Over 100 Senegalese economic operators gathered in Dakar for the opening of Tunisia's first Olive Oil Days, showcasing the country's olive oil industry. The event, organized by the Centre for the Promotion of Exports (CEPEX) with German cooperation, aims to strengthen partnerships between Tunisian and Senegalese operators. Tunisia's olive oil sector is a significant contributor to its agro-food exports, with 2.1 million hectares of olive groves and 147 million olive trees.
Tunisia is the world's second-largest producer of olive oil, third-largest exporter, and largest exporter of organic olive oil. In the 2025/2026 campaign, the country produced 500,000 tonnes of olive oil, with exports reaching 381,000 tonnes to over 80 countries, generating €1.4 billion in revenue. Despite this, Africa accounts for less than 4% of Tunisia's olive oil exports, leaving room for growth.
The Olive Oil Days in Dakar aim to increase sales, diversify outlets, and foster new forms of cooperation with African operators. The event features a dozen Tunisian companies producing and exporting olive oil, alongside institutional representatives. Tunisia's ambassador to Senegal, Rachid Saïdani, and Senegal's Secretary General of Industry and Commerce, Seydina Aboubacar Sadikh Ndiaye, attended the opening ceremony.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement offers opportunities for strengthened Tunisian-Senegalese exchanges. The two countries' national focal points presented the main prospects of this continental integration framework. A session titled "Tunisian Know-how and Excellence of the Olive Oil Sector" highlighted national expertise in production, valorization, packaging, and bottling.
The Senegalese market is a strategic partner for Tunisia, being its second-largest client in sub-Saharan Africa. Tunisian olive oil already holds a favorable position, representing over half of Senegal's imports. The CEPEX aims to foster durable partnerships between companies from both countries, paving the way for co-investment, local transformation, and packaging.
The three-day event in Dakar includes B2B meetings between Tunisian and Senegalese companies, institutional and company visits, and a public outreach program with olive oil tastings and a cooking show. This initiative seeks to strengthen Tunisia's olive oil presence in Senegal and open new cooperation perspectives with West African countries.
Key players, including CEPEX's CEO Mourad Ben Hassine, emphasized the potential for growth in the African market. With AfCFTA, Tunisia aims to make Senegal a gateway to West African markets. The Olive Oil Days in Dakar mark a significant step towards achieving this goal, promoting Tunisian olive oil and fostering partnerships with Senegalese operators.
Key points
- Tunisia's olive oil sector is a significant contributor to its agro-food exports.
- The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement offers opportunities for strengthened Tunisian-Senegalese exchanges.
- The event aims to increase sales, diversify outlets, and foster new forms of cooperation with African operators.
