Senegal sets out ambitious development plan for next quarter century

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (left) and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko are under pressure to deliver on an election pledge to improve livelihoods in the West African nation.

Senegal's government unveiled a 25-year development plan on Monday that it said would lay the foundations for economic sovereignty through competitiveness, sustainable resource management and good governance.

Senegal's government on Monday unveiled a vast breakaway development plan, pledging to increase average individual income by almost 50 percent in five years while slashing the deficit and debt.

The 25-year project seeks to move the west African nation away from foreign dependence and debt in favour of local resources and human capital.

It forms part of the radical shake-up promised by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye who took office in April, raising hopes in the country battling a high cost of living and widespread unemployment.

Faye and his Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko launched the ambitious programme just over a month before snap parliamentary elections scheduled for November 17.

The pair's first six months in power have been marked by confrontation with an opposition-dominated parliament, which Faye dissolved in mid-September.

Faye described the new public policy framework as a "vision for a Senegal that aspires not just to participate in the world of tomorrow, but to play a major role in it".

The "Senegal 2050: national transformation agenda" would work to make the country a leading regional player and "a development model for Africa", he added.

(AFP)


Read more on FRANCE 24 English

Read also:
Senegal’s Sonko accuses former government of ‘embezzlement en masse’, vows probe
Senegal's president dissolves parliament to call a snap legislative election
PM Sonko criticises French military bases, Western push for gay rights in Senegal