Sadio Mané Launches $20 Million Agro-Industrial Project in Hometown Bambali

Senegalese football star Sadio Mané has launched an ambitious $20 million agro-industrial project in his hometown of Bambali, marking a major expansion of his investments in the development of his community.

The project, known as SM10 Agro, is valued at approximately 11.7 billion CFA francs and is being funded by Mané, according to reports on the project. The foundation stone was laid on September 19, 2026, in Bambali, in Senegal’s Sédhiou region.

500-Hectare Agro-Industrial Park

SM10 Agro will occupy approximately 500 hectares and will focus primarily on mango production, processing and value addition.

The project’s official website says the development will integrate agricultural production, fruit preparation, industrial processing, skills development, research and access to domestic and international markets.

The park is expected to have a target processing capacity of 8,500 tonnes of mangoes annually.

The planned industrial facilities will produce several mango-based products, including:

• Mango pulp and purée
• Dried mango
• Mango butter
• Fresh mango products

Guava is also expected to form part of the agricultural-processing activities associated with the project. 

More Than 1,000 Jobs Expected

One of the major attractions of the SM10 Agro project is its employment potential.

More than 1,000 direct jobs are expected to be created when the project becomes operational, according to Senegal’s public broadcaster RTS and other reports on the project. 

The project will also include a training centre and research and development facilities, with a focus on developing agricultural skills and improving local production.

The official SM10 Agro platform describes the model as an integrated chain linking production, processing, skills development, innovation and access to markets. 

Tackling Mango Wastage in Casamance

Mané’s investment is also aimed at addressing a longstanding challenge facing mango farmers in southern Senegal.

During the presentation of the project, Mané said the Sédhiou region loses a significant portion of its mango harvest because of inadequate storage and processing facilities.

The Senegalese Press Agency (APS) reported that Mané estimated that 30 to 40 per cent of mangoes in the region are lost because of the lack of adequate storage and processing infrastructure.

By processing the fruit locally, SM10 Agro aims to retain more of the economic value of the agricultural produce within the region rather than relying solely on the sale of fresh fruit.

The products are expected to target the Senegalese market as well as export markets in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Tourism and Local Development

Beyond agriculture and manufacturing, the wider development is expected to have a tourism component.

Reports on the project indicate that the complex will include tourist accommodation, potentially adding another economic activity to the community.

The project therefore combines agricultural production, industrial processing, training and other supporting infrastructure as part of a broader development plan for Bambali.

From Philanthropy to Job Creation

Mané has previously invested heavily in social infrastructure in his hometown.

Over the years, the footballer has supported the construction and development of a mosque, school, hospital and petrol station, while also investing in other community initiatives.

The SM10 Agro project represents a different approach: instead of focusing primarily on social infrastructure, it is designed to create an economic ecosystem capable of generating employment and commercial activity.

Mané has said the objective is to ensure that the agricultural resources of his home region create value locally.

The project is expected to take about 18 months to construct, according to reports.

With its planned orchards, processing facilities, training centre and research activities, SM10 Agro is positioned as one of Mané’s biggest investments in Bambali and a significant private-sector project in Senegal’s Casamance region.

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