Country Information > West Africa > Senegal
Agency
Details
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Delmas Senegal
47 Avenue Hassan, (ex Albert Sarraut)
BP 3181 Dakar,
Senegal
Tel: (+221)33 849 92 00
Fax: (+221)33849 92 09
Click
here for a list of all OTAL agency offices
BACK TO TOP
^
Senegal
Port Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dakar port is sheltered between two jetties forming
a safe harbour. It has good anchorage with a draft of 15m at the harbour
entrance.
| Draft
at Harbour Mouth |
15m |
| Draft at Berth |
11m |
| No of Deepwater Quays |
Container vessels: 2 = Mole 1 or the container terminal |
|
Cranes
|
1 mobile crane at container berth
|
|
Rail Connections
|
None
|
BACK TO TOP
^
Trasport
News
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DC World In Pact To Help Develop Senegal Customs
Dubai Customs World (DC World), Dubai World’s customs subsidiary, is
to provide Senegal Customs with skills and data systems after a new agreement.
They will help develop the functioning of the customs, the management, the
stock control systems and statistical data management. Customs staff will
also receive practical training in Dubai. The agreement was signed during
the recent visit of a delegation from DC World to Senegal headed by Ahmed
Khalaf Al Marri, DC World director, Butti Hassan, marketing manager and Alka
Thakur, IT development manager. [Khaleeji Times 09/12/07]
Senegal Opposes EPA
Senegal has joined Africa's economic tigers [South Africa and Nigeria] to
openly declare its refusal to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement [EPAs]
with the European Union. President Wade had been an arch-critic of the
proposed new trade agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean and
Pacific countries [ACP]. He blamed the EU of employing a strategy of luring
individual countries to sign separate agreements. Wade believed this would
not guarantee the interests of these countries. The agreement has been
a subject of stormy negotiation between the EU-ACP. All negotiations are
expected to be sealed before the year ends, but most of Africa's regions
are yet to agree on the new partnership terms. The Economic Community of
West African States [ECOWAS] postponed EPA talks last month. [Afrol 04/12/07]
Spain Eyes West Africa As Investment Destination
Spanish Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade Joan Clos has led a large
Spanish business delegation to Senegal and signed a bilateral investment
agreement. Clos was accompanied by executives from 60 Spanish companies
who met counterparts from 120 companies from Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau,
Mali, Guinea, Cape Verde, Mauritania and Burkina Faso. The delegation included
executives from Spain's major energy company Endesa and representatives
in the agro-business and infrastructure sectors. Last year Spain launched
a "Plan Africa" for stronger political and economic engagement
with West African and is also negotiating an investment agreement with
Mauritania. [Reuters 22/11/07]
Senegal To See Big Rise In Foreign Investment -IMF
An eight-fold increase in foreign direct investment in Senegal by 2010 through
major infrastructure and mining projects could help lift economic growth
over 7% a year, according to the IMF. With steel giant Arcelor Mittal planning
a $2.2 billion iron ore mine investment and Dubai entrepreneurs pouring
money into a new port and economic free zone, the IMF expected foreign
investment to rise from 47 billion CFA francs [$106 million] in 2006 to
at least 367 billion CFA in 2010.
Alex Segura, IMF representative in Senegal, said the multilateral agency
forecast a medium-term growth rate for the poor West African country of 5.5
percent a year, but this could be sharply higher if proposed foreign investments
went ahead.
Economic growth dipped to 2% in 2006 due in part to a long break in production
at Senegal's struggling state-run phosphates producer ICS -- the country's
largest exporter. In a strong endorsement of President Abdoulaye Wade's economic
management, the IMF board officially agreed with Senegal a Policy Support
Instrument [PSI] with the IMF at the start of this month. It was the first
francophone country in Africa to reach such a deal.
So far, the billions in investment have not been disbursed. Arcelor Mittal
is currently carrying out technical studies on the Faleme project, with construction
expected to start next year despite a court appeal from South Africa's Kumba
Iron Ore which claims it has the rights to the concession.
Dubai's government-owned ports operator DP World has also signed a 455 million
euro deal to develop Dakar's harbour. Dubai's Jafza International, a unit
of Dubai World, signed a memorandum of understanding with the government
last year to build a 10,000 hectare free economic zone south of Dakar, close
to a planned 350-million euro airport. The cost of the free economic zone
has been estimated at $600 million.
The IMF's latest technical report on Senegal, while welcoming the zone's
potential to create jobs and stimulate private entreprise, expressed concerns
at the "too generous" tax regime, which cuts income tax to just
2% and removes VAT and customs tariffs in the area. Senegal has agreed with
the IMF to conduct a detailed financial study of the tax implications of
the free economic zone before signing a definitive contract with Jafza.
