Senegal: 450 million FCFA to give a new boost to the Tambacounda banana industry

In Tambacounda, banana producers have new resources to better preserve and sell their harvests. More than 450 million CFA francs have been allocated to strengthen this agricultural sector, which faces challenges related to preservation and marketing.

This investment enabled the acquisition of three cold storage facilities, two refrigerated trucks, and ten motor pumps. Eight irrigation networks were also rehabilitated. This will improve production conditions, reduce post-harvest losses, and facilitate the transport of bananas to markets.

The financing, provided by the Platform for Support to the Private Sector and the Development of the Diaspora (PLASEPRI), in partnership with the Savings and Credit Mutual APROVAG, specifically concerns producers from the villages of Guène and Saal, in the municipality of Missira.

The final tranche, valued at 254,7 million FCFA, benefited 16 promoters. In total, the groups concerned comprise 1,925 members, including 680 women.

But the ambition doesn't stop at producing and selling fresh fruit. The program also includes reviving a processing unit to produce couscous, thiacry (a type of cassava flour), araw (a type of cassava flour), and banana-based vinegar. This is a way to diversify markets and extract more value from this local production.

During a visit to Tambacounda on November 4, 2026, the Minister of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy, Alioune Dione, highlighted the contribution of these investments to rural employment and food sovereignty.

Yolande Bazié