The Société Nationale de Gestion Intégrée des Déchets (SONAGED S.A) held an official ceremony on October 2, 2026, to mark the handover of leadership from outgoing Director-General Khalifa Ababacar Sarr to Babacar Abba Mbaye. This significant event signals a new chapter in SONAGED's history, focusing on improving living standards through effective waste management. Mbaye, appointed on September 10, 2026, faces pressing challenges in the sector, including securing relationships with service providers and ensuring continuity of public services.
As a tax lawyer, Babacar Abba Mbaye is expected to address key issues, including the transformation of the Mbeubeuss landfill. His primary goal is to move beyond mere exploitation and work towards the site's gradual rehabilitation and transformation. An initial 40-hectare phase has been initiated, aiming to rehabilitate the site and establish sorting infrastructure. Mbaye also aims to enhance the waste collection, treatment, and valorization chain, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization.
With the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026, SONAGED will play a vital role in ensuring urban cleanliness and sanitation. Mbaye faces the challenge of implementing an effective waste management system to meet the demands of this international event. In his inaugural address, Mbaye emphasized the importance of collaboration, calling on employees, partners, and sector stakeholders to work together to overcome the challenges facing SONAGED and the waste management sector.
Mbaye's appointment marks not only the beginning of a new administrative term but also a significant project to consolidate the achievements of a sector crucial to the quality of life for populations. He stressed that success will depend on collective mobilization and the ability of all stakeholders to work together. SONAGED's mission focuses on improving living standards through effective waste management, and Mbaye is expected to make significant strides in this area.
The new Director-General has a critical role in addressing the urgent needs and high expectations in the waste management sector. His experience as a tax lawyer is expected to be valuable in navigating the complexities of the sector. Mbaye's leadership will be closely watched as he works to tackle the challenges facing SONAGED and contribute to the improvement of living standards in Senegal.
The handover ceremony marks a significant milestone in SONAGED's history, and stakeholders will be monitoring Mbaye's progress in addressing the sector's challenges. His commitment to collaboration and collective action is seen as a positive step towards achieving the organization's goals. As Mbaye begins his tenure, he will need to balance various competing demands and priorities to ensure effective waste management.
The installation of Babacar Abba Mbaye as the new head of SONAGED signals a fresh start for the organization. With his expertise and commitment to collaboration, Mbaye is poised to address the pressing challenges in the waste management sector and contribute to improved living standards in Senegal. The success of his tenure will depend on his ability to work with stakeholders and implement effective solutions to the sector's complex problems.
Key points
- Babacar Abba Mbaye installed as new Director-General of SONAGED to tackle waste management challenges
- Mbaye faces pressing challenges, including transformation of Mbeubeuss landfill and improvement of waste collection, treatment, and valorization chain
- SONAGED to play vital role in ensuring urban cleanliness and sanitation during Youth Olympic Games in 2026
