AGP Executive Report

Senegal-IMF & politics: Senegal’s political tensions are now being seen as a key hurdle in unlocking an IMF deal, with the wider region watching how “hidden debt” fallout and stabilization plans are handled. IMF financing risks (Nigeria, relevant to Senegal): The IMF warned Nigeria about a $5bn derivatives/Total Return Swap plan, saying these structures are often opaque and complex—an issue also raised for other African borrowers including Senegal. UN human rights leadership: UN candidates for the next Secretary-General pushed for stronger human rights and UN reforms amid a deep financial crisis and rising violations of international law. Tax reform push (WATAF): West Africa’s tax chiefs, via WATAF, highlighted digital transformation to boost compliance and domestic revenue mobilization. World Cup business angle (Senegal fans): Senegal is being positioned as a serious African contender at the 2026 World Cup, with attention also on how tournament travel and payment disputes can hit fans and federations. West Africa fisheries: Regional action against illegal fishing continues, with losses estimated at over $2.3bn a year—directly affecting coastal livelihoods in Senegal and beyond.

World Cup Kickoff & Senegal Fan Pulse: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11 with Mexico vs South Africa and South Korea vs Czechia, running to July 19, and Senegal’s supporters are framed as a major source of joy and noise—“the drug of the people.” FIFA Match Rules: FIFA will pause every match for three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, a move praised for player welfare but criticized by some as having hidden motives. Ocean & Climate Risk: A new UN ocean assessment warns of “severe and accelerating” pressure from pollution, overfishing and biodiversity loss, with sea-level rise now doubling versus a decade ago—directly affecting food security and livelihoods. Senegal Trade & Food Imports: Uzbekistan’s BMB Holding says it has made its first export shipment of Uzbek raisins to Senegal, aiming to expand West Africa market access. Senegal Conservation Spotlight: Senegal’s Ferlo region is highlighted for reintroducing African spurred tortoises to restore degraded land and improve water retention at the edge of the Sahara. Regional Business & Agriculture: Ghana launches a $3.5bn AgriConnect compact to boost rice investment and create millions of jobs, with Senegal and Guinea cited as early adopters.

Senegambia Integration Push: A Senegambia summit call is getting louder for practical trade and travel fixes, including cheaper Banjul–Dakar air links and smoother movement of people and goods via a joint transit facilitation framework. Energy & Utilities: In The Gambia, President Adama Barrow said NAWEC owes a “significant debt” to Senegal’s Senelec, while NAWEC-linked reporting also points to maintenance and debt disputes affecting power reliability. Coastal & Fishing Livelihoods: Senegal’s coastal communities are facing mounting threats to fishing, a key pillar for jobs and food security. Maritime & Regional Capacity: Nigeria plans a workshop bringing together 22 maritime chiefs for port state control capacity-building, a move that can support safer trade corridors across West Africa. World Cup Economy & Senegal Angle: With Senegal set to open against France on June 16, coverage highlights how the 2026 tournament is reshaping spending, travel, and fan access—issues that matter for Senegal’s tourism and business links. Ocean Stress Warning: A UN assessment says ocean pressures are “severe and accelerating,” with sea-level rise doubling in a decade—raising stakes for Senegal’s long-term coastal planning.

World Cup Business & Senegal Link: France’s squad drama is spilling into the business side of sport after reports that Kylian Mbappé and Rayan Cherki are unhappy with the FFF over how their image rights were used in a Betclic betting ad—an issue they say stems from poor communication, with Senegal set to face Les Bleus in Group I on June 16. Senegal Football Spotlight: Senegal’s World Cup campaign is framed as a serious African contender, with Pape Thiaw leading a squad built on strong CAF qualification form and deep European-based talent. Transfer Market Watch (Senegalese): Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye is reportedly on Manchester City’s radar, with talk of a summer move “for the right price,” keeping Senegalese players in the spotlight beyond the pitch. EU Trade & Senegal Procurement Angle: EU officials warn of a looming EU–China trade clash, while one example cited is EU development funding used to buy natural gas buses for Senegal, where a cheaper Chinese bid won the tender.

