Station 02

Senegal

السنغالSénégal

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Country file
Published; source checks in progress · Last reviewed 2026-10-08

From within

Senegal is a unitary republic of 14 regions on the Atlantic coast of West Africa. French is the official language and Wolof the most widely spoken in everyday life.
Read onThe country has 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites and has been an oil producer since 2024.
4102176

The country at a glance

Overview

The country at a glance

Population
18.9 million peopleExact value: 18,931,966World Bank · 2025 · Estimate25
GDP
37.01 US$ bnWorld Bank · 2025 · Estimate25
GDP per capita
1,955 US$World Bank · 2025 · Estimate25
GDP growth
6.7 %World Bank · 2025 · Estimate25
Urban population
55.8 %World Bank · 2025 · Estimate25
Population under 15
37.7 %World Bank · 2025 · Estimate25

Country card

Capital
Dakar
Region
West
Location
Coastal
Population — 2025
18.9 m — World Bank estimate; 2023 census: 18.13 million.Data year: 2025Estimate
Languages
French is official; Wolof is the most widely spoken everyday language, alongside other national languages457
Atlantic coast
~530 km — approximately
Neighbouring countries
5 — including The Gambia, almost enclosed within its territory
Administrative regions
14 — unitary republic
More essential facts — 21 entries
GDP 2025
37.0 bn $ — World Bank; $1,955 per capita.Data year: 20254
Sangomar production target 2026
31.6 m bbl — after being raised from 28.1 million barrels.Data year: 2026Target10
Area
About 196,710 km²Data year: 202325
Currency
CFA franc (XOF)26
National Day
4 April (1960)
Pillars of the economy
Services and trade, agriculture and fishing, mining and phosphates, oil and gas since 2024, and diaspora remittances (10.6% of GDP)13
Regional framework
ECOWAS · West African Economic and Monetary Union · Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (hosted the 1991 and 2008 summits) · African Continental Free Trade Area
Religion
A large Muslim majority (about 95–97% according to estimates), organised in long-established Sufi ordersEstimate20
2026 milestones
New prime minister (May) · staff-level agreement with the IMF (September) · inflation 1.2% (August) · Youth Olympic Games (31 October)Data year: 20267
Independence
1960 — National Day 4 April
Start of oil production
2024 — Sangomar4810131416
Military coups
0 — since independence
Islamic Cooperation summits
1991 · 2008 — in Dakar
Dakar time
UTC+0 — 3 hours behind Riyadh
Atlantic coast
530 km — approximately.
Working language
FR — French824
Independence
1960 — National Day 4 AprilData year: 1960
Atlantic coast
530 km — approximately
Electricity
230 V; mostly European sockets (check the adapter).
Climate
A dry season roughly between November and June, and a rainy season between July and October; Dakar is relatively mild thanks to the ocean.23
Dry season
November–June — best time to visit23

The axes in brief

  1. People, society and cultureSenegal at the western tip of the continent: its geography, the diversity and identity of its people, religion, youth and migration, with an analytical reading of the main constraints.
  2. Institutions and national direction
  3. Economy and sectors
  4. Saudi Arabia and SenegalThe path of Saudi–Senegalese relations: development partnership and financing, angles and announced projects, trade figures, the political, financial and religious channels, and a practical visit summary.
  5. Media and developmentThe Senegalese media landscape, languages and audience, notes for the media producer, and a proposed map of stories worth exploring.

Geographic context and connectivity

The western tip of the continent

Senegal faces the Atlantic Ocean with a coastline of roughly 530 km, almost surrounds The Gambia, and is bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. The Senegal River forms its northern border.

Regional gateway

The Port of Dakar and Blaise Diagne airport serve trade with landlocked Mali and the countries of the region, and the two countries share the offshore GTA gas field with Mauritania. 1011

Distinct regions

The western coast is densely urban around Dakar and Thiès, and includes the new city of Diamniadio. In the centre lies the “groundnut basin” around Kaolack and Touba, the religious city. The north is the Senegal River valley, rice and historic Saint-Louis. In the south lies green Casamance around Ziguinchor, and in the south-east Tambacounda and Kédougou, with gold and national parks. 23

About the map

River courses are from Natural Earth data, and the locations of cities and the route of the railway are approximate and for illustration. 23

Society

People, society and culture

Senegal at the western tip of the continent: its geography, the diversity and identity of its people, religion, youth and migration, with an analytical reading of the main constraints.452023

People & Society

A first reading: why Senegal?

Why does Senegal deserve to be understood?

Because it is an Atlantic gateway to West Africa, a stable state of institutions, a new energy producer, and a Muslim society closely tied to the Kingdom. Analysis20

  • 01 Atlantic gateway: Dakar is the closest mainland African capital to the Americas, and its port and airport are an entry point to inland markets such as Mali.
  • 02 Institutional stability: it has not had a military coup since independence, and power has changed hands peacefully through elections repeatedly, most recently in 2024.
  • 03 New energy: Sangomar oil and GTA LNG shared with Mauritania bring the country into the club of producers, with expected revenues of 397.8 billion francs in 2027.
  • 04 Islamic depth: a large Muslim majority, Sufi orders with a broad social presence, and the hosting of two summits of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
  • 05 Regional hub: regional headquarters of international organisations and institutions in Dakar, and an active diplomatic role in West Africa and the Sahel.
  • 06 Soft power: seven World Heritage sites, popular traditional wrestling, internationally known music and arts, and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Analysis

General context

High public debt after the review, fiscal austerity, an expected slowdown in growth in 2026, youth unemployment and irregular migration, and a mid-sized domestic market (about 19 million people). Analysis

What this means in practice

Senegal is a regional platform more than a standalone market: its value lies in its location, its stability and its access to the CFA franc zone and ECOWAS — with caution on projects that depend on government payment. Analysis20

People, identity and youth

People and society

A young and cohesive society, overwhelmingly Muslim, in which many groups and languages coexist, and in which Sufi orders and the extended family play a deep social role. 45

Diversity and identity

The Wolof are the largest group and their language is the most widely spoken language of communication, alongside the Fulani (Peul), Serer, Diola, Mandinka and others. The country is known for the culture of “Teranga” — that is, hospitality — which Senegalese take as the emblem of their identity. 45

Religion

Muslims make up about 95–97% of the population according to estimates, and many of them belong to long-established Sufi orders: Mouridism, centred on Touba; the Tijaniyya, centred on Tivaouane; the Qadiriyya; and the Layène. The Grand Magal of Touba draws large crowds of visitors every year. Estimate20

Youth and migration

Half of the population is under 19, and employment is a major challenge. Remittances from expatriates make up 10.6% of GDP (2023), while irregular migration across the Atlantic remains a sensitive social issue. 513

Methodological note

The shares of religious and Sufi-order affiliation are estimates, and the results of the fifth General Census (2023) are the official population reference. 5613

Culture & Identity

World Heritage, cities, nature and living traditions, and Senegal’s preparations to host the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event in Africa.2122

A major sporting event

Dakar 2026: the first Olympic event in Africa

Dakar, Diamniadio and the Petite Côte (Saly) host the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games between 31 October and 13 November 2026 — the first Olympic event on African soil. The new facilities represent a potential sporting and tourism legacy. 22

Heritage, cities and nature

World Heritage

Seven sites on the UNESCO list: Gorée Island (1978), Niokolo-Koba National Park and Djoudj Bird Sanctuary (1981), Saint-Louis Island (2000), the Stone Circles of Senegambia (2006), the Saloum Delta (2011), and Bassari Country (2012). 21

Analytical note

Sport, events and cultural content intersect with the Kingdom’s priorities in these sectors. Analysis2122

Senegal from the inside

Beyond the figures on religion and oil, Senegal is an old iron bridge in Saint-Louis, colourful boats on the sands of Kayar, golden dunes in Lompoul, a pink lake, the minarets of Touba, mbalax music, and one word that sums up its people: “Teranga” — hospitality. 21

Cities

Dakar is an Atlantic capital between the Corniche, the markets and the arts districts; Saint-Louis is an old capital on an island at the river mouth, inscribed on the World Heritage list; and Touba and Tivaouane are two spiritual cities. 21

Nature

Niokolo-Koba National Park in the south-east, the Djoudj migratory bird sanctuary in the north, the Saloum Delta with its islands and mangroves, and the Lompoul dunes between Dakar and Saint-Louis. 21

Culture

Gorée Island, a site of human memory; the Stone Circles of Senegambia; Bassari Country; traditional wrestling; music, visual arts and the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art. 21

Section facts and information — 8 entries
World Heritage sites
7 — UNESCO21
Youth Olympics
Oct 2026 — Dakar 2026Data year: 2026781014161822
Historic capital
Saint-Louis — World Heritage 2000
Hospitality
Teranga — national identity45613
World Heritage sites
7 — 1978–201221
Youth Olympic Games opening
31 Oct — Dakar 2026Data year: 202622
Traditional wrestling
Laamb — a mass-appeal sport2122
Suggested stories
10 — for editorial exploration

Institutions

Institutions and national direction

Leadership

Section facts and information — 13 entries
President of the Republic
His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye27
Prime Minister
Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, since May 2026Data year: 202628
In office since
2 April 2024181011
Next election
Presidential elections 20291
Economy, Finance and Planning
Cheikh Diba123
Foreign Affairs and African Integration
Cheikh Niang123
Energy and Petroleum
El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf123
Trade and Industry
Serigne Guèye Diop123
Regional central bank
BCEAO — headquartered in Dakar6789
Radio and television
RTS — public13
News agency
APS — official13
Audiovisual regulation
CNRA — national13
National plan
Masterplan 2025–2034 — the first strategic and operational breakdown of Vision Sénégal 2050, according to the government.Announced55

Institutions, leadership and recent milestones, a map of the bodies relevant to business, and potential partnerships with the rules that frame them.2161822

The State, leadership and recent milestones

04 Institutional framework

Peaceful transfer of power in 2024, a constitutional change of government in 2026, a stable currency within the CFA franc zone, and low inflation (1.2% in August 2026).

Leadership and national direction

A presidential republic with firmly rooted democratic traditions. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye won in the first round in March 2024 on a platform titled “Sovereignty, Justice and Prosperity”, with a development vision extending to 2050.

Milestones 2024–2026

  • April 2024: inauguration of President Faye; Ousmane Sonko appointed prime minister.
  • June–December 2024: start of oil production (Sangomar), then LNG (GTA).
  • November 2024: early legislative elections gave the ruling party a large majority.
  • 2025: a review of public finances reveals previously undisclosed debts.
  • May–June 2026: Sonko’s duties ended by decree (22 May) and he is elected President of the National Assembly; Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo becomes prime minister; a government of 30 ministers (2 June).
  • September 2026: staff-level agreement with the IMF.

