In op-ed, Kalidou Bâ calls for economic and institutional renewal in Senegal

In an op-ed published by SeneNews, Kalidou Bâ, presented as a member of Nouvelle Responsabilité/Jamm ji of President Amadou Bâ, calls for a reorientation of Senegal’s economic and institutional policy.

His article draws on Moody’s Ratings’ downgrade of the country’s sovereign rating to Caa2, with a negative outlook. The author believes the move is a warning to markets, creditors and investors because of its potential effects on risk perception and financing conditions.

Investor confidence at the heart of the analysis

Kalidou Bâ believes that tensions between the Executive and Legislative branches, as well as the institutional uncertainty he describes, could weigh on economic confidence. In his view, investors seek a stable, clear and predictable environment before making long-term commitments.

He nevertheless stresses that recovery cannot rely solely on the private sector. In his analysis, public investment and major structuring projects remain important levers for supporting business activity, employment and tax revenues.

Criticism of continued increases in levies

The author warns against a lasting increase in taxes and levies in an economy he considers fragile. He argues that excessive tax pressure could reduce companies’ margins, curb investment and, ultimately, weaken public revenue.

He describes the risk of an adverse cycle involving declining investment, slower economic activity, reduced wealth creation and increased budgetary constraints.

A call for a clear economic direction

To overcome this situation, Kalidou Bâ advocates reviving productive investment, improving access to financing, gradually broadening the tax base and adopting more rigorous financial governance.

His op-ed also calls for credible economic planning, budgetary discipline and greater institutional stability. He believes these conditions are necessary to restore confidence and create the conditions for sustainable growth.