Car drive past a French group Auchan supermarket on October 24, 2017 in the Yoff district of Dakar as the French group reinforces its presence in the Senegalese capital after buying City Dia stores. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP)

French companies driving solar energy growth in Senegal

From the bustling corniche of Dakar to the historic streets of Gorée Island, and stretching across the airport highway to remote rural villages, Senegal now glows under the light of thousands of solar-powered streetlights. This transformation is largely powered by two prominent French firms: Ragni, a family-run enterprise from the French Alps, and Fonroche, a mid-sized company based in Agen. Together with approximately 340 other French businesses operating in the country, these companies are carving out their niche in a market brimming with potential.

While corporate giants like Orange, TotalEnergies, Auchan, and Eiffage have long established their presence in West Africa, smaller and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly tapping into Senegal’s growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. Their adaptability and innovative approaches are reshaping the local landscape, offering fresh opportunities for both economic and environmental progress.