Senegal’s government will present a new development plan on Monday aimed at reducing foreign dependence and debt, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced.
The plan focuses on utilizing local resources and human capital to drive the country’s growth.
The initiative is part of a broader shift promised by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in April.
This shift marks a break from previous policies, which the new administration claims failed to develop the nation effectively.
Prime Minister Sonko criticized previous development models, stating, “The development models that have been presented to us or applied to us so far will never be able to develop our country.”
He added, “This is the end of the era of reckless indebtedness used to invest in projects that have nothing to do with building endogenous and sovereign development.”
During a visit to a vocational training center set up in partnership with Japan, Sonko highlighted Japan as an example of a country that achieved development despite limited natural resources.
He emphasized the importance of learning skills rather than relying on external aid, saying, “The Japanese model is ideal for our (African) countries. We prefer to be taught how to fish rather than continue to be offered fish.”
Senegal possesses various natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and fish stocks.
However, it remains one of the least developed nations globally. The new development program aims to change this trajectory and is set to span the next 25 years.
In September, President Faye dissolved the national assembly, scheduling snap elections for November 17.
The government’s first six months in power were marked by confrontations with the opposition-dominated parliament, delaying Sonko’s general policy speech.
The presidency announced the “Senegal 2050” plan, which aims to reduce poverty, triple per capita income, and achieve an annual economic growth rate of six to seven percent by 2050.
The development model will be built around eight hubs across the country, Sonko explained.
