PM Ousmane Sonko asks Senegalese to accept sacrifices to revive economy

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko asked his country on Saturday to accept "sacrifices" to ensure an economic recovery within "two to three years" – a stark acknowledgement of his country's financial crisis.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his colleague Sonko were elected in 2024 on pledges to cut debt and restore growth after years of what they say was mismanagement under the previous administration.

The West African nation is grappling with a budget deficit of 14% of GDP, and public debt estimated at 132% of GDP at the end of last year.

In recent weeks the government has imposed new taxes on tobacco, alcohol and gambling, as well as on widely used digital money transfers.

Government's austerity measures

"I am asking the Senegalese people for a sacrifice during two or three years, and I know you will accept this sacrifice," Sonko told a meeting of his Pastef party near Dakar.

The government was also cutting back on its own spending, he added, citing suspensions of vehicle purchases and official trips and workshops.

In August 2025, Sonko unveiled an economic recovery plan for the highly indebted nation focused on a shift toward greater domestic funding.

It came as the unemployment rate was estimated at 20%, with poverty affecting 36% of the population.