Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Green Real Estate in Senegal: A Sustainable Ambition for 2025
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, Senegal is positioning itself as a promising example with its ambitious initiative to promote green real estate.
By 2025, the country plans to strengthen its environmental standards while implementing attractive subsidies to encourage the construction of eco-friendly buildings.
This push toward sustainable architecture not only addresses a growing need for environmental respect but also responds to increasing international pressure to adopt more responsible construction practices.
Through these measures, Senegal aims to be at the forefront of sustainable development in Africa, fostering both innovation and the protection of its rich natural heritage.
Good to know:
Senegal is among the most committed African countries in the ecological transition, with concrete projects such as building eco-districts and using sustainable local materials.
Introduction to Green Real Estate in Senegal
Green real estate refers to all practices and constructions aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of the real estate sector. It is characterized by a particular focus on the energy performance of buildings, rational use of resources during construction, limiting the carbon footprint, and adhering to the principles of sustainable development.
The main criteria for green real estate include:
- Reducing energy consumption
- Using ecological or recycled materials
- Responsible water and waste management
- Improving indoor comfort (air quality, insulation)
- Environmental enhancement of the property
In the Senegalese context, these issues take on a particular dimension due to:
- Rapid urbanization, especially around Dakar, creating increased pressure on infrastructure and natural resources
- Acute problems related to urban waste management and inadequate wastewater treatment
- A hot climate requiring heavy reliance on air conditioning, with its associated high carbon emissions
- High energy costs for both households and economic actors
The main environmental and economic challenges in Senegal that make the development of green real estate necessary are therefore:
- Combating climate change through effective reduction of building-related emissions
- Sustainably improving the urban environment in the face of the negative consequences of uncontrolled urbanization
- Strengthening national energy security by limiting import-dependent consumption
- Greater economic attractiveness through a modern real estate stock meeting international requirements
Major local initiatives preceded 2025: the creation as early as 1950 by the colonial and then Senegalese government of public operators such as SICAP, tasked with developing Dakar according to a rational urban plan that progressively integrated environmental issues. More recently, some pilot projects led by the private sector or supported by international partners (World Bank, UN-Habitat) have introduced bio-based materials or bioclimatic features in a few landmark developments.
At the regulatory level, a notable evolution has been observed since 2015:
- Progressive integration of minimum energy efficiency requirements into the national building code
- Multiplication since 2020 of tax incentives for real estate developers investing in “sustainable housing”
- Repeated political commitments in national climate plans (NAPs) now placing “green real estate” among sectoral priorities
The Senegalese government thus clearly shows its growing interest in promoting this sector through:
- Dedicated subsidies for new, compliant constructions labeled “low carbon”
- Enhanced technical support for local developers
- The expected launch in 2025 of a harmonized national reference framework inspired notably by HQE/BREEAM, adapted to the Sahelian context
Starting from 2025, this article will detail:
- The main planned regulatory outlines concerning: mandatory minimum thermal insulation; minimum rate of integrated renewable energy; precise criteria on the origin/ecological traceability of materials used
- The concrete procedures planned for accessing public subsidies: eligible project types; simplified administrative procedures; maximum amounts grantable according to building typologies
Good to know:
Green real estate, which aims to integrate sustainable practices into the design, construction, and operation of buildings, represents a crucial response to environmental and economic challenges in Senegal, including natural resource management and carbon emission reduction. Senegal, facing rapid urbanization and a growing need for renewable energy, has seen initiatives such as World Bank and European Union projects catalyze this sector in recent years. Before 2025, the regulatory framework evolved to include stricter environmental standards, signaling the government’s active interest in this transition. For 2025, new standards are expected to incentivize the use of ecological materials and innovative energy management systems, while subsidies should support developers in adopting these practices, helping to make housing not only ecologically viable but also more affordable for the population.
Ecological Standards and BREEAM Certification in Senegal
Senegal recently strengthened its environmental legal framework with the adoption of Law No. 2023-15 of August 2, 2023, establishing the Environmental Code, which represents a major overhaul of the legal framework for better environmental management. This legislative update aims to align national practices with international standards for environmental protection and sustainable development.
