted in each region,” he stated.
He affirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the hopes of all Senegalese into action: “We are committed to ensuring that the aspirations of every Senegalese, from the smallest village to the largest city, are not only heard but transformed into concrete public policies.”
The communique outlines President Faye’s directives to the Prime Minister, instructing that regional projects aligning with the National Transformation Agenda be prioritized, and that efforts to modernize local government be accelerated.
“Our vision is clear: land and urban development, access to drinking water, rural electrification, road and digital connectivity, security, and the strengthening of our local economies in agriculture and industry—all these must be accelerated with local actors in the lead,” the statement read.
Modernisation and Accountability
According to the communique, President Faye announced the launch of the Territorial Administration Modernisation Plan, underscoring its significance: “This is not just administrative reform. It is the backbone of our systemic transformation, and it will enhance the proximity and efficiency of public services for all Senegalese.”
He further instructed the Prime Minister to oversee a special program for constructing public buildings, noting, “A visible, accessible State inspires confidence. Our administration must be present and effective everywhere.”
The communique also noted the President’s call for regular regional conferences and inter-ministerial reviews: “Accountability and follow-up are non-negotiable. Our citizens deserve nothing less.”
Youth and Women at the Heart of National Renewal
Addressing Senegal’s youth, the communique cited President Faye’s vision for the April 4 national holiday as a “tribute to the Army and the youth, the twin pillars of Senegal’s future.”
He pressed for expedited work on the new Youth Policy and for the Youth Advisory Council to be established by mid-2026: “The energy of our young people must be harnessed for the success of Senegal 2050. We owe them opportunities, not just promises.”
In light of the upcoming International Women’s Day, President Faye’s statement highlighted the central role of women in the country’s progress: “Women are the engines of our communities and our economy.
Their empowerment and equality are not optional—they are prerequisites for national progress.” The communique calls for swift passage of the economic empowerment bill, adoption of a new gender equality strategy, and reforms to the National Observatory for Parity.
Economic Transformation: The Leather and Hides Sector
The communique further summarised remarks by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who outlined plans for revitalising the leather and hides sector under the Special Investment and Financing Plan (2026-2028).
“The leather industry is a sleeping giant,” Sonko noted. “With less than 5% of hides processed locally, we are exporting jobs and value that should remain in Senegal.”
He projected that the sector could generate more than 130,000 formal jobs and over 1,549 billion CFA francs in revenue by 2034.
The Prime Minister called for the creation of public-private partnerships and special economic zones to make the sector a driver of national growth. “This is not just about industry—it’s about inclusion, about giving young people and women the chance to build a future here, in their regions,” he added.
The communique also reported on cabinet discussions regarding agricultural policy reforms, prison overcrowding, and recent diplomatic activities, including summaries from the African Union summit.
Concluding the day’s deliberations, President Faye’s statement captured an optimistic outlook: “Senegal stands at a crossroads. We will succeed by working together, empowering our regions, investing in our youth and women, and building a State that is everywhere, for everyone.”
The government’s latest decisions, as detailed in the communique, are described as a pivotal step toward a more decentralised, inclusive, and dynamic Senegal—with the promise of tangible results in the near future.
