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Thu, February 20, 2025

Senegal's Debt and Deficit: A Harsh Economic Reality [Business Africa]


Published on 2025-02-20 10:40:48 - MSN
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  • This week on Business Africa: budgetary crisis in Senegal, industrialization under Traor
  • in Burkina Faso, and untapped mining potential in Nigeria. Three major challenges for the West African economy.

The article from MSN discusses Senegal's economic challenges, focusing on its increasing debt and budget deficit. Senegal, once considered a model of economic stability in West Africa, is now grappling with a harsh economic reality due to several factors. The country's public debt has risen significantly, with external debt reaching 60% of GDP, driven by infrastructure projects and social spending. This has led to a downgrade by credit rating agencies, increasing borrowing costs. Additionally, the budget deficit has widened, exacerbated by lower revenues from key sectors like oil and gas due to delays in projects and global economic pressures. The government's response includes seeking IMF support and implementing austerity measures, but these come with political risks as public sentiment grows wary of economic hardship and potential cuts to subsidies and public services. The article highlights the delicate balance Senegal must strike between development, debt management, and maintaining social stability.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/economy/senegal-s-debt-and-deficit-a-harsh-economic-reality-business-africa/ar-AA1zs3Xz ]