Senegal hikes online gambling taxes in new economic plan
The move, which aligns with the broader “Sénégal 2050” vision, signals a growing shift in the country’s approach to economic sovereignty.
Senegal.- Senegal’s online gambling sector is set to face higher taxes as part of the government’s new National Economic and Social Recovery Plan—a three-year strategy aimed at reducing the country’s soaring public deficit and regaining economic control without International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko unveiled the plan on Friday August 1 at the Grand Théâtre in Dakar, alongside President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to a gathering of lawmakers, diplomats, union leaders, business representatives and civil society members. Among the key revenue-generating measures is a proposed increase in taxation on industries deemed high-margin or under-regulated, including online gambling, tobacco and mobile money transactions.
The move, which aligns with the broader “Sénégal 2050” vision, signals a growing shift in the country’s approach to economic sovereignty. It also underscores the administration’s commitment to self-financing reforms and reducing public debt, which currently stands at 119 per cent of the country’s GDP.
Online gambling, having experienced notable growth nationwide, is being positioned as a potential contributor to domestic revenue. The government expects this measure to expand its tax base and reduce reliance on external debt, which it aims to cut from 14 per cent of GDP to 3 per cent by 2027.
Other aspects of the plan include downsizing the public sector, rationalising state expenditures and monetising underutilised assets such as former French military bases. It also introduces new visa fees for non-African visitors and calls for a national savings campaign.
The three-year economic proposal was adopted by the Council of Ministers on July 30, 2025. While the government portrays the plan as a bold step toward economic independence, experts caution that its success depends on implementation, anti-corruption efforts and public support.
