Sadio Mané, the renowned Senegalese footballer, was received by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the presidential palace. Mané expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, which focused on his SM10 Agro project. The project aims to create a significant agro-industrial complex in Bambali, Senegal. Mané thanked the President for his attention to the project, emphasizing its importance to him.
The SM10 Agro project was launched on September 19, 2026, with a ceremony attended by prominent figures, including the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, and the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Serigne Guèye Diop. The project is valued at 11.7 billion CFA francs and will cover an area of 500 hectares. Its primary focus is on the production, conservation, and transformation of mangoes.
The project is expected to create over 1,000 direct jobs and potentially up to 2,500 jobs in the long term. It also includes a 500-hectare plantation with 78,000 trees. The initiative aims to address the significant losses incurred in the mango sector in the Sédhiou region due to limited storage and processing capacities. Mané previously stated that 30 to 40 percent of mango harvests are lost in the region.
SM10 Agro is designed to enhance local processing and retain more value added within the region. The project includes units for processing, a mango butter production facility, an agricultural training center, and a research and development component. Mané emphasized that the project is not a personal investment but rather a territorial economic development initiative aimed at creating opportunities for young people, women, and local farmers.
The project's launch and subsequent endorsement by President Faye underscore the Senegalese government's support for initiatives that promote economic development and job creation. The project's focus on mango production and processing aligns with efforts to diversify Senegal's economy and reduce its reliance on traditional sectors.
SM10 Agro is part of a broader strategy to harness Senegal's agricultural potential and promote sustainable economic growth. The project's success could serve as a model for similar initiatives in the region, contributing to the country's economic development and food security.
Key stakeholders, including government officials, investors, and local communities, are closely watching the project's progress. The project's impact on the local economy and its potential for replication in other regions will be significant factors in its evaluation.
Key points
- Sadio Mané's SM10 Agro project has received support from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
- The project aims to create over 1,000 direct jobs and potentially up to 2,500 jobs in the long term.
- SM10 Agro is valued at 11.7 billion CFA francs and will cover an area of 500 hectares.
