Senegal has introduced an immediate restriction on non-essential overseas travel for government ministers, as surging global oil prices put increasing strain on the nation’s finances, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has announced.
Speaking at a youth gathering on Friday, Sonko disclosed that the price of a barrel of oil was approaching nearly double the figure originally estimated in the national budget, pointing to a sudden and significant fiscal challenge.
As part of cost-cutting efforts, he revealed that he had personally cancelled planned trips to Niger, Spain, and France, highlighting the government’s determination to reduce expenditure.
Additional steps to curb public spending are expected, with the minister of mines scheduled to announce further measures in the coming days.
This move mirrors a wider response across Africa to escalating energy costs, partly driven by tensions in the Middle East. Several countries on the continent are already implementing policies such as fuel tax cuts and energy rationing to ease the impact.
Although Senegal has made strides in developing its own oil and gas resources, it still depends heavily on imported fuel, making it susceptible to fluctuations in global prices. Sonko acknowledged the situation but maintained a balanced tone, telling young people he did not intend to alarm them, but rather to give them “a sense of this world, which is a difficult world.” He added that Senegalese citizens continue to show resilience despite the challenges.
The country’s economic prospects had appeared promising just a year ago, with the International Monetary Fund describing growth as strong at nearly 8% and inflation relatively moderate. However, a heavy public debt burden estimated at over 130% of GDP remains a major concern. Sonko attributed much of this to the previous administration, saying it has worsened the current economic pressure.
Elsewhere on the continent, the effects are becoming more evident. South Africa has reduced fuel taxes, Ethiopia is facing fuel shortages that have disrupted services, and South Sudan has begun rationing electricity. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is increasing ethanol blending in petrol.
Adding to the strain, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have limited global fertiliser supplies, raising concerns about a potential food security crisis, particularly in East Africa.