Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko<\/strong> unveiled the plan on Friday August 1<\/strong> at the Grand Th\u00e9\u00e2tre in Dakar<\/strong>, alongside President Bassirou Diomaye Faye<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The move, which aligns with the broader \u201cS\u00e9n\u00e9gal 2050\u201d vision<\/strong>, signals a growing shift in the country\u2019s approach to economic sovereignty. It also underscores the administration\u2019s commitment to self-financing reforms and reducing public debt, which currently stands at 119 per cent of the country’s GDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong> to 3 per cent by 2027<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The three-year economic proposal was adopted by the Council of Ministers<\/strong> on July 30, 2025<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/06\/UK-underage-gambling-300x200.jpeg\")
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