Canada-Senegal relations
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Bilateral relations
Canada and Senegal established diplomatic relations in 1962, after the independence of Senegal in 1960. Relations between the two countries are close and touch on a wide range of activities. Already considering Senegal an important and reliable partner, Canada takes measures to further develop its bilateral relations with this country, which acts as a reference regarding democratic governance and sustainable economic development measures in Sub-Saharan Africa. Canada and Senegal work closely together in order to promote peace and regional security. The relations between the two countries also contribute to the economic and commercial growth in key sectors, such as: education, mines, gas, oil, clean energies, security and IT.
In Senegal, Canada is represented by the Embassy of Canada in Dakar. Senegal is represented in Canada by the Embassy of Senegal in Ottawa (French only). Honorary Consuls of Senegal are also present in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Winnipeg (Saint-Boniface), and Vancouver.
Trade relations
In 2023, Canada's trade with Senegal was approximately $119.4 million, with $112.3 million in exports and $7.1 million in imports from Senegal. Canada's main merchandise exports to Senegal were motor vehicles and vehicle parts, agricultural and fishery products, and intermediate food products. Imports to Canada consisted of consumer goods and agricultural and fish products. The Canada-Senegal trade relationship offers significant potential for growth, particularly in the mining, agriculture, oil and gas, clean energy and digital sectors. The country's main industrial sectors are agricultural and marine products, phosphate mining, oil refining and construction materials.
As of December 31, 2023, there were 4,055 Senegalese students in Canada.
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Development
Canada has been a long-standing partner of Senegal, with official development assistance investments of nearly $1.3 billion since 1962. Canada plays an important role in Senegal's poverty reduction efforts. In 2022-2023, Canada's official development assistance to Senegal (all channels) surpassed $138M. Through its bilateral aid program, Canada is supporting Senegal with investments in several key sectors, including education, vocational training, climate-friendly agricultural development, health and nutrition, and inclusive governance.
Canada is also supporting Senegal in its efforts to reduce gender inequalities, strengthen the rights of girls and women, and promote their full participation in society. In addition, Canada provides institutional support to multilateral organizations including UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Bank, the World Health Organization and the World Food Programme. Canada also supports flagship initiatives implemented by international organizations, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Nutrition International, the Movement for Improved Nutrition and the Global Partnership for Education.
In Senegal, Canada also supports initiatives implemented by Canