Senegal will introduce 1,000 hybrid taxis under a new financing agreement between the Land Transport Development Fund (FDTT) and the Bank for Trade and Industry (BCI SN), in a move aimed at modernizing the country’s informal transport sector and upgrading urban mobility in Dakar and surrounding regions.
The first 100 vehicles are scheduled to arrive in February 2026, signaling the beginning of a gradual shift from an ageing, largely unregulated taxi fleet to a more structured, professionalized and environmentally aligned system.
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For decades, Senegal’s taxi industry has operated on the margins of the formal economy. Most vehicles are old imports, often exceeding their intended lifespan, maintained informally, and financed outside official banking channels. Authorities have long viewed the sector as a weak point in urban mobility, particularly in Dakar, a metropolitan area of approximately 3.6 million people where transport demand far exceeds the capacity of existing systems.
Nearly seven million trips occur daily in the Dakar agglomeration, according to the Executive Council for Sustainable Urban Transport (CETUD), creating persistent pressure on roads, public transport, and service reliability.
The hybrid taxi programme introduces a structured financial mechanism for drivers. Vehicles will be acquired under managed agreements that require proper maintenance, operational oversight, and technical monitoring.
By adhering to these standards, drivers become more creditworthy, gaining access to banking services previously unavailable to many working in the informal sector. The initiative positions transport workers as formal economic actors, subject to regulatory standards and operational accountability while retaining opportunities for income generation.
The reform builds on extensive sector analysis conducted during the 2024 public transport meetings, which highlighted inefficiencies and gaps in service provision across the city. The study noted that while investments such as the Regional Express Train (TER), the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and the expansion of Dakar Dem Dikk’s bus fleet had strengthened mobility along major corridors, they had not addressed the critical last-mile connectivity where taxis dominate.
Hybrid taxis are intended to bridge this gap, providing reliable feeder services between mass transit stations and neighborhoods, and supplementing short-distance urban travel.
The programme also responds to environmental challenges associated with Senegal’s current vehicle fleet. Many of the cars in the informal taxi sector are older imported models with engines that emit high levels of pollutants.
The National Mobility Strategy 2025–2029 advocates for the gradual renewal of fleets to improve safety, reduce emissions, and enhance service quality. Hybrid vehicles offer a measurable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions intensity while supporting broader decarbonisation objectives.
Financing under the FDTT-BCI SN agreement is designed to encourage sustainability and efficiency. By linking access to vehicles with contractual requirements for management and technical monitoring, authorities aim to ensure compliance while promoting professionalization.
The approach also strengthens drivers’ economic positions, enabling them to build financial histories, access credit, and invest in service improvements. This could have a wider impact on the urban transport ecosystem, facilitating more predictable service and gradually reducing the reliance on outdated vehicles.
The hybrid taxi initiative complements other public transport interventions by integrating private mobility with larger urban transit networks. The vehicles will serve as connectors for commuters using the BRT, TER, and expanded bus services, addressing local travel needs that are not served by high-capacity corridors. This integration allows for better distribution of transport supply, supports a rationalization of the city’s mobility framework, and enhances overall efficiency.
By focusing on environmental performance, financial inclusion, and sector formalization, Senegal aims to create a professionalized transport sector capable of meeting urban demand while contributing to climate goals.
The first batch of hybrid taxis arriving in February 2026 will set the precedent for subsequent deliveries and operational rollouts across the country. The programme reflects a broader effort to modernize urban transport, improve service standards, and support a sustainable transition for one of West Africa’s most heavily trafficked urban areas.
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