Senegal’s UEMOA reform progress shows resilience amid targeted challenges
The Minister of Finance and Budget, Cheikh Diba, led a high-level review in Dakar as part of the UEMOA community reforms assessment, joined by Abdoulaye Diop, President of the UEMOA Commission, and key government officials. This eleventh edition of the annual review, now held biennially following a 2023 decision in Bissau, serves as a critical mechanism for evaluating progress toward deeper regional economic integration under the UEMOA Treaty.
The technical phase, conducted from November 10 to 12, 2025, assessed 145 reforms and five major projects before the political phase validated findings. According to Abdoulaye Diop, the review acts as a catalyst for strengthening cohesion and coordinated action across the union’s member states.
Mixed performance highlights sectoral disparities
The overall progress remains solid, though a slight decline is noted. Senegal achieved an average reform implementation rate of 76.45% in 2025, down from 78.59% in 2024—a decrease of 2.14 points. This dip stems largely from underwhelming outcomes in culture and tourism (-15.10 points) and crafts, quality standards, and business climate (-34.75 points), compounded by delays in submitting the 2024 GUDEF report to the Commission.
On a brighter note, sectors like customs union (+4.55 points), human and social development (+6.58 points), energy and mining (+3.33 points), and public finance harmonization (+1.88 point) showed measurable improvement.
Collaborative process underscores commitment to regional goals
The technical evaluation was carried out in a spirit of partnership between Senegalese officials and UEMOA technical teams, described as fraternal, professional, and objective. The synthesis of findings will be presented by Mahamadou Gado, Commissioner in charge of Economic Policies and Domestic Taxation.
Speaking after the session, Cheikh Diba reaffirmed the government’s resolve to enhance its UEMOA performance. He announced that the political phase’s conclusions would be presented directly to the Prime Minister in a joint meeting with the Commission President. Diba also praised the facilitative role of Amadou Tchambou, UEMOA Resident Representative in Dakar, in bridging institutional cooperation between the regional body and Senegalese authorities.
Abdoulaye Diop commended President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for his dedication to regional integration, as well as the backing of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the entire cabinet in advancing UEMOA’s strategic objectives.
