Between Senegal and the United States, diplomatic and economic relations are based on a long tradition of cooperation, political stability and shared strategic interests. For several decades Washington has considered Dakar one of its most reliable partners in West Africa. Senegal, for its part, sees the United States as an essential economic power, capable of accompanying its development, energy ambitions and digital transformation.

At a time when the President Bassirou Diomaye Faye It calls for a diversification of partnerships and more sovereign economic diplomacy, and for a new phase in Senegal-US relations, marked by an increase in US private investment and an increasing interest of US companies in the Senegalese market.

A symbolic geographical proximity between two shores of the Atlantic

Senegal and the United States are separated by the Atlantic Ocean, but this geographical distance has often been seen as a strategic bridge rather than an obstacle.

Located in the extreme west of the African continent, Senegal occupies a privileged geographical position vis-à-vis the Americas. Dakar is also one of the African capitals closest to American territory via the Atlantic. Historically, this maritime opening has facilitated trade, diplomatic and human exchanges between the two countries.

The port of Dakar, considered one of the most important maritime hubs in West Africa, is still a strategic asset for American economic interests in the region.

An old and stable diplomatic relationship

The United States established diplomatic relations with Senegal from its independence in 1960. Very quickly, Washington saw in Dakar a stable partner in a region often confronted with political and security crises.

During the Cold War, Senegal maintained privileged relations with Western powers, while maintaining relatively independent diplomacy under Leopold Sédar Senghor and Abdou Diouf.

Over the years, cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened along several lines:

• regional security;
• democracy and governance;
• health;
• agriculture;
• education;
• Combating terrorism;
• space technology
• trade and investment.

The United States also supported many development programmes in Senegal Through The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and various military and security cooperation programmes.

Constantly growing economic trade

Today, the economic dimension becomes the real engine of relations between Dakar and Washington.

According to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), lthe US-Senegal trade reached about $1.1 billion in 2024, up 4.5% from the previous year. US exports to Senegal reached $442.3 million in 2025.

Senegal also benefits from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows several African products to enter the U.S. market without customs duties.

In recent years, Washington has increasingly sought to change its presence in Africa from a logic of aid to a logic of investment. The American slogan "Trade not Aid" ("Trade rather than aid") illustrates this new strategic direction.

US companies increasingly present in Senegal

Senegal today attracts an increasing number of American companies attracted by:

• the political stability of the country;
• its geographical positioning;
• its energy potential;
• Digital growth;
• and its role as a gateway to West Africa.

According to the American ambassador in Dakar, Michael RaynorMore than 50 American companies are currently active in Senegal.

Among the influential American companies and groups present or active in Senegal are:

• Kosmos Energy;
• CitiBank;
• Wave;
• Hertz;
• PWC;
• or several technological and logistics companies members of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM Senegal).

Wave, symbol of the digital revolution

The mobile money Wave company is now one of the most visible symbols of American economic influence in Senegal.

Founded by American entrepreneurs, Wave has profoundly transformed the mobile payments sector in Senegal through reduced transaction costs and a strong democratisation of digital financial services.

In a few years, the company has become a major player in the Senegalese digital economy, competing directly with the incumbent operators of the mobile financial sector.

Wave's success illustrates perfectly:

• The development of fintech in Senegal;
• The attractiveness of the Senegalese market for US technology investors;
• and the growing role of digital in economic relations between the two countries.

Oil, gas and energy at the heart of American interests

The energy sector is also a major pillar of Senegal-US relations.

The US company Kosmos Energy played a key role in the discovery of Senegal's large offshore gas reserves, notably in the GTA and Yakaar-Téranga projects.

With Senegal's entry into the circle of oil and gas-producing countries, American economic interests have greatly strengthened in the country.

Washington now sees Senegal as a strategic emerging energy player in West Africa.

Strategic security cooperation

Beyond the economy, the United States also sees Senegal as an essential partner in regional stability.

In a Sahelian context marked by:

• terrorism;
• coups d'état;
• cross-border traffic;
• and regional instability,

Dakar appears to be a reliable ally for Washington.

The two countries cooperate in:

• maritime safety;
• military training;
• intelligence;
• the fight against terrorism;
• and cybersecurity.

Senegal's Diomaye Faye: Towards a renewed economic partnership

Since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye came to power, Senegal has shown a willingness to strengthen private investment while defending a more sovereign approach to international partnerships.

During his visit to the United States in 2025, the Senegalese president presented to the American Chamber of Commerce his new economic vision based on:

• Improving the business climate;
• Industrialization;
• the digital economy;
• Energy;
• and mutually beneficial partnerships.

This approach seems to have attracted several American investors interested in Senegal's opportunities.

A stronger relationship

Despite global geopolitical changes, relations between Senegal and the United States appear to be expected to strengthen in the coming years.

Senegal represents for Washington:

• a stable democratic partner;
• a strategic hub in West Africa;
• a regional economic gateway;
• and a future major energy player.

Dakar sees in the United States:

• an important source of investment;
• a technological partner;
• a key player in international financing;
• and a strategic ally in the economic transformation of the country.

Between the two shores of the Atlantic, Senegal and the United States are building an increasingly trade, innovation and investment relationship in a world where economic diplomacy is becoming a central lever of power and influence.