Senegal has taken another significant step toward industrializing its textile sector with the inauguration of a $10.45 million garment manufacturing facility in the Diamniadio Industrial Park, backed by Turkish investor AVCI Global Industrie. The project reflects the country’s growing ambition to shift from exporting raw cotton to developing a competitive, value-added textile and apparel industry.
Officially inaugurated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on June 20, the factory represents an investment of 6 billion CFA francs (approximately US$10.45 million) and is expected to manufacture around 1,200 garments per day, while creating nearly 200 direct jobs.
The facility produces both men’s and women’s apparel and forms part of Senegal’s broader industrial development strategy under the country’s long-term “Senegal 2050” vision.The investment follows a cooperation agreement signed in February 2025 between Senegal’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Agency for the Development and Promotion of Industrial Sites (APROSI), and AVCI Global Industrie. The partnership aims to attract foreign direct investment while expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening industrial ecosystems.
Adding Value to Senegal’s Cotton Industry
Although Senegal produces cotton, most of its fiber continues to be exported without further processing, limiting local value creation and industrial employment.According to projections from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Senegal is expected to produce approximately 55,000 bales of cotton fiber (around 12,500 metric tonnes) during the 2026/27 season.
However, only about 3.6% of this production is currently processed domestically, highlighting the country’s considerable opportunity for industrial expansion.The new textile facility is designed to help bridge this gap by increasing local garment manufacturing and encouraging stronger integration between cotton farming, textile processing, and apparel production.
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Turkish Investment Expands Across Africa
The Diamniadio project also illustrates the growing role of Turkish companies in Africa’s industrial development.Over recent years, Turkish investors have expanded their presence across manufacturing, construction, energy, transportation, and infrastructure projects throughout the continent.
In Senegal, the AVCI Global Industrie investment demonstrates how international partnerships can contribute technology, industrial expertise, and export-oriented manufacturing capacity while supporting local employment and skills development.
Export Opportunities Through ECOWAS and AfCFTA
Located near Dakar, the Diamniadio Industrial Park is strategically positioned to serve both domestic and regional markets.With access to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) market of more than 400 million consumers, Senegalese manufacturers have increasing opportunities to expand exports across West Africa. In addition, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to further strengthen intra-African textile trade and regional manufacturing integration.
Challenges Remain Despite Strong Potential
Despite growing investment, Senegal still imports substantially more apparel than it exports.According to Senegal’s National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD), the country imported approximately 19.45 billion CFA francs (US$34 million) worth of clothing and apparel accessories in 2024, while exports reached only 1.62 billion CFA francs (US$2.83 million). Expanding domestic textile production will therefore require continued investment in skilled labor, energy infrastructure, logistics, financing, and stronger supply chain integration.
Industry observers believe that projects such as the Diamniadio textile factory represent an important milestone rather than a final destination. The long-term success of Senegal’s textile industry will depend on developing a fully integrated cotton-to-clothing value chain capable of competing in regional and international markets while generating sustainable employment and economic growth.