EU–China Trade Tensions: European People’s Party chief Manfred Weber warns the EU must “fight back” as the bloc faces an “unsustainable” trade deficit with China, citing risks to European industry and even development funds used to buy Chinese buses for Senegal. Senegal at the World Cup: Senegal is framed as a serious contender for FIFA World Cup 2026, with coach Pape Thiaw building on strong qualification and a squad packed with European-based talent. French Camp Image-Rights Row: Kylian Mbappé and Rayan Cherki reportedly challenge the French federation (FFF) over image rights used in a Betclic betting ad, adding friction ahead of France’s opener vs Senegal. Marine Conservation Finance: Germany’s GIZ earmarks €20m for marine conservation (including Senegal) to support implementation of the BBNJ high-seas agreement, including Marine Protected Areas and scientific data collection. Mangrove Carbon Credits Scrutiny: A Senegal mangrove restoration project is highlighted as a case where “ghost carbon” concerns show how carbon-credit schemes can go wrong, raising stakes for nature-based finance. Pope Leo XIV in Spain: The Vatican’s migration-focused visit includes a meeting with a Senegalese migrant who survived a deadly crossing, underscoring Europe–Africa migration links.

Senegal Politics: PASTEF’s congress confirms Ousmane Sonko again as party leader after his sacking as prime minister, as Senegal’s political rupture deepens and markets watch the IMF talks and the fallout from newly discovered hidden liabilities. Senegal Economy & Debt: The same political tension is framed as a test for Senegal’s financial credibility while negotiations aim to unlock a new IMF program. Anti-IUU Fishing (West Africa): West African states step up action against illegal fishing in H1 2026, with the Dakar Declaration pushing stronger regional cooperation, surveillance and port controls. Senegal Sports & Talent: Senegal’s football spotlight continues ahead of World Cup 2026, with coverage also highlighting Senegal-linked players abroad and the build-up to key group matchups. World Cup Business Angle: FIFA’s expanded 48-team format and soaring costs keep attention on the economic side of the tournament, from travel and visas to public health concerns around mass gatherings.

Senegal-Linked Politics: Senegal’s political crisis deepened as President Faye named a new government that excludes Sonko’s Pastef, with analysts warning the split could raise risks for an IMF-backed path. World Cup Business & Costs: With the 2026 World Cup starting June 11 across the US, Canada and Mexico, coverage highlights ballooning costs, strict visa rules and record ticket prices—pushing some fans to skip matches or seek cheaper viewing options. West Africa Anti-IUU Fishing: West African states stepped up action against illegal fishing in H1 2026, building momentum around the Dakar Declaration with more patrols, surveillance and regional cooperation. Energy & Finance: Africa Finance Corporation raised a record $2bn syndicated loan to scale integrated infrastructure investments, while the African Energy Chamber promoted energy investment opportunities to Israeli stakeholders. Housing Deal (Sierra Leone–Senegal): Sierra Leone signed an MoU in Dakar with So Afri Loge to develop affordable housing for civil and public servants, using land and tax incentives and aiming for fast legal approvals. Maritime Infrastructure (Ghana): Ghana’s Takoradi Floating Dock project (Shiprite) secured $9.7m funding to expand West Africa’s ship repair capacity.

World Cup Health Watch: With the 2026 World Cup drawing millions to 11 U.S. host cities, public health officials are flagging infectious-disease risks, including Ebola concerns amid recent global outbreaks and reduced U.S. public health capacity. Senegal in the Spotlight: Senegal’s national team is again in the news ahead of the tournament, with reports of a doping scandal after the 2025 AFCON, while the match schedule also places Senegal in a high-profile opener window (notably France vs Senegal on June 16). Sports, Security, and Social Impact: Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala used the Super Falcons’ friendly vs Senegal to call for action over the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers, keeping insecurity and school abductions in the headlines. Africa Finance & Infrastructure: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) secured a record $2bn syndicated loan to scale integrated infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. Energy Investment Push: The African Energy Chamber is set to spotlight Africa’s energy opportunities for Israeli stakeholders, pointing to a new upstream investment cycle and persistent electricity access gaps. Tech & Education Partnerships: Afretec signed its 10th university partner, adding Addis Ababa Science and Technology University to its network supporting digital growth and tech pathways across Africa. LNG Market Pressure: Consultancy Poten & Partners warns that LNG supply losses and high prices could erode demand by tens of millions of tonnes in 2026-27 as Middle East disruptions continue. Telecom Leadership in West Africa: MTN announced a leadership reshuffle, appointing Mitwa Ng’ambi as Chief People & Culture Officer, with prior experience across Senegal and other markets.

