The Council of Ministers was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar FAYE, President of the Republic.

UNDER THE HEADING OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC'S COMMUNICATION

The Head of State made a statement covering the following points:

Stability of the national education system

The President of the Republic began his address by emphasizing the imperative of the proper functioning of schools, a pillar of the republican pact. To this end, he reminded the Government and all stakeholders in the educational community of the importance of strengthening the culture of excellence and merit, as well as the credibility of the education system. He urged the Government and teaching staff to establish a stable social climate in order to ensure the continuity of educational activities and the smooth conduct of assessments, examinations, and competitive entrance exams, through a renewed commitment to republican and patriotic values.

Furthermore, the Head of State has instructed the Government to ensure the improvement of living conditions in public schools by accelerating the implementation of the National Program for the Construction and Rehabilitation of primary, secondary, and high schools, including the integration of appropriate landscaping. Finally, he has directed the Minister of National Education and the Minister of Vocational and Technical Training to accelerate the pace of curriculum revisions to better align them with the needs of the national economy and to strengthen the integration of digital technology into teaching and learning.

Policy for improving the status of women

The President of the Republic welcomes the organization of the National Women's Week, in the context of the celebration of International Women's Day, this March 8, 2026, under the theme "Rights, Justice, Action for all women and girls".

Praising the efforts made by the Government and all partners to improve the status of women, particularly those living in rural areas, the Head of State emphasized the importance he attaches to the education of girls and the preservation of gender equality and women's rights. To this end, he instructed the Government to intensify awareness campaigns and the fight against discrimination and violence against women and girls, and to involve women's organizations more closely in the implementation of public policies through the deployment of projects and programs aimed at strengthening women's economic empowerment.

The President of the Republic asks the Minister of Family, Social Action and Solidarity to accelerate the reforms necessary for the economic promotion and social protection of women and to organize, before the end of 2026, inclusive national consultations on the contribution of women to the realization of the National Transformation Agenda, Senegal 2050.

Strengthening the role of livestock farming and animal production in food sovereignty

The President of the Republic notes that the livestock and animal production sub-sector plays a major role in the national economy and food sovereignty. In this regard, he instructs the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, and the Secretary of State for Cooperatives and Farmer Support, to intensify, in conjunction with the various livestock organizations, efforts to modernize livestock farming and improve animal production.

The Head of State instructed the Government to urgently intensify efforts to promote meat self-sufficiency, establish community cooperatives, and work with stakeholders to operationalize a National Livestock Development Fund—a robust public financing instrument designed to mobilize domestic resources generated from the sector's value chains. He also requested that consultations be initiated to modernize the management system for slaughterhouses, livestock markets, and pastoral infrastructure.

In this context, the Head of State instructed the Minister of Livestock and the Secretary of State for Cooperatives to assess the implementation of the Pastoral Code, accelerate the implementation of the Dolly Ranch transformation plan, and strengthen the resources of the Kébémer National Stud Farm. He also requested the development of national schools, institutes, and training and research centers in fields related to livestock and animal production, the implementation of a proactive strategy to combat cattle rustling, and preparations for the next National Livestock Day. Finally, he reiterated the urgent need to adopt the draft agro-sylvo-pastoral and fisheries policy law as soon as possible.

Monitoring the effective handover of infrastructure related to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

The President of the Republic informed the Council of his inspection visit to the progress of the construction sites and infrastructure for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), which took place on March 1, ^2026. He asked the Minister of Infrastructure to assess the level of completion of the various works and to address the urgent issues related to their effective handover by the scheduled date. Finally, the Head of State emphasized the importance he attaches to improving the living conditions in the host communities, particularly by accelerating the development and construction of access roads to the competition and accommodation venues, located in the municipalities of Diamniadio and Saly Portudal, in particular.

UNDER THE HEADING OF THE PRIME MINISTER'S COMMUNICATION

The Prime Minister presented his statement on the following points:

Rationalization of the parapublic sector

The Prime Minister recalled that during his address to the National Assembly on February 21, 2026, regarding the topical question, he had outlined the precautionary and corrective measures the Government intends to take to strengthen transparency in the conduct and management of public affairs. Among these measures is the streamlining of the semi-public sector, within a framework of modernizing the Administration, reducing government spending, and rationalizing public expenditures. In this context, a Working Group was established to propose a Streamlining Plan for the semi-public sector, highlighting overlaps in responsibilities, areas for synergy, the exercise of similar functions by the Administration, and relevant repositioning. This Group analyzed all the entities concerned and, at the conclusion of its work, proposed the following:

. the elimination of nineteen (19) entities, with combined budget allocations of 28.051 billion FCFA in 2025, an estimated annual payroll of 9.227 billion FCFA, for a staff of 982 employees and an overall debt of 2.6 billion FCFA as of December 31, 2024;

. the repositioning of ten (10) entities, which would notably result in the redefinition of intervention models, a better reaffirmation of their missions, the revision or updating of their legal framework as well as their investment doctrine.

