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Senegal’s Cabinet Meeting Focuses on Defense Modernization, Mining Reform, and Social Inclusion
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The Council of Ministers met on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Presidential Palace under the chairmanship of His Excellency Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal. The session covered key national issues, including defense modernization, mining governance, agricultural policy, and social inclusion initiatives.
President Faye Highlights Armed Forces’ Role Ahead of Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics
President Faye opened the meeting by commending the successful celebration of Armed Forces Day, held on November 10 under the theme: “The Armed Forces, Partners of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.”
He congratulated the Minister of the Armed Forces, the Chief of Defense Staff, and all members of the military for their professionalism and dedication.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities through improved recruitment, training, and equipment. He called for continued modernization efforts and praised the winners of the first Presidential Award for Technological and Industrial Innovation in the Military and Paramilitary Sectors.
President Faye also instructed the Ministry of the Armed Forces to fast-track the implementation of a Strategic Plan for the Development of the Defense and Security Industry, emphasizing sovereignty and national interest protection as guiding principles.
Mining Governance Reform and Industrialization
Turning to the extractive sector, President Faye highlighted the success of the 8th International Mining Exhibition held earlier this month. He instructed the Government to accelerate reforms to ensure transparent, inclusive, and sustainable mining governance.
The President called for the completion of the new Mining Code by the end of 2025 and urged the activation of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund and the Local Development Fund to support communities in mining areas.
He also announced plans to launch a new Industrial Mining Hub in the Matam region to enhance phosphate processing at Ndendory and directed the creation of a National Gold Trading Office to strengthen state control over gold resources.
President Faye emphasized the need to update the country’s mining resource mapping regularly, restructure public companies such as SOMISEN and MIFERSO, and secure strategic state participation in private mining ventures.
Agriculture at the Heart of Economic Recovery
Highlighting the importance of agriculture in national economic life, President Faye called for the immediate preparation of the 2025 Agricultural Commercialization Campaign, which should launch before the end of November.
He urged the Government to ensure all technical and financial arrangements are in place and called for the revival of SONACOS SA and other private oilseed processing industries. The Head of State reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining Senegal’s leadership in the sugar industry.
Commitment to Social Inclusion and Disability Support
President Faye reiterated his belief that social inclusion must remain central to public policy. He directed the Government to strengthen programs supporting people with disabilities through employment, entrepreneurship, and public-sector recruitment.
He instructed the Minister of Family, Social Action, and Solidarity to hold consultations with disability organizations before the end of the year to design a National Strategy for Disability Support, to be launched in 2026.
Other Ministerial Communications
The Minister of Energy, Petroleum, and Mines presented updates on the development of nuclear energy in Senegal.
The Minister of Microfinance and the Social and Solidarity Economy, representing the Minister of Youth and Sports, reported on a strategy for social inclusion and territorial equity as part of preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Legislative and Regulatory Decisions
The Council approved two key texts:
- A draft law establishing the new Advertising Code;
- A decree creating the Consultative Council of Senegalese Youth (CCJS).
New Appointments Announced
Several appointments were made across key ministries:
Ministry of Industry and Trade
- Mr. Mamadou Lamine Ndiaye appointed Director General of the Industrial Sites Promotion Agency (APROSI).
- Mr. Moussa Ba appointed Chairman of the Board of the Market Regulation Agency (ARM).
Ministry of Urban Planning, Local Authorities, and Land Use Planning
- Ms. Aminata Bandel Wane appointed Director General of Urban Planning and Architecture.
Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy
- Mr. Cheikh Fall appointed Director of Maritime Fisheries (DPM).
Ministry of Infrastructure
- Ms. Adja Awa Sogue Gueye appointed Director of Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Foresight.
The meeting concluded with a statement from Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye, Secretary of State to the Prime Minister in charge of Relations with Institutions and Government Spokesperson, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency, inclusion, and sustainable development in all sectors.
