The sixth session of the Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation between Senegal and Turkey was held in Dakar on April 9 and 10, 2026.
This high-level meeting aimed to consolidate the strategic partnership between the two nations, with a specific focus on rebalancing a trade relationship currently characterized by a deficit for Senegal. While Senegalese imports from Turkey are dominated by manufactured goods, industrial equipment, and construction materials, Senegalese exports remain limited primarily to fisheries, agricultural products, and raw materials. To address this imbalance, both parties agreed to diversify trade flows, promote Senegalese products in the Turkish market, and encourage Turkish investment in Senegal’s productive sectors.
The commission began with technical expert meetings that established thematic committees and launched sectoral negotiations to finalize the foundations of new agreements. These discussions paved the way for a second day of bilateral talks between Mr. Cheikh Niang and Ms. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş. The ministers advanced priorities for trade cooperation and signed the official minutes of the session along with several new agreements, signaling a shared commitment to intensifying their economic and technical relations. The event concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts, reflecting the deep friendship between Dakar and Ankara.
Recent data shows a significant recovery in bilateral trade, which reached 249.1 billion CFA francs in 2024. This marks a substantial rebound from the 185.3 billion CFA francs recorded in 2023, confirming the resilience of the economic bond between the two countries. However, current trade levels still sit slightly below the historical peak of 261 billion CFA francs reached in 2022. This trajectory highlights both the significant growth potential of the partnership and the ongoing need for sustained efforts to diversify and consolidate trade to surpass previous records.
As of April 13, 2026, the successful conclusion of this Joint Commission suggests a shift toward more structural investment rather than just simple commodity exchange. By focusing on local processing and Turkish investment in productive sectors, Senegal is moving to move beyond its role as a net importer of industrial goods. This strategy is essential for stabilizing the trade balance and achieving the long-term goal of a mutually beneficial economic relationship that matches or exceeds the 2022 historical high.
TE/Sf/fss/abj/APA