The IMF in its report also raised concerns over a doubling of Senegal's
central government budget deficit last year to 6% of gross domestic product
[GDP], which it said was difficult to sustain. The PSI called for a reduction
in the deficit to 4% of GDP, principally by slashing hefty government subsidies
to the electricity sector which Wade's government has used to cushion poor
consumers from a sharp rise in fuel prices. [Reuters 30/11/07]
Dakar Congestion
Dakar Port is still facing congestion problems because of works which are
still being carried out for the extension of the container Terminal.
Gambia And Senegal Meet On Transport Issues
A 2-day inter-ministerial meeting between the Gambia and Senegal was held
in Banjul to address critical issues affecting relations between the two
countries. 30 participants from Senegal led by Dr Cheikh Tijan Gadio, the
Senegalese Foreign Minister will look into the need to renew existing agreements
governing trade, transport, transit and customs. [PANA 31/10/07]
DP World Invests In Senegal
Global marine terminal operator DP World has signed a 25-year concession
to develop and operate Dakar port and plans to invest over €400 million.
The concession covers the development and operation of the existing container
terminal at Dakar, Terminal à Conteneur, and investment in a new
container terminal at the port, Port du Futur.
The first stage will be to invest €120 million developing civil infrastructure
and equipment in the current terminal. The first phase of this development
will be operational by the beginning of 2008 and completed by 2010. The work
will more than double the capacity of the existing Terminal à Conteneur
from 250,000 TEUs to around 550,000 TEUs. The Port Authority is also developing
an extra 300m of quay wall and 7 hectares of yard, bringing the new total
combined berth length to 730m with 22 hectares of yard area.
The second phase of the project will be to design, finance, construct and
manage a new container terminal, Port du Futur, which will have potential
capacity of 1.5 million TEUs. Port du Futur is expected to be operational
by early 2011 and will require an overall investment of over €300 million.
This concession for port development follows an MoU between the Government
of Senegal and Jafza International, sister company of DP World, signed in
December 2006, for developing an integrated Special Economic Zone [SEZ] in
Dakar. The final agreement to develop the SEZ is expected to be finalized
soon. Jafza International, acting as a consultant to the Government of Senegal,
has been instrumental in the drafting of the legal framework, recently passed
by the Senegal Parliament, required to facilitate the creation of the SEZ.
Dubai World, DP World's parent, is also looking at investments in Senegal.
The creation of an industrial logistics and business park in the form of
a free economic zone will also be managed by Jafza International. [Reuters
08/10/07]
Senegal Will Host Summit To Re-Launch African Investment Initiative
Several African heads of states will relaunch an initiative designed to attract
foreign investors to the continent. The New Partnership for Africa's Development
[Nepad] will be relaunched at a summit in Senegal on 22/11/07. So far,
Nepad had produced few concrete results. In a bid to give it a fresh lease
of life, its secretariat would be moved from South Africa to the African
Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia. Its management would also
be overhauled. [AFP 01/10/07]
New AGOA Resource Center Opens In Senegal
The Senegalese Export Promotion Agency/ Agence Sénégalaise
de Promotions des Exportations [ASEPEX] www.asepex.sn is home to a new AGOA
Resource Centre, opened on 26/09/07 in Dakar. The 18th ARC in West Africa
will provide information and advice to help Senegalese exporters take full
advantage of the US African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA], which gives
duty-free status to thousands of African products. In Senegal, the status
could benefit exports of quality specialty foods, handcrafts, fashion and
furniture. The centre will provide Senegalese exporters with in-depth information
on the US market, including AGOA-eligible products and mandatory health and
safety regulations. WATH experts will conduct trainings at the centre, ensuring
that staff are up to date on all AGOA-related information. [WATH 03/10/07]
World Bank Hails Senegal’s Economic
Progress
François Bourguignon, the World Bank Senior Vice President has hailed
the economic progress achieved by Senegal during the past 10 years. Bourguignon
visited in Senegal on a working tour to draft the Banks strategies for the
next decade. He met Premier Hadjibou Soumaré, the budget minister
and the national agency in charge of the promotion [APIX]. Senegal has made
efforts to raise the growth rate to 5%. In July 2007. [APA 31/08/07]
New Telephone Numbers
All fixed telephone numbers in Senegal will start with two extra digits (33)
from 7 October, while mobile phones will start with either 77 (for SONATEL/ORANGE)
or 76 (for SENTEL/TIGO) numbers.
Transrail To Be Replaced
The Malian and Senegalese governments have decided to cease cooperation with
the Canadian group Transrail which operated the railway company between
Dakar and Bamako. Latest news states that a Belgian Group, Vecturis, will
now operate this service.
