Senegal is already facing water stress, with projections indicating that water withdrawals could rise by 30 to 60 percent by 2035. Extreme weather events and water pollution currently cost the country over 10 percent of its GDP annually. The Dakar-Mbour-Thiès (DMT) triangle, which hosts nearly half the population and generates 50 percent of Senegal’s GDP, is particularly vulnerable and requires urgent diversification of water sources and better cross-sectoral coordination.
Water security is a cornerstone for Senegal’s socio-economic development and the achievement of its Plan Sénégal Émergent (PSE) goals. While the PSE aims to ensure “abundant, good quality water for all by 2035,” it does not fully account for the limitations of water resource availability or management. Recognizing these gaps, the Government of Senegal, through the Ministry of Water and Sanitation (MEA), sought World Bank support to conduct a comprehensive study on national water security, with special attention to the DMT region.
In Senegal, surface water is the primary source for agriculture, but rainfall variability creates shortages, especially for irrigation in the Senegal River Basin. Groundwater supplies 85 percent of drinking water and most industrial needs, yet overuse and contamination threaten its sustainability. With rising demand driven by rapid urbanization, Senegal faces increasing water stress, a problem worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DMT triangle, encompassing the nation’s economic heartland, has experienced a persistent water deficit since 2011. Key risks include overexploited and polluted aquifers, endangered wetlands, and pressures on critical water bodies like Lac de Guiers, which provides roughly 40 percent of the region’s water.
The study recommends diversifying water supply and adopting a circular economy approach. Strategies include wastewater reuse for aquifer recharge and irrigation, leveraging wetlands and green infrastructure for stormwater management, reducing losses, allocating water sources based on purpose, and exploring non-conventional resources like desalination. For the DMT, strengthening water governance will require multi-sector collaboration to balance current water use with long-term resource protection.
As one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, Senegal has the potential to become a trade and technology hub—but this will only be possible if water security is addressed. Achieving this goal will require targeted investments and institutional reforms, including updates to legal and organizational frameworks for water and sanitation services. The World Bank remains committed to supporting Senegal in developing sustainable, long-term water management strategies.
Great article! Really highlights the importance of water security for Senegal’s future. 🌍💧
Why not focus more on rainwater harvesting as a solution? Seems like a viable option to me.
Interesting read, but I wish it included more data on the financial investments needed. 🤔
Can someone explain how desalination would work in Senegal? Seems expensive! 💸
The stats about GDP loss due to water issues are staggering. Thanks for bringing this to light!
How does climate change factor into these projections? 🌡️
Loved the insights on wastewater reuse. We need more innovative solutions like this!
Water security sounds really serious, but what about immediate actions? What can be done now?
Are there any successful case studies of water management from other countries that Senegal could follow?