Senegal’s government announced on Sunday, 25 October, that it was cutting CFA180 billion from central government operating expenditure as part of proposed changes to the 2026 budget. The supplementary finance bill was rejected by a parliamentary committee on Friday and is due to be examined at a plenary sitting.
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô outlined the savings at a news conference in Dakar. According to figures he presented, expected government revenue has fallen by CFA340 billion while additional spending pressures total CFA540 billion. Energy subsidies and defence and security requirements are among the costs cited by the government.
The operating cuts affect supplies, consumables, conferences, seminars and official ceremonies. The prime minister said spending allocations could fall by as much as 80% in some departments, while salaries, social spending and core public services would be protected.
Public investment would also be affected. The draft budget revision proposes reducing 2026 investment payment credits by CFA555 billion. These are funds available for disbursement during the financial year, rather than the longer-term commitment authorisations, which the government says will remain in place. Projects that are not yet ready to proceed, including some in health, water supply and infrastructure, would be postponed rather than cancelled.
The government also proposes setting aside CFA300 billion to begin clearing payment arrears that Finance Minister Cheikh Diba put at CFA1,956 billion. The stated aim is to ease cash-flow pressure on suppliers and construction companies awaiting payment for work done. The CFA300 billion provision remains part of the proposed legislation and does not represent money already paid out.
Friday’s rejection by the finance committee exposed a dispute between the government and parliamentary groups. The prime minister has urged lawmakers to put forward specific amendments. The draft is scheduled for plenary consideration on Tuesday, 27 October, when lawmakers will consider the adjustments set out on Sunday.