Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on Friday unveiled a new round of government measures aimed at lowering the cost of living, as the West African nation grapples with persistent inflation and economic challenges. The latest measures follow earlier price reductions introduced in June 2024, targeting essential goods to provide relief to struggling households.
Speaking before the National Assembly, Sonko emphasized that the second phase of cost-cutting initiatives would be more comprehensive and better coordinated. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is expected to announce the specifics of the new price adjustments in the coming days. “Our administration is determined to combat inflation while safeguarding economic stability and ensuring no one is left behind,” Sonko said.
The June 2024 measures, which reduced prices for staple items such as rice, cooking oil, and bread, as well as key construction and agricultural materials like cement and fertilizer, aimed to alleviate pressure on household budgets. Food expenditures represent approximately 50% of an average Senegalese household’s budget, highlighting the importance of controlling food prices, Government Secretary General Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo noted.
Under the new plan, the government intends to implement smoother supply chain coordination at national and international levels, targeting transportation and import costs that contribute to rising consumer prices. Sonko stressed that reducing logistical bottlenecks is vital to ensuring that savings are passed on to consumers.
In addition to price controls, the government has granted tax exemptions on several essential goods, including basic food items and fuel, in an effort to improve affordability. “These waivers come with fiscal sacrifices but reflect the administration’s commitment to supporting Senegalese families during challenging times,” Sonko said.
Addressing concerns over the fairness of state subsidies, Sonko clarified that the government is working to ensure subsidies are directed toward the most vulnerable segments of the population. “It is unacceptable that subsidies designed to assist those in need disproportionately benefit the wealthiest,” he said. “We will continue to support the vulnerable through targeted subsidies on electricity, fuel, and vital goods.”
The announcement comes as the government revises its economic strategy amid heightened public frustration over living costs and the removal of certain subsidies. Protests over rising prices have intensified in recent months, prompting authorities to prioritize economic relief in the 2025 budget, which aims for fiscal recovery following a stalemate with the International Monetary Fund last year.
Economic analysts note that while the measures may provide short-term relief, sustained efforts are required to tackle structural issues driving inflation, including currency fluctuations and global commodity price volatility. “Senegal’s reliance on imports for food and fuel makes it particularly vulnerable to external shocks,” said an economist based in Dakar.
As the government rolls out the latest measures, citizens and businesses will be watching closely to assess whether the initiatives effectively curb inflation and ease the financial strain on everyday life.
