Action plan – Yoff, Senegal, 2024 – 2027

At-a-Glance

Duration

Mar 2027

Date Submitted

17th December 2024

Foreword(s)

Since his election in January 2022, Mayor Seydina Issa Laye Samb has placed transparencyAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, transparency occurs when “government-held information (including on activities and decisions) is open, comprehensive, timely, freely available to the pub... More, citizen participationAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, citizen participation occurs when “governments seek to mobilize citizens to engage in public debate, provide input, and make contributions that lead to m... More, and the preservation of cultural identity at the heart of his policy. In 2024, Yoff’s membership in the Open Government PartnershipThe Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving government transparency, ensuring opportunities for citizen participation in public matters, and strengthen... More (OGP) marked a turning point, reinforcing the municipality’s commitmentOGP commitments are promises for reform co-created by governments and civil society and submitted as part of an action plan. Commitments typically include a description of the problem, concrete action... to inclusive and participatory governance.

To develop the  2025-2027 Local Action Plan (LAP), co-creation workshops were organized with various stakeholders, including local elected officials, associations, NGOs (Enda ECOPOP, Article 19), the Regional Development Agency (ARD), and customary authorities. These meetings, such as the one held at the Le Gondolier hotel in October 2024, helped raise awareness among participants about the principles of open government and align LAP commitments with the priorities of the Sustainable Municipal Development Plan (PDC-D).

The PDC-D , a five-year strategic document, is based on a participatory approach involving elected officials, NGOs, and citizens, including marginalized groups. It aims to guide local actions in economic, social, and environmental development while aligning local priorities with the Sustainable Development GoalsOGP countries are experimenting with open government innovations to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 16+ which includes peaceful, just and inclusive societies... and the Emerging Senegal Plan. This framework served as the basis for the LAP action plan, ensuring consistency and transparency in the implementation of commitments.

The action plan is structured around four axes:

• Axis 1: Improving human development and universal access to basic social services
• Axis 2: Strengthening urban economic development
• Axis 3: Preservation of the environment and consideration of cross-cutting dimensions
• Axis 4: Promoting Open Governance

Innovation and information technologies are at the heart of initiatives to promote citizen interaction and ensure participatory monitoring and evaluation. This system will allow measuring results, collecting feedback, and adjusting ongoing strategies, thus ensuring continuous improvement and inclusive governance.

Open Government Challenges, Opportunities and Strategic Vision

This subsection details the Open Government Strategic Vision in your local area that should guide the commitments for the action plan period.

What is the long-term vision for open government in your context and jurisdiction?

The long-term vision of the Yoff commune for an open government has been defined as follows:

“Making Yoff a resilient and inclusive municipality, where transparency, citizen participation, and technological innovation support sustainable development, guaranteeing all residents equitable access to educationAccountability within the public education system is key to improving outcomes and attainment, and accountability is nearly impossible without transparent policies and opportunities for participation ..., clean energyEnsuring universal access to sustainable, dependable, and affordable energy is critical to every aspect of prosperity. Increasing public oversight and transparency in the energy sector can help to ens..., a preserved environment, and participatory governance based on trust and accountability.”

This vision is aligned with the mayor’s program “Yoff bi Ñu Bokk”, which devotes an entire axis to open governance. This axis emphasizes strategic objectives such as strengthening social dialogue, promoting citizen participation, and improving accountability, principles at the heart of this vision.

In addition, the inclusive approach adopted in the development of the Sustainable Municipal Development Plan (PDC-D) reflects this ambitionAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, OGP commitments should “stretch government practice beyond its current baseline with respect to key areas of open government.” Ambition captures the po.... The PDC-D developed through a participatory methodology, mobilized a wide range of actors: local elected officials, NGOs, civil society, community associations, and representatives of marginalized groups. This process made it possible to define a common and shared vision, taking into account environmental, educational, energy, and citizen participation issues, which are at the heart of the sustainable development of the municipality.

What are the achievements in open government to date (for example, recent open government reforms)?

In line with axis 1 of the mayor’s program entitled Open Governance, the municipality of Yoff has made significant progress in strengthening citizen participation and promoting inclusive management of local affairs. Among these achievements:

1. Local participatory mechanisms:
   • Regular organization of public hearings in neighborhoods to gather citizens’ concerns and priorities;
   • Holding of Foras as part of the development of the first participatory budget, an innovation to include residents in the distribution of municipal resources;
   • Establishment of Open Tuesdays, a permanent listening mechanism allowing citizens to engage in direct dialogue with elected officials.
2. Digital and media tools:
   • Launch of the SUNU GOX app, available on Android and iOS, to allow citizens to report issues and track their resolution;
   • Creation of a municipal digital network, including a website, YouTube channels, as well as Facebook and Instagram pages, to broaden access to information and promote transparency;
   • Implementation of the Citizen-RECOLTE platform, a Civic Tech tool designed with partners such as LEGS-Africa and JEADER, to encourage citizen engagement and monitoring of public policies.
3. Enhanced communication:
   • Launch of the Communal Information Bulletin (BIC) , intended to diversify information media to reach different audiences, including the Yoff diaspora;
   • Creation of a WhatsApp group of 1024 members, facilitating direct questioning of the mayor on local governance issues.