Business-relevant portfolios

  • Economy, Finance and Planning — Cheikh Diba
  • Foreign Affairs and African Integration — Cheikh Niang
  • Energy and Petroleum — El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf
  • Trade and Industry — Serigne Guèye Diop

123

Map of bodies and introduction pathway

Institutional access map

Institutions, not individuals: the bodies through which any serious business pathway in Senegal passes. 2324

Institutional access map — domain / body / role

  • Presidency — Office of the President of the Republic; Office of the Prime Minister — national priorities and strategic files.
  • Finance — Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning — budget, debt, relations with funders.
  • Foreign affairs — Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration — bilateral relations and cooperation.
  • Investment — Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Major Works (APIX); Special Economic Zones Authority — company set-up, incentives and zones.
  • Energy — Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; Petrosen; National Electricity Company (Senelec) — oil, gas and electricity.
  • Water — Ministry of Water and Sanitation; National Water Company (SONES) — desalination and supply.
  • Trade and industry — Ministry of Trade and Industry — trade and industrial policy.
  • Agriculture and fishing — Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy — food, fishing and export.
  • Hajj — General Delegation for Hajj — organisation of Hajj and Umrah.
  • Currency and taxes — Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO); Directorate General of Taxes and Domains (DGID) — foreign exchange; taxes.
  • Private sector — Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture; employers’ federations — business networks.
  • Ports — Autonomous Port of Dakar — ports and transit to Mali.

2324

Suggested introduction pathway

APIX first, then the ministry and the sectoral authority, then the chamber of commerce and a licensed local legal and tax adviser. 2324

On the Saudi side

Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Dakar; Saudi Fund for Development; Islamic Development Bank Group; Ministry of Investment; Export Development Authority; Federation of Saudi Chambers; Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. 2324

Note

Names of bodies follow the latest that could be verified (2026) and may change with government restructuring. We did not verify the official websites in this edition. 23141618

Potential partnerships and their context

Potential partnerships map

Partnership is not sponsorship. These are types of bodies with which an institutional overlap may exist — Potential institutional counterparts — and they do not imply that any agreement exists. 15161822

Potential partnerships map — types

  • Government: the Presidency; the Office of the Prime Minister; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; economic ministries; APIX.
  • Economic: Dakar Chamber of Commerce; employers’ federations; special economic zones.
  • Media: public institutions and private media groups.
  • Knowledge: Cheikh Anta Diop University, Gaston Berger University and research centres.
  • Culture: museums, UNESCO sites, the Dakar Biennale and the Dakar 2026 Committee.
  • Religious: General Delegation for Hajj; religious institutions according to custom.
  • Regional: BCEAO; Islamic Development Bank Group; Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

161822

Sponsor context

A reading of the commercial context, not an offer of sponsorship. 15161822

Sectors relevant to the context

Water and energy; oil services; food and agriculture; banking and Islamic finance; aviation, travel and Hajj and Umrah services; telecommunications and technology; sport and events; construction and logistics. 15161822

Nature of the audience

An institutional and economic Saudi audience interested in West Africa and the Atlantic; and a Senegalese audience that receives content in French and Wolof, with a large diaspora in Europe and Africa. 15161822

Working rules and proposals

Assets that a DEEP AFRICA mission may produce

  • This country dossier and its updates.
  • Field reports, interviews and photo stories.
  • Documented business and institutional meetings.
  • Cultural and knowledge content.

15161822

Fixed rules

No prices, no rights, no promises of appearances, interviews or deals, and no sponsorship has any influence on editorial decisions. 15161822

Page figures

  • 7 — types of potential bodies — with no agreement in place
  • 0 — confirmed sponsorships — in this edition
  • FR · WO — content languages — French and Wolof
  • 08/27 — the eighth country — on the implementation list

What could a DEEP AFRICA mission in Senegal look like?

Illustrative only — subject to coordination and confirmation with the host country and relevant institutions. No official mission programme for Senegal had been submitted as of the date of this edition. This page therefore presents possible components combining the initiative’s economic and media tracks, without a timeline or specific days. Each host country develops its programme according to its priorities, institutions and protocol; the Burundi programme is a possible reference, not a template to be copied. The timing takes into account that Dakar is occupied with the Youth Olympic Games (31 October – 13 November 2026) and major religious occasions. Proposed

Possible components

  • 01 The institutional track: introductory meetings with government and economic bodies, arranged through official channels.
  • 02 Business: B2B and B2G meetings in Dakar according to participants’ interests: water, energy, food, fishing and logistics.
  • 03 Existing projects: a possible visit to Saudi-related projects (urban mobility, a desalination site), subject to approvals.
  • 04 The Islamic dimension: engagement with the General Delegation for Hajj and religious institutions in line with custom.
  • 05 Senegal from the inside: field media work in Dakar, Gorée, Saint-Louis or Kayar, subject to permits.
  • 06 Follow-up: defining follow-up pathways and points of contact after the mission.

Proposed

High-level interviews

Any meeting or interview with the leadership or officials is subject to separate protocol arrangements and prior confirmation, and is not assumed in advance. 22

Editorial independence

Participating media bodies retain their independent editorial decision-making, and business meetings are kept separate from media work. 22

Page figures

  • 2 — complementary tracks — economic–institutional · media–knowledge
  • 6 — possible components — with no timeline
  • 0 — official programmes received — as of 3 October 2026
  • 08/27 — the eighth country — on the implementation list

Institutions

Official bodies with their roles and official websites. Listing a body here does not make it a partner of the initiative.

Government and institutions 16

  • Presidency of the Republic

    National priorities and strategic files.

    2324

  • Prime Minister’s Office

    National priorities and strategic files.

    2324

  • National Assembly

    123

+13 more

  • Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning

    Budget, debt, relations with financiers.

    123

  • Ministry of Finance and Budget

    Source of the 2026 budget figures (via the press).

    689

  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration

    Bilateral relations and cooperation.

    123

  • Ministry of Energy and Petroleum

    Oil, gas and electricity.

    101116

  • Ministry of Trade and Industry

    Trade and industrial policy.

    123

  • Ministry of Water and Sanitation

    Desalination and supply.

    1011141619

  • Ministry of Agriculture

    Food, fishing and exports.

    1011141619

  • Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy

    Food, fishing and exports.

    1011141619

  • Ministry of Sports

    13151819212223

  • Ministry of Tourism

    13151819212223

  • Ministry of Communication

    Coordination of foreign media work and filming.

    13

  • Court of Audit

    Conducted, together with the government, a review of public finances in 2025.

    68

  • Local Content Committee

    1011141619

Investment and finance 5

  • Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Major Works (APIX)

    Window for investors and incorporation procedures.

    224

  • General Directorate of Taxes and Property (DGID)

    Taxes.

    2324

  • Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)

    Issues the West African franc (XOF); regional exchange rules; headquartered in Dakar.

    6789

+2 more

  • Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

    Business networks.

    2324

  • Employers’ unions

    Business networks.

    2324

Sectors and regulation 7

  • Special Economic Zones Authority

    Zones such as Diamniadio.

    224

  • Petrosen (national company)

    The national company in the oil and gas sector.

    101116

  • National Electricity Company (Senelec)

    Electricity.

    13151819212223

+4 more

  • Energy Regulatory Authority

    13151819212223

  • National Water Company (SONES)

    Desalination and supply.

    1011141619

  • Port of Dakar (Autonomous Port)

    Ports and transit to Mali.

    1523

  • General Delegation for the Hajj

    Organisation of the Hajj and Umrah.

    13151819212223

Media and statistics 5

  • National Agency for Statistics and Demography

    Reference for the census and inflation (also printed as “National Agency for Statistics”).

    12324

  • Senegalese Radio and Television (RTS)

    Public broadcasting.

    13

  • Le Soleil daily newspaper

    General press.

    13

+2 more

  • Senegalese Press Agency (APS)

    News agency.

    13

  • National Audiovisual Regulatory Council (CNRA)

    Regulation.

    13

Other bodies 1

  • Dakar 2026 Committee

    18192223

Economy

Economy and sectors

Topics in this section: Executive summary · 01 A new energy producer · 02 Public debt6810111416

Go deeper

Macroeconomy, debt and currency

Executive summary

Senegal between two eras: new oil and gas revenues and strong growth in 2024–2025, set against the disclosure of previously undeclared debts and entry into a phase of austerity and an IMF programme. 6810111416

01 A new energy producer

Production at the Sangomar oil field began in June 2024, and at the joint LNG project with Mauritania (GTA) in December 2024; the secondary sector jumped 16.7% in 2025. 6

02 Public debt

The 2025 review revealed debts that had not been disclosed; the World Bank estimates debt at about 119% of GDP (2025), while IMF estimates cite about 132% at end-2024.

03 Economic growth trends

After 6.7% in 2025, the World Bank expects only 2.2% in 2026 amid fiscal consolidation, then a gradual recovery. Forecast6

What to watch

  • Approval by the IMF Executive Board of a $2.2 billion programme.
  • Treatment of the debt and the return of confidence in bonds.
  • Sangomar output and LNG shipments.
  • Financial close of the Grande Côte desalination project.
  • Performance of the new government (June 2026).
  • Youth Olympic Games (31 October – 13 November).

8

The balanced reading

Well-established institutions, an excellent Atlantic location, a stable currency and new energy, against sharp fiscal pressure that constrains public spending and payments to suppliers in the near term. Stability justifies study, while public finances call for caution when contracting with the state. Analysis6781011141622

Economy at a glance

A mainly services-based economy, to which oil and gas added a strong boost in 2024–2025, before fiscal consolidation brings an expected slowdown in 2026. 6

Real GDP growth — World Bank (April 2026)

  • 2023: 4.3% (actual)
  • 2024: 6.1% (actual)
  • 2025: 6.7% (estimate)
  • 2026: 2.2% (forecast)
  • 2027: 2.6% (forecast)
  • 2028: 3.0% (forecast)
  • Source: World Bank, Macro Poverty Outlook (April 2026). Hatched bars are forecasts.

6

Current account balance — % of GDP

  • 2023: −19.8%
  • 2024: −12.5%
  • 2025: −5.5%
  • 2026 (forecast): −6.2%
  • World Bank (April 2026). Values are deficits (negative).

6

Changes in living standards

36.2% of the population is below the $4.20-a-day line (2025), with a clear gap between Dakar and rural areas. 6

What changed in 2025?

