Senegal’s infrastructure boom: how China and new partners are reshaping the market

In Senegal, French enterprises are now finding themselves in a marginal position within the public works sector. Reports indicate that their share of public contracts has dwindled to approximately 5%, a stark contrast to the over 30% now commanded by Chinese companies, which have become pervasive across the nation’s pivotal development projects.

Consider the ambitious deep-water port project underway in Ndayane, south of Dakar, valued at over $2 billion. This state-of-the-art facility, designed to accommodate the largest container ships in the Atlantic, is poised to revolutionize Senegal’s logistics, job creation, and global connectivity, propelling the country into a prosperous future, according to Clarence Rodrigues, General Director of DP World Dakar.

While the Emirati firm DP World spearheads this initiative, its construction has been entrusted to an international consortium predominantly led by Chinese companies. David Gruar, the project director for DP World, noted that numerous global firms, including many French enterprises, competed for the contract but ultimately did not succeed. Information suggests that the bid from the group led by Eiffage was roughly 20% higher than the winning offer, leading to its rejection.

A few dozen kilometers away, the emerging city of Diamniadio, designed to alleviate congestion in Dakar, further illustrates this evolving landscape. Here, Turkish companies have largely secured tenders for the stadium, train station, hotels, and most residential buildings. An industrial platform, intended to attract foreign investors, complements this urban development. Bohoum Sow, Secretary General of APROSI, observed the presence of a Tunisian company and a Chinese company on the platform but stated that he was unaware of any French companies operating there.

China’s strategic alignment with Senegalese needs

Bohoum Sow believes that Chinese stakeholders have demonstrated a superior understanding of the Senegalese authorities’ and local market’s requirements. An example cited is a cardboard packaging factory where Chinese technicians are training Senegalese employees. This initiative is lauded as it addresses specific local needs and fosters diversification in industries that previously did not exist, showcasing remarkable flexibility.

Over the past two decades, China has significantly increased its investments across Africa, positioning the continent as a crucial pillar of its economic diplomacy. This robust engagement has resulted in Chinese influence becoming increasingly visible. Bohoum Sow embraces this shift, describing it as a