On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation, Abdourahmane Sarr, received a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Edward Gemayel, to advance the conclusion of a new cooperation program between Senegal and the Bretton Woods institution.
This meeting follows that of the Minister of Finance and Budget, Cheikh Diba, who met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Washington on Tuesday, October 14, to continue talks with a view to finalising the program.
During the Washington meeting, a “convergence of views” was noted between the Senegalese authorities and the IMF on the next steps in the process, including the upcoming meeting of the IMF Executive Board, which will examine the approval of the future program and the issue of
misreporting.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to moving forward together, and an IMF staff mission was expected in Dakar to complete the work already underway.
The IMF also welcomed on Friday, October 3, the “significant progress” made by Senegal in addressing the false budget reporting issue and announced the opening of negotiations for a new support program.
Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighted the authorities’ “remarkable commitment” to transparency, citing the identification of public debt liabilities and the implementation of corrective measures.
During Thursday’s meeting in Dakar, Abdourahmane Sarr reaffirmed the sustainability of public debt, highlighting the effectiveness of fiscal policy since April 2024. He highlighted the promising growth outlook, supported by the PRES, private sector engagement, and institutional and tax reforms aimed at improving the business environment.
The discussions focused on improving the quality of public spending, the medium-term debt strategy favoring the local currency, and Senegal’s importance within the UEMOA, which facilitates debt refinancing.
The talks are part of the broader framework of the Economic and the Social Recovery Plan, presented on August 1, which provides for a massive mobilization of domestic resources, institutional and social reforms, and increased support for households and the domestic private
sector.
The IMF indicated that the future program would focus on four priorities: fiscal transparency, revitalisation of strategic sectors, social equity, and climate resilience.
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to quickly finalizing the program with the
IMF, as Senegal continues to honor its commitments to its partners and strengthen international confidence after a period of uncertainty related to debt sustainability.
Thursday’s meeting also prepares for the upcoming arrival in Dakar of an IMF staff mission, which will finalize the work initiated in Washington and contribute to the implementation of the program in the coming weeks.
Senegal thus intends to consolidate its economic fundamentals, ensure the sustainability of its public debt, and secure stable and inclusive growth with the support of the IMF.
AC/Sf/fss/as/APA