Senegal opens US$4 million fish market in Thiès to expand handling capacity
Project targets post-harvest losses and formal market operations in a major landing region.
SENEGAL – Senegal has inaugurated a new central fish market in Thiès, following a US$4 million public investment to improve fish handling and distribution systems.
The facility was officially opened on January 24 and was financed entirely by the National Maritime Affairs Agency, according to information released by the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy on January 26.
Fishing contributes less than 5 percent of Senegal’s gross domestic product, yet it remains a major employer, providing livelihoods for more than 600,000 people across harvesting, processing, transport, and trade.
Fish also remains a primary source of animal protein for households, which has put pressure on authorities to improve the movement of products from landing sites to consumers.
The newly opened market is designed to process up to 8,000 tonnes of fish per year, with infrastructure aligned to hygiene and preservation requirements.
According to the ministry, the site includes cold storage units, temperature-controlled handling areas, and facilities dedicated to quality inspection and traceability.
These additions are intended to limit post-landing losses, which continue to affect incomes and supply reliability across the sector.
The government said the project is expected to improve working conditions for fishermen, traders, processors, and transporters operating along the Thiès corridor.
Officials also link the market to food availability objectives, noting that improved storage and handling can extend shelf life and stabilize distribution volumes.
Role of Thiès in artisanal fishing
The choice of Thiès reflects its growing role in Senegal’s fishing economy, particularly within the artisanal segment that dominates national landings.
Data from the National Agency for Statistics and Demography show that since 2019, Thiès has been the country’s leading artisanal fish landing area.
The region accounts for close to half of Senegal’s artisanal fish catches, placing it ahead of traditional hubs such as Dakar, Ziguinchor, and Saint-Louis.
Official estimates put the annual commercial value of fish processed in the region at more than US$14.6 million.
Artisanal fishing represents nearly 80% of total fish catches nationwide and supports the majority of employment in the sector.
At the regional level, Senegal ranks as West Africa’s second-largest fish producer after Nigeria.
According to data compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization, national fish production has exceeded 500,000 tonnes per year since 2022.
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