Senegal Politics: Pastef ministers face expulsion from party structures after Ousmane Sonko said he won’t join the new government, while Sonko also ruled out a censure motion—signaling deeper internal rifts as Senegal’s cabinet reshuffle beds in. Senegal Governance & Security: President Barrow orders an independent inquiry into allegations against former CDS Cham in The Gambia, with Cham resigning and an acting CDS appointed—an update that keeps regional defense and institutional trust in focus. Senegal Economy & Transport: Air Sénégal resumes ATR72-600 domestic and regional routes after months of grounding, with one aircraft back in service and the other still in maintenance—watch this as it affects connectivity and costs for business travel. Telecoms Leadership: MTN Group appoints Mitwa Ng’ambi (ex-AirtelTigo Ghana) as Chief People & Culture Officer, highlighting internal talent pipelines across markets including Senegal. World Cup Business Angle: With the 48-team World Cup starting June 11, some fans say costs and U.S. entry concerns are keeping them away—while Senegal’s own World Cup group talk and match build-up continues to drive regional attention and spending.

Health Watch: Senegal is battling a worsening Rift Valley fever outbreak, with at least 17 deaths and 100+ infections since late September; the government has launched a nationwide, multisector campaign focused on mosquito control, livestock vaccination and public education, while warning against self-medication. Public Health & Economy: Senegal also reported malaria progress, saying 90% of its 79 health districts are in pre-elimination (under 5 cases per 1,000), with incidence falling from ~23/1,000 in 2024 to 12/1,000 in 2025; the malaria elimination plan needs 146.6bn CFA francs, with hopes to raise about 20% from the private sector. Energy Access: The AfDB launched the Mission 300 Progress Tracker (MapAfrica) to monitor electricity expansion across Africa, listing Senegal among priority countries and tracking projects that have already powered millions. Governance & Business Climate: Senegal’s political leadership rift deepened as President Faye named a new government excluding Sonko’s party, raising uncertainty around reforms and potential IMF-related risks. International Finance: Africa Finance Corporation secured a record $2bn syndicated loan to scale infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa.

Malaria Elimination Drive: Senegal says it has pushed 90% of its 79 health districts into the pre-elimination phase, cutting incidence from about 23 cases per 1,000 people in 2024 to 12 in 2025, and lowering deaths from 314 to around 150—while calling for stronger domestic funding and a bigger private-sector role to hit elimination by 2030. Senegal Debt & IMF Talks: Senegal’s economic strain is back in focus as the country turns to the IMF amid debt pressure, with a new government tasked with reopening negotiations and aiming for an agreement before June 30. Power Crisis Clarification: NAWEC (Gambia) says recent outages are tied to maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, not unpaid debts to suppliers like Senegal or Guinea, stressing cross-border electricity payments follow reconciliation and bank guarantees. Regional Energy Integration: The World Bank reports major progress in West Africa’s power integration—over 4,000 km of transmission lines across 15 countries and electricity access for more than 3 million people since 2019—supporting trade and reliability. Finance for Infrastructure: Africa Finance Corporation raised a record US$2bn syndicated loan to scale energy, transport, logistics and industrial projects across Africa. Telecom Leadership: MTN announced executive reshuffles across Africa, including Mitwa Ng’ambi’s promotion to Group Chief People & Culture Officer. Senegal Politics: Senegal’s government formation continues to deepen rifts, with Pastef-linked figures boycotting or refusing participation, raising uncertainty around reforms and economic negotiations.

Senegal Politics: Senegal’s leadership rift deepened after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye named a new government and Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô unveiled a 30-member cabinet, but Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef said it will not participate—raising uncertainty for policy continuity and investor confidence. Power & Infrastructure: The World Bank says its West Africa power integration programme is expanding cross-border electricity trading and has connected more than 3 million people to electricity across Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Maritime Strategy: A shipping executive warns that Africa’s deep-seaport boom won’t deliver full value without investments in marine fleets and logistics capabilities, otherwise foreign operators may capture most of the trade benefits. Regional Economy Outlook: The EBRD expects Sub-Saharan growth to slow in 2026 amid higher energy costs, trade disruptions and weaker investment. Aviation Push: The AfDB launched a $7bn aviation modernization programme to improve connectivity and reduce Africa’s reliance on foreign carriers. Global Trade Angle: A report highlights how China-Africa trade is shifting beyond raw-materials dependence, with logistics and port efficiency increasingly central to export competitiveness.

