Senegal, a country located in West Africa, is a destination of choice for those looking to live and work in Africa. With an affordable cost of living, a rich cultural and gastronomic heritage and a diverse landscape, Senegal offers many opportunities for expatriates and investors. In this article, we will explore why Senegal is the best destination in West Africa, based on the budget needed to live in Senegal, the opportunities to work and live in Dakar and other important aspects of Senegalese life.
What are the advantages of living in Senegal?
The Senegalese Teranga
Teranga is a Senegalese concept that translates as “hospitality” and is at the heart of the country’s culture and values. The Senegalese are known for their warm welcome and generosity towards foreigners. This hospitality is particularly appreciated by expatriates who choose to live and work in Senegal, as it facilitates their integration into Senegalese society.
Teranga also manifests itself in the daily life of the Senegalese, through simple gestures such as offering a meal to a foreigner or helping him or her find his or her way around. This caring attitude helps to create a pleasant and friendly environment for those who choose to live in Senegal and is often cited as one of the main reasons why expatriates enjoy living in the country.
Cultural wealth and gastronomy
Senegal is a country rich in culture and history, with a fascinating artistic and architectural heritage to discover. Museums, art galleries and historical sites offer a glimpse into the country’s culture and history, while festivals and cultural events allow visitors and residents to enjoy Senegalese music, dance and traditions.
Senegalese gastronomy is a real treasure to discover. Typical dishes such as thieboudienne (rice with fish), yassa (chicken in onion sauce) or mafé (meat in peanut sauce) are delicious and reflect the country’s diverse culinary influences. Local markets are full of fresh products and it is common to see street vendors selling fruits and vegetables, fresh fish or local specialties.
The varied landscapes
Senegal offers a wide variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to national parks, deserts and mangroves. These landscapes offer many opportunities for nature lovers and adventurers to practice activities such as hiking, trekking, mountain biking, fishing, surfing or scuba diving.
Among the places not to be missed in Senegal are the Bandia Reserve, the Djoudj National Park, the Saloum Islands, the Sine-Saloum region, or the Little Coast with its heavenly beaches. The diversity of Senegal’s landscapes is a real asset for the country, attracting more and more tourists and expatriates in search of a change of scenery and adventure.
A preferred destination for investors
Senegal is also a preferred destination for investors, thanks to its political and economic stability and favorable business climate. The country is a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and benefits from a stable currency, the CFA franc, which is linked to the euro.
In addition, the Senegalese government has created incentives to attract investors, such as free trade zones, tax exemptions, visa and work permit facilities. These measures have helped make Senegal a popular destination for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a presence in West Africa.
What are the living conditions in Senegal?
The country’s economic outlook
Senegal’s economy has been growing steadily for several years, with an average annual growth rate of 6% between 2014 and 2018. Key sectors such as agriculture, industry, infrastructure and services are booming, helping to create employment and investment opportunities for foreigners. According to World Bank and IMF forecasts, the upcoming exploitation of hydrocarbons could also boost GDP to ~9.9% in 2024.
The development of training and education: an important point of Senegalese policy
Senegal also has a young and dynamic population, which is an asset for the country’s economic development. The Senegalese government’s vocational training and education programs aim to equip these young people with the skills they need to meet the needs of the labor market and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
What are the most sought-after jobs in Senegal and which ones pay the best?
Living in Senegal and finding a local job will allow you to have a comfortable standard of living. Here is the list of jobs where you will have the most opportunities:
- Marketing and Communication Positions: In Senegal, there are several opportunities in marketing and communication, especially through call centers or thanks to the rise of online sales. If you have the skills and experience to focus on management positions, you can earn a very interesting salary.
- IT Jobs : Developers and computer graphics designers have a card to play in a digital landscape that is growing by the day. In IT, certain profiles are also among the highest paid in the country, namely IT engineers.
- Hotel and restaurant jobs : Dakar has a very large supply of restaurant services, which requires a lot of recruiting in the capital. If you are looking for a more nomadic lifestyle, these jobs are ideal, sometimes with short-term contracts.
What budget to live in Senegal?
With a budget adapted to live in Senegal between 500,000 Fcfa and 1,500,000 Fcfa (850-2 500 USD), you could enjoy the country, integrate easily thanks to the Senegalese Teranga and participate in the economic development of this nation in full rise. This budget will allow you to live well in Senegal.
Living in Senegal: Which city to choose?
In Senegal, the urban landscape, the offer of leisure and services or the atmosphere varies from city to city. REALITES Senegal offers you real estate programs in Dakar because, in our opinion, it is one of the best cities to live in Senegal. In fact, it is the economic center of the country and this implies that there are multiple job offers and activities to participate in. In Dakar, you have all the amenities close to you. Discover the top 10 things to do in Dakar.
If you prefer a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, you can choose a city in Senegal such as Mbour or Saly, which are located south of Dakar and offer a relaxing coastal landscape.
To choose your future place to live in Senegal, focus on the cities that best meet your expectations, especially in terms of job opportunities.
In conclusion, Senegal is the destination of choice in West Africa for those who want to live and work in a country that offers value for money, cultural and gastronomic richness, diverse landscapes and investment opportunities.