Senegal has the fourth largest economy in the West African sub-region after Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Senegal’s economy is driven by mining, construction, tourism, fishing and agriculture, which are the main sources of employment in the rural areas. For the first time in the last 12 years, Senegal reached a growth rate of 6.5% in 2015 and exceeded 6.6% in 2016, partly thanks to an agricultural performance supported notably by the rains and productivity of the sector.

Occupying only 0.28% of the national territory, the region of Dakar gathers on 550 km², 25% of the population and concentrates 80% of the economic activities of the country. The tertiary sector has developed at the same time as the urbanization, and it is in capital, especially in the commune of Dakar-Plateau that are the headquarters of large companies and majors banks. Telecommunications is booming and companies offering money transfer and electronic payment services by telephony are swarming in the city.

Tourism, especially business tourism, is gaining importance, stimulated by international events such as the Biennial of Contemporary Art, Dak’Art. With a presence throughout the country, the informal sector is particularly active in Dakar, particularly in trade, transport and construction.

Income

According to World Bank figures from 2012, Senegal’s average monthly income per capita is $ 87, or $ 1,040 per capita per year. A survey by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD) reveals that average household spending is higher in Dakar than in rural areas. However, the report indicates that a large number of households in Dakar have as their sole source of income pension. Wages, 46% of households, come in second place.