Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as prime minister, entrusting the leadership of the government to an economist and senior civil servant known for his career within the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

"Senegal is a safe and viable country and intends to remain so," Lo said on Monday, referring to the country's "difficult financial situation" in his first statement after his appointment.

Lo, 60, is a former national director of the BCEAO in Senegal, a position he held from 2018 to 2023. His profile differs from that of many prominent political figures, as the new head of government is more closely associated with technocratic and financial circles than with frontline politics.

Since Faye came to power in 2024, Lo has held several strategic positions. He was first appointed minister and secretary general of the government, overseeing the coordination of government action and the preparation of Cabinet meetings.

In April 2025, he became minister attached to the president in charge of monitoring, steering and evaluating the Senegal 2050 National Transformation Agenda.

In his public remarks, he has advocated an approach based on fiscal discipline and economic transformation.

He argued that the government could "turn around the economic situation within 24 months" provided that all stakeholders adopted "a posture of rigour and financial discipline."

Appointment at challenging times

Known for his expertise in macroeconomics, banking regulation and financial markets, Lo is also recognised for his critical views on the CFA franc, an issue regularly highlighted by the ruling PASTEF party (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity) in its calls for greater economic and monetary sovereignty.

His appointment comes at a time of significant economic and political challenges. The new prime minister will be tasked with steering government policy as Senegal seeks to revive economic growth, reassure private-sector actors and continue implementing reforms under the Senegal 2050 Vision.

The office of prime minister was previously held by Ousmane Sonko, a leading figure of Pastef and a key political ally of the president, but was dismissed for speaking out against debt restructuring.

The country’s public debt has reached the equivalent of 132 percent of its GDP, according to the IMF.