Oil and gas drove growth to 6.7%, and the secondary sector rose 16.7%; the current account deficit narrowed from 19.8% of GDP in 2023 to 5.5% in 2025 as imports of project equipment fell and exports began. By contrast, the World Bank expects non-oil growth to slow as public spending is cut and arrears accumulate.

2026 budget

  • Initial Finance Act: revenue of 6,188.8 billion francs (total resources of about 7,433.9 billion)
  • Amended bill: revenue of 5,848.7 billion francs — after a downward revision
  • Adjusted deficit: 1,735.2 billion francs (7.6% of GDP)
  • Hydrocarbon revenue: 397.8 billion francs expected in 2027
  • Sources: Ministry of Finance and the Budget, via the press; adoption of the amended law is to be verified.

Announced

Public debt to GDP — World Bank

  • 2023: 111.0%
  • 2024: 122.7%
  • 2025: 118.9%
  • 2026f: 118.7%
  • World Bank (April 2026). The IMF and the press estimate debt at about 132% at end-2024, on a broader coverage.

Estimate

Budget balance — % of GDP, World Bank

  • 2023: −14.8%
  • 2024: −13.4%
  • 2025: −8.1%
  • 2026 (forecast): −6.7%
  • World Bank (April 2026); values are deficits. The figures follow the re-estimation that came after the public finance review.

Estimate6

Why does it matter to the investor?

Pressure on the Treasury means priority for debt service and possible delays in payments to suppliers and contractors; payment guarantees and private and concessional financing structures therefore become a decisive element in any project with the state. Analysis68912

What happened?

A review of public finances carried out by the new government and the Court of Audit in 2025 showed that the deficit and debt in previous years were higher than announced. The previous IMF programme was halted and international bond prices fell sharply, while the press estimates undisclosed borrowing at more than 11 billion dollars. 8

Towards a new programme

  • 2 September 2026: staff-level agreement with the IMF on a three-year programme of about 2.2 billion dollars.
  • Next step: approval by the Fund’s Executive Board, then a debt-treatment path.
  • In the budget: targeted deficit of 7.6% of GDP in revised 2026.

Announced89

2024 debt estimates — % of GDP

  • IMF (broader coverage): 132.0%
  • World Bank: 122.7%
  • The difference stems from how the scope of debt is defined and from revisions; documented in the evidence register (E06, E08).

Estimate

What it means for the foreign partner

The next phase goes through three stages: approval of the programme, then a debt-treatment plan, then a gradual resumption of public investment. Projects with private or concessional financing — such as desalination under a partnership — are expected to advance ahead of projects funded by the Treasury. Analysis6789

Monetary framework

Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) in Dakar, at a fixed rate against the euro (655.957 francs per euro). This limits exchange-rate risk but leaves monetary policy at the regional level.

Currency debate

A debate is under way in the region about the future of the franc and the ECOWAS single currency; no change to the exchange-rate regime has been announced as of the date of this edition. 6789

Reading

The crisis is fiscal, not monetary: the currency is stable and inflation is low, but the state’s capacity to borrow and spend is constrained until confidence is restored. Analysis6789

Sectors: oil and gas, fishing and farming

Sector map

Each sector is classified according to its current nature — not according to its stated ambition. 10111314162223

Classification rule

No sector is described in full as an “investment opportunity”. The areas worth studying are identified later in Part Three. 10111314162223

A clear pattern

A relatively diversified economy that has added energy to a base of services, agriculture, fishing and mining; the challenge is to turn energy revenue into local value without repeating the mistakes on debt. Analysis10111314162223

Oil and gas: two years since joining the club of producers

After a decade of offshore discoveries, oil began to flow from Sangomar in June 2024, followed by LNG from the field shared with Mauritania in December of the same year. 101116

Sangomar

An offshore oil field south of Dakar, with a capacity of about 100,000 barrels per day. It produced 17.9 million barrels in the first half of 2026, bringing cumulative output to 70.9 million barrels, and the 2026 target was raised to 31.6 million barrels instead of 28.1 million. 10

Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA)

A cross-border LNG project with Mauritania, on the maritime border between the two countries; production began in December 2024, and it exported three cargoes in June 2026 alone. 101116

Revenues and governance

The government expects hydrocarbon revenues of about 397.8 billion francs in 2027. Transparency in contracts, the allocation of revenues and local content remain the focus of wide public debate in the country.

Sangomar production — million barrels

  • 2026 target (revised): 31.6
  • Initial 2026 target: 28.1
  • First half of 2026: 17.9
  • Source: Ministry of Energy and Petroleum / Petrosen, via the press (July 2026).

An existing sector

An emerging sector led by international companies together with the national company Petrosen. 101116

Marine fishing

Thousands of fishers depend on traditional colourful canoes (pirogues) in centres such as Kayar, Joal, Mbour and Saint-Louis, and fish is among the most important exports. The sector faces pressure on stocks and foreign fishing agreements, and is directly linked to food security and coastal migration. 16

Groundnuts and rice

Groundnuts are a historic crop that supports a wide segment of farmers in the central “groundnut basin”, and the Islamic International Trade Finance Corporation finances part of its marketing campaigns. Rice production is expanding in the Senegal River valley in an effort to reduce imports, alongside export horticulture in the coastal Niayes area. 16

An existing sector

Two existing sectors; the value added lies in storage, refrigeration, processing and packaging. 16

Energy, water, transport and digital

Energy and water

Electricity reaching more than four-fifths of the population, and drinking water under pressure from urban growth in Dakar — with a Saudi desalination project at the heart of the solution. 1314

Access to services — % of population, 2024

  • Electricity: 82.9%
  • Internet: 60.1%
  • Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators.

13

Electricity

A mix historically reliant on fuel-fired thermal plants, with solar and wind added over the past decade, and a plan to switch to domestic gas for generation (“gas-to-power”) to reduce costs. The gap between cities and rural areas remains. 1314

Water

Dakar relies on groundwater and on water transferred from Lake Guiers in the north, and as the capital grows, the gap between demand and supply widens in peak seasons. 1314

The train and the new city

The Regional Express Train (TER) has linked central Dakar to the new city of Diamniadio since 2021, with an extension towards Blaise Diagne International Airport. Dakar operates a bus rapid transit (BRT) network, and the Saudi Fund for Development finances an urban mobility project extending the VDN road towards the Dakar – Saint-Louis axis. 23

Ports

The Autonomous Port of Dakar is the trade gateway for Senegal and Mali. DP World is developing the deep-water port of Ndayane south of Dakar; dredging works were completed in July 2026, and delivery is confirmed for the third quarter of 2028. 23

An existing sector

We have not verified the latest handling figures at the Port of Dakar for this edition. 23

Reading

The Dakar – Diamniadio – airport – Ndayane triangle is taking shape as a new logistics and industrial hub; the corridor to Mali is a natural extension of any commercial activity. Analysis23

Digital

Widespread mobile payments, start-ups in Dakar, government data centres; and a dedicated ministry for the digital economy. 1322

Investment environment

Investment climate: the rules as they stand

  • Responsible body: the Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Major Works (APIX), a window for investors and incorporation procedures; and the special economic zones authority for zones such as Diamniadio.
  • Legal framework: a civil-law legal system of French origin; membership of the Organisation for the Harmonisation of Business Law in Africa (OHADA), which unifies company and commercial law in 17 countries.
  • Corporate tax: 30% (the general rate under the tax code; incentives and special regimes to be verified).
  • Value-added tax: 18% standard rate.
  • Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF) at a fixed rate against the euro; transfers outside the CFA franc zone are subject to regional exchange rules at the BCEAO.
  • Regional framework: the West African Economic and Monetary Union (common external tariff), ECOWAS, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
  • Contracting with the state: fiscal pressure and a prospective IMF programme; payment mechanisms, guarantees and financing are reviewed in public-private partnership contracts.
  • Political timing: a new government since June 2026; no presidential election before 2029.

An advantage and a constraint

Institutional stability, a fixed currency, regionally unified business law, and an Atlantic location; on the other side, fiscal pressure on the state, a mid-sized domestic market, relatively high energy costs, and procedures that require patience. Analysis824

Areas worth studying

Areas worth studying for Saudi business

Eight areas inferred from the data, not ranked by preference, and not ready-made opportunities or investment recommendations. Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity101112141619

01 Water and desalination services

  • Why is it worth studying? Growing demand for water in Dakar, and an existing Saudi precedent in the country’s largest project.
  • Potential investor: water operators, engineering contractors, and suppliers of equipment and services.
  • Needs verification: scope of local supply, financial-close timetable, any other desalination or sanitation projects.
  • What the data support: Grande Côte plant with ACWA Power: up to 400,000 m³/day and investment of up to 800 million dollars (signed 2025).
  • Relevant local body: Ministry of Water and Sanitation; the national water company (SONES).
  • Challenges: fiscal pressure on the state, guarantees, tariffs.
  • Open question: what ancillary services (maintenance, training, components) does the plant need?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity

02 Oil and gas services and local content

  • Why is it worth studying? An emerging sector that needs a chain of services, training and logistics, with a declared local-content policy.
  • Potential investor: oilfield services, training, safety and maritime supply companies.
  • Needs verification: local-content rules, contracts with international operators, expansion plans.
  • What the data support: Sangomar about 100,000 barrels per day; GTA LNG since December 2024; revenues of 397.8 billion francs expected in 2027.
  • Relevant local body: Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; Petrosen; the local content committee.
  • Challenges: limited scale, international competition, public debate over contracts.
  • Open question: what services could be provided regionally from Dakar to Mauritania and West Africa?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity

03 Agro-processing and halal food

  • Why is it worth studying? Established crops (groundnuts, rice and horticulture) with limited value added, and existing Saudi financing for agricultural trade.
  • Potential investor: food and oil manufacturers, and food-security investors.
  • Needs verification: land regime, inputs and irrigation, export requirements.
  • What the data support: ITFC 2026 plan worth 630 million euros including groundnuts; Saudi exports of prepared foodstuffs of 12.1 million riyals (2025).
  • Relevant local body: Ministry of Agriculture; APIX; agricultural hubs.
  • Challenges: seasonal volatility, storage infrastructure, rural finance.
  • Open question: can an export chain for oils or animal feed to the Gulf be built?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity1619

04 Marine fishing, refrigeration and processing

  • Why is it worth studying? A rich Atlantic coast and large traditional fleets, with a need for refrigeration and processing that raises value and eases pressure on stocks.
  • Potential investor: seafood, refrigeration and logistics companies.
  • Needs verification: stock status, fishing licences, export standards.
  • What the data support: fish is among the leading exports; major fishing centres such as Kayar, Mbour and Saint-Louis.
  • Relevant local body: Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy; Port of Dakar.
  • Challenges: sustainability, social sensitivity, foreign competition.
  • Open question: what partnership models with local cooperatives safeguard fishers’ interests?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity101112141619

