Senegal Seeks to Revive Local Auto Industry

The Government of Senegal plans to revive the Seniran-Auto vehicle assembly plant by boosting domestic demand and preparing the company to expand into regional markets. The initiative was confirmed on July 24 by Serigne Guèye Diop, Minister of Industry and Commerce and Yankhoba Diémé, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport.

The strategy aligns with Senegal’s broader industrialization policy, which focuses on agro-industry, extractive sectors and manufacturing, including automotive production. Senegal currently imports between 50,000 and 100,000 used vehicles annually while Seniran-Auto operates at just 15–20% of its 10,000-vehicle capacity.

“We are here to help position Seniran-Auto as a key player in the subregional market,” said Minister Diop.

The government aims to increase the plant’s output by stimulating internal demand for new vehicles such as taxis and tractors and by enabling the company to supply markets within the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the Economic Community of West African States. The Ministry of Transport already holds a contract with Seniran for 2,000 taxis. The initial order could be revised in line with growing needs in public transportation.