Dakar, Senegal, May 8, 2025—To improve urban mobility in Senegal’s growing capital region, Dakar, IFC signed today four agreements with the Executive Council for Urban Transport in Dakar (CETUD) to help implement four public-private partnerships (PPPs) that promote alternative and climate-resilient transport systems and improve traffic flow while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
As lead transaction advisor, IFC will work with CETUD to design, structure, and competitively contract the PPPs, focusing on sustainable and low-carbon solutions. The private partners who win the bids will build, equip, finance, operate, and maintain the projects. The four projects are:
1. A biomethane production plant to convert waste and residue into biofuel for public buses in Dakar. This plant will support the transition of public transport from petrol-powered to non-fossil-fueled vehicles. The current public transport fleet will be replaced with new buses, and the biomethane plant will provide operators with an environmentally friendly alternative.
2. A transit-oriented development project in the bustling Petersen neighborhood of Dakar, around the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminal. The project will help transform the commercial hub of Petersen into an energy efficient and green neighborhood through a variety of residential and commercial developments, the creation of green spaces and the encouragement of soft mobility (such as walking and cycling) to improve energy efficiency and urban welfare for residents.
3. A modern dynamic traffic light management system. Advanced signal controllers and radar monitoring technology will be used to improve traffic flow and safety, leading to lower delays and pollution as well as cost and productivity savings for drivers and the economy.
4. A cable car in the city of Diamniadio (a newly-developed city close to the international airport) to address critical connectivity gaps by linking areas of the new city to the regional express railway station. This 100% electric project will support Senegal’s goal to establish Diamniadio as a modern, sustainable city while enhancing mobility for residents and visitors.
"Thanks to IFC's support as the lead transaction advisor, we have successfully arranged the financing for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of Africa's first electric BRT system managed by a private operator. The agreements signed today for the development and structuring of four major PPP projects underscore our commitment to providing every community with green and inclusive mobility solutions that meet the population's needs, while addressing energy and digital transitions and leveraging the significant potential of the private sector in executing our projects," stated Thierno Birahim Aw, Director-General of CETUD.
"Today's agreements mark a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing urban mobility in Dakar. By leveraging public-private partnerships, we aim to introduce sustainable, low-carbon transport solutions that will alleviate traffic congestion and improve residents' quality of life. These projects underscore our dedication to fostering innovative and environmentally friendly urban development. We are excited to expand our partnership with CETUD to bring these transformative projects to fruition," said Ethiopis Tafara, IFC Vice President for Africa.
Dakar is home to about a quarter of Senegal’s total population and welcomes 100,000 new residents each year, with its rapidly increasing population placing pressure on the city’s traffic grid. Supporting modernized urban transport will help improve safety and comfort for residents and spur economic development.
This extended partnership with CETUD builds on the World Bank Group’s support for Dakar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the first all-electric BRT system of that size in the world, which is expected to carry over 300,000 passengers daily after ramp up, significantly improving mobility in the city.
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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About CETUD
The Executive Council for Sustainable Urban Transport (CETUD), under the technical supervision of the Ministry responsible for Land Transport, serves as a collaborative framework that brings together all stakeholders involved in urban mobility. Its primary aim is to ensure better coordination of public transport policies through a concerted approach, involving the State, local authorities, and the private sector.
Following an institutional reform in April 2022, 25 years after its creation, CETUD, as the Urban Mobility Organizing Authority, has placed sustainability at the core of its actions. This aligns with Senegal's commitments to achieving sustainable development goals, which aim to balance economic growth, environmental preservation, and social equity. This commitment is reflected in the promotion of green, inclusive, and climate-resilient urban mobility systems, while also considering the challenges of energy and digital transitions.
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