The Prime Minister noted that this Group emphasized that in certain sectors, the adoption of a sustainable policy is a prerequisite for any streamlining operation. Overall, the operation would result in an optimized organization of the semi-public sector and cumulative net budget savings estimated at least at 55 billion FCFA over the next three (3) years. The Prime Minister addressed the transfer of assets as well as accompanying social measures, including the redeployment of staff and the management of legal disputes. In this regard, he urged all ministers to mobilize for the successful implementation of the Streamlining Plan, which will be overseen by the inter-ministerial committee he will establish shortly.

The Prime Minister recalled that this rationalization plan must be accompanied by a dynamic of improving the governance of the parapublic sector, focused in particular on controlling salaries and staff, harmonizing salary scales, optimal use of budgetary credits, updating the classification of structures, respecting creation standards, strengthening control and evaluation as well as the capacity building of actors.

With this in mind, he asked the Minister of Finance and Budget, in conjunction with the Minister, Secretary General of the Government, to ensure strict adherence to the mandates of the Commission for the Evaluation of Implementing Agencies and the Monitoring Committee for the Parapublic Sector. He instructed the Minister of Finance and Budget to provide them with appropriate budgetary resources to ensure their optimal functioning.

The need to reformulate a new agricultural and agro-industrial policy

The Prime Minister recalled that the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 agricultural production campaigns were conducted within the framework of a strengthened budgetary effort, with initial subsidies of 120 billion and 130 billion FCFA respectively. These campaigns are marked by major innovations and reforms in input management, the

Digitalization and sector governance, along with favorable agro-climatic conditions, have contributed to production results that were generally satisfactory, with significant increases in the main crops, despite some persistent challenges.

The Prime Minister announced the finalization of a document which, in accordance with the agro-sylvo-pastoral orientation law, will constitute the reference for the new Agricultural Policy, aligned with the National Transformation Agenda, Senegal 2050. He also addressed the Guidance Note on measures and reforms to accelerate the transformation of agri-food systems, initiated by the Ministry in charge of Agriculture.

Thus, he asked the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock, in conjunction with the Minister of Industry and Trade, the Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, the Minister of Finance and Budget and all stakeholders, to finalize and submit to him, by April 30, 2026, the New Agricultural and Agro-industrial Policy, focused on agricultural modernization, sustainable development and food sovereignty.

Securing food sovereignty by reducing post-agricultural losses in the onion and potato sectors

The Prime Minister drew the Government's attention to post-harvest losses and marketing difficulties for agricultural products due to a lack of suitable infrastructure. He expressed his regret at the high post-harvest losses, which range between 30 and 40%. He outlined the weaknesses of the post-harvest ecosystem and instructed the Minister of Trade, in conjunction with the Ministers of Agriculture, Local Authorities, Finance, and the Economy, to submit to him, as soon as possible, a strategy for addressing storage needs across the eight (8) regional hubs.

Preventive measures for macroeconomic, energy, logistical and social protection

Faced with the military escalation observed on the international stage, the Prime Minister outlined the risks of disruption at the Strait of Hormuz which, beyond the physical closure, could be combined with a price shock, an increase in freight and insurance costs, and a strain on critical supplies.

Given our vulnerability, Senegal's strategy is to protect essential flows, target public support, prevent speculation, and centralize decision-making. Therefore, the Prime Minister has decided to establish, under the supervision of the Prime Minister's Office, a crisis management framework. A hierarchical decision matrix has been developed, and consolidated reports will be submitted to the Head of State.

UNDER THE HEADING OF COMMUNICATIONS FROM MINISTERS

The Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines made a statement on the harmonization of butane gas cylinder prices and the management of gold panning.

The Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs gave a report on the progress of the New Deal technology, after one year of implementation.