Road Rehabilitation
For the latest news on road construction please view: http://www.autoroutedakardiamniadio.com
EXIM Bank Extends US$10 Million Credit
To Senegal
Export-Import Bank of India [EXIM] has extended a line of credit of US$10
million to Senegal, under the Team-9 initiative which envisages a special
cooperation model between India and 8 countries of West Africa. Under the
letter of credit to Senegal, Exim Bank would reimburse 100% of contract value
to Indian exporters upfront, upon the shipment of goods. Effectively, Exim
Bank's line of credit offers a risk-free export financing option to Indian
exporters. Exim Bank has already extended five lines of credit amounting
to US$78 million to Senegal. [Indian Times 04/07/07]
China, Senegal To Foster Trade Cooperation
About 30 Chinese companies accompanying the Chinese vice commerce minister
Wei Jianguo, on his visit to Senegal, discussed business opportunities
with their Senegalese counterparts from the public and private sectors
at the chamber of commerce in Dakar. The minister noted with an overall
trade exchanges of US$179million for 2006, China is Senegal's 4th supplier
and the 8th among this West African country's main trading partners. [Peoples
Daily 13/07/07]
US Diverts Senegal's MCC Project From Diamniadio Free Zone
Through a mutual agreement, Senegal and the US have cancelled a multi-million
dollar investor-friendly project in the outskirts of the capital Dakar.
The Diamniadio project did not pass the test of the US’s Millennium
Challenge Corporation [MCC].
Designed on a 2,500 hectare site in Diamniadio {35 km from Dakar], the project
is expected to lure investors as well as create 45,000 jobs opportunities
in Senegal. Senegal is already trying to wind up
negotiations with a private company in Dubai, Jebel Ali Freezone, for the
construction and development of a special integrated economic zone in Diamniadio.
It is also observed that the Diamniadio platform is a carbon copy of the
Dakar special integrated economic zone known as DISEZ. The MCC is mainly
devoted to complement the private sector projects rather than competing with
them.
But this development does not mean Senegal has lost the MCC benefits, which
are enjoyed by African countries with reputable democracy, human rights and
political tolerance. Senegal and the US have now agreed to divert the MCA
financial support, which was initially meant for the Diamniadio project to
the Dakar-Diamniadio toll motorway and for other prospects. [Afrol 29/06/07]
Dakar–Bamako Railway To Have Change Of Operator
Both the Malian and Senegalese governments have decided to cease cooperation
with the Canadian group Transrail which operated the railway company between
Dakar and Bamako. It has been reported that VECTURIS a Belgian Group will
now operate this service.
WATH/Dakar Welcomes New Leadership
The Dakar Hub has two new faces at the helm: Chief of Party Christine Nicolino,
most recently an export business development advisor at WATH/Accra, and
Deputy Chief/Communications Manager Julie Lankford of CARANA Corp., which
manages both Hubs for USAID. Together, they bring over 40 years of collective
experience to the Hub. The Dakar Hub is the perfect place to promote another
aspect of African culture: food, including fish, seafood and specialty
foods. [This article originally appeared in the WATH Factor, a monthly
newsletter published by the West Africa Trade Hub, a USAID-funded project
promoting export development and trade facilitation. www.watradehub.com]
Jafza International To Set Up Economic Zone In Senegal
The Chairman of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) has announced that
the authority's global operations arm, Jafza International has agreed with
the Senegalese authorities to set up a Special Economic Zone. Jafza International
is discussing with the Government the terms of the concession agreement
on acquiring 10,000ha of land to set up an integrated Special Economic
Zone 40km south of Dakar. [18/04/07 Khaleej Times]
BMCE-BANK Studies Financing New Airport In Senegal
A subsidiary of the Group of the Moroccan Bank for External Trade [BMCE-BANK],
BMCE-Capital, based in Dakar, has finalised plans for financing a new international
airport in Senegal, whose construction works will be launched 4 April by
president Abdoulaye Wade. A German firm in Diass will build the ‘Blaise
Diagne’ airport, some 50 km outside Dakar, for an estimated cost
of 350 million euros. Intended to replace that of Dakar, it will be financed
by a tax levied on air tickets issued in Senegal, a device drawn up by
BMCE-Capital and retained by Senegalese authorities. A highway to be built
soon will service the future airport. [PANA 23/03/07]
Senegal Pegs Legislative Polls Date
Senegalese Interior Minister, Ousmane Ngom, announced that the twice delayed
legislative polls is finally pegged for 3 June, 2007. President Abdoulaye
Wade hopes to repeat his victory from the presidential polls, winning a
parliamentary majority. In his victory speech after the February presidential
polls, President Wade called on the Senegalese to massively vote for his
party in the upcoming legislative polls. He said his government was able
to achieve a lot of development mainly because of a parliament that does
not waste time when having to pass development packages. [Afrol 07/03/07]
Dakar Port Construction
There are works going ahead on the construction of a third berth [#61] at
the north-end of the terminal but this is not affecting berthing or cargo
operations. [Local OTAL Agent 07/02/07]
Dakar to Ddiamniadio Highway -
17/01/07
The Dakar to Ddiamniadio Highway project concerns the construction of a toll
highway between Dakar and Diamniadio (34 Kms), servicing also the new international
airport in Ndiass, 42 kms from Dakar. Total cost of the project which started
in mid 2005 is approx US$400 million, including costs incurred in relocating
populations. Expected private investment is US$94 million.