05 Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services

  • Why is it worth studying? A large Muslim community and Sufi orders with wide networks, and official organisation of the Hajj in cooperation with the Kingdom.
  • Potential investor: pilgrim-services, aviation, hospitality and technology companies.
  • Needs verification: licensing requirements, size of the Umrah market, partnership models.
  • What the data support: Hajj quota of 12,860 pilgrims (2026); Hajj protocol signed in Jeddah (November 2025).
  • Relevant local body: General Delegation for the Hajj; Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Challenges: organisation, seasonality, purchasing power.
  • Open question: what digital solutions serve Umrah pilgrims from Francophone West Africa?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity18

06 Logistics and economic zones

  • Why is it worth studying? A new hub taking shape between Dakar, Diamniadio, the airport and the Ndayane port, with an outlet to Mali.
  • Potential investor: operators of warehouses, industrial zones and transport.
  • Needs verification: zone incentives, rail and road links, actual demand.
  • What the data support: Ndayane port (delivery in the third quarter of 2028); the regional train; Blaise Diagne airport.
  • Relevant local body: APIX; special economic zones authority; Autonomous Port of Dakar.
  • Challenges: regional competition between ports, conditions along the Mali corridor.
  • Open question: what logistics services are missing around Diamniadio?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity23

07 Sport, events and tourism

  • Why is it worth studying? The Youth Olympics leave facilities and organisational capital, and the country has seven heritage sites and coastal resorts.
  • Potential investor: companies in events, hospitality, tourism and sports content.
  • Needs verification: facilities legacy plans, tourism incentives.
  • What the data support: Dakar 2026 (31 October – 13 November); Dakar Arena; seven UNESCO sites.
  • Relevant local body: Ministry of Sports; Ministry of Tourism; Dakar 2026 Committee.
  • Challenges: seasonality, air connectivity, public funding.
  • Open question: how can the Olympic legacy be leveraged in recurring regional events?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity18192223

08 Renewable energy and gas-to-power

  • Why study it? Relatively high electricity costs and a plan to switch to domestic gas, with prior experience in solar and wind power.
  • Potential investor: power developers, hybrid plants and storage.
  • Needs verification: power purchase agreements, the independent power producer framework, the buyer’s creditworthiness.
  • What the data supports: electricity access of 82.9% (2024); domestic gas available since 2024–2025.
  • Relevant local body: Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; the national electricity company (Senelec); the energy regulatory authority.
  • Challenges: fiscal pressure, guarantees, demand volatility.
  • Open question: do the regulations allow direct sales to industrial complexes?

Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity

What a market-minded visitor should know

One gateway for all sectors

An official point of contact (APIX or the relevant ministry), a local partner whose registration and beneficial owner are verified, and an assessment of the public counterparty’s creditworthiness in government contracts — before any commitment. Analysis13192223

What a Saudi business visitor should know

  • Market entry: through a local partner or distributor, or a company registered via the APIX window; major projects through ministries, public companies and partnership contracts.
  • Language and contracting: French is the language of contracts, administration and the courts; Wolof is the language of the street and the market.
  • Regional platform: Dakar is a base for serving the CFA franc zone (eight countries) and ECOWAS, with a uniform business law (OHADA).
  • Currency and payment: no exchange-rate risk against the euro; payment terms in government contracts are reviewed in light of fiscal pressure.
  • Logistics: the Port of Dakar and the road to Mali; congestion in the capital eased by the train and the express buses.
  • Culture: values of hospitality and respect for religious authorities are present in public relations and business.

824

Due-diligence questions — KEY DUE-DILIGENCE QUESTIONS

  • 1. What is the course of the IMF programme and of debt treatment, and what is its effect on State payments?
  • 2. What incentives are available under the investment code or the special economic zones?
  • 3. What guarantees are available in any contract with a public entity?
  • 4. Who is the partner’s ultimate owner, and are there disputes or tax liabilities?
  • 5. What are the local content requirements in the oil and gas sectors?
  • 6. What are the costs of electricity and water for the project, and their alternatives?
  • 7. What are the rules on transferring profits outside the CFA franc zone?
  • 8. What are the dispute-settlement mechanisms (courts, OHADA regional arbitration)?

Golden rule

Fast-changing information — the composition of the government, the IMF programme, debt and budget figures, visa requirements and flight schedules — is reviewed in the week of the visit itself and before any signature. 824

Sectors and areas for cooperation

Established sectors

  • Oil

    Sangomar since 2024; 17.9 million barrels in the first half of 2026.10

  • LNG

    GTA with Mauritania since December 2024; 3 cargoes in June 2026.1123

  • Mining

    Phosphate and gold (Kédougou) and zircon sands on the coast.10111314162223

  • Agriculture

    Groundnuts, rice and horticulture; trade financing from ITFC.10111314162223

  • Fisheries

    Large artisanal fishing fleets and fish exports; pressure on stocks.10111314162223

  • Electricity

    Access 82.9% (2024); thermal and renewable mix and the shift to gas.13

  • Ports and transport

    Port of Dakar; Ndayane port (2028); regional express train TER.1423

  • Digital economy

    60.1% internet users (2024); mobile payments.13

Analysis2

  • Water and desalination

    Announced

    Grande Côte plant with ACWA Power — up to 400,000 m³/day.

  • Sport and tourism

    Analysis

    Youth Olympic Games 2026; seven heritage sites; Petite Côte resorts.101114162223

Areas worth studying8

Applies to everything in this group: Area worth studying, not a ready-made opportunity.

  • Water and desalination services

    Growing demand for water in Dakar, and an existing Saudi precedent in the country’s largest project.101112141619

  • Oil and gas services and local content

    An emerging sector that needs a chain of services, training and logistics, with a declared local content policy.101112141619

  • Agro-processing and halal food

    Established crops (groundnuts, rice and horticulture) with limited value added, and existing Saudi financing for agricultural trade.101112141619

  • Fisheries, cold storage and processing

    A rich Atlantic coast and large artisanal fleets, with a need for cold storage and processing that raise value and ease pressure on stocks.101112141619

  • Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services

    A large Muslim community and Sufi orders with wide networks, and official organisation of Hajj in cooperation with the Kingdom.131518192223

  • Logistics and economic zones

    A new hub taking shape between Dakar, Diamniadio, the airport and Ndayane port, with an outlet to Mali.131518192223

  • Sport, events and tourism

    The Youth Olympic Games leave facilities and organisational experience, and the country has seven heritage sites and coastal resorts.131518192223

  • Renewable energy and gas-to-power

    Relatively high electricity costs and a plan to switch to domestic gas, with prior experience in solar and wind power.131518192223

In Senegal specifically, public debt figures differ between sources after the 2025 review; we therefore present both sources and explain the reason for the difference.

Documented investment opportunity: an opportunity available to the investor that is established by recent official information. No item met this criterion at the time this edition was prepared.

This table is an institutional summary and does not replace legal and tax advice. Legal and regulatory requirements must be verified at the time of decision, with the General Directorate of Taxes and State Property, the APIX agency and a licensed local adviser.

With Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia and Senegal

The path of Saudi–Senegalese relations: development partnership and financing, angles and announced projects, trade figures, the political, financial and religious channels, and a practical visit summary.14151617

This section documents announced facts from their official sources, with dates and status, without assessment.

The relationship and financing

05 Saudi development partnership

The Saudi Fund for Development has been present for decades, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation finances fuel and groundnuts, and ACWA Power is developing a major desalination plant. 141516

The route from the Kingdom

About 6,750 km in a straight line between Riyadh and Dakar. Air connections run via regional or European hubs, with special flights for the Hajj season.

Saudi–Senegalese relations

A long development partnership through the Saudi Fund for Development and the Islamic Development Bank Group, summit-level contact, and a major Saudi investment project in water. 1415161718

Timeline

  • Decades: the Saudi Fund for Development finances in Senegal about 27 loans and programmes worth approximately USD 500 million.
  • 29 October 2024: His Excellency President Faye meets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.
  • May 2025: five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation.
  • 18 July 2025: signing of the Grande-Côte desalination plant agreement with ACWA Power (up to USD 800 million).
  • 7–8 October 2025: the Kingdom is guest of honour at the “Invest in Senegal” forum in Dakar.
  • 9 November 2025: signing of the 2026 Hajj protocol in Jeddah (12,860 pilgrims).
  • 11 February 2026: 2026 trade financing plan worth EUR 630 million (ITFC).
  • 5 March 2026: telephone call between His Excellency President Faye and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on regional developments.
  • 21 April 2026: His Excellency the President receives Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Al-Khereiji in Dakar.

The Saudi Fund’s current portfolio

Four projects worth about 95.1 billion francs: urban mobility (VDN road extension), the agricultural-mining zones, the Emergency Community Development Programme (PUDC), and desalination. 15

What we have not verified

The name of the Kingdom’s new ambassador after the previous ambassador’s mission ended (March 2026), and the detailed amounts for each project. Items for follow-up, not facts. 14161718

Saudi angles and announced projects

A Saudi angle

Saudi expertise in oilfield services, gas, petrochemicals and training intersects with Senegal’s need to build a local value chain. ITFC finances part of petroleum product imports. Analysis16

Food security, seafood and irrigated agriculture are areas that intersect with the Kingdom’s priorities, and the Saudi Fund for Development finances agricultural-mining projects in Senegal. Analysis1516

Grande-Côte desalination plant — GRANDE-CÔTE DESALINATION

  • Developer: ACWA Power
  • Investment: up to USD 800 million
  • Capacity: up to 400,000 m³/day in two phases
  • Signing: 18 July 2025
  • Timeline: financial close expected 2026; commercial operation 2031

Announced

Announced government project

An officially announced project under development; restructured after a previous contractual arrangement was terminated in 2024. Financial close needs verification. Announced1314

Trade figures and their reading

In figures: trade, financing and distance

  • Saudi exports 2025: 159.2 m SAR — mainly plastics.
  • Saudi imports 2025: 3.9 m SAR — +89.2% on 2024.
  • Saudi Fund for Development: ~500 m $ — 27 loans and programmes.
  • Riyadh – Dakar: ~6,750 km — approximate straight line.

Saudi exports to Senegal 2025 — SAR million

  • Plastics and articles thereof: 66.0
  • Aluminium: 18.5
  • Preparations of vegetables and fruit: 12.1
  • Other: 62.6
  • Source: DataSaudi (General Authority for Statistics). “Other” is calculated as the difference from the total. Stock of Saudi direct investment: SAR 717.3 thousand (2024).

