The 33rd edition of the Dakar International Fair (FIDAK) took on a strategic dimension this Thursday, December 18, 2025. During its special day at the Senegal Pavilion, Senelec presented its roadmap for sustainable energy sovereignty, with a strong promise: reducing the cost of electricity through the exploitation of local gas.

Energy is no longer just a technical issue; it is the driving force behind development. This message was delivered by experts, institutional partners, and Senelec management to a diverse audience, including many students from technical high schools. For the national utility, the challenge is twofold: ensuring reliable energy production and preparing the country for the next generation of technology.

The major announcement from this panel discussion was the imminent integration of locally produced natural gas into Senegal's energy mix. This strategic resource is presented as the cornerstone for transforming Senelec's business model. By substituting gas for imported fuels, the company anticipates a significant reduction in its production costs, with a direct impact expected on the end consumer's wallet.

Senelec's Director General, Papa Toby Gaye, could not have been clearer: "All sectors depend on energy. If it is expensive or insufficient, development becomes more costly."

He stressed that switching to gas is no longer an option but a necessity to reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour, while respecting Senegal's environmental commitments.

Innovation: the "YFL" simulator for users

Beyond its grand strategy, Senelec unveiled a concrete innovation for the daily lives of Senegalese people: the "YFL" simulator. This digital tool, which will be rolled out by the end of this year, will allow each customer to simulate and better understand their electricity consumption. This transparency tool aims to give users more control over their bills and encourage more responsible energy use.

While renewable energies (solar, wind) hold a prominent place in the national vision, Senelec advocates for economic pragmatism. The transition to a fully green energy mix will be gradual to avoid destabilizing the grid. With this in mind, an appeal has been launched to financial partners to support Senegal in this delicate balancing act between international climate requirements and the imperatives of industrial development.

At the close of the day, Senelec reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive energy sector capable of sustainably supporting the country's economic and social growth.