UNDER LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY TEXTS

The Council examined and adopted the draft law authorizing the President of the Republic to ratify the agreement relating to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), adopted on June 19, 2023 in New York.

UNDER INDIVIDUAL MEASURES

The President of the Republic has taken the following decisions:

On behalf of the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad

. Sir   Papa Mada NDOUR, Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, is appointed Ambassador, Executive Secretary of the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat, replacing Mr. El Hadji Ibou BOYE, who has been granted his retirement pension rights.

Under the authority of the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines

Mr. Joseph Sambesene Diatta , formerly Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Senegal Petroleum Company (PETROSEN HOLDING), is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Senegal Gas Network SA (RGS SA), replacing Mr. Alexandre NGOM;

Mr. Tidjani NIASS, Petroleum Engineer, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Senegal Petroleum Company (PETROSEN HOLDING) replacing Mr. Joseph Sambesene DIATTA.  

On behalf of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational and Technical Training

Mr. Emmanuel DIEDHIOU , Principal Civil Administrator, payroll number 611 535/A, is appointed Secretary General of the National Agency for the Promotion of Youth Employment (ANPEJ) at the Ministry of Employment and Vocational and Technical Training, a vacant position;

Mr. Cheikhna Saad-Bouh SECK , Principal Teacher of the 1st ^grade , payroll number 633 364/E, is appointed Chairman of the Steering Committee of the School-Enterprise Training Program (PF2E) at the Ministry of Employment and Vocational and Technical Training, replacing Mr. Mamadou MBATHIE, who has been called to other duties.

Under the authority of the Ministry of Infrastructure

1. Mr. Pape Gora CAMARA , holder of a Master's degree in Project Planning and Management, payroll number 658 273/K, is appointed Director of General Administration and Equipment at the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Under the authority of the Ministry of Culture, Crafts and Tourism

1. Mr. Ndéné NDAO , Civil Administrator,   payroll number 696 212/Z, is appointed Director of Tourism Regulations, replacing Mrs. Ndèye Awa BADJI.

On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene

Mr. Amadou Djibril DIALLO , President of the Departmental Council of Matam, is appointed President of the Board of Directors of the Abdoul Cissé Kane Hospital Centre of Agnams, a vacant position;

Mr. Elhadji Mbagnick NGOM , holder of a Doctorate in Medicine and a Master's degree in Management of Health Establishments, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aristide Le DANTEC National Hospital Center, replacing Mr. Cheikh Tidiane DIOP;

Mr. Alé Badara BA , holder of a State Nursing Diploma, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pikine National Hospital Centre, replacing Mr. Falilou DIOP;

Mr. Mohamed Tété DIEDHIOU, holder of a Doctorate in Medicine, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Idrissa POUYE General Hospital of Grand-Yoff, a vacant position;

Mr. Cheikh Tacko DIOP , University Professor in Health Economics and Health Services Administrator, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Matlaboul Fawzaïni National Hospital Center of Touba, replacing Mr. Khadim Awa Balla MBACKE;

Mr. Amadou Gallo DIOP , retired University Professor of Medicine, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Hospital Center of FANN, replacing Mr. Mame Abdoulaye GUEYE;

Mr. Joseph Mané , a retired senior health technician, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Albert ROYER Children's Hospital, replacing Mr. Lamine Cissé SARR;

Mr. Mamadou DIOUF, holder of a Doctorate in Pharmacy and a Master's degree in Biotoxicology applied to Industry, the Environment and Health, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Diamniadio National Children's Hospital, replacing Mr. Madické NDAO;

Mr. Boundia DJIBA , University Professor of Medicine, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dalal Jamm National Hospital Centre, replacing Mr. Mamadou NDIAYE;

Mr. Algaye NGOM , holder of a Doctorate in Medicine and a Master's degree in Public Health, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim National Hospital Center of Touba, a vacant position;

Mr. Arouna DIOP , Senior Health Technician, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Center for Orthopedic Equipment (CNAO), replacing Mr. Pape Moussé TOURE;

Mr. Mamadou BEYE , University Professor of Medicine, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emergency Medical Assistance Service (SAMU), replacing Mr. Jean François DIENE;

Mr. Serigne Abdoul BA , retired University Professor of Medicine, is appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Seydi Elhadji Malick Sy National Hospital Center in Tivaoune, a vacant position.

Marie Rose Khady Fatou FAYE ,

Secretary of State to the Prime Minister,

Head of Institutional Relations,

Government Spokesperson