(Ecofin Agency) - The International Finance Corporation (ICF) has just approved an agreement supporting Senegal’s mango sub-sector via a MoU signed with the Senegalese agency for investment and major works promotion (APIX).

Under this agreement, a project aimed at improving the segment’s competitiveness will be set mainly in Casamance ,which is a major mango-producing region.  

“The target is to mobilize CFA10.5 billion for the mango sub-sector as to significantly contribute to shooting up income for small-scale farmers as well as generate jobs,” Mountaga Sy, head of APIX, explains.

This initiative, whose financing is subject to USAID approval, will be geared towards key lines of action including the tie-strengthening between small producers and market operators, support of post-harvest and logistics services. Furthermore, the project will help promote private investment and, support the implementation of business intelligence and knowledge management tools for the sector.

Let’s note that Senegal, which produces between 120,000 and 150,00 tons of mangoes per year, exports about 15,000 tons mainly towards Europe. The Kent variety accounts for the lion’s share of export volume.

Espoir Olodo