What are the current challenges/areas for improvement in open government that the jurisdiction wishes to tackle?

The commune of Yoff, despite its progress in open governance, must face several challenges.

• Inclusive Education: School infrastructure is inadequate, especially for learners with disabilities. It is crucial to renovate schools to provide an inclusive and eco-friendly learning environment that meets the needs of all students.
• Citizen Participation: The involvement of citizens, particularly young people and women, remains limited. Low adherence to participatory frameworks, combined with insufficient communication between the town hall, neighborhood committees, and residents, reduces their engagement in local projects.
• Financial Resources: The available means are often insufficient to finance structuring projects, such as the energy transition, the maintenance of public facilities, and the implementation of priorities identified by citizens during budget debates.
• Climate and Environmental Resilience: The municipality faces threats such as coastal erosion and seabed degradation, which affect the ecosystem and local livelihoods. Strengthening protection mechanisms is an urgent necessity.

These challenges require a concerted and inclusive approach to consolidate the achievements in open governance.

What are the medium-term open government goals that the government wants to achieve?

The medium-term open government objectives that Yoff wishes to achieve are structured around the following axes:

1. Investing in inclusive and sustainable infrastructure: Retrofitting schools to make them accessible and eco-friendly, and adopting renewable energy in public infrastructure to reduce costs and raise awareness of sustainability.
2. Strengthen citizen participation: Establish participatory budgets and local advisory committees, while improving collaboration with neighborhood committees. Develop digital tools, such as SUNU GOX and Citizen-RECOLTE, to encourage active citizen involvement, especially among young people and women.
3. Improve transparency and accountability: Systematize the consideration of citizen priorities in budgetary decisions, strengthen public accountabilityAccording to OGP’s Articles of Governance, public accountability occurs when ”rules, regulations, and mechanisms in place call upon government actors to justify their actions, act upon criticisms ... More mechanisms, and streamline communication between the city hall and residents via digital platforms.
4. Strengthening environmental resilience: Protecting the coastline and seabed, combating coastal erosion, and involving communities in participatory environmental management mechanisms.

How does this action plan contribute to achieve the Open Government Strategic Vision?

The commitments made by Yoff contribute directly to the realization of his strategic vision of an open government by aligning concrete actions and long-term objectives.

1. Commitment to inclusive and eco-responsible education: By renovating schools to make them accessible to all, this component guarantees equity in access to education, a central pillar of participatory and sustainable governance.
2. Citizen participation and transparency: Participatory budgets, advisory committees, and digital platforms such as SUNU GOX and Citizen-RECOLTE facilitate active citizen involvement and improve accountability.
3. Promoting sustainable energy: Integrating renewable energy into public infrastructure reduces costs, improves services, and raises awareness of sustainability among citizens, supporting a preserved environment.
4. Environmental protection: Initiatives to combat coastal erosion and protect the seabed strengthen climate resilience and mobilize communities around the sustainable management of their territory.

This plan strengthens governance based on trust and innovation, responding to the strategic objectives of the municipality.

How does the open government strategic vision contribute to the accomplishment of the current administration’s overall policy goals?

Yoff’s open government strategic vision contributes to the achievement of the PDC-D objectives by aligning the priorities of sustainable development, participatory governance, and climate resilience. It supports the PDC-D’s objective of improving access to modern and inclusive public services, including renovating school infrastructure and integrating clean energy solutions.

Furthermore, by strengthening transparency and citizen participation through participatory budgets and the use of digital technologies, Yoff supports the open governance objectives of the PDC-D.

Finally, the vision emphasizes environmental preservation and resilience to climate change, thus aligning local actions with the overall sustainability and natural resource management objectives of the Local Development Plan.

Engagement and Coordination in the Open Government Strategic Vision and OGP Action Plan

Please list the lead institutions responsible for the implementation of this OGP action plan.

• Municipal Administration
• Municipal Council (Inter commissions)
• Territorial Administration
• National Government (Sectoral Ministries)

What kind of institutional arrangements are in place to coordinate between government agencies and departments to implement the OGP action plan?

