Senegal President inaugurates $738M Mbour-Fatick-Kaolack highway

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially inaugurated the 100-kilometer Mbour-Fatick-Kaolack toll highway on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The project, which includes 15 kilometers of connecting roads, cost approximately $738 million and was financed by China.

The new infrastructure aims to improve mobility and economic exchange between the Petite Côte and the peanut basin, providing a modern alternative to the often-congested National Road 1. The timing of the opening is intended to facilitate travel for pilgrims during the upcoming Gamou religious celebrations.

Economically, the construction project generated 3,000 direct jobs and distributed over 18 billion CFA francs in wages. Additionally, about 20 Senegalese companies and SMEs participated through subcontracting valued at 60 billion CFA francs.

Despite the national celebration, some local groups have expressed dissatisfaction. The Collective for the Defense of Interests of the Ndiosmone-Fimela-Palmarin-Djiffère axis has criticized the placement of the Thiadiaye exit, arguing that a location in Médina Dokh would have better served the socio-economic and demographic needs of the region.