Senegalese football star Sadio Mané has invested CFA11.7bn, approximately $20.4m, in a major agro-industrial project in his hometown of Bambali. The project, known as SM10 Agro, was officially launched on September 19 in Bambali, in Senegal’s Sédhiou Region. This venture aims to create over 1,000 direct jobs and expand mango processing in the region. Mané's investment is expected to ensure that more of the wealth generated from the region's agricultural resources remains within Senegal.
The SM10 Agro project will include a mango-processing plant with an annual capacity of 8,500 tonnes, producing mango pulp, dried mango, and mango butter. Additionally, it will feature a 500-hectare Kent mango plantation and facilities for agricultural training and research. Mané stated that the investment was intended to create jobs and develop agriculture in the region. He emphasized that he wants to be remembered not only for his goals but also for his contributions to his community.
The project is being developed in Casamance, one of Senegal's major mango-producing areas. However, the region faces challenges due to inadequate storage and processing capacity, resulting in substantial post-harvest losses. Estimates indicate that Senegal loses between 30 and 45 per cent of harvested fruit annually. By processing mangoes locally, SM10 Agro is expected to create an outlet for fruit that might otherwise be lost.
The planned processing units will allow farmers to move beyond the sale of fresh mangoes into products with longer shelf lives and wider commercial applications. This will strengthen the local agricultural value chain. According to Senegal's national news agency, the planned plantation will contain about 78,000 mango trees, with the first harvest expected in three years.
The project's promoters also stated that the facility would have additional production capacity beyond the initial investment. Mané's investment comes as Senegal's mango export industry recovers from earlier disruptions linked to fruit-fly infestations and other phytosanitary challenges. Exports to Europe reportedly increased to more than 19,000 tonnes in 2026, from about 14,000 tonnes the previous season.
This investment marks a move into large-scale productive investment for Mané, combining agriculture, processing, training, and employment around the town where his career began. Mané has previously invested in social infrastructure in Bambali, but SM10 Agro is his most significant venture to date. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and community.
The SM10 Agro project is a significant development in Senegal's agricultural sector, and it is expected to create new opportunities for local residents. With its focus on processing and commercialization, the project has the potential to transform the mango industry in the region. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
Key points
- Sadio Mané invests ₦11.7bn in mango business, targeting 1,000 jobs
- The project aims to reduce post-harvest losses and create new opportunities for local farmers
- The facility will have a mango-processing plant with an annual capacity of 8,500 tonnes