The implementation of the LAP in Yoff is overseen by an expanded LAP committee, set up to ensure effective and inclusive coordination. This committee brings together representatives of each actor involved in the development of the action plan, including the municipal administration, local elected officials, technical partners such as Enda ECOPOP, Article 19, and the ARD, the territorial administration, youthRecognizing that investing in youth means investing in a better future, OGP participating governments are creating meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in government processes. Technical ... and women’s associations, as well as neighborhood delegates.

The committee constitutes the executive space responsible for coordinating and supervising the co-creation processCollaboration between government, civil society and other stakeholders (e.g., citizens, academics, private sector) is at the heart of the OGP process. Participating governments must ensure that a dive... and monitoring of the action plan. Operating on the basis of consensus, this group plays a key role in the effective implementation of the commitments made.

Its main missions include:

• Address issues related to citizen participation and the involvement of other government actors.
• Maintain internal and external communication channels to ensure a smooth flow of information about the implementation process.
• Monitor the progress of commitments in collaboration with the relevant municipal departments.
• Organize training and workshops to strengthen the capacities of public officials and partners involved.

The group coordinates interactions between departments, facilitates the implementation of commitments, and ensures periodic monitoring of progress.

What kind of spaces have you used or created to enable the collaboration between government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of this action plan? Mention both offline and online spaces.

To ensure effective collaboration between the government and civil society in the co-creation and implementation of the LAP action plan, the commune of Yoff has set up three main types of spaces:

1. Participatory workshops: These inclusive sessions bring together representatives from local government, civil society organizations, youth, and women. They allow for the co-creation and validation of action plan commitments while strengthening transparency and stakeholder ownership of projects.
2. Expanded Action Plan Monitoring Committee: Composed of representatives of the various stakeholders involved, this committee plays a key role in supervising the implementation of commitments. It monitors progress and promotes effective coordination between government institutions and civil society partners.
3. Digital platforms: Social networks, the website, and WhatsApp groups including that of the LAP actors constitute online spaces where citizens can report problems, follow public actions, and get involved in participatory monitoring.
   They also ensure smooth and accessible communication. Zoom meetings too.

What measures did you take to ensure diversity of representation (including vulnerable or marginalized populations) in these spaces?

To ensure diversity of representation in the spaces dedicated to co-creation and monitoring of the LAP action plan, the municipality of Yoff has taken several measures aligned with the principle of inclusionOGP participating governments are working to create governments that truly serve all people. Commitments in this area may address persons with disabilities, women and girls, lesbian, gay, bisexual, tr...:

1. Targeting participants: Rigorous work has been done to include representatives from all social categories, including youth, women, people with disabilitiesA government is not open unless it is accessible to all, and governments are working to ensure people with disabilities are afforded equitable services and opportunities to participate. Technical spec..., and vulnerable groups. Each workshop and committee has been structured to reflect this diversity, and these actors will also play a role as bearers of commitments or activities within the framework of the action plan.
2. Involvement of community organizations: Local associations, such as those of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, have been actively mobilized to ensure that their voices are heard. These organizations will not only participate but will also assume responsibilities in the implementation and monitoring of the commitments, as key partners in achieving the objectives.
3. Inclusive digital spaces: Digital platforms, such as SUNU GOX and Citizen-RECOLTE, allow all citizens, including marginalized groups, to express their concerns and actively contribute through accessible tools. These platforms will also be used for participatory monitoring and evaluation, where citizens will be able to track the progress of projects and provide feedback on the activities implemented.

Who participated in these spaces?

The co-creation spaces brought together a diversity of participants representing the main actors of the commune of Yoff. Among the groups involved:

1. Local administration: The mayor and municipal administration, local elected officials, as well as representatives of the relevant municipal commissions (planning, citizen participation, environment).
2. Local civil society: Associations of women, young people, and people with disabilities, grassroots community organizations (CBOs), religious and customary leaders, as well as the Badiénou Gokh (local women leaders).
3. Delegates and neighborhood councils 
4. Technical partners and NGOs: Enda ECOPOP, Article 19, ARD who technically supported the process.
5. Private sectorGovernments are working to open private sector practices as well — including through beneficial ownership transparency, open contracting, and regulating environmental standards. Technical specificat...: Local economic actors involved in sustainable development and technological solutions for governance.
6. General public: Citizens participating via public hearings and the municipality’s digital platforms.

How many groups participated in these spaces?

12

How many public-facing meetings were held in the co-creation process?

27

How will government and non-governmental stakeholders continue to collaborate through the implementation of the action plan?

