One year into Jean Michel Sène’s tenure as Director General of the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER), the agency has reported rapid progress in expanding access to electricity in remote areas—achievements that have sparked both praise and political concern.
In the first quarter of 2025 alone, ASER successfully electrified 172 villages, surpassing the previous annual average of 125.
The agency has embraced a more transparent and interactive approach under Sène’s leadership, engaging directly with citizens through social media, notably by inviting public feedback on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The results have triggered a wave of positive responses online, with many applauding the renewed energy and commitment driving the agency’s mission.
Sène’s strategy, characterized by direct communication, open data sharing, and visible field operations, marks a notable shift from the more opaque practices of the past.
Yet, despite the progress, ASER’s path has not been free of criticism.
Political voices, especially from the opposition, have raised concerns over the legality and financial integrity of several contracts signed under the agency’s current administration.
MP Pape Djibril Fall has publicly called for a parliamentary inquiry to scrutinize agreements involving private sector participation, citing unclear financial guarantees.
While the agency’s enhanced visibility has bolstered its public image, questions remain over governance, long-term sustainability, and the effective use of public resources.
Critics argue that flashy statistics must be matched with verifiable improvements in service quality and infrastructure resilience.
The stakes are high: Senegal has set an ambitious goal to achieve universal rural electrification by 2025. As of 2022, rural access stood at just 62%.
To bridge the gap, ASER is depending on public-private partnerships, streamlined contractual frameworks, and expanded presence in underserved regions.
However, electrification metrics alone are no longer sufficient.
As the 2025 deadline approaches, the focus is shifting toward reliability and sustainability.
The real measure of success will be whether the lights turned on in rural Senegal remain on—consistently and affordably—for the communities that need them most.
About The Author
