In his village of Bambali, southern Senegal, Senegalese football player Sadio Mané has started an agro-industrial project worth CFA11.7 billion ($20.4 million) with the goal of increasing mango processing and generating employment.
The project, called SM10 Agro, was introduced on September 19 in Bambali, Sédhiou Region, according to report.
Mango pulp, dried fruit, and mango butter will be produced at the complex’s processing facility, which can handle 8,500 tonnes of mangoes annually.
A 500-hectare Kent mango plantation will also be part of it.
The project is situated in Casamance, Senegal’s top mango-producing region, where substantial post-harvest losses have been caused by a lack of processing facilities.
According to the Ecofin Agency, poor farming methods, difficulties with harvesting and transportation, and a lack of processing facilities are some of the reasons Senegal loses between 30 and 45 percent of its cultivated fruit each year.
Mané expressed his desire for his legacy to go beyond football during the event.
“I don’t want my objectives to be the only thing people remember me for. Naturally, Bambali existed before the stadiums, lights, and triumphs. My dreams started here. Mane was cited as adding, “We want to help develop agriculture and create jobs.”
More mangoes, including fruit that might not be eligible for export to markets in the European Union due to phytosanitary regulations, are anticipated to be processed locally thanks to the facility.
According to a 2023 research by the Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale, which was referenced by Ecofin Agency, the majority of Casamance’s current mango processing facilities were located in the Ziguinchor region, while Sédhiou and Kolda continued to have inadequate equipment despite growing regional mango types.
According to the survey, processors in Casamance have restricted access to packaging and labelling services, which forces certain companies to rely on Dakar for these services.
Mané’s investment coincides with Senegal’s mango export sector recovering from recent challenges brought on by fruit-fly infestations and other phytosanitary issues.
In 2021, Senegal shipped over 27,000 tonnes of mangoes; however, after issues with access to the European market, export volumes decreased.
According to reports, exports to Europe increased from over 14,000 tonnes the previous season to over 19,000 tonnes in 2026 as a result of better phytosanitary practices, especially fruit fly management.