Reading

The economic relationship is more about financing and development than trade: trade is limited, while Saudi and Islamic financing exceeds hundreds of millions. The ACWA Power project is the first major Saudi investment of its kind in the country. Analysis141516171819

Channels of the relationship

The political channel

A summit meeting in Riyadh (2024), a telephone call (2026), and a visit by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to Dakar (2026). 14161719

The financing channel

The Saudi Fund for Development, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (USD 2.8 billion since 2008), and ACWA Power. 16

The religious and human channel

Hajj and Umrah, and joint membership of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which Dakar has hosted for two of its summits. 141516171819

For visits and meetings

Practical visit summary

  • Safety first: review the travel advisories issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and coordinate with the Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in Dakar before any visit. Guidance on border areas and large gatherings should be observed.
  • Visa: confirm the entry regime for an ordinary Saudi passport (exemption or visa) with the Embassy of Senegal in Riyadh or the official authorities before travel.
  • Flights: no regular direct flights from the Kingdom as far as could be verified; connections via regional or European hubs, with special flights in the Hajj season.
  • Point of entry: Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), about 45 km from central Dakar, linked by the regional train.
  • Currency and payment: the West African franc (XOF); cards in hotels and large shops, mobile payment is widespread, with a broad presence of cash.
  • Language: French is official; Wolof is the conversational language; English is limited outside business.
  • Time: UTC+0 — three hours behind Riyadh.
  • Climate: a dry season from roughly November to June, and a rainy season between July and October; Dakar is relatively mild thanks to the ocean.
  • Health: vaccination requirements (including yellow fever) and malaria-prevention guidance should be reviewed with health authorities before travel.
  • Electricity: 230 volts; mostly European sockets (check the adapter).

Before travelling

Review official travel advisories; confirm the entry regime; yellow fever certificate where required; travel insurance covering medical evacuation. 23

On arrival

An organised reception with a known local body; allow for Dakar’s congestion at peak times and during events. 23

In meetings

Appointments through official channels; documents in French; respect for protocol and religious customs; Friday prayer is a sensitive time. 23

Section facts and information — 22 entries
With the Kingdom
About $500 million from the Saudi Fund for Development · ACWA Power desalination project · commercial financing plan of €630 million (2026) · Hajj quota of 12,860
Riyadh – Dakar
~6,750 km — straight line
ITFC plan 2026
413 bn FCFA — for petroleum products and groundnuts.Data year: 2026Announced16
Trade finance plan
€630m — ITFC 2026Data year: 2026Announced16
ITFC approvals
$2.8bn — since 200816
Daily desalination capacity
400k m³ — once both phases are completeAnnounced
ACWA Power investment
$800m — up toAnnounced14
Commercial operation
2031 — targetData year: 2031Target14
Urban mobility
VDN — with Saudi financing15
Riyals of Saudi exports
159m — 2025Data year: 202519
Saudi Fund financing
~$500m — 27 loans and programmes15
Saudi exports 2025
159.2 m SAR — chiefly plastics.Data year: 202519
Saudi imports 2025
3.9 m SAR — +89.2% compared with 2024.Data year: 202519
Saudi Fund for Development
~$500 m — 27 loans and programmes.15
Stock of Saudi direct investment
717.3 thousand riyals (2024)Data year: 202419
Hajj quota 2026
12,860 — pilgrimsData year: 202618
Francs — ongoing projects
95.1bn — Saudi Fund15
ITFC plan
€630m — 2026Data year: 2026Announced16
Dakar time
UTC+0 — 3 hours behind Riyadh
Entry point
Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), about 45 km from central Dakar, linked by the regional train.
Flights
No regular direct flights from the Kingdom as far as could be verified; connections via regional or European hubs, with special flights during the Hajj season.23
Visa
The entry regime for the ordinary Saudi passport (exemption or visa) should be confirmed with the Embassy of Senegal in Riyadh or the official authorities before travel.23

Milestones

  1. 2026

    2026-04-21

    His Excellency the President receives Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed Elkhereiji in Dakar. · Unspecified

  2. 2026

    2026-03-05

    Telephone call between His Excellency President Faye and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on regional developments. · Unspecified 14161718

  3. 2026

    2026-02-11

    A 2026 trade finance plan worth EUR 630 million (ITFC). · Announced Announced

Earlier record (9)

  1. 2025

    2025-11-09

    Signing of the 2026 Hajj protocol in Jeddah (12,860 pilgrims). · Contracted

  2. 2025-10-07

    The Kingdom is guest of honour at the “Invest in Senegal” forum in Dakar. · Unspecified

  3. 2025-07-18

    Signing of the Grande Côte desalination plant agreement with ACWA Power (up to $800 million). · Contracted Announced

  4. 2025-05

    A five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. · Contracted 1415161718

  5. 2025

    Saudi exports 2025: 159.2 million riyals, chiefly plastics. · Implemented 19

  6. 2025

    Saudi imports 2025: 3.9 million riyals, +89.2% compared with 2024. · Implemented 19

  7. 2024

    2024-10-29

    His Excellency President Faye meets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. · Unspecified

  8. 2024

    Stock of Saudi direct investment: 717.3 thousand riyals (2024). · Implemented 19

  9. 2008

    2008

    International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation: $2.8 billion since 2008. · Implemented 16

Records without a date

  • The Saudi Fund for Development finances in Senegal about 27 loans and programmes worth approximately $500 million. · Implemented 15

  • The Saudi Fund’s current portfolio: four projects worth about 95.1 billion francs: urban mobility (extension of the VDN road), agro-mining zones, the Emergency Community Development Programme (PUDC), and desalination. · Implemented 15

What we do not know yet

  • The name of the Kingdom’s new ambassador after the previous ambassador’s mission ended (March 2026), and the detailed amounts for each project. Items for follow-up, not facts.

Media and development

Media and development

The Senegalese media landscape, languages and audience, notes for the media producer, and a proposed map of stories worth exploring.8101314

Track oneMediaThe Senegalese media landscape, languages and audience, notes for the media producer, and a proposed map of stories worth exploring.Track twoDevelopment

Media and editorial perspectives

The media landscape and audience

The media landscape

A pluralistic and active media landscape: long-established public institutions, dozens of private radio stations and channels, a daily press, and widely read digital news sites. 13

Main institutions

  • Public broadcasting: Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS).
  • Public press: the daily newspaper Le Soleil.
  • News agency: the Senegalese Press Agency (APS).
  • Private media: groups, channels and newspapers including Walf, Sud Quotidien, 2STV and TFM.
  • Digital: news sites including Seneweb and Dakaractu.
  • Regulation: the National Council for the Regulation of Broadcasting (CNRA).

13

Language and audience

French is the language of the written press and administration, while Wolof dominates radio, television and talk shows. With internet reaching 60% of the population, digital platforms and social networks play a growing role in public debate, especially among young people.

Data gap

We did not find a recent, independent measurement of media audience shares. 13

For the producer, and story ideas

For the producer and media professional

Foreign media work and filming are coordinated in advance with the Ministry of Communication, the relevant bodies and site administrations, and the privacy of religious sites such as Touba and the timing of events are respected. 13

Story map

Real stories worth exploring, each with a clear question and a reason for coverage. All are editorial proposals subject to coordination and approvals. Proposed

Story map — ten proposed stories

  • Energy — the first barrel: Sangomar: how does a country live its first oil moment between expectations and governance?
  • Economy — the ledger: the story of the debt review: what does austerity mean for the household, the contractor and the investor?
  • Faith and society — the city of Touba: the Grand Magal, the Mouride order and the life of a modern religious city.
  • Sport — the first Olympics in Africa: Dakar 2026: what remains after the Games?
  • The sea — Cayar canoes: traditional fishers between declining stocks, markets and migration.
  • Water — a drop from the ocean: the Grande-Côte desalination plant and the Saudi partnership in Dakar’s water.
  • Memory — Gorée Island: a site of human memory and its visitors from all over the world.
  • Nature — Djoudj and Saloum: migratory birds, mangrove forests and life in the delta.
  • Culture — the wrestling arena: “Lamb”: a popular sport that brings together rituals, crowds and the economy.
  • The city — Diamniadio: a new city being built between the train, the airport and the port.

Proposed

Before any filming

Every story is subject to prior coordination with the relevant bodies, to the consent of the people shown, and to respect for the privacy of religious sites and occasions. 810142122

People, places and stories worth exploring — type / subject / angle of exploration / status

  • Place — the Sangomar field and Petrosen — Senegalese engineers and the building of oil knowledge. — Potential editorial subject
  • Project — the Grande-Côte desalination plant — water, the city and the Saudi partnership. — Potential editorial subject
  • Institution — the General Delegation for the Hajj — the pilgrims’ journey from Dakar to the Kingdom. — Potential editorial subject
  • Event — Grand Magal of Touba — the annual visit and community life. — Potential editorial subject
  • Place — Kayar fishing centre — fishers, the market and the sea. — Potential editorial subject
  • Event — Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics — young athletes, facilities and legacy. — Potential editorial subject
  • Place — Gorée Island — memory, the museum and visitors. — Potential editorial subject
  • Place — Saint-Louis and the Faidherbe Bridge — colonial architecture, the river and music. — Potential editorial subject
  • Place — Lac Rose (Pink Lake) — salt harvesters and the local economy. — Potential editorial subject
  • Sector — traditional wrestling — the arena, the crowds and local patronage. — Potential editorial subject
  • Institution — public and private media — the Senegalese press and its digital transformations. — Potential editorial subject
  • City — Diamniadio — a new city between the train and the airport. — Potential editorial subject

Proposed

Humanitarian & Development

Topics in this section: Living standards and income distribution · Child health · Child health in the national survey293141424371

Living standards and income distribution

Living standards and income distribution

According to the household survey data compiled by the World Bank, 37.5% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2021, and the Gini index of inequality stood at 36.2. On the international line of 3.00 US dollars a day (2021 purchasing power parity), 17.9% of the population were poor in the same year. The two measures rest on different definitions: they describe the same reality from two angles and do not contradict each other. 414243

Health

Child health

The World Bank's modelled estimates put under-five mortality at 36.5 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2024, and neonatal mortality (deaths in the first month of life) at 20.9 per 1,000 live births in the same year. Newborn deaths therefore account for more than half of all under-five deaths. Estimate2931

Child health in the national survey

The 2023 Continuous Demographic and Health Survey (EDS-Continue), carried out by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD), estimates under-five mortality at 40 deaths per 1,000 live births over the period 2018–2023. The estimate rests on a field survey and a multi-year reference period, so it is not directly comparable with a modelled estimate for a single year. Estimate71

