Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has announced a new 25-year development plan, “Senegal 2050,” aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on foreign aid and debt. Launched on October 14, the plan prioritizes the use of local resources and investment in human capital. Sonko criticized past development models, stating they had failed to bring lasting progress, and pointed to Japan’s success as a possible inspiration for African nations.
The program’s goals include significantly reducing poverty, tripling per capita income by 2050, and achieving annual economic growth rates of 6-7%. The strategy is centered on establishing eight key development hubs throughout the country.
In his speech, Sonko also addressed Senegal’s worsening financial situation, revealing that both the budget deficit and public debt are higher than previously acknowledged. He accused the former administration of concealing the true extent of these issues, a claim the previous government denied.
