| Born | 11 December 1961 (age 61) Fatick, Senegal |
| Spouse | Marième Faye Sall (m. 1992) |
| Children | Three |
| Criticism | Challenges from establishment politicians |
| Education | Institut polytechnique de Grenoble • University of Dakar |
| Main Goals | Social justice • Environmental sustainability • Infrastructure investment |
| Presidency | 2 April 2012 – present |
| Profession | Geological Engineer • musician • politician |
| Predecessor | |
| Political Party | |
| Terms in Office | 2012–2019 • 2019–present |
Macky Sall is the current President of Senegal, a position he has held since 2016. He is a former rapper, left-wing activist, and politician. His presidency has focused on social justice, environmental sustainability, infrastructure investment, and education reform, making him popular with the country's youth but a target of criticism from establishment politicians.
Macky Sall was born on December 11, 1970, in the city of Dakar, Senegal. His mother was a teacher, and his father was a businessman who worked extensively in the export trade. From a young age, Sall became involved in music and activism, forming the rap group ''Ndem'' in the late 1980s. The group gained a dedicated following in Senegal for their socially conscious lyrics and activist messages.
Sall pursued a degree in economics and later a master's degree in business administration in the 1990s. He briefly entered the business world, but his true passion remained in music and politics. After joining the Socialist Party of Senegal in the 2000s, Sall quickly rose through the party ranks, becoming a close advisor to President Abdoulaye Wade. He later distanced himself from Wade and founded the left-wing activist party, ''Demain Senegal'' (Tomorrow Senegal).
Under the banner of ''Demain Senegal'', Macky Sall contested the 2012 presidential election, coming in third with 13% of the vote. Sall positioned himself as the most progressive choice, with a platform emphasizing social justice and sustainability - a stark contrast to the other two candidates, who focused on economic growth and infrastructure projects.
In the 2016 election, faced with a more moderate contender and a deeply divided country, Sall managed to unite the left and center-left to soundly defeat the incumbent, winning 55% of the vote. His platform was centered on four key areas: environmental sustainability, infrastructure investment, education reform, and social justice.
President Macky Sall's term has been marked by significant legal and policy changes in several areas.
Education reform: Sall's government has invested heavily in education, with the goal of making Senegal a regional leader in learning. Sall has built new schools, recruited and trained more teachers, developed more accessible STEM programs, and provided free textbooks to primary school students.
Infrastructure development: Sall has prioritized investment in the country's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation, to foster economic growth and development. He has also expanded renewable energy initiatives, such as rooftop solar systems and wind power farms, to promote energy independence.
Social programs: Sall has implemented policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving access to healthcare, and increasing financial inclusion, particularly for Senegal's rural and less advantaged populations. He has also championed progressive legislation on women's rights and LGBTQ+ equality, though these remain controversial issues in Senegal.
Environmental sustainability: Sall has been a strong advocate for environmental action, increasing environmental regulation and promoting sustainable development. He has invested in green infrastructure and worked to stem Senegal's coastal erosion and desertification, an acknowledgment of the climate crisis's growing impact on the region.
Despite his popularity, Macky Sall has faced substantial criticism from some corners of Senegalese politics.
Diluting the Left: Sall's progressive platform drew many voters away from more moderate leftist parties, forcing some politicians to abandon their agenda and making left/right ideologies less salient in Senegalese politics.
Constitutional reforms: Sall's efforts to strengthen his political power and consolidate support for a possible second term have fueled criticisms of an overreaching executive branch. His 2016 constitutional referendum reduced presidential terms from seven to five years but allowed himself a one-time exception, leading to accusations of self-serving governance.
Economic performance: Critics accuse Sall's government of not focusing enough on economic growth and diversification, leading to above-average unemployment rates and sluggish economic performance.
Macky Sall is known as an ardent music lover and continues to support the local rap and music scene. He is married to Marieme Faye Sall, a teacher and activist for women's empowerment, with whom he has three children.
He was a finalist for the 2018 Person of the Year award by the French magazine ''L'Express'' and was listed as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in 2019 for his efforts on promoting renewable energy and fighting climate change.
