Senegal to reform electricity subsidies, targeting vulnerable households

He stated that 65% of current subsidies benefit the wealthiest 20% of the population, highlighting the system's limitations. The new approach aims to shift from generalized subsidies to targeted support for vulnerable households. This strategy aligns with the government's roadmap for phasing out energy subsidies.

For electricity, the plan includes a "social tariff" to protect households consuming less than 150 kWh per month, which represents approximately 880,000 customers or 45% of SENELEC subscribers. As of January 1, 2026, SENELEC's tariff structure for small domestic consumers sets the price per kWh at 82 FCFA for the first tier, 136.49 FCFA for the second, and 159.36 FCFA for the third. The first tier saw a 10% reduction to help lower household bills.

For wealthier households not eligible for the social tariff, a simulation based on a planned increase of 47.6 FCFA/kWh for low voltage suggests potential new rates: 129.60 FCFA/kWh for the first tier, 184.09 FCFA/kWh for the second, and 206.96 FCFA/kWh for the third. This means a household excluded from the social scheme could pay up to about 207 FCFA per kWh on its third tier, compared to the current 159.36 FCFA. It is important to note that these are simulated figures based on the roadmap's projected increase, not an officially announced new tariff schedule for