In early April 2025, Senegal's Ministry of Industry and Trade announced a measure that will have a huge impact on the management of agricultural commodities in the country: a ban on imports of onions and potatoes from abroad.
Senegal produces enough onions and potatoes to cover the needs of its population. However, until now, due to international agreements, it was forced to import these products. The Netherlands is the main supplier of onions to the Senegalese market. The country of Teranga pays an average of 42 million euros each year for these vegetables from Europe. Most of the potatoes that Senegal imports come from the same place and it pays a similar price for them every year. This is despite the fact that the country has been producing enough of these vegetables for years to feed its entire population.
The EU's import subsidies and agricultural surpluses make its products more competitive than local products on African markets. This means that many farmers do not find it worthwhile to grow crops or have to use their produce for their own consumption. These policies also mean that a large part of the vegetables that are not sold rot.
The measure adopted by the Senegalese Ministry of Industry and Trade is a step towards the country's food sovereignty and an injection of support for the country's farmers. Two of the Senegalese government's main priorities since the current president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, took office. This is set out in his government's Vision 2050, a strategy to make Senegal a "sovereign, just and prosperous nation" in the next 25 years. To this end, the document states that by "increasing our production in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and livestock (meat and milk production), as well as related agri-food industries, we will produce food here that is essential for the nutrition of our population".
A large harvest of onions and potatoes is also expected this year. Even surpluses are expected without having to resort to imports. The aim is that these will not go to waste, but will be processed in the new factories that are being built and which will add value to the food chain.
This is a very important decision that strengthens the local market, supports farmers and favours the agri-food industry.
However, Senegal is still forced to import other products that are basic to its citizens' diet, such as rice. The 70% of rice consumed in the country is imported, especially from Asia. Rice, which has been an essential part of the daily diet of many Senegalese since colonial times, is not produced in sufficient quantities in the country, so the government wants to promote the consumption of other local grains, such as fonio and millet, and to increase the area under cultivation.
Small steps that augur well for the Senegalese population.