Frequently Asked Questions on Senegal

Dakar (Plateau), Senegal: urban skyline with the BCEAO-Senegal building and the Moorish minaret of the Grand Mosque of Dakar.

Loading component...

Key Questions on Senegal

Last Updated: August 18, 2026

Read the key questions regarding the IMF and Senegal.

What is the status of discussions between the IMF and the Senegalese authorities on a new Fund-supported program?

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team, led by Mercedes Vera Martin, Mission Chief for Senegal, will visit Dakar from August 19 to September 1. The visit will provide an opportunity to continue discussions with the authorities toward an IMF-supported program. IMF staff will also engage with other stakeholders during the visit.
Discussions on a new Fund-supported program began during the October 2025 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, DC.
The focus of discussions is to reach a shared view on the macroeconomic outlook, financing needs, and policies and reforms that could be supported by an IMF lending arrangement.
The overarching goal is to help Senegal safeguard macroeconomic stability and, restore debt sustainability, and, foster sustainable and inclusive growth.

Loading component...

How does IMF staff assess the outlook for Senegal’s economy?

Senegal’s economy has remained resilient despite a challenging global environment, supported by strong growth in the hydrocarbon sector. External and fiscal balances have improved, helped by oil exports and government efforts to contain spending. However, fiscal and debt vulnerabilities remain elevated.
The near-term outlook faces significant risks. Higher global oil prices will increase pressure on public finances, particularly through the cost of broad-based energy subsidies. At the same time, elevated debt vulnerabilities, global uncertainty, and tighter financial conditions could make financing conditions more challenging.
For more information, see our recent press release: IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Senegal.

Loading component...

Has there been any progress on resolving the misreporting case?

Discussions with the authorities have focused on addressing the root causes of the misreporting. This has included audits to establish the stock of public debt and agreeing on reforms to strengthen debt management and prevent future misreporting.
IMF staff are monitoring the implementation of the agreed measures to safeguard credibility, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen public finance management.
Once the authorities have addressed the root causes of the hidden debt and developed policies to address underlying macroeconomic imbalances under a new IMF-supported program, the IMF Executive Board will decide whether to grant a waiver to pre-empt an early repayment of IMF financing.

Loading component...

What corrective measures and concrete safeguards will the IMF require to support that misreporting of public finance data does not occur again?

In carrying out our work, we rely on data provided by country authorities. It is important to emphasize that the IMF is a learning institution, and we are reflecting on this experience to further strengthen our surveillance and data integrity frameworks.
The authorities are implementing key reforms to strengthen fiscal oversight and transparency, including centralizing debt management, enhancing debt data quality, auditing payment arrears, and reinforcing budget controls.
The reforms will be phased in. The IMF will continue to monitor the implementation of these reforms, including during discussions around a new IMF-supported program.

Loading component...

Is the IMF recommending Senegal to restructure its debt? What is the IMF’s latest assessment on Senegal’s debt sustainability?

IMF staff commend the authorities for their commitment to transparency and for taking steps to identify and disclose the hidden debt.
IMF staff and the authorities have discussed options to strengthen fiscal and debt sustainability. The Fund's engagement focuses on assessing debt sustainability, the macroeconomic outlook, and appropriate policies and reforms. Decisions on any debt strategy remain the responsibility of the Senegalese authorities.
In this context, IMF and World Bank staff are working closely with the authorities on updating the debt sustainability analysis to reflect the most recent debt data and macroeconomic outlook.
As with all IMF member countries, any Fund financing must be underpinned by a sustainable debt outlook and supported by policies that place public finances on a credible and durable path.
The IMF remains committed to supporting Senegal’s efforts safeguard macroeconomic stability and foster sustainable and inclusive growth.

IMF’s Work

RESOURCES

TOPICS

Flagship Publications

Other Publications

IMF reports and publications by country

Regional Offices

ABOUT

TRAINING

PUBLICATIONS

All News

See Also

For Journalists

Press Center

RESOURCES

FLAGSHIPS

KEY SERIES

IMF NOTES

Loading component...

Frequently Asked Questions on Senegal

Loading component...

Key Questions on Senegal

What is the status of discussions between the IMF and the Senegalese authorities on a new Fund-supported program?

Loading component...

How does IMF staff assess the outlook for Senegal’s economy?

Loading component...

Has there been any progress on resolving the misreporting case?

Loading component...

What corrective measures and concrete safeguards will the IMF require to support that misreporting of public finance data does not occur again?

Loading component...

Is the IMF recommending Senegal to restructure its debt? What is the IMF’s latest assessment on Senegal’s debt sustainability?

Loading component...

IMF’s Work

RESOURCES

TOPICS

Flagship Publications

Other Publications

IMF reports and publications by country

Regional Offices

ABOUT

TRAINING

PUBLICATIONS

All News

See Also

For Journalists

Press Center

RESOURCES

FLAGSHIPS

KEY SERIES

IMF NOTES