In January 2025, Senegal’s Ministry of Environment conducted a visit to several industrial sites, including those of the Senegalese Chemical Industries (ICS), to emphasize the importance of compliance with current environmental standards. This initiative is part of a national effort to reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities and promote sustainable development.
The ICS, in particular, have developed an accelerated action plan to strengthen their compliance with environmental standards. This plan includes:
- Implementing strict sustainable development standards
- Achieving ISO 14001 certification to ensure compliance with international environmental standards
- Creating a company-territory platform to maintain ongoing dialogue with local communities
The new CEO of ICS, Mr. Sougoufara, announced the development of a comprehensive plan aimed not only at meeting environmental standards but also at obtaining recognized international certifications. This continuous improvement approach aims to optimize industrial practices while reducing the ecological impact.
Regarding the real estate sector, the Senegalese government is working to adjust potential gaps between environmental policy and urban planning and land management policy, a major innovation of the new environmental code.
| Aspect | Current Initiatives | 2025 Objectives |
| Legal Framework | Environmental Code (2023) | Full harmonization with international standards |
| Certifications | ISO 14001 process underway | Broader adoption of international certifications |
| Collaboration | Company-territory platform | Strengthened dialogue with local communities |
| Industrial Sector | ICS accelerated action plan | Full compliance with environmental standards |
Senegal’s National Development Strategy 2025-2029 also includes measures to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to adopt environmentally friendly practices, recognizing that the majority of Senegalese companies fall into this category according to international standards.
The major challenges identified for the industrial sector include:
- Managing pollutant discharges
- Proper waste treatment
- Responsible consumption of natural resources
The Ministry of Environment facilitated constructive exchanges between ICS management, local populations, administrative authorities, the National Assembly, and local governments to find concerted solutions to environmental challenges.
Good to know:
In Senegal, current ecological standards align with international standards such as ISO 14001 for environmental management, as well as strengthened local initiatives to meet sustainable development requirements. BREEAM certification, globally recognized for improving the environmental performance of buildings, is increasingly integrated into Senegalese real estate projects. It evaluates criteria such as energy efficiency, use of sustainable materials, and water management, thus playing a crucial role in promoting green real estate. Supported by government initiatives encouraging sustainable construction practices, BREEAM stands out among ecological certifications voluntarily adopted by several private developers to increase their attractiveness in the local market. However, the shift toward environmentally friendly construction still faces challenges, such as limited awareness and associated costs, although significant opportunities exist through projected subsidies for 2025 that facilitate the integration of ecological standards in the sector.
Subsidies for Renewable Energy and Eco-Construction
Senegal is currently undergoing a major energy transition, with an ambitious goal of supplying its entire population with electricity by 2025 while reducing its dependence on energy imports. This transition is accompanied by a significant restructuring of energy subsidies.
In 2025, the Senegalese government plans to significantly reduce its energy subsidies, bringing them from over 4% of GDP to just 2% of GDP. This decision is part of corrective measures taken following the audit of public finances conducted by the Court of Auditors for the period 2019-2024.
Senegal’s National Energy Pact is the main strategic framework for developing renewable energy, with a target of 29% of installed capacity coming from renewable sources. To achieve this goal, the government is relying on:
- Generalizing competitive bidding processes
- Mobilizing private sector resources with guarantee instruments
- Determining the purchase price for surplus self-production
Considerable investments, estimated between $4.8 and $5.8 billion, are needed in the short and medium term to finance this energy transition, particularly for creating gas transport infrastructure to power plants.
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project represents a major step forward in this transition, with first gas production expected in January 2025. This important milestone opens new prospects for strategic investment in the Senegalese energy sector.
| Type of Subsidy | Objective | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive bidding | Deployment of renewable energy | Private sector |
| Guarantee instruments | Mobilization of private resources | Investors in renewable energy |
| Purchase prices | Encouragement of self-production | Independent producers |
The Senegalese government has also established a roadmap for the gradual phase-out of subsidies in the energy sector by 2025, which implies a reorientation of funding toward more sustainable and economically viable solutions.