Maternal health

The modelled maternal mortality ratio was 237 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, according to World Bank estimates. It is a modelled estimate, not a direct count of deaths. Estimate30

Care, vaccination and fertility

The 2023 Continuous Demographic and Health Survey, carried out by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography with the support of the Ministry of Health and other partners, found that 97.3% of women received skilled antenatal care and 92.3% of births took place in a health facility. Among children aged 12 to 23 months, 64% had received all basic vaccines. The total fertility rate was 4.0 children per woman: 4.7 in rural areas and 3.3 in urban areas. 686970

Education, youth and jobs

Literacy

The adult literacy rate (ages 15 and above) was 50.4% in 2023 according to a World Bank estimate, which means that about half of adults cannot read and write. Estimate33

Spending on education and health

In 2023, government expenditure on education was 6.2% of GDP and current health expenditure was 4.3% of GDP (World Bank data). The two measures differ: the first is government spending, the second is current spending from all sources, so they are not directly comparable. 4647

Education results of World Bank-financed programmes

The World Bank reports that the programmes it finances in Senegal benefited over 2.1 million students through quality-improvement initiatives and reintegrated 56,869 out-of-school children, and that proficiency in literacy and numeracy among fourth-grade pupils rose to 75.4% and 70.3% respectively. These are results of specific programmes announced by the financier; they do not describe the national average. 5657

A young population and the job market

Children under 15 make up 37.7% of the population in 2025. The International Labour Organization's modelled estimate puts youth unemployment (ages 15–24) at 3.6% of the youth labour force in the same year. A rate of this kind does not by itself reveal the quality or stability of jobs, and the sources consulted give no figures on underemployment or informal work. Estimate4550

Skills and vocational education

According to the World Bank, in 2019 only 3.5% of students were enrolled in short-term professional or technical programmes, which created a mismatch between graduates’ skills and employers’ needs. The same text notes that more than half of the population is under 25. 73

A vocational model: ISEP-Thiès

The Institut Supérieur d’Enseignement Professionnel in Thiès (ISEP-Thiès), the country’s first public tertiary vocational institute, reports that around 90% of its graduates have entered the job market since its first graduating class. The World Bank supports the institute through a financed project and presents it as part of the push to fight youth unemployment. The figure concerns a single institution as it reports it; it is not a national indicator. 72

Migration

The World Bank estimates net migration in 2025 as a net outflow of 12,636 people, meaning that more people left the country than arrived. It is a net figure for all movements and shows neither routes nor reasons. Estimate49

Water, sanitation and electricity

Drinking water and sanitation

According to World Bank estimates, in 2024, 88.0% of the population used at least basic drinking water services and 62.5% used at least basic sanitation services, while 6.1% still practised open defecation. Sanitation therefore lags well behind drinking water. Estimate363738

Electricity access in rural and urban areas

Access to electricity reached 95.7% of the urban population and 67.1% of the rural population in 2024, according to World Bank estimates. The national average given in the economy chapter lies between these two figures. Estimate3940

What World Bank-financed programmes report

The World Bank reports that its water and sanitation interventions reached nearly 688,000 people (improved water services for over 424,000 and sanitation for more than 83,000), that flood-risk mitigation in Dakar protected 128,521 residents and 1,515 hectares of land, and that in pastoral areas over 6 million hectares were developed and 1,414 km of transhumance corridors marked, with livelihood support for 32,248 people, 87% of them women. These are results announced by the financier; the reporting period is not specified. 585960

Food and nutrition

Food security in the 2026 lean season

The World Food Programme (WFP), citing the March 2026 Cadre Harmonisé analysis, says that nearly 837,000 people were projected to face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity in the 2026 lean season, an increase of over 70 percent within 2026. Estimate51

The cost of a healthy diet

Studies carried out in 2026 and presented by the World Food Programme found that 60 percent of the population cannot afford a healthy diet and 46 percent cannot afford a minimum nutritious diet. These are modelling estimates, not a direct measurement of consumption. Estimate52

Child nutrition

In 2023, undernourishment affected 5.1% of the population, while 17.5% of children under 5 were stunted and 10.2% suffered from wasting (World Bank data). These measures differ in definition and in the population measured, so they are not directly comparable. Estimate343544

School meals

During the 2025–2026 school year the World Food Programme assisted more than 44,000 schoolchildren in 278 schools in the regions of Matam, Kédougou and Kolda, in support of the national school feeding policy, according to the programme. 53

Climate, coast and floods

A coastal population

According to the World Bank, 60% of Senegal’s population lives in coastal areas, which makes the country particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and storm surges. 63

People living in low-lying areas

In 2015, 7.0% of the population lived in areas less than 5 metres above sea level according to a World Bank estimate, an indicator of exposure to sea-level rise and flooding, not of the expected scale of damage. Estimate48

Coastal environment: a regional study

A World Bank study covering four coastal West African countries — Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo — estimated that flooding, erosion and pollution cost about USD 3.8 billion, or 5.3% of the four countries’ combined GDP, in 2017. The estimate is regional and does not isolate Senegal’s share. Estimate66

Coastal erosion

The same study estimated that 56% of the four countries’ coastline is subject to average yearly erosion. This is a share for the four countries together, so it does not show the situation of any particular stretch of Senegal’s coast. Estimate67

Saly: beach restoration and coastal protection

At Saly, a World Bank-financed project regained 325,000 square metres of beach, more than 12 times the initial target of 25,000 square metres, through the construction of 19 groins and breakwaters that stabilise a 7 km stretch of shore. 6465

Climate and agriculture

The World Food Programme considers that climate extremes — recurrent droughts, irregular rainfall and land degradation — continue to undermine agricultural production in Senegal, and the World Bank notes that agricultural production was affected by floods in 2024. 5462

The floods of October 2026

On 5 October 2026 the Prime Minister chaired an emergency meeting on the flooding that followed heavy rain over the weekend. The government communiqué says that, in light of ANACIM forecasts, the Dakar regional emergency plan would be triggered to ensure permanent monitoring. 75

An announced national flood programme

On 5 October 2026 the Prime Minister announced that the government intends to respond structurally to flooding through a national flood-control programme with an envelope of 921 billion CFA francs. This is an announced envelope, not spending to date. Announced74

National plan and partners

The 2025–2034 Masterplan and Vision Sénégal 2050

According to the Government of Senegal, the 2025–2034 Masterplan is the first strategic and operational breakdown of Vision Sénégal 2050. It rests on four axes: building a competitive and sovereign economy; strengthening human capital and promoting social equity; sustainable territorial planning; and ensuring security, effective governance and a stronger engagement in Africa. These are stated objectives, not achieved results. Announced55

The World Bank portfolio in Senegal

The World Bank's portfolio in Senegal includes 20 national projects totalling USD 3.3 billion and 7 regional operations of USD 848 million, all financed by the International Development Association (IDA), as the Bank presents it on its country page. 61

Reading: needs and areas for study

The data published in this chapter point to specific rather than general needs: sanitation lagging behind drinking water, the rural–urban gap in electricity, the cost of a healthy diet, and exposure to floods and coastal erosion. These are areas of need and public programmes, not ready-made investment opportunities; any partner would need to start from the national plan and from the institutions that lead each file. Analysis3740525566

Station

The DEEP AFRICA station

Mission
Next station
Country file
Published; source checks in progress

Sources

Sources and updates

Sources cited on this page, numbered as they appear next to each item.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-08

This file does not constitute legal, financial, investment or security advice. Senegal experienced a change of government in May–June 2026 and is negotiating a programme with the IMF. Last verified: 3 October 2026.

Political facts are presented as they appear in their official sources, without assessment. Sources: E01–E03.

All of the above are potential editorial topics. None of the persons or bodies mentioned has been contacted, and their inclusion does not imply consent to an interview, filming or participation.

A document for external circulation. It does not constitute legal, financial or investment advice, and it contains no confirmed commitments, partnerships or sponsorships. Version 1.0 — October 2026.

Fast-changing information: guidance, visas, flights and the composition of the government are subject to change. Last verified: 3 October 2026. To be checked with the official authorities and airlines before booking.

Source register (76)
  1. 1

    Presidency of the Republic; vie-publique.sn

    Head of State — 03 Leadership

    Official · Published 2024 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Institutional context · In office since · Next election · Economy, Finance and Planning · Foreign Affairs and African Integration · Energy and Petroleum · Trade and Industry · National Assembly · Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration · Ministry of Trade and Industry · National Agency for Statistics and Demography

  2. 2

    vie-publique.sn; Le360; Médias24

    Change of Prime Minister (May–June 2026) — 03 Leadership

    Media · Published 2026-06-02 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Economy, Finance and Planning · Foreign Affairs and African Integration · Energy and Petroleum · Trade and Industry · Presidency of the Republic · Prime Minister’s Office · National Assembly · Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration · Ministry of Trade and Industry · Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Major Works (APIX) · Special Economic Zones Authority · General Directorate of Taxes and Property (DGID) · National Agency for Statistics and Demography · Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture · Employers’ unions

  3. 3

    vie-publique.sn (decree on the composition of government)

    Key ministers (government of 2 June 2026) — 03 Leadership

    Official · Published 2026-06-02 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Institutional context · Economy, Finance and Planning · Foreign Affairs and African Integration · Energy and Petroleum · Trade and Industry · Presidency of the Republic · Prime Minister’s Office · National Assembly · Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning · Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration · Ministry of Trade and Industry · General Directorate of Taxes and Property (DGID) · National Agency for Statistics and Demography · Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture · Employers’ unions

  4. 4

    World Bank WDI (API, updated 13 Jul 2026)

    GDP & population (World Bank WDI) — 01/07 Economy

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: From within · The axes in brief: People & Society · People and society · Diversity and identity · GDP 2025 · Languages · Start of oil production · Hospitality · Per capita 2025 · Euro-pegged currency

  5. 5

    ANSD — RGPH-5 final results

    Census RGPH-5 (2023) — 06 People

    Official · Published 2024 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · People and society · Diversity and identity · Youth and migration · Methodological note · Languages · Urban population · Half the population is below this age · Hospitality

  6. 6

    World Bank Macro Poverty Outlook — Senegal (Apr 2026)

