DIOURBEL - PACASEN REVIEW AND CAPITALIZATION: Over 12 billion FCFA invested to transform the daily lives of the population

In a context where discussions on the fourth phase of decentralization are in full swing, the results of the PACASEN program represent a real opportunity. The numerous innovations observed are likely to positively alter the trajectory of local authorities. An inspiring and quite transformative program.

On September 24, 2026, in Diourbel, a regional capitalization workshop unveiled the results of the Support Program for Municipalities and Urban Areas of Senegal (PACASEN). Chaired by the Regional Governor, the meeting brought together the Secretary General of the Municipal Development Agency (ADM), the prefects, the mayors of the localities involved, and numerous other local stakeholders. The aim was to assess the achievements and draw the necessary lessons to ensure the sustainability of the gains made through decentralization.

A performance-driven model and massive financial support

Launched in 2018, the program, supported by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD), and led by the State of Senegal, has created an environment conducive to reforms in the decentralization and territorial development sector. The Ministry of Urban Planning, Local Authorities, and Territorial Development, which provides technical oversight, has particularly encouraged local authorities to improve their management by making a portion of their funding contingent on achieving performance targets. In the Diourbel region, the implemented mechanism directly benefits more than 1.4 million inhabitants spread across the municipalities of Diourbel, Mbacké, Bambey, and Touba Mosquée. Administratively and financially, the region has demonstrated exemplary compliance. All four municipalities have fully met the minimum requirements and exceeded the established performance thresholds. As an example, of an initial budget allocation of 15.25 billion FCFA between 2019 and 2025, a total of 12.28 billion FCFA was actually transferred. Due to its population size, the municipality of Touba Mosquée received over 8 billion FCFA, while Diourbel received 2.46 billion, Mbacké 1.26 billion, and Bambey 529 million FCFA.

Concrete achievements to improve living conditions and governance

The mobilization of financial resources has enabled the implementation of over 80 projects addressing priority needs identified by citizens during the investment planning process. Nearly half of these projects focus on essential social sectors such as access to water, healthcare (including maternity wards and health posts), and education. Specifically, on-the-ground achievements include over thirty schools, more than one hundred classrooms, kilometers of water and electricity networks, and approximately ten kilometers of paved roads. Beyond physical infrastructure, the program has significantly contributed to the modernization of local governance and finances. The Treasury and the DGID (General Directorate of Taxes and Duties) have benefited from the program's financial support, enabling local authorities to enter the modern era. Complaint management mechanisms have been established, with focal points in each municipality to better listen to residents. New practices focused on accountability, citizen participation and consideration of environmental and climate issues have been integrated into the management of communities.

Lessons learned and the call for a second phase

Beyond the undeniable successes, local stakeholders raised some persistent challenges, including delays in certain fund transfers, cumbersome public procurement procedures, and a lack of resources dedicated to equipment maintenance. To overcome these obstacles, participants recommended further digitizing management tools, strengthening monitoring, and better anticipating administrative processes. Drawing key lessons from this workshop, all elected officials, residents, and institutional authorities welcomed the tangible impact of the investments on the living environment. They reiterated their desire to see the government quickly launch a second phase of the PACASEN program to consolidate this institutional asset for territorial development.