Sadio Mané launches SM10 Agro, a $20 million agro-industrial project in Bambali, Senegal, targeting 1,000 jobs and 8,500 tonnes of mango processing annually.
Senegalese football star Sadio Mané is investing approximately $20 million in an ambitious agro-industrial project in his hometown of Bambali, southern Senegal, as he expands his contribution to local economic development beyond football.
The project, known as SM10 Agro, was officially launched on September 19, 2026, with the laying of its foundation stone in Bambali, located in the Sédhiou region.
Valued at 11.7 billion CFA francs (approximately $20.4 million), the development is designed to strengthen agricultural production, create employment and increase the value of locally grown mangoes through processing and commercialisation.
500 Hectares Dedicated to Agricultural Development
SM10 Agro will occupy approximately 500 hectares and feature mango plantations, industrial processing facilities, an agricultural training centre and research and development operations.
Plans include the planting of approximately 78,000 Kent mango trees, with the first harvest expected in about three years.
The project is expected to process up to 8,500 tonnes of mangoes annually, producing value-added products such as:
- Mango pulp
- Dried mango
- Mango butter
These products will target both domestic and international markets, creating opportunities to expand Senegal’s agricultural exports while retaining more value within the country.
Project Expected to Create More Than 1,000 Jobs
One of the most significant aspects of the investment is its potential employment impact.
SM10 Agro is expected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs during its initial operations, with the possibility of reaching approximately 2,500 jobs in the longer term.
The agricultural training centre will also focus on equipping young people and women with practical skills, while the research component is intended to support agricultural innovation and productivity.
Addressing Mango Losses Through Local Processing
The investment comes as the Sédhiou region seeks to address challenges affecting its mango industry, particularly post-harvest losses caused by inadequate storage, processing facilities and market access.
By integrating farming, processing and distribution, SM10 Agro aims to help transform agricultural produce into higher-value products rather than relying solely on the sale of fresh fruit.
The initiative is also expected to create additional opportunities for farmers and businesses involved in transportation, packaging and agricultural supply chains.
From Football Success to Economic Investment
For Mané, the project represents a deeper connection to his roots and a shift toward building long-term economic opportunities in the community where he grew up.
The football star has previously supported Bambali through investments in social infrastructure, including a hospital, school and other community facilities.
SM10 Agro introduces a commercial dimension to his community development efforts, focusing on production, industrialisation and sustainable employment.
The project reflects a broader approach to development in which local agricultural resources are processed closer to their source, potentially benefiting farmers, workers and surrounding businesses.
As construction progresses, SM10 Agro is set to become one of the notable private investments in southern Senegal’s agricultural sector, placing mango production and value addition at the centre of its economic ambitions.
Reporting note: Published project figures vary slightly across reports, particularly annual processing capacity. This article uses the 8,500-tonne figure reported by multiple outlets.