    Macro (World Bank MPO, Apr 2026) — 07 Economy

    International · Published 2026-04 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Methodological note · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Executive summary · 01 A new energy producer · 03 Economic growth trends · The balanced reading · Economy at a glance · Real GDP growth — World Bank (April 2026) · Current account balance — % of GDP · Changes in living standards · Budget balance — % of GDP, World Bank · Why does it matter to the investor? · What it means for the foreign partner · Currency debate · Reading · Poverty ($4.20/day) · Hospitality · Growth 2025 (estimate) · Per capita 2025 · Secondary sector growth · Current account / GDP · Euro-pegged currency · Debt / GDP · Regional central bank · 2024 debt estimates — World Bank · Ministry of Finance and Budget · Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) · Court of Audit

  7. 7

    ANSD (via APA News)

    Inflation (latest) — 07 Economy

    Official · Published 2026-09 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The balanced reading · What it means for the foreign partner · Currency debate · Reading · Languages · 2026 milestones · Youth Olympics · Inflation — August 2026 · Euro-pegged currency · Annual inflation · Regional central bank · Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)

  8. 8

    IMF statements (via Reuters/Polity, 2 Sep 2026); press

    Hidden debt & IMF — 08 Public finance

    International · Published 2026-09-02 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Executive summary · What to watch · The balanced reading · Why does it matter to the investor? · What happened? · Towards a new programme · What it means for the foreign partner · Currency debate · Reading · An advantage and a constraint · What a Saudi business visitor should know · Golden rule · The axes in brief: Media & Stories · Before any filming · Start of oil production · Youth Olympics · In office since · IMF programme · International bond prices · Regional central bank · Fixed rate against the euro · West African franc · Working language · Ministry of Finance and Budget · Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) · Court of Audit

  9. 9

    Ministry of Economy, Finance & Planning (via press)

    Budget 2026 — 08 Public finance

    Official · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Why does it matter to the investor? · Towards a new programme · What it means for the foreign partner · Currency debate · Reading · Adjusted deficit 2026 · Regional central bank · Ministry of Finance and Budget · Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO)

  10. 10

    Ministry of Energy & Petroleum / Petrosen (via press)

    Sangomar oil field — 10 Oil & gas

    Official · Published 2026-07 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: From within · Regional gateway · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Executive summary · The balanced reading · Sector map · Classification rule · A clear pattern · Oil and gas: two years since joining the club of producers · Sangomar · Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) · An existing sector · Areas worth studying for Saudi business · 04 Marine fishing, refrigeration and processing · The axes in brief: Media & Stories · Before any filming · Sangomar production target 2026 · Start of oil production · Youth Olympics · In office since · Prominent government project · First oil · Cumulative barrels · Ministry of Energy and Petroleum · Ministry of Water and Sanitation · Ministry of Agriculture · Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy · Petrosen (national company) · Local Content Committee · National Water Company (SONES) · Oil · Mining · Agriculture · Fisheries · Sport and tourism · Water and desalination services · Oil and gas services and local content · Agro-processing and halal food · Fisheries, cold storage and processing

  11. 11

    Ministry of Energy & Petroleum (via press)

    GTA LNG (with Mauritania) — 10 Oil & gas

    Official · Published 2026-07 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Regional gateway · The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Executive summary · The balanced reading · Sector map · Classification rule · A clear pattern · Oil and gas: two years since joining the club of producers · Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) · An existing sector · Areas worth studying for Saudi business · 04 Marine fishing, refrigeration and processing · In office since · First oil · LNG cargoes · Ministry of Energy and Petroleum · Ministry of Water and Sanitation · Ministry of Agriculture · Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy · Petrosen (national company) · Local Content Committee · National Water Company (SONES) · LNG · Mining · Agriculture · Fisheries · Sport and tourism · Water and desalination services · Oil and gas services and local content · Agro-processing and halal food · Fisheries, cold storage and processing

  12. 12

    Budget orientation documents (via AllAfrica, 8 Jul 2026)

    Hydrocarbon revenue — 10 Oil & gas

    Media · Published 2026-07-08 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Why does it matter to the investor? · Areas worth studying for Saudi business · 04 Marine fishing, refrigeration and processing · Hydrocarbon revenue in francs · Water and desalination services · Oil and gas services and local content · Agro-processing and halal food · Fisheries, cold storage and processing

  13. 13

    World Bank WDI

    Electricity & connectivity — 13 Energy & water

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Youth and migration · Methodological note · Sector map · Classification rule · A clear pattern · Energy and water · Access to services — % of population, 2024 · Electricity · Water · Digital · One gateway for all sectors · Announced government project · The axes in brief: Media & Stories · The media landscape · Main institutions · For the producer and media professional · Data gap · Pillars of the economy · Start of oil production · Remittances / GDP · Hospitality · Euro-pegged currency · Access to electricity · Internet users · Media languages · Radio and television · News agency · Audiovisual regulation · Ministry of Sports · Ministry of Tourism · Ministry of Communication · National Electricity Company (Senelec) · Energy Regulatory Authority · General Delegation for the Hajj · Senegalese Radio and Television (RTS) · Le Soleil daily newspaper · Senegalese Press Agency (APS) · National Audiovisual Regulatory Council (CNRA) · Mining · Agriculture · Fisheries · Digital economy · Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services · Logistics and economic zones · Sport, events and tourism · Renewable energy and gas-to-power

  14. 14

    ACWA Power; Senegal Government (via press)

    Grande-Côte desalination (ACWA Power) — 13/18 Water & Saudi

    Official · Published 2025-07-18 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Executive summary · The balanced reading · Sector map · Classification rule · A clear pattern · Energy and water · Electricity · Water · Areas worth studying for Saudi business · 04 Marine fishing, refrigeration and processing · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · 05 Saudi development partnership · Announced government project · Saudi–Senegalese relations · What we have not verified · Reading · The political channel · The religious and human channel · The axes in brief: Media & Stories · Before any filming · Institutional context · Start of oil production · Youth Olympics · ACWA Power investment · Commercial operation · Telephone call between His Excellency President Faye and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on regional developments. · A five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. · Ministry of Water and Sanitation · Ministry of Agriculture · Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy · Local Content Committee · National Water Company (SONES) · Mining · Agriculture · Fisheries · Ports and transport · Sport and tourism · Water and desalination services · Oil and gas services and local content · Agro-processing and halal food · Fisheries, cold storage and processing

  15. 15

    Le Soleil (19 Sep 2025)

    Saudi Fund for Development — 18 Saudi relations

    Media · Published 2025-09-19 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · 05 Saudi development partnership · A Saudi angle · Saudi–Senegalese relations · The Saudi Fund’s current portfolio · Reading · The religious and human channel · Institutional context · Urban mobility · Saudi Fund financing · Saudi Fund for Development · Francs — ongoing projects · A five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. · The Saudi Fund for Development finances in Senegal about 27 loans and programmes worth approximately $500 million. · The Saudi Fund’s current portfolio: four projects worth about 95.1 billion francs: urban mobility (extension of the VDN road), agro-mining zones, the Emergency Community Development Programme (PUDC), and desalination. · Ministry of Sports · Ministry of Tourism · National Electricity Company (Senelec) · Energy Regulatory Authority · Port of Dakar (Autonomous Port) · General Delegation for the Hajj · Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services · Logistics and economic zones · Sport, events and tourism · Renewable energy and gas-to-power

  16. 16

    ITFC (IsDB Group) (via press)

    ITFC trade finance — 18 Saudi relations

    International · Published 2026-02-11 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Economy & Investment · Executive summary · The balanced reading · Sector map · Classification rule · A clear pattern · Oil and gas: two years since joining the club of producers · Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) · An existing sector · Marine fishing · Groundnuts and rice · Areas worth studying for Saudi business · 03 Agro-processing and halal food · 04 Marine fishing, refrigeration and processing · The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · 05 Saudi development partnership · A Saudi angle · Saudi–Senegalese relations · What we have not verified · Reading · The political channel · The financing channel · The religious and human channel · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Start of oil production · Youth Olympics · First oil · ITFC plan 2026 · Trade finance plan · ITFC approvals · Traditional fishing hub · Horticultural belt · ITFC plan · Telephone call between His Excellency President Faye and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on regional developments. · A five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. · International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation: $2.8 billion since 2008. · Ministry of Energy and Petroleum · Ministry of Water and Sanitation · Ministry of Agriculture · Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy · Petrosen (national company) · Local Content Committee · National Water Company (SONES) · Mining · Agriculture · Fisheries · Sport and tourism · Water and desalination services · Oil and gas services and local content · Agro-processing and halal food · Fisheries, cold storage and processing

  17. 17

    SPA; Presidency of Senegal; APS (via press)

    High-level contacts — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026-04-21 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Relations with Saudi Arabia · Saudi–Senegalese relations · What we have not verified · Reading · The political channel · The religious and human channel · Telephone call between His Excellency President Faye and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on regional developments. · A five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation.

  18. 18

    Senegal Hajj delegation / APS (via press)

    Hajj — 18 Saudi relations

    Media · Published 2025-11-09 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: 05 Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services · 07 Sport, events and tourism · Saudi–Senegalese relations · What we have not verified · Reading · The religious and human channel · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Youth Olympics · Hajj quota 2026 · Telephone call between His Excellency President Faye and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince on regional developments. · A five-year framework agreement with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation. · Ministry of Sports · Ministry of Tourism · National Electricity Company (Senelec) · Energy Regulatory Authority · General Delegation for the Hajj · Dakar 2026 Committee · Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services · Logistics and economic zones · Sport, events and tourism · Renewable energy and gas-to-power

  19. 19

    DataSaudi (GASTAT)

    Saudi–Senegal trade & FDI — 18 Saudi relations

    Official · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: Areas worth studying for Saudi business · 03 Agro-processing and halal food · 04 Marine fishing, refrigeration and processing · 07 Sport, events and tourism · One gateway for all sectors · Reading · The political channel · The religious and human channel · Riyals of Saudi exports · Saudi exports 2025 · Saudi imports 2025 · Stock of Saudi direct investment · Saudi exports 2025: 159.2 million riyals, chiefly plastics. · Saudi imports 2025: 3.9 million riyals, +89.2% compared with 2024. · Stock of Saudi direct investment: 717.3 thousand riyals (2024). · Ministry of Water and Sanitation · Ministry of Agriculture · Ministry of Fisheries and the Maritime Economy · Ministry of Sports · Ministry of Tourism · Local Content Committee · National Electricity Company (Senelec) · Energy Regulatory Authority · National Water Company (SONES) · General Delegation for the Hajj · Dakar 2026 Committee · Water and desalination services · Oil and gas services and local content · Agro-processing and halal food · Fisheries, cold storage and processing · Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services · Logistics and economic zones · Sport, events and tourism · Renewable energy and gas-to-power

