Business Africa
In Senegal, the mango fruit is among the key agricultural exports of the country. The fruit is organically grown.
Last year, Senegal exported about 16,000 tons of mangoes mostly to Europe and Asian markets. Authorities in the country now consider export of the fruit as an important sector that can further boost the country’s economy.
Currently, mango exports from the west African nation occupy second place in the region and over the the last three years, this particular sector has witnessed great growth.
“The export of Senegal’s mangoes has greatly increased over the years. From 8,500 tons about 3 years ago and today we are exporting about 16,500 tons. The sector also has the potential to create employment opportunities for youth in the country,” said Malick Diop the CEO of Senegal’s Export Promotion Agency.
#Senegal mtg w #EIF ED
Ratnakaradi
: strong support 2 mango sector thru EIF4LDCs, 50% increase in exports in 1 year pic.twitter.com/7BoAAb7xwp— EIF (@EIF4LDCs) December 17, 2015
Despite progress made in the sector, the country still trails in the international market. To counter this, authorities in the country have embarked on plans to increase the visibility of Senegal’s mango exports abroad. The plans include creating unique branding that will distinguish the mango exports.
The export authority aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders along the mango value chain through training, provision of equipment and materials to improve the quality and facilitate better access to international markets.
2nd largest exporter of #mango in West Africa with capacity of 15000 tons, #Senegal to receive export boost http://t.co/M4eZ8FwuXx
— Africa Renewal, UN (africarenewal) December 16, 2014ITCnews
Senegal produces more than 150,000 tons of mangoes annually but only 10% of this is exported. Senegalese authorities want to increase output of the sector which could counter poverty and also generate employment for youth in the country.
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