Senegal has banned government ministers from undertaking all non-essential foreign travel as it grapples with the economic impact of rising global oil prices, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Friday.
Speaking at a youth rally, Sonko said the cost of oil had surged to levels far beyond government projections, placing significant strain on public finances.
“The current cost of a barrel of oil is approaching double what had been budgeted for,” he told the audience, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
As part of the austerity measures, Sonko confirmed that he had postponed his own planned trips to Niger, Spain and France, signaling what he described as a need for leadership by example.
He added that further cost-cutting measures would be unveiled in the coming days.
“The mines minister will announce additional steps to curb government spending in the coming week,” Sonko said.
Senegal’s move reflects a growing trend across Africa, where governments are taking steps to cushion their economies from the ripple effects of rising energy costs linked to the conflict involving Iran.
Several countries have introduced emergency interventions, including reducing fuel levies, rationing electricity and adjusting fuel composition.
Addressing young people at the rally, Sonko sought to strike a balance between caution and reassurance.
“I do not want to frighten you or put pressure on you,” he said. “I want to give you a sense of this world, which is a difficult world.”
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in the country’s resilience. “Though things are hard, the Senegalese are resilient,” he added.
Senegal, which is developing its oil and gas sector, remains heavily dependent on imported fuel, leaving it vulnerable to global price shocks.
The latest spike has intensified concerns about fiscal stability, particularly given the country’s high public debt.
Sonko attributed the situation to past administrations, accusing them of leaving behind a heavy debt load that has complicated efforts to manage the current crisis.
“The previous government saddled us with this debt, making the present situation even more difficult,” he said.
Across the continent, governments are adopting varied strategies to cope with the surge in oil prices.
In South Africa, authorities have reduced fuel taxes to limit price increases at the pump. Ethiopia has experienced fuel shortages severe enough to force some government institutions to send workers on annual leave, while South Sudan has introduced electricity rationing in its capital, Juba. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, is increasing ethanol blending in petrol.
The crisis has been compounded by disruptions in global supply chains. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf has constrained the movement of key commodities, including fertiliser, a critical input for agriculture.
The International Rescue Committee has warned that the disruption could trigger a “food security timebomb,” particularly in regions such as East Africa that depend heavily on fertiliser imports from the Middle East.