Senegal’s government convened its external creditors under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund on October 6th, initiating debt restructuring discussions. These negotiations, involving complex financial terms, are expected to directly affect everyday life in Senegal, including electricity prices, subsidies, public sector hiring, and access to credit. The online meeting, led by the General Directorate of Financing and Debt, marks the official start of talks under the country’s Debt Treatment Plan. Senegal presented its economic and financial situation, reform program, and debt strategy to creditors, but no financial agreements were reached in this initial session, with the IMF acting as a facilitator. Senegal’s public debt has reached a record high of approximately 130% of its GDP, partially due to previously undeclared commitments discovered in 2024. China holds the largest share of Senegal’s bilateral debt at around 8%, followed by France, India, Kuwait, Germany and Japan; the portion held by commercial banks and private creditors is still being determined.