You may find the
following website interesting if you wish to learn more about the Dakar
to Ddiamniadio Highway. The site includes the latest news
and offers pictures of the building work. http://www.autoroutedakardiamniadio.com
The
project consists of:
• 34 kms from Dakar to Diamniadio
• Two 3 lane roads
• Construction of new infrastructure:
o Malick Sy Overpass (toboggan)
o Patte d’Oie Interchange
o Hann Interchange
o Reconstruction of the Colobane bridge
o Pikine Viaduct
o MBAO Viaduct
o Cambéréne Interchange
o Thiaroye Interchange
o Keur Massar Interchange
o Rufisque Est Interchange
o Rufisque Ouest Interchange
o Diamniadio Interchange
The project is broken into two phases
1. Malick SY – Pikine (12 Kms): Public Resources, State/Development
Partners
2. Pikine – Diamniadio (22 Kms): Public Private Partnerships, 60% State/
Development Partners,
40% Private.
Exim Bank Extends $11 Mn Credit Line To Senegal
The Export-Import Bank of India has extended a Line of Credit (LOC) of
US$11 million to the Government of Senegal, at the behest of the Indian
Government.
The LOC, extended under the 'Team-9 initiative', has been earmarked for
financing India's exports to Senegal. [The Hindu 17/01/07]
Chinese Trade Expo Held In Senegal
A Chinese trade exhibition was staged in Dakar on 30/11 to 09/12/06. The
exhibition was organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International
Trade [CCPIT] and took place in conjunction with the 17th Dakar International
Trade Expo. Exhibits included agricultural machinery, motorcycles, automobiles,
household appliances, medicine, textiles, hardware and other products from
China. Exhibitors from 11 Chinese provinces and cities were present. China-Senegal
bilateral trade volume amounted to US$141 million in 2005. [China View
27/11/06]
New Storage Tax - 21/03/06
Please note
that 40% of cargo imported in Senegal is scanned prior to the delivery
bond. The consequence is that containers can stay longer in the port [2
more days]. However custom formalities do not generally last more than
a week. For more information please contact our local representative Patrick
Samatey in Dakar on e-mail: Patrick.Samatey@antrak.sn [OTAL Agent 21/03/06]
Renovation
of the Faidherbe Bridge Saint-Louis - 21/03/06
The Faidherbe bridge, built in the late 19th century, will be restored to its
original design. It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000. The project
is estimated to cost 12.1 million euros. Named after General Louis Faidherbe,
a former colonial governor, it has become the most visible feature of the city's
identity. Designed to connect the two parts making St Louis - the island and
the mainland - the bridge is said to be designed by Gustav Eiffel and has a
length of 507m. It was originally built to cross the Danube, but arrived in
Senegal in 1897. [OTAL Agent 21/03/06]
Road Development - 21/03/06
There is a lot of road work currently taking place in Dakar. The government
is building three bridges & widening some roads which is creating a
lot of congestion particularly considering Dakar is a Peninsula. The projects
are namely Patte D'oie, Hann and Colobane works. The latter is on the main
Dakar – Diamniadio road consisting of more than 30 kms of works from
Dakar City to Diamniadio with a huge toll motorway. Works will end beginning
next year.
Dakar Port authority has implemented a new storage
fee tax: 15 days after the arrival of the vessel, consignees will be charged
Euro 7.6 per teu if the
cargo is still in the port. This new tax has nothing to do with the storage
fees charged by shipping agencies after 10 days free.
Dakar Roadworks - 14/06/06
Most of the Corniche road was closed to traffic to make way for the roadworks
said to be essential before the Islamic Conference Organisation’s
summit can be held in Dakar. The choked roads of Dakar are now even more
choked than ever. Already accusations are starting to fly about money being
siphoned off for the personal enrichment of Karim Wade’s Agency,
which is in charge of these particular roadworks. The Foreign Minister
announced in Qatar that this Islamic Summit would now take place in Dakar
in 2008.
