Next peanut season: Sonacos expects at least 250,000 tonnes

Sonacos is placing the southern region at the heart of its industrial recovery strategy. During a visit to Ziguinchor, following a tour that began in Dakar, Kaolack, Louga, and Diourbel, Managing Director Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Guèye reaffirmed the company's ambition: "This tour allows us to have a comprehensive overview of the industrial situation, particularly the state of our facilities and inventory."

The trip aligns with President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye's vision, who instructed Sonacos to strengthen its industrial units in the south. "The Head of State strongly urged us to focus on Ziguinchor and establish a new production unit in Médina Yoro Foula," stated the CEO. This project, representing an investment of 18 billion CFA francs, will cover more than 15 hectares and integrate the entire value chain: seed reception, crushing, refining, detoxification, and marketing.

The south is now emerging as a new peanut basin. "In recent years, we have observed that the peanut basin has shifted towards Fouladou. This is why Sonacos anticipated this by launching large-scale projects in this region," explained Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Guèye.

The upcoming peanut campaign is shaping up to be ambitious. "Last year, we collected almost 220,000 tons. This year, we hope to exceed 250,000 tons and increase processing. Our profile is strongly industrial, and the president is counting on this to diversify and create jobs," he added.

Beyond the figures, social impact is a top priority. "The goal is to increase the production capacity of factories in the south to boost job creation for young people," the managing director emphasized. Sonacos is also working to strengthen its partnerships with local operators: "We discussed solutions to the problems raised, particularly payment delays and logistical difficulties. We are working closely with our technical teams on this."

Thus, the Ziguinchor tour illustrates Sonacos' desire to consolidate its leading role in the national economy, while responding to presidential directives to make the south a major industrial and agricultural hub.