The World Bank on July 14, 2026, approved a second additional financing of EUR 119.6 million, equivalent to $140 million, for the Republic of Senegal under the Enhancing Connectivity in the Northern and Central Agricultural Production Areas of Senegal Project, according to a press release. Mobilized through the International Development Association and complemented by a $2 million contribution from the Government of Senegal, the support brings the project’s total investment to $470.8 million. About 570,000 people will directly benefit from the initiative. The financing targets rural connectivity to markets, essential services, and economic opportunities.
The project has to date delivered the construction and upgrading of 414 kilometers of roads with enhanced resilience features. It has improved access to socioeconomic services for 350,000 people across the targeted regions. The new financing will extend these results to two key economic corridors linking Koussanar to Koumpentoum and Tambacounda to Dianké Makha. Agriculture and livestock are the main sources of activity in these corridors. The project aligns with Senegal Vision 2050 and the National Development Strategy 2025–2029.
The project is structured around three areas. The first focuses on the construction of 171 kilometers of paved roads and 104 kilometers of laterite tracks, with integrated climate-resilience features. The second will finance community infrastructure within five kilometers of the roads constructed, including agricultural processing platforms for women, storage facilities, market areas, water points, and school and health facilities. The third is dedicated to strengthening the institutional capacity of stakeholders in road safety and road asset management. This will be achieved through training and the acquisition of management and control tools that meet international standards.
Djibrilla Issa, World Bank Division Director for Senegal, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia, underscored the wider impact of rural road investments.
“When a road connects an agricultural production area to an urban market, it does more than shorten a journey: it helps farmers get more value from their harvests, women entrepreneurs reach new markets, and communities access greater economic opportunities,” he said.
He added that roads also improve access to schools, health centers, and other essential services. This accelerates the human development of the communities served. The financing aims to support this momentum.
By connecting about 221,000 people along the two new corridors to regional markets and essential services, the second additional financing will help strengthen local economic dynamics. It will also facilitate the integration of rural producers into more efficient value chains, in line with the AgriConnect initiative. New job and income opportunities are expected to emerge, particularly for youth, women entrepreneurs, and actors in agricultural value chains. Implementation is entrusted to the Road Works and Management Agency, under the supervision of the Ministry of Infrastructure. The project supports more inclusive, resilient, and job-creating territorial growth.