Mali, Senegal Railway Workers Threaten 72-Hour Strike - 07/07/06
The Union of Railway workers in Mali (SYTRAIL) and the Federation of Transrail-SA
workers (FETRAIL) in Senegal have threatened to observe a 72-hour strike beginning
12 July. Both unions issued the notice in Bamako 05/07/06. This come as after
they staged a 48-hour strike on 15-16 June throughout the Transrail-SA network,
without receiving desired results.
According to the strike notice jointly signed by heads of the
two unions, in the absence of a compromise, the workers will observe an indefinite
general
strike until their grievances are met.
Unionists blame the Management of
Trans-rail, a rail concessionaire company in the two countries, for the arbitrary
dismissal
of several of their work-mates
whose reinstatement they are demanding. They are also demanding the dismissal
of the Director General of the enterprise, François Le Mieux.
The trade unionists also denounce the violation, by the Management of Transrail-SA,
of the 17 December 2004 agreement and the rejection of the 23 May 2005 draft
protocol.
This is the second time within one month that SYTRAIL, which is affiliated
to the Union of the Workers of Mali (UNTM), and FETRAIL, affiliated to the
National Confederation of Workers in Senegal (CNTS) decided to jointly go
on strike after that on 15 and 16 June. [APA 07/07/06]
China Offers Zero Tariffs On Products From Senegal -
08/07/06
The Chinese government has announced tariff exemptions to 194 varieties of
products from Senegal bringing the number of least developed countries
whose selected products enjoy zero tariff rates to 33. The Customs Tariff
Commission said that the selected goods were the same as those listed in
the categories granted zero tariff rates to 27 other African countries,
including Benin. These include: textiles, farm produce, aquatic products
and minerals. [Xinhua 08/07/06]
Mali, Senegal Railway Strike Over -21/08/06
The Senegal-Mali train strike is now over. The first containers were moved
on Friday 21/07/06. Many had taken the option to move containers by road
instead of rail so a small backlog of 40 boxes are expected to be cleared
quite quickly.
Dakar Port Imposes Long Stay Penalty - 14/09/06
As from 1st October, Dakar port will apply a long stay penalty for full containers
for export and empty containers at the following rates:
20’ TEU = 5,000 FCFA
40’TEU = 10,000 FCFA
Iranian President Visits Senegal - 14/09/06
During a one-day visit, Ahmadinejad the President of Iran and his accompanying
delegation attended a meetings with his counterpart Abdoulaye Wade as well
as a working group of high-ranking Senegalese officials. The two Presidents
stressed the need for the deepening and development of mutual cooperation.
[President Wade was an official guest of Tehran on June 24.] [FARS 14/09/06
Senegalese
PM Pledges To Further Cooperation With China - 05/10/06
Senegal's Prime Minister Macky Sall pledged to enhance the friendly relations
of cooperation with China and boost the two countries' economic and trade
collaboration to a new high.
While meeting Chen Jian, assistant minister
of commerce of China, Sall said the leaders of the two countries had decided
to promote their cooperation
in agriculture, fisheries, processing, mine-exploration and communication
technology, and were optimistic about prospects for their economic and trade
cooperation. Sall proposed an early establishment of a joint trade and economic
commission to ensure the smooth development of bilateral economic and trade
cooperation. He also expressed the hope that China would increase its imports
of Senegal's fish, peanut oil and phosphate products, adding that Senegal’s
embassy in China would set up a trade and economic representative office.
Chen
said the Chinese government attached great importance to the development
of friendly relations with Senegal and firmly supported the two countries'
economic and trade cooperation. [China Daily 05/10/06]
Chinese Trade Expo Held In Senegal - 27/11/06
A Chinese trade exhibition was staged in Dakar on 30/11 to 09/12/06. The
exhibition was organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International
Trade [CCPIT] and took place in conjunction with the 17th Dakar International
Trade Expo. Exhibits included agricultural machinery, motorcycles, automobiles,
household appliances, medicine, textiles, hardware and other products from
China. Exhibitors from 11 Chinese provinces and cities were present. China-Senegal
bilateral trade volume amounted to US$141 million in 2005. [China View
27/11/06]
BACK TO TOP
^
Contacts
and Links
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Port Authority
Ports Autonome de Dakar
BP 3195
Dakar
Tel: +221 222970
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Place de l'Independence
Dakar
Tel: + 221 217189/216478
Cotecna Website
BACK TO TOP
^
