Special economic zones — Diamniadio, Sandiara and the rest
The framework
Special economic zones are governed by laws 2017-06 and 2017-07 of 6 January 2017 — still in force; the 2025 Investment Code refers to them without replacing them. Any qualifying investor may apply through APIX to set up there, with long-term emphyteutic leases. The zones' own incentive regime (reinforced customs exemptions, lighter taxation) is set by law 2017-07 — have your adviser quantify its exact application; the summaries circulating online are no substitute for the text.
The actual state of play
Seven SEZs have been created; three to four are operational depending on the official source — the most advanced being Diamniadio (multisector, 53 ha in phase one, 26 companies, 7 km from AIBD airport) and Sandiara (agro-industrial, 100 ha, 14 companies). In total, according to the review published in spring 2026, the zones have mobilised 188.9 billion FCFA of investment and created about 2,820 jobs.
An honest reading
Senegal's SEZs are real and active, but young: the same official review points to electricity costs, still-partial servicing and incentives judged improvable. They compare at sub-regional scale, not yet with the Asian zones that inspired them. For an export-oriented industrial or logistics base they deserve serious study; visit the zone, talk to installed companies, and get whatever conditions your business case in writing.
Referenced logistics and freight
Freight forwarders, logistics and import-export companies referenced on SenPages.
Also in this guide
Why Senegal — the economy in 2026, without the varnish
Hydrocarbon-driven growth, low inflation, a young population, Vision 2050 — and the awkward subjects, addressed honestly.
Read more →The 2025 Investment Code — what law no. 2025-16 says
Approval threshold lowered to 15 million FCFA, response within 10 working days, tax and customs incentives, strategic and ISR regimes: the text, read for you.
Read more →Investor guarantees and capital transfers
Equal treatment, protection against expropriation, dividend repatriation under WAEMU rules, international arbitration: what protects your investment.
Read more →Investor taxation — CIT, VAT, CEL and withholdings
30% corporate tax, 18% VAT, 3% CFCE, local economic contribution, dividend withholding: the key tax parameters, dated and attributed.
Read more →Promising sectors — where to invest, numbers in hand
Agro-industry, fisheries, energy, digital, tourism, mining: what the sectors really weigh, with dated figures.
Read more →Financing your project — banks, funds and markets
WAEMU’s largest banking centre, FONSIS, Teranga Capital, the BRVM, microfinance — and who the DER is not for.
Read more →Real estate and land — investing without getting trapped
Land title, emphyteutic lease, Senegalese company, APIX’s land one-stop shop: the safe routes — and the documented traps.
Read more →Diaspora — investing back home from abroad
2,211 billion FCFA remitted in 2024, dedicated bonds, and well-documented traps: investing from abroad, methodically.
Read more →Setting up — incorporate, recruit, establish
OHADA company, APIX support (visas, land, single platform), a young workforce: moving to execution.
Read more →