Senagall's Toll Highway

Senagall's Toll Highway

By the early 2000s, Dakar, Senegal was facing severe traffic congestion that hindered both daily life and the region’s economic growth. Although a new highway had long been proposed to address the issue, high costs and complex financing had delayed its construction. When Abdoulaye Wade became president in 2000, he turned to a public–private partnership (PPP) model to finally bring the project to life. Under this plan, a private company would help fund and maintain the highway in exchange for toll revenues, while the government would cover the rest of the initial costs.

Implementing the project was challenging. It required navigating technical and financial complexities and addressing significant social and environmental concerns, including the displacement of around 30,000 people. The newly formed Agency for Investment Promotion and Major Works managed partner selection and oversaw construction, working with national ministries, development banks, and local communities. The Dakar–Diamniadio toll highway opened in 2013, successfully reducing congestion. However, delays in resettling displaced communities meant some issues lingered for years after its launch.