On September 20, 2026, Senegal's Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr. Serigne Guèye Diop, praised Sadio Mane's commitment to the development of his hometown, Bambali. The football star's investment in the SM10 Agro project, an agro-industrial initiative, was hailed as a model of industrialization. The project aims to create over 1,000 jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. Mane's investment is seen as an example of citizen engagement and a new approach to development.

The SM10 Agro project, valued at 11.7 billion CFAF, involves the creation of a 500-hectare agro-industrial park in Bambali. The park will feature several processing units for mango production, including a station capable of treating 8,500 tons of mangoes per year. The project's goal is to reduce agricultural waste and increase the value added to local resources. By investing in the project, Mane aims to contribute to the development of his community and create new economic opportunities.

Dr. Serigne Guèye Diop emphasized the significance of Mane's investment, highlighting its potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The minister noted that Mane's initiative is not isolated, but rather part of a broader commitment to community development. Mane has previously invested in various projects in Bambali, including a hospital and sports infrastructure. The minister sees Mane's investment as a model for other Senegalese entrepreneurs to follow.

The SM10 Agro project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, creating over 1,000 jobs in the first phase and stimulating economic growth. The project's focus on mango production is strategic, as the Casamance region is known for its high mango production. By investing in agro-industrial processing, Mane aims to increase the value added to local resources and create new economic opportunities.

Dr. Serigne Guèye Diop emphasized the importance of territorialized economic development, where industries are developed in proximity to production sites. The minister noted that this approach can help create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural areas. The SM10 Agro project is seen as an example of this approach, with the agro-industrial park being developed in Bambali to process local mango production.

The Senegalese government has expressed its support for the SM10 Agro project, with Dr. Serigne Guèye Diop announcing initiatives to accompany national entrepreneurs and investors. The "Suñu Champion" initiative aims to promote the emergence of national champions and strengthen the role of local companies in the country's economic transformation. The government sees Mane's investment as an example of the potential for private sector-led economic growth.

The SM10 Agro project has been well-received by local communities, with the representative of the affected populations praising the project's potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The project's launch marks a new phase in Bambali's economic development, with the potential to transform the local economy and create new opportunities for growth.

Key points

  • Sadio Mane invests 11.7 billion CFAF in agro-industrial project in Bambali.
  • The project aims to create over 1,000 jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
  • The Senegalese government supports the project as an example of private sector-led economic growth.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.