Mangoes are one of Senegal's key agricultural exports. The fruit is grown organically in the country, which exported around 16,000 tons of mangoes to mainly Europe and Asia last year. Now, the Senegalese authorities consider mango exports an important sector which could boost the country's economy.
Currently, mango exports from the west African nation occupy second place in the region and over the the last three years, this particular sector has witnessed great growth.
“The export of Senegal’s mangoes has greatly increased over the years. From 8,500 tons about 3 years ago, today we are exporting about 16,500 tons. The sector also has the potential to create employment opportunities for youth in the country,” said Malick Diop the CEO of Senegal’s Export Promotion Agency.
Despite progress made in the sector, the country still trails behind in the international market. To counter this, authorities in the country have embarked on plans to increase the visibility of Senegal’s mango exports abroad. The plans include creating unique branding that will distinguish the mango exports.
The export authority aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders along the mango value chain through training, provision of equipment and materials to improve the quality and facilitate better access to international markets.
Senegal produces more than 150,000 tons of mangoes annually but only 10% of this is exported.
