Senegal: Doing business and staying in touch
Doing Business in Senegal
Business practices in Senegal tend to be formal, and personal relationships are important. French is the main language of business, although English is increasingly used in international companies. Appointments should be made in advance, and business cards are commonly exchanged at meetings.
Greetings are important and meetings often begin with handshakes and polite conversation before business is discussed. Seniority and professional titles are generally respected, and decisions may be made at senior levels of an organisation. Business dress is typically conservative, with suits or smart professional clothing appropriate for formal meetings.
Senegal is predominantly Muslim, and business schedules may be affected by daily prayers, Ramadan and major Islamic holidays. Friday afternoons may be less convenient for meetings. Hospitality is highly valued, and accepting an offer of tea or refreshments can be an important part of building a business relationship.
Office Hours
Mon to Fri 08:00 to 17:00.
Economy
Senegal has one of the more diversified economies in West Africa, with services accounting for a large share of economic activity alongside agriculture, fishing, mining, construction and manufacturing. Dakar is the country's principal commercial and financial centre and an important regional hub for transport, telecommunications and business services.
Agriculture remains an important source of employment, with groundnuts, rice, millet and horticultural crops among the main products, while fishing supports both domestic consumption and exports. Gold, phosphates and other mineral resources also contribute to the economy, and tourism is important in Dakar, the Petite Côte, Saint-Louis and Casamance.
The start of offshore oil production from the Sangomar field, followed by gas production from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project shared with Mauritania, has added a significant new dimension to the economy and export sector. However, Senegal faces substantial fiscal and public-debt pressures, while creating employment for its young and growing population and broadening economic opportunities beyond the extractive industries remain major challenges.
GDP
US $37 billion (2025).
Main exports
Gold, petroleum products and crude oil, phosphoric acid, fish and seafood, groundnuts and other agricultural products.
Main imports
Refined petroleum, machinery and mechanical equipment, vehicles, electrical equipment, cereals and other food products.
Main trading partners
Mali, China, France, India, Côte d'Ivoire.
Keeping in Touch in Senegal
Mobile Phone
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Dakar and other major towns, as well as along the principal roads. Coverage becomes less reliable in remote rural areas, particularly in parts of the country's east and southeast.
The main mobile network operators are Orange Senegal, Yas (formerly Free Senegal) and Expresso Senegal. Prepaid SIM cards and mobile data packages are widely available from network shops and authorised retailers, and identification is required when registering a SIM card.
Internet
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, cafés, restaurants and business centres in Dakar and other major towns, as well as in many tourist areas. Larger hotels generally offer the most reliable connections.
Internet access may be slower and less reliable in smaller towns and rural areas, where network coverage and electricity supply can affect connectivity. Mobile data provides a convenient alternative in most populated areas.
Media
Senegal has a diverse media landscape comprising radio, television, newspapers and online news platforms. Radio remains the most widely used source of news and information, particularly outside the major cities, with broadcasts available in French, Wolof and other national languages.
Television is provided by the state-owned Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS) alongside several private broadcasters. Newspapers, online news websites and social media are important sources of news, particularly in urban areas.
The constitution guarantees freedom of expression and of the press, and Senegal generally has one of the more open media environments in West Africa, although challenges occur from time to time.