  20. 20

    ANSD / general reference

    Religion & society — 06 People

    Official · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Why does Senegal deserve to be understood? · What this means in practice · Religion · Muslims

  21. 21

    UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    UNESCO World Heritage (7) — 15/23 Culture

    International · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: From within · The axes in brief: Culture & Identity · World Heritage · Analytical note · Senegal from the inside · Cities · Nature · Culture · Before any filming · World Heritage sites · Traditional wrestling · Ministry of Sports · Ministry of Tourism · National Electricity Company (Senelec) · Energy Regulatory Authority · General Delegation for the Hajj

  22. 22

    International Olympic Committee / Dakar 2026

    Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games — 15 Culture & sport

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Culture & Identity · Dakar 2026: the first Olympic event in Africa · Analytical note · The balanced reading · Sector map · Classification rule · A clear pattern · Digital · 07 Sport, events and tourism · One gateway for all sectors · Before any filming · The axes in brief: Institutional context · Institutional context · Youth Olympics · Youth Olympic Games opening · Traditional wrestling · Ministry of Sports · Ministry of Tourism · National Electricity Company (Senelec) · Energy Regulatory Authority · General Delegation for the Hajj · Dakar 2026 Committee · Mining · Agriculture · Fisheries · Sport and tourism · Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services · Logistics and economic zones · Sport, events and tourism · Renewable energy and gas-to-power

  23. 23

    DP World (Jul 2026); Le Soleil; general reference

    Ports & transport — 14 Transport

    Media · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: The axes in brief: People & Society · Distinct regions · About the map · Sector map · Classification rule · A clear pattern · The train and the new city · Ports · An existing sector · Reading · 06 Logistics and economic zones · 07 Sport, events and tourism · One gateway for all sectors · Before travelling · On arrival · In meetings · Spiritual city · Prominent government project · Ndayane port delivery · Regional train start of operation · Regional express train · Blaise Diagne airport · Deep-water port · Flights · Visa · Climate · Dry season · Ministry of Sports · Ministry of Tourism · National Electricity Company (Senelec) · Energy Regulatory Authority · Port of Dakar (Autonomous Port) · General Delegation for the Hajj · Dakar 2026 Committee · LNG · Mining · Agriculture · Fisheries · Ports and transport · Sport and tourism · Hajj, Umrah and religious travel services · Logistics and economic zones · Sport, events and tourism · Renewable energy and gas-to-power

  24. 24

    General reference (APIX; Tax code)

    Investment & tax framework — 16 Investment

    Media · Accessed 2026-10-03

    Cited in: An advantage and a constraint · What a Saudi business visitor should know · Golden rule · Institutional context · Corporate tax · Value-added tax · Fixed rate against the euro · West African franc · Working language · Presidency of the Republic · Prime Minister’s Office · Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Major Works (APIX) · Special Economic Zones Authority · General Directorate of Taxes and Property (DGID) · National Agency for Statistics and Demography · Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture · Employers’ unions

  25. 25

    World Bank

    World Development Indicators: Senegal

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Population · GDP · GDP per capita · GDP growth · Urban population · Population under 15 · Life expectancy · Access to electricity · Internet users · Area

  26. 26

    SIX Group (ISO 4217 Maintenance Agency)

    ISO 4217 currency code list (List One)

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Currency

  27. 27

    Présidence de la République du Sénégal

    Site officiel de la Présidence de la République du Sénégal

    Official · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: President of the Republic

  28. 28

    Financial Afrik

    Senegal: Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo appointed Prime Minister in succession of Ousmane Sonko

    Media · Published 27 May 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-06

    Cited in: Prime Minister

  29. 29

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Under-five mortality rate, 2024 — Development - health

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Child health · Under-five mortality — 2024

  30. 30

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Maternal mortality ratio, 2023 — Development - health

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Maternal health

  31. 31

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Neonatal mortality rate, 2024 — Development - health

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Child health

  32. 32

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Life expectancy at birth, 2024 — Development - health

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Life expectancy — 2024

  33. 33

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Adult literacy rate (ages 15 and above), 2023 — Development - education

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Literacy · Adult literacy — 2023

  34. 34

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Stunting prevalence among children under 5, 2023 — Development - nutrition

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Child nutrition

  35. 35

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Wasting prevalence among children under 5, 2023 — Development - nutrition

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Child nutrition

  36. 36

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Population using at least basic drinking water services, 2024 — Development - water

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Drinking water and sanitation · Basic drinking water — 2024

  37. 37

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Population using at least basic sanitation services, 2024 — Development - water

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Drinking water and sanitation · Reading: needs and areas for study

  38. 38

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Population practising open defecation, 2024 — Development - water

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Drinking water and sanitation

  39. 39

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Access to electricity, rural population, 2024 — Development - energy

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Electricity access in rural and urban areas · Rural electricity access — 2024

  40. 40

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Access to electricity, urban population, 2024 — Development - energy

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Electricity access in rural and urban areas · Reading: needs and areas for study · Rural electricity access — 2024

  41. 41

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Poverty headcount ratio at the national poverty line, 2021 — Development - poverty

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Living standards and income distribution

  42. 42

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Gini index of inequality, 2021 — Development - poverty

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Living standards and income distribution

  43. 43

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Poverty headcount ratio at 3.00 US dollars a day (2021 purchasing power parity), 2021 — Development - poverty

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Living standards and income distribution

  44. 44

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Prevalence of undernourishment, 2023 — Development - nutrition

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Child nutrition

  45. 45

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24), 2025 — Development - jobs

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: A young population and the job market

  46. 46

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Government expenditure on education, 2023 — Development - education

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Spending on education and health

  47. 47

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Current health expenditure, 2023 — Development - health

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Spending on education and health

  48. 48

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Population living in areas where elevation is below 5 metres, 2015 — Development - climate

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: People living in low-lying areas

  49. 49

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Net migration, 2025 — Development - migration

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Migration

  50. 50

    World Bank, World Development Indicators (API)

    Population ages 0-14, 2025 — Development - population

    International · Published 2026-07-13 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: A young population and the job market

  51. 51

    World Food Programme (WFP)

    People projected in crisis or emergency food insecurity, 2026 lean season — Development - food

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Food security in the 2026 lean season

  52. 52

    World Food Programme (WFP)

    Share of the population unable to afford a healthy diet — Development - food

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The cost of a healthy diet · Reading: needs and areas for study

  53. 53

    World Food Programme (WFP)

    WFP-supported school meals, 2025-2026 school year — Development - food

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: School meals

  54. 54

    World Food Programme (WFP)

    Climate extremes and agricultural production — Development - climate

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Climate and agriculture

  55. 55

    Primature of Senegal (Government of Senegal)

    National planning framework: Masterplan 2025-2034 under Vision Sénégal 2050 — Development - national plan

    Official · Published 2025 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The 2025–2034 Masterplan and Vision Sénégal 2050 · Reading: needs and areas for study · National plan

  56. 56

    World Bank Group

    World Bank-financed education results in Senegal — Development - education

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Education results of World Bank-financed programmes

  57. 57

    World Bank Group

    Grade 4 literacy and numeracy proficiency in World Bank-supported programmes — Development - education

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Education results of World Bank-financed programmes

  58. 58

    World Bank Group

    World Bank-financed water and sanitation results — Development - water

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: What World Bank-financed programmes report

  59. 59

    World Bank Group

    World Bank-financed flood risk mitigation in Dakar — Development - climate

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: What World Bank-financed programmes report

  60. 60

    World Bank Group

    World Bank-financed pastoral and livelihood results — Development - rural

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: What World Bank-financed programmes report

  61. 61

    World Bank Group

    World Bank portfolio in Senegal — Development - partners

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The World Bank portfolio in Senegal

  62. 62

    World Bank Group

    Agricultural production and floods, 2024 — Development - climate

    International · Published 2026 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Climate and agriculture

  63. 63

    World Bank Group

    Coastal population exposure to sea-level rise and storm surges — Development - climate

    International · Published 2023-06-01 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: A coastal population

  64. 64

    World Bank Group

    Saly beach restoration results (World Bank-financed project) — Development - climate

    International · Published 2023-06-01 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Saly: beach restoration and coastal protection

  65. 65

    World Bank Group

    Saly coastal protection works — Development - climate

    International · Published 2023-06-01 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Saly: beach restoration and coastal protection

  66. 66

    World Bank Group

    Cost of coastal zone degradation in Benin, Cote d Ivoire, Senegal and Togo, 2017 — Development - climate

    International · Published 2019-03-14 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Coastal environment: a regional study · Reading: needs and areas for study

  67. 67

    World Bank Group

    Coastal erosion across Benin, Cote d Ivoire, Senegal and Togo — Development - climate

    International · Published 2019-03-14 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Coastal erosion

  68. 68

    ANSD (Agence nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie), via Vie-Publique.sn

    Skilled antenatal care and facility births (EDS-Continue 2023) — Development - health

    Official · Published 2023-11-01 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Care, vaccination and fertility

  69. 69

    ANSD (Agence nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie), via Vie-Publique.sn

    Basic childhood vaccination coverage (EDS-Continue 2023) — Development - health

    Official · Published 2023-11-01 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Care, vaccination and fertility

  70. 70

    ANSD (Agence nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie), via Vie-Publique.sn

    Total fertility rate (EDS-Continue 2023) — Development - health

    Official · Published 2023-11-01 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Care, vaccination and fertility

  71. 71

    ANSD (Agence nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie), via Vie-Publique.sn

    Under-five mortality, survey estimate (EDS-Continue 2023) — Development - health

    Official · Published 2023-11-01 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The axes in brief: Humanitarian & Development · Child health in the national survey

  72. 72

    World Bank Group

    ISEP-Thiès graduates entering the job market — Development - jobs

    International · Published 2026-02-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: A vocational model: ISEP-Thiès

  73. 73

    World Bank Group

    Enrolment in short-term professional or technical programmes, 2019 — Development - jobs

    International · Published 2026-02-26 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: Skills and vocational education

  74. 74

    Primature of Senegal (Government of Senegal)

    National flood programme announced by the Government, October 2026 — Development - climate

    Official · Published 2026-10-05 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: An announced national flood programme

  75. 75

    Primature of Senegal (Government of Senegal)

    Emergency response to floods after heavy rain, 5 October 2026 — Development - climate

    Official · Published 2026-10-05 · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: The floods of October 2026

  76. 76

    vie-publique.sn (Government of Senegal public information portal)

    Number of administrative regions (vie-publique.sn) — 01 Identity

    Official · Accessed 2026-10-08

    Cited in: From within

Other countries in the region West