Introduction

Senegal has strong agricultural potential and exports products every year to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and African markets.

The main export sectors include:

  • sesame;
  • peanuts;
  • cashew nuts;
  • mangoes;
  • bissap (hibiscus);
  • fresh fruits and vegetables;
  • processed products.

However, a successful export operation depends on rigorous preparation, compliant documentation and logistics adapted to destination country requirements.

Why export from Senegal?

Senegal benefits from several advantages:

  • A strategic geographic position
  • Direct access to major international maritime routes through Dakar Port
  • Diversified agricultural production
  • Growing demand for African products on international markets

Step 1: Identify the destination market

Before any operation, it is essential to determine:

  • the destination country;
  • applicable standards;
  • sanitary requirements;
  • market access conditions.

Each country has its own regulations.

Good preparation helps avoid refusals or blockages at destination.

Step 2: Check product compliance

International buyers pay close attention to:

  • product quality;
  • packaging;
  • traceability;
  • sanitary compliance.

For fresh products such as mangoes or vegetables, respecting the logistics chain is especially important.

Step 3: Prepare essential documents

Agricultural export usually relies on several essential documents.

Commercial invoice

Document describing the commercial transaction.

Packing list

Details of packages, weight and volume.

Certificate of origin

Certifies the Senegalese origin of the goods.

Phytosanitary certificate

Essential for many agricultural products.

Bill of Lading

Main maritime transport document.

Specific documents

Depending on the product or destination country.

Step 4: Choose the right transport mode

Maritime transport

Preferred solution for large volumes.

Particularly suitable for:

  • sesame;
  • peanuts;
  • cashew nuts;
  • processed products.

Air transport

Recommended for:

  • perishable products;
  • urgent shipments;
  • high-value goods.

Road transport

Adapted to exports within ECOWAS countries.

Step 5: Choose the right Incoterm

The Incoterm defines how responsibilities are split between seller and buyer.

The most common export Incoterms include:

FOB (Free On Board)

The seller handles operations up to loading on board the vessel.

Often used for:

  • sesame;
  • peanuts;
  • cashew nuts exported to Asia.

CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)

The seller handles:

  • maritime transport;
  • insurance;
  • costs up to the destination port.

Often used for mango or cashew nut exports to Europe.

Practical example

A Senegalese company exports sesame to China through the port of Qingdao.

Before shipment:

  • the goods are packed;
  • certificates are obtained;
  • export formalities are completed;
  • loading is organized at Dakar Port.

With good documentary and logistics preparation, the operation is completed within the planned timeframe.

The most common mistakes

  • Preparing documents too late;
  • Neglecting destination country requirements;
  • Choosing an unsuitable transport mode;
  • Underestimating administrative timelines;
  • Failing to anticipate required certificates.

NSG support

NSG supports exporters with:

  • document preparation;
  • export formalities;
  • transit and customs clearance;
  • transport coordination;
  • shipment follow-up through to destination.

Our objective is to help producers, cooperatives and exporters develop international markets safely.

Do you have an export project?

The NSG team supports you in preparing and securing your export operations from Senegal.