Innovative Investments and Other Contributions within the Urban Mobility Plan

In Kaolack, urban mobility largely relies on "Jakarta" motorcycles, which first appeared in the city before spreading to Thiès and then Dakar. They have become a means of economic survival for many young people and a response to public transport shortcomings, with over 500,000 motorcycles estimated nationwide, for which the Ministry of Transport is undertaking regulation of unregistered bikes. However, this system comes at a cost: accidents involving motorcycles are frequent in Kaolack and its region, such as in May 2024 in Ndargoundao or in June 2026 on the Thiawando-Koutal axis, where three motorcycles were hit, with victims evacuated to the regional hospital. Other modes are fragile: during the transporters' strike in March 2026, the city's five taxi garages ceased operations, and users had to resort to carts and Jakarta motorcycles at higher prices, while urban taxi drivers reported waiting five years for their licenses. Secondary roads are narrow, and the installation of iron barriers along their sides raises concerns among drivers, who are requesting widening and emergency lanes. This mission mobilizes the diaspora to support a mobility plan adapted to Kaolack: driver training and equipment (helmets, insurance), digital motorcycle registration, electric motorcycles and tricycles with solar charging, modernization of taxis and garages, urban minibuses, booking applications and mobile payment, improvement of secondary roads, in consultation with drivers and unions.