- Reduction of subsidies for traditional energy products (electricity, gasoline, premium fuel, diesel, and butane gas)
- Redirection of funds toward the development of renewable energy infrastructure
- Support for eco-construction and energy efficiency initiatives
This restructuring of energy subsidies aims to create a more favorable environment for sustainable development while maintaining the goal of universal access to electricity for the Senegalese population by 2025.
Good to know:
In 2025, Senegal offers various subsidies to promote eco-construction and renewable energy, including tax breaks for projects incorporating solar panels or ecological materials. The government, in partnership with private entities and programs like the African Renewable Energy Initiative, provides funding that can cover up to 40% of costs for initiatives meeting rigorous sustainability criteria. Pioneering projects, such as the Mboumba eco-village, demonstrate the effectiveness of these subsidies in stimulating local employment and reducing emissions. Comparatively, financial support in Senegal stands out for its collaborative approach, though similar to programs in Côte d’Ivoire, it nevertheless highlights greater access to international partnerships. These measures are expected to accelerate the adoption of green technologies, positively impacting the economic and environmental development of the real estate sector.
Prospects and Challenges of Green Real Estate in Senegal
The green real estate sector in Senegal is experiencing sustained momentum, driven by population growth, accelerated urbanization, and a growing awareness of environmental issues. The emergence of a Senegalese middle class investing in property in areas like Saly or Ngaparou also reflects this market vitality.
Current Trends and Prospects
- Increasing integration of renewable energy in major urban projects (solar, wind).
- Development of ecological infrastructure: solar parks, wind farms, low-energy buildings.
- Growing awareness of using local and sustainable materials to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Rising appetite for environmental certifications in high-end residential properties.
| Trend | Concrete Examples |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy | Construction of national solar/wind parks |
| Sustainable Urban Planning | Economic zones integrating ecological standards |
| Local Materials | Use of stabilized adobe in some projects |
Potential Initiatives for Sustainable Development
- Strengthening public-private partnerships to encourage green construction.
- Tax incentives or subsidies for developers integrating clean technologies (solar panels, smart water management).
- National campaigns to raise awareness among developers and buyers about the long-term economic benefits of “green buildings.”
Main Challenges Encountered
- High cost of sustainable technologies (solar photovoltaic, energy-efficient home automation systems)
- General lack of awareness among the general public and sometimes even professionals
- Regulatory obstacles: absence or slow adaptation of national standards to international “green building” standards
- Limited access to specialized financing
Concrete Examples Illustrating These Challenges
The recent establishment of solar power plants has allowed the country to assert its regional leadership but required significant financial effort and reliance on specialized foreign partners.
Several pilot real estate projects now incorporate photovoltaic panels and passive systems but remain a minority compared to traditional constructions that still dominate the market.
Role of Government & Public Policies
The government plays a driving role with:
- Progressive creation or strengthening of environmental standards applicable to new buildings
- Incentive policies: partial subsidies planned until 2025 for certified “green” programs; temporary tax exemptions granted to investors adopting an ecological specification
- Direct support for major low-carbon energy infrastructure through international tenders
Furthermore, the expected redistribution of revenues from offshore gas could allow for more public investment in these innovative sectors if directed toward this priority objective.
Visual Summary – Key Drivers & Barriers
| Favorable Factors | Persistent Obstacles |
|---|---|
| Political will | Initial technological cost overrun |
| Sustained urban demand | Low access to green credits |
| Successful pilot projects | Slow regulatory adaptation |
The ecological transition is therefore underway but will strongly depend on maintaining—or even strengthening—proactive public policies as well as greater collective involvement around sustainable real estate development across the entire Senegalese territory.
Good to know:
The green real estate sector in Senegal shows promising growth prospects thanks to a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable development. Projects such as the Cité de l’Émergence illustrate this dynamic by integrating renewable energy and ecological materials. However, the sector faces significant challenges, including the high cost of green technologies and a lack of public awareness. Regulatory obstacles also hinder this expansion, although the government has introduced several initiatives to encourage the ecological transition, including subsidies and tax reductions for constructions meeting new environmental standards. The policies aim to create a favorable framework for green investments by 2025, but their success will depend on their ability to simplify administrative procedures and further raise awareness among all market players.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