Governmental and non-governmental stakeholders will collaborate continuously during the implementation of the LAP through clearly defined mechanisms:

1. LAP Expanded Committee: This committee, comprising representatives of stakeholders, will oversee implementation and serve as a framework for consultation. It will ensure smooth communication and regular monitoring of commitments.
2. Periodic meetings: Meetings will be organized between municipal departments, technical partners, and civil society actors to review progress, discuss challenges, and adjust priorities if necessary.
3. Digital collaboration: Digital platforms will facilitate ongoing online collaboration, allowing all parties to track and evaluate engagements in real-time.
4. Ongoing training and workshops: Capacity-building programs for public officials and partners will ensure consistent implementation aligned with OGP objectives.
5. Participatory accountability: Accountability exercises, such as public hearings, will allow citizens and partners to monitor actions and evaluate their impact.

Please describe the independent Monitoring Body you have identified for this plan.

The designated body is the Regional Development Agency (ARD). It is a Senegalese public institution created to support local authorities in the implementation of their development policies. Its main missions are:

1. Technical support: Advise local authorities in the development, implementation, and monitoring of their development plans, such as PDCs (Communal Development Plans).
2. Project coordination: Ensure the alignment of local actions with regional and national priorities, in particular those defined in the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE).
3. Monitoring and evaluation: Ensure technical control of projects to guarantee their effectiveness, sustainability, and compliance with the objectives set.
4. Resource mobilization: Supporting communities in seeking funding from donors and partners.

Its expertise and neutrality make it an organization of choice to oversee initiatives such as the LAP, guaranteeing transparency, consistency, and impact.

Provide the contact details for the independent monitoring body.

• Yacine Tine, ARD Director
• Papa Daouda Samba, Head of the ARD Planning Division, Lebousamba33@gmail.com

What types of activities will you have in place to discuss progress on commitments with stakeholders?

To discuss progress made against commitments, the municipality of Yoff plans several key activities involving stakeholders:

1. Periodic LAP Committee Meetings: These meetings will bring together government representatives, NGOs, and community groups to review progress, identify challenges, and propose adjustments.
2. Public hearings and community forums within the framework of participatory budgeting. These spaces will allow progress to be shared with citizens and their feedback to be collected in order to adjust the priorities currently being implemented.
3. Accountability: Organization of days dedicated to the presentation of achievements and challenges to stakeholders, strengthening transparency and trust.
4. Periodic Reports: Publication of newsletters and online reports on digital platforms to inform the public.

How will you regularly check in on progress with implementing agencies?

To regularly check progress with implementing agencies, the commune of Yoff will adopt several key mechanisms:

1. Periodic meetings of the LAP Committee: These meetings will allow implementing agencies to present their progress, discuss the challenges encountered, and share their needs in terms of resources or coordination.
2. Periodic monitoring reports: Agencies will submit detailed reports on their activities, accompanied by performance indicators to measure progress.
3. Field visits: Regular missions to project sites will validate reported progress and ensure that activities are aligned with commitments.
4. Interactive digital platforms: The digital tools available will be used to collect and analyze feedback in real time, facilitating continuous evaluation.
5. Coordination meetings: Organization of specific sessions to harmonize the actions of the agencies and resolve any operational problems.

These devices will ensure transparent and collaborative monitoring throughout the process.

How will you share the results of your monitoring efforts with the public?

The results of the monitoring efforts will be shared with the public through several inclusive and accessible channels:

1. Public Hearings and Forums: Organization of community meetings to present progress, gather citizens’ opinions and discuss necessary adjustments.
2. Periodic reports: Publication of printed and digital newsletters, such as the Communal Information Bulletin (BIC), to summarize the results of actions.
3. Digital platforms: Use of the website, SUNU GOX, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) to disseminate progress in real-time and make reports accessible to a wider audience, including the diaspora.
4. Accountability days: Organization of events such as Face aux Yoffois where municipal elected officials directly share achievements and answer citizens’ questions.

Endorsement from Non-Governmental Stakeholders

• Aissatou DRAMA, Project Manager, Enda ECOPOP
• Abdoulaye NDIAYE, Program Manager, Article 19
• Yoff Environment Club

Commitments:

• Providing inclusive, eco-responsible and quality education to learners of Yoff
• Promoting the use of sustainable energy and diversifying energy sources in public infrastructure 
• Boosting citizne participation and engagement in the management of local affairs 
• Strengthening community mechanisms for protecting the coasltin and seabed of Yoff 

• Letter of Support from the Mayor of Yoff
• Press Book of the Workshop for Sharing and Validation of the OGP LAP 2025-2027
• Plan de Development Communal Durable
• Workshop for sharing and validation of the PGO Local action plan of the municipality of Yoff
• Report Of The Training Workshop For Local Stakeholders On The Pgo And Collection Of Their Concerns
• Facebook post on the development of the Municipal Plan