• Budget prioritizes transport under transformation agenda
• XOF 472B allocated to roads, rail; key corridors to be upgraded
• Casamance, airports, and ports targeted for regional integration

Senegal’s proposed 2026 Finance Bill, unveiled on Thursday, Oct. 16, makes the transport sector a top priority of its spending plan. In line with the National Transformation Agenda (ANT) and the Economic and Social Recovery Plan (PRES), the budget allocates major resources to modernize the country’s road, rail, air, and maritime networks. The goal is to improve national connectivity, enhance logistics competitiveness, and narrow regional gaps.

Road and rail projects make up a large share of the proposed investment. The Ministry of Infrastructure will receive XOF 472 billion (about USD 837 million) in external funding for construction and maintenance works across transport networks.

Key road projects include completing the Mékhé–Pékès–Thilmakha road (XOF 8.5 billion) and the Sandiara-Ndiaganiaw road (XOF 3.5 billion). The budget also supports upgrading the Dakar–Bamako corridor, a strategic trade route for West Africa, with the goal of cutting travel time by 30%.

In urban rail, the budget provides for completing phase two of the Regional Express Train (TER) to connect Blaise Diagne International Airport, and for rehabilitating the Dakar–Kidira line, the first stage of the Dakar–Tambacounda corridor. Funds are also allocated to improve rural access, particularly roads serving agricultural and mining zones.

Particular attention is given to the Casamance region under the “Diomaye Plan for Casamance,” which seeks to strengthen peace and revive the local economy. Projects include construction of the second Ziguinchor bridge, the Sénoba–Ziguinchor road, the Fouladou loop, the Tanaff–Sédhiou road, and the XOF 5 billion Emergency Program for the Modernization of Border Areas (PUMA). These projects aim to foster regional integration and create local jobs, while supporting the reintegration of communities affected by years of conflict.

In the aviation sector, the 2026 budget funds the upgrading of Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), the modernization of regional airports, and the renovation of the Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring airports. Separately, XOF 66 billion is requested to acquire two new aircraft for Air Sénégal, to strengthen the national fleet and improve international connectivity.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy is allocated XOF 4.5 billion in grants and loans for modernizing port and river transport infrastructure. The government sees investment in training and logistics as a key driver of competitiveness and lower freight costs.

Overall, major infrastructure projects remain largely financed by external partners through loans and grants. In addition to XOF 472 billion for the Infrastructure Ministry, the Ministry of Land and Air Transport is to receive XOF 115.4 billion for developing and modernizing road and rail services.

Henoc Dossa