The construction and public works (BTP) sector in Senegal is in crisis. Companies in the sector are struggling to recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the unfortunate events of 2021. During the national forum organized by workers in the sector on the theme: "The construction and public works sector in Senegal: what measures to get out of the crisis?" which was held on October 30, 2025 at the Good Rade Hotel in Dakar, Abdel Kader Ndiaye, President of the National Union of Construction and Public Works Companies (SNBTP), affiliated with the National Confederation of Employers of Senegal (CNES), presented an alarming overview of the sector.

A key sector for the Senegalese economy

The construction sector is a major driver of the Senegalese economy, making a significant contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Mr. Ndiaye, the sector generates nearly 7% of GDP and creates approximately 200,000 direct jobs and 600,000 indirect jobs . The sector has also invested over 10 trillion CFA francs in the last five years in infrastructure projects, housing construction, and numerous development programs.

The challenges of the sector

However, the sector faces numerous challenges, notably "unfair" foreign competition. Indeed, most foreign companies benefit from public development funds that grant them a competitive advantage over domestic companies, making it difficult for them to access major public procurement projects. This foreign competition is considered unfair and jeopardizes the survival of domestic companies.

The crisis has also led to a precipitous drop in activity, massive job losses, and a decline in household purchasing power. Domestic debt owed to companies in the sector amounts to over 350 billion FCFA , which seriously jeopardizes their growth and sustainability.

Proposals for getting out of the crisis

To resolve the crisis, Abdel Kader Ndiaye has put forward several proposals, including:

The full settlement of domestic debt owed to companies in the sector;

Reviving the construction sector is essential if we truly want to revive the economy;

The lifting of all constraints on work stoppages and suspensions;

The revival of public investment and the facilitation of financing for businesses and households;

The implementation of a reintegration plan for unemployed workers.

A call to action

The industry association (companies and workers alike) has called on the authorities to take concrete steps to save the sector and preserve jobs. "Full repayment of the debt owed to companies in the sector remains an essential step if we want to save production facilities, avoid bankruptcies, and preserve jobs ," it emphasized.

The construction sector is a key sector for the Senegalese economy, and it is essential to take measures to support and develop it. The proposals put forward by Mr. Ndiaye present an opportunity for the authorities to take concrete steps to save the sector and promote economic growth.