Senegal Politics: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed the decree setting up a new 30-member government led by PM Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô, but Pastef’s Ousmane Sonko says the party will not participate—raising fears of gridlock as Sonko was elected Speaker and can obstruct reforms. ECOWAS Bid: Senegal is pushing retired Air Force General Birame Diop as its candidate for ECOWAS Commission president, framing it as a security and integration play amid Sahel instability. Maritime Economy: A shipping expert warns Senegal and other African states that deep-sea ports alone won’t deliver growth unless governments also build control of marine assets like fleets, logistics networks, and engineering capabilities. Health & Trade Finance: AfDB governors back new “platform solutions” for aviation and health, including the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program and the African Medical Equipment and Medicines Facility, aimed at de-risking investment. World Cup Business: With the USMNT’s pre-World Cup win over Senegal in Charlotte, the tournament’s spending spotlight is back—while reports flag how costly live attendance can be for fans.

Senegal Politics: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has named a new 30-member cabinet that excludes Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party, deepening the Faye–Sonko rift after Sonko was sacked as prime minister on May 22 and then elected National Assembly speaker. IMF & Debt Pressure: The split raises fresh risks for Senegal’s stalled IMF talks as the country grapples with a debt crisis and halted funding. Climate Finance for Senegal: The GEF approved new LDCF/SCCF projects worth $67m for vulnerable countries, including Senegal, to cut flood/coastal risks, boost food and water security, and strengthen disaster preparedness. Telecom Leadership: MTN Group appointed Mitwa Ng’ambi as Chief People & Culture Officer, effective by Sept. 1, 2026, with changes also announced for MTN Côte d’Ivoire and MTN Zambia. Visa Processing Shake-up: The U.S. plans to cut Africa visa-processing sites from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, keeping Dakar in the list—alongside Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and others. World Cup Business Angle: With Senegal’s World Cup preparations underway, broader coverage highlights how the tournament’s economic impact and logistics—plus travel and compliance—are shaping opportunities for African teams and markets.

Senegal Politics: Ousmane Sonko says Pastef will not join President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s new government, despite the appointment of a 30-member cabinet that still includes at least three Pastef figures—raising fears of gridlock as Senegal negotiates with the IMF amid a debt crunch. US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. plans to cut visa-processing locations across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 regional hubs, including Dakar (Senegal), which could force many applicants to travel farther for interviews and biometrics. Deportations from West Africa: The U.S. confirmed 355 deportations from West Africa and published names/photos; Senegal is listed among the countries affected. Health & Development Finance: The GEF approved new adaptation funding, including over $67m for vulnerable countries such as Senegal to strengthen resilience against floods, coastal risks, and food and water insecurity. Tobacco & Women’s Rights: A Senate committee in Nigeria backs efforts to counter aggressive digital tobacco marketing targeting women and girls, linking empowerment to health and well-being. World Cup Business Angle: Morocco tops Arab teams’ World Cup squad value rankings, with Senegal close behind—another reminder of how player markets are shaping tournament expectations.

Senegal Politics & Economy: Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has named a new 30-member government that excludes Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party, deepening the political rift after Sonko was dismissed as prime minister and later elected Parliament speaker in a vote boycotted by the opposition. Sonko says Pastef will not join the cabinet, while Faye appointed senior economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo as prime minister and kept Cheikh Diba in key finance/economy roles as Senegal navigates an IMF-linked debt crisis after misreported debt froze a $1.8bn programme. US Visa Policy Impact on Senegalese Travelers: The US plans to cut visa processing across Africa by consolidating services into 20 “hub” missions, including Dakar, raising costs and travel burdens for applicants from non-hub countries. Food Security & Fertiliser Costs: Senegalese farmers are feeling the knock-on effects of the Iran war as fertiliser prices jump, pushing some growers toward organic compost and manure-based alternatives. Health & Public Service Reform: A HaPSNA summit in Abidjan brings together health and civil service leaders from nine countries, including Senegal, to strengthen community health systems through civil service frameworks. World Cup Business Angle: Ticket affordability data shows locals in some host regions are priced out, highlighting how income gaps can shape who actually attends matches.