Technocrat Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo appointed Senegal’s new PM

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as prime minister on Monday, entrusting the leadership of the government to an economist and senior civil servant with a long career at the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). Lo, 60, served as BCEAO’s national director in Senegal from 2018 to 2023. Unlike many prominent political figures, Lo is a technocrat closely associated with financial and regulatory circles. Since Faye came to power in 2024, Lo has held several strategic positions, including secretary general of the government and minister attached to the president overseeing the Senegal 2050 National Transformation Agenda.

Economic vision

In public remarks, Lo has advocated for fiscal discipline and economic transformation, arguing that the government could “turn around the economic situation within 24 months” if all stakeholders adopt “a posture of rigor and financial discipline.” He is also recognized for his critical views on the CFA franc, a recurring issue raised by the ruling PASTEF party in its calls for greater economic and monetary sovereignty. Lo’s appointment comes after former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was dismissed for speaking out against debt restructuring. Senegal’s public debt has reached 132% of GDP, according to the IMF.