Develop and internationalize the city's major cultural events

Touba, the capital of Mouridism, hosts the Grand Magal every year, commemorating the exile of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba in 1895. The 132nd edition, on August 2, 2026, gathered millions of faithful, following 6.5 million visitors last year, and took place in the middle of the rainy season. Since 2025, the Magal has been listed on the national cultural heritage list to be safeguarded and promoted. Beyond its spiritual dimension (prayers, recitation of the Quran and Khassaïdes), it is an economic driver: direct and indirect transactions are estimated at over 250 billion FCFA, according to the president of the culture and communication commission of the organizing committee, who also highlights the Cheikh Ahmadou Khadim Academic Complex (37 billion FCFA, 1,280 students, 40% of whom are women). The organization relies on a committee under the direction of the General Khalife, on the State (137 needs identified this year), and on the dahiras, which organize travel, accommodation, and catering for their members. In July 2026, the Head of State announced a 60 billion FCFA program for Touba, with water and sanitation as priorities. This mission mobilizes the diaspora, including dahiras abroad, to enhance this living heritage without affecting its spiritual dimension: documentation and digitization of heritage (manuscripts, Khassaïdes, oral memory), multilingual information and digital tools for visitors, reception, mobility, and health services, respectful cultural tourism, and partnerships with cultural and academic institutions abroad.