Senegal is moving ahead with its industrialization plans with renewed momentum following the start of major oil and gas projects. The Sangomar field is expected to outperform initial production projections, with production expected to reach 34.5 million barrels in 2025. At the same time, the Greater Tortu Ameim (GTA) LNG project, a joint venture with Mauritania, started LNG production last year and plans to increase production capacity in the next stage. These developments will provide an important boost to the country’s industrial and energy transformation.
The country’s long-term development strategy, the Plan for Senegal Emergency (PSE), aims to position the country as one of West Africa’s leading industrial and logistics hubs by 2035. The PSE emphasizes structural economic transformation, the decentralization of industry from Dakar and the growth of key sectors such as energy, mining, agro-industry, chemicals, construction and transport. Large-scale infrastructure projects and public-private partnership models are central to attracting investment and supporting this change.
Transforming the energy sector
Senegal has historically aggressively reduced its dependence on imported fossil fuels through both domestic hydrocarbon and renewable energy initiatives. The government’s strategy prioritizes the use of natural gas for domestic power generation and aims to reduce consumption of expensive heavy oil while redirecting hydrocarbon revenues to broader development goals.
On the renewable energy front, Senegal has set an ambitious Just Energy Transition Partnership target of 40% of its energy mix coming from renewables by 2030. Rural electrification remains a challenge, although projects such as the Taiba Ndiaye wind farm and large-scale solar power generation facility are underway. Partnerships with the World Bank and other development agencies support the expansion of electricity grids to underserved communities.
Expansion of transportation infrastructure
To support industrialization and regional integration, Senegal is investing heavily in transport infrastructure. Ndayane Port has been under construction since late 2024 with funding from DP World and is designed as a deepwater facility capable of accommodating large ships and easing congestion at Dakar Port. The Port of Bargny serves as an important hub for mineral exports, including the Fareme iron ore project. Senegal’s mining industry contributes significantly to export earnings, with phosphates, gold, mineral sands and iron ore being the main resources. The government strengthened mining laws and implemented reforms to improve transparency, fiscal management, and local content policies.
Domestic and regional interconnectivity will be improved through improvements to rail infrastructure, such as regional express trains connecting Dakar and its suburbs, and expansion of the road network, including the Dakar-Thies-Tivoin-Saint-Louis motorway. These projects are also aligned with United Nations road safety goals.
Senegal is also strengthening its regional role through energy and transport integration. The OMVG interconnector will connect Senegal with Gambia, Guinea-Conakry and Guinea-Bissau, expanding access to reliable power across borders. Regional road corridors and trade liberalization under the Economic Community of West African States aim to strengthen Senegal’s competitiveness and position it as West Africa’s logistics hub.
Looking ahead, a combination of new hydrocarbon production, infrastructure expansion, and targeted reforms are expected to accelerate Senegal’s industrialization from 2025 onwards. Industry leaders and policymakers will gather at the MSGBC Oil and Gas Power 2025 conference and exhibition in Dakar from December 8 to 10, providing an important platform to align investments, share best practices, and ensure improved energy security is linked to broader, sustainable economic transformation across the country.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and remain at the forefront of the oil, gas and power sector in the MSGBC region. To secure your participation in the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference, please visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com. To become a sponsor or participate as a representative, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
