Senegal plans to increase the number of its special economic zones (SEZs) from the current five to 45, with the goal of developing the industrial sector and achieving structural transformation of its economy.
The Senegalese government intends to build a special economic zone in the northern region of Louga as part of the national industrial development strategy, according to Minister of Industry and Trade, Serigne Guèye Diop.
"Our objective is to create a special economic zone in Louga, as part of establishing economic and social development hubs in all regions,” he stated, noting that this zone will cover an area of 50 hectares.
"The project is part of the government’s plan to construct 45 special economic zones, which are expected to generate approximately 3 million jobs in the long term,” added Serigne Guèye Diop.
Senegal already has five special economic zones located in Diass (718 hectares), Diamniadio (53 hectares), Sandiara (100 hectares), Bargny-Sendou (100 hectares), and Bélé-Kidira (1,000 hectares).
These zones offer investors tax incentives (reduction or elimination of taxes), infrastructure (developed land, ready factory buildings, public services), special customs regimes (exemption of inputs from customs duties and taxes), and simplified administrative procedures compared to what they would typically encounter in the national environment.