Senegal cost of living and inflation response

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has directed the Senegalese government to implement measures to combat the rising cost of living and protect household purchasing power. During a Council of Ministers meeting, the President called for the regulation of rental costs and the rigorous application of consumer protection laws to address housing crises in areas such as Dakar and Thiès.

Following these government directives, plans for a peaceful march in Dakar were announced for September 5, 2026. The protest, organized by the ‘30 days for the right price’ platform, aims to highlight the high cost of basic necessities and the prepaid electricity system known as Woyofal. While the march encourages participants to carry empty baskets as a symbol of economic hardship, the Association of Senegalese Consumers (ASCOSEN) declined to participate, stating that a 30-day campaign is insufficient for long-term solutions.

In response to economic pressures, the Senegalese government has announced a temporary freeze on rents to combat real estate speculation and plans to revise the calculation of adjusted surface areas. To stabilize food prices, authorities will temporarily authorize the importation of certain vegetables, such as carrots and cabbage, to offset seasonal shortages. Furthermore, a permanent observatory for the cost of living will be established to monitor price trends. Minister of Industry and Commerce Serigne Guèye Diop noted that meat supply issues are partly linked to insecurity in Mali, a primary supplier.