weighted score 4.4 · ten dimensions
Sourcing Attractiveness Index · ten dimensions
Senegal
Labour cost, supply base depth, logistics infrastructure, trade access, and innovation scores for Senegal as a sourcing destination.
Labour cost competitiveness
7
Competitive labour costs for the region. Manufacturing wages are low by global standards, though higher than some East African alternatives.
Supply base depth
3
Limited manufacturing base. Supply chains concentrated in fishing, phosphates, and agriculture. Emerging oil and gas sector not yet integrated into broader supply networks.
Logistics & infrastructure
5
Dakar port is the best-positioned in West Africa for Atlantic routes. Road and rail infrastructure is developing. Proximity to Europe is an advantage over East African alternatives.
Workforce skills
4
Young population with improving education outcomes. French-speaking with growing English capacity. Technical skills base is developing, particularly in Dakar's emerging tech sector.
Scalability
6
Fishing and seafood can scale with sustainability constraints. Oil and gas production ramping up from 2024. Phosphate mining has expansion potential. Manufacturing scalability is limited.
Ease of doing business
4
Business environment is improving but bureaucratic complexity remains. Regulatory framework is more stable than many West African peers. French legal system provides some predictability.
Trade access & tariffs
3
EU EPA provides preferential access. ECOWAS membership provides regional trade integration. Tariff barriers to the EU are low for most product categories.
Sustainability baseline
4
Fishing sustainability is an increasing concern — IUU fishing risk exists. Renewable energy potential is significant (solar, wind). New oil and gas sector will require careful ESG management.
Innovation & IP
4
Dakar's tech hub is growing. University system is the strongest in francophone West Africa. R&D capacity is limited but improving. Mobile money and fintech adoption is advancing.
Quality standards
4
Quality management systems are developing. Seafood exports to the EU must meet SPS standards. Manufacturing quality infrastructure is limited but improving with international investment.
Resources & Emerging Sectors
Resources & Emerging Sectors
- Fishing & seafood
- Senegal has a significant fishing and seafood sector, with the Atlantic coast providing rich fishing grounds. Seafood is a major export category to the EU. Artisanal and industrial fishing coexist, with sustainability an increasing concern.
- Phosphates
- Senegal is a notable phosphate producer. The mining sector is developing, with phosphate exports contributing to the economy. Processing capacity is limited — most exports are in raw or semi-processed form.
- Oil & gas
- The Sangomar offshore oil field began production in 2024, marking Senegal's entry as an oil and gas producer. This is expected to transform the fiscal position and attract investment, though production is still ramping up.
- Tech hub
- Dakar is emerging as a growing technology hub in West Africa, with a developing startup ecosystem, improving digital infrastructure, and a young, increasingly connected population of approximately 18 million.
Trade Access & Logistics
Trade Access & Logistics
- EU trade access
- Senegal benefits from the EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with West Africa, providing preferential tariff access to the EU market for most product categories.
- Dakar port
- The Port of Dakar is the best-positioned deep-water port in West Africa for Atlantic shipping routes to Europe and the Americas. Transit times to Northwest Europe are among the shortest from sub-Saharan Africa.
- Population
- Young population of approximately 18 million with a median age under 20. French-speaking workforce with growing English capacity. Labour costs are competitive for the region.