Senegal expands transport with new airport rail link and electric taxis

Senegal is advancing major transport infrastructure projects in Dakar. On September 28, 2026, the Train Express Régional (TER) will officially open its second phase, a 19-kilometer extension connecting Diamniadio to the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). This expansion allows travelers to reach the airport from Dakar in approximately 55 minutes, enhancing connectivity ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Future plans include extending the rail network toward Thiès and Mbour.

Simultaneously, the Fonds de développement des transports terrestres (FDTT) has launched a program to modernize urban transport by introducing electric taxis. The first batch of 100 electric vehicles has been received, part of a larger goal to deploy 1,000 taxis. Supported by the Banque pour le Commerce et l’Industrie (BCI) and the Office national de formation professionnelle (ONFP), the initiative includes driver training and a lease-to-own financing model. The electric taxis feature an estimated range of over 400 kilometers and are expected to significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs compared to traditional fuel vehicles.