Sadio Mané Launches $20.4 Million Mango Processing Project in Senegal

Senegalese football star Sadio Mané has started construction of a CFA11.7 billion ($20.4 million) agro-industrial complex in Bambali, his hometown in the Sédhiou region.

The project, called SM10 Agro, will process up to 8,500 tonnes of mangoes each year into mango pulp, dried fruit and mango butter. It will also include a 500-hectare plantation of Kent mangoes.

“I don’t want to be remembered only for the goals I scored,” Mané said. “Before the stadiums, the lights and the victories, there was, of course, Bambali. This is where my dreams began... We want to help create jobs and develop agriculture.”

Building Processing Capacity in Casamance

The investment comes as Casamance faces a shortage of local mango processing facilities. Sédhiou and Kolda produce several mango varieties but have limited processing infrastructure, with most existing facilities concentrated in Ziguinchor.

A May 2023 study by the Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (IPAR) also identified gaps in packaging and labelling services across Casamance. Businesses often source these services from Dakar, adding transport and production costs. The new facility will give farmers another outlet for their harvest, including mangoes that cannot be exported to Europe because of phytosanitary requirements.

Senegal loses an estimated 30% to 45% of harvested fruit each year due to factors including farming practices, orchard maintenance, harvesting, transport and limited processing facilities.

Mango production supports nearly 20,000 jobs and remains an important part of Senegal’s horticultural sector.

Mango Exports Begin to Recover

Mané’s investment comes as Senegal’s mango export industry recovers from several difficult seasons.

Fruit fly infestations have affected producers and exporters, while strict European phytosanitary controls have led to rejected shipments and restrictions.

Senegal exported about 27,000 tonnes of mangoes in 2021. Volumes declined in subsequent seasons as phytosanitary problems and a shorter European export window affected the industry.

The 2026 season has shown an improvement, with Senegalese mango exports to Europe reportedly exceeding 19,000 tonnes, compared with about 14,000 tonnes the previous season.

Better orchard management and stronger measures against fruit flies helped producers meet export requirements.

SM10 Agro adds processing capacity as the sector recovers. The plant could give farmers another market for their mangoes while creating capacity for processed products aimed at local and international buyers.