Senegal: Key Events 2024 and Outlook 2025
The year 2024 proved to be particularly rich in meetings and activities for the agricultural sector in Senegal. The major events of this year highlighted the crucial importance of this sector, both for food security and the global economy, particularly for Senegal.
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Senegal was no exception. Let’s look back on the significant events of 2024:
Trade Mission
A delegation consisting of about ten Dutch companies and organizations, working in diverse fields such as seeds (potatoes, onions, vegetables), fertilizers, irrigation, storage, logistics, agroecology, packaging materials for fruits and vegetables, biological solutions for horticulture, and capacity building, was welcomed in Senegal. This allowed for the establishment of new connections with local stakeholders
Seed Capital Study
This study focused on the structuring and functioning of the horticultural seed production value chains in Senegal. It identified key constraints related to seeds and formulated priority recommendations, particularly for potatoes, onions, and tropical vegetables such as chili peppers. In collaboration with SeedNL, the findings and recommendations of this study will be enriched by Dutch expertise.
Circular Poultry Study
Initially, the Poultry Scan analyzed the current state of the poultry sector through a system mapping and qualitative assessments validated by stakeholders. A workshop was then organized to create a shared vision for a circular poultry system, leading to the identification of circular opportunities with local stakeholders.
Une journée a la ferme Orange
As part of its HortiCôte program, the Dutch Embassy organized the Orange Farm Day on October 25, 2024. This key event showcased the dynamism of Dutch companies in the agricultural sector and their collaboration with local Senegalese actors. Sixteen Dutch companies or their local representatives presented their products and services through stands, covering the entire horticultural value chain: seeds, organic fertilizers, agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, storage warehouses, and more. This exhibition allowed participants to discover innovative solutions perfectly tailored to the needs of the Senegalese market.
Priorities for 2025
In light of the studies and activities carried out in 2024, our ambition for 2025 is to scale up efforts in order to implement the recommendations related to seed capital and circular poultry. This will be achieved through programs and partnerships supported by larger donors, in collaboration with platforms such as NFP and SeedNL.
In the second phase of the seed capital study, the goal will be to launch activities based on the opportunities identified in the first phase, with the aim of helping SMEs further develop their own seed production. A seed capital development program will be implemented with SeedNL and local partners, aiming to:
- Strengthen the regulatory framework governing the production and marketing of horticultural seeds (G2G).
- Test new Dutch varieties in Senegal, in collaboration with CDH/ISRA, to include them in the national "catalog" (B2G).
Regarding circular poultry, solutions adapted to the Senegalese context were selected during the second phase. In 2025, business cases will be developed with the support of Dutch companies.
In 2025
in order to promote agroecological transition in Senegal, we plan to increase the presence of Dutch companies wishing to introduce their products (seeds, fertilizers, phytosanitary products, etc.) in West Africa, particularly in Senegal.
Further collaboration will be explored in the field of biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation, building on the recent institutional support activities for Senegal’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
A trade mission is scheduled for April 2025 in northern Senegal, a region still to be explored by Dutch companies, where horticultural production is thriving. So, don’t wait—register in January 2025 and come discover another side of Senegal.
