Senegal: End of year speech; visionary and strategist, President Macky Sall demonstrates a clear vision for the development of his country

In his end-of-year speech, President Macky Sall shared a comprehensive review of his years in power, while offering insight into the continued rise of emerging Senegal.

At the heart of his message, the President expressed his compassion for the deceased and the sick, while outlining the challenges encountered by the country over the past year, marked by regrettable violence resulting in loss of life, substantial material damage, and various cyber-attacks on vital infrastructures.

Despite these challenges, the Head of State, however, highlighted “the tangible progress” made by Senegal. As a visionary and strategist, His Excellency Macky Sall has implemented ambitious strategies to promote economic growth and improve the living conditions of his fellow citizens.

Under the presidency of Macky Sall, Senegal has made significant progress in various key areas, namely energy, education, health and employment, which demonstrates the Head of State’s commitment to the well-being and development of all Senegalese people.

Thus, since 2012, the national budget has been constantly increasing, going from 2,344 billion FCFA in 2012 to 7,003 billion FCFA for the year 2024. “The country has seen a significant expansion of its investments in various productive sectors. These investments have made it possible to realize large-scale projects, witnessing the evolution and ambition of emerging Senegal,” he underlined.

Road and motorway infrastructure has advanced considerably. From 1500 km of roads in 2012, Senegal now has 2900 km of roads with remarkable progress in the construction of highways, going from 32 km to 189 km and soon 500 km thanks to ongoing projects.

In the energy field, under the leadership of Macky Sall, Senegal has successfully transformed the energy sector, with the establishment of new clean energy power plants in Bokhle, Malicounda, Taiba Ndiaye, Méouane and Mérina Dakhar, among others.

In 2012, the electricity production capacity did not exceed 500 MW, with an obsolete network of 501 km of electrical lines, leading to frequent power outages of varying lengths, causing riots. Today, the country has more than tripled its electrical capacity with 1787MW, and a network of lines increased to 1552 km. The rural electrification rate increased from 27% in 2012 to 61% in 2023.

The upcoming exploitation of fossil fuels (gas and oil) would contribute to universal access to electricity at more affordable costs by 2025.

Concerning access to drinking water, drilling has been increased in rural areas with the first phase of the PUDC (Emergency Community Development Program), in addition to the construction of a 3rd factory in Keur Momar Sarr. The rate of access to drinking water increased to 98% in urban and peri-urban areas and to 96% in rural areas. Universal access is now within reach, with two seawater desalination projects.

About food security, the government’s efforts have been focused on three pillars, namely agriculture, whose budget more than doubled between 2012 and 2023, fishing and livestock. These three sectors continue to benefit from massive funding, for infrastructure and equipment, inputs, product processing, vests, canoes and motors, forage crops and the genetic improvement of plant and animal species.

His Excellency President Macky Sall has also shown interest in the development of culture and crafts, where the talent and creative genius of the Senegalese people are expressed.

With this in mind, the Head of State will soon launch the Gorée Memorial project and will create new artisanal villages in Bambey, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kébémer, Linguère and Tivaouane; the Kédougou, Matam and Vélingara sites are currently being finished.

Added to this is the Activity Zone for mechanics and automotive professionals, with 488 workshops established over 60 hectares. This will allow mechanics and other automotive professionals to find a modern and organized work environment, generating more than 5,000 jobs, which could be duplicated in other regions.

The mandate of President Macky Sall (2012-2024) was marked by his dedication to promoting democracy and human rights, working to strengthen democratic institutions, thus ensuring a stable and inclusive political environment where the voices of all citizens can be heard.

Moreover, his decision not to run for a new mandate and to leave power on April 2 is part of Senegal’s democratic tradition. This decision demonstrates Macky Sall’s deep respect for the country’s democratic institutions, by guaranteeing the independence and proper functioning of the electoral bodies. Its commitment to maintaining free, fair and transparent elections is essential to strengthening democracy and citizens’ confidence in the political system.

Macky Sall’s mandate was also marked by the consolidation of democratic achievements, in particular by the regular organization of national and local elections. His commitment to respect for fundamental rights, including the right to vote and political participation, demonstrates his vision of a dynamic and inclusive democracy.

By ensuring that electoral processes take place in an orderly and peaceful manner, it contributes to maintaining a climate of stability conducive to the economic and social development of the country. His enlightened leadership promotes national cohesion and strengthens resilience in the face of internal and external challenges.

With this commitment, Senegal has maintained remarkable political and social stability, fostering a climate conducive to investment and economic growth, as well as social cohesion.

His leadership has also been demonstrated in his effective fight against corruption, by taking bold measures to tackle it, notably by reinforcing transparency and accountability in governance, which contributes to strengthening citizens’ confidence in state institutions.
On the world stage, President Sall is respected for his responsible international leadership and his efforts to promote peace and stability in the West African region, making Senegal an important player on the international stage.