80,000-Tonne Forecast for Senegal’s 2026 Season

The Senegalese industrial tomato sector is entering its 2026 harvest season with high expectations, despite facing immediate environmental pressures. The Industrial Tomato Sector Consultation (CNCFTI) has announced a national production forecast of over 80,000 metric tonnes of fresh tomatoes, marking a pivotal year for the country’s agricultural independence.

According to the CNCFTI, more than 2,500 hectares have been under cultivation this season, specifically designated for industrial processing. The expected yield is destined for major national processors, including SOCAS (Société de Conserves Alimentaires au Sénégal) and Takamoul Food, which manufacture a variety of domestic tomato paste brands.

This surge in production aligns with the government’s “Sénégal 2050” strategy, which aims to transform the nation into an agricultural powerhouse. By securing high volumes of local raw materials, the industry hopes to reduce the “import paradox”—the long-standing practice of importing tomato concentrate from abroad while domestic crops go underutilized.

The 2026 campaign has not been without significant challenges. In January, a serious desert locust outbreak originating in Mauritania crossed into northern Senegal. Significant immature swarms were observed in the Senegal River Valley, particularly impacting the Bokhol and Gaya regions. Local agricultural services, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, have intensified survey and control operations. While some localized crop losses occurred, the CNCFTI maintains that the overall 80,000-tonne target remains achievable due to rapid intervention and favorable early-season weather.

The tomato sector’s growth is supported by a massive fiscal expansion. In late 2025, the Senegalese government approved a 38% increase in the agricultural budget for 2026, totaling CFA 427 billion (approximately $750 million).

This funding is specifically earmarked for:

• Infrastructure: Upgrading storage and cold-chain facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
• Sovereignty Measures: Following the indefinite ban on onion and potato imports implemented on January 16, 2026, there is mounting pressure to apply similar protective measures to the tomato market.
• Modernization: The rollout of Community Agricultural Cooperatives (CACs) to better integrate smallholder farmers into the industrial value chain.

As the 2026 marketing campaign officially kicks off, the focus remains on stabilizing consumer prices while ensuring that the increased production translates into higher rural incomes and a more resilient national food system.

Sources: Seneweb, Welcome Africa, Ecofin Agency, Ndar Info, RTS, FAO (Locust watch)