In recent years, Senegal has returned to a path of economic growth. According to estimates, GDP grew on average by about 5 percent annually over the last six years. This performance can be attributed to an improved macroeconomic and regulatory framework, but also in large measure to the private sector development strategy implemented by the authorities.

Yet despite the resumption of economic growth, social indicators remain causeofconcern. The country's economic performance, while strong, has not contributed as much as was hoped to improving living standards or to a substantial reduction in poverty levels.       > Read More

Senegal recorded GDP growth rates averaging 5 percent over the period 1996-1999. Yet these results are still below the double-digit growth target set for the year 2001 in the Ninth Plan. The productive sector, while relatively healthy, is still characterized by weak integration of economic activities.

1. The return to growth

2. Gaps in the pattern of growth>  Read More

Over the coming years, the Government is committed to strengthening its poverty reduction efforts by pursuing a comprehensive strategy, with the aim of reducing the incidence of household poverty by 50 percent by 2015. Poverty is to be measured and evaluated on the basis of the “energy approach,” taking account of the variables “food and basic social services”,with the cost of the bundle being approximately 1 dollar PPP. The Government will seek to achieve this goal at a faster pace if economic conditions are favorable.>   Read More

Macroeconomic and sectoral policies.

On the budgetary front, Senegal, in consultation with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries, will introduce a series of ambitious reforms to improve revenue generation and ensure strict management of public spending, reforms that will be based on better resource allocation designed to maintain a positive basic fiscal balance through the year 2002. In this regard, the basic budget surplus, which stood at 1.7 percent of GDP in 1999, should in fact remain stable on average over the years 2000 and 2001, taking into account the introduction of the Common External Tariff.>   Read More

The Government will hold broad consultations with all the parties concerned in order to prepare the final version of the poverty reduction strategy paper. The strategy paper will be available in December 2001, following its adoption by the Government. The summary timetable for preparation of the strategy will be as follows:
April-July 2000 Implement budgeting-by-objectives at pilot ministries (June 2000: begin budget conferences for the Health and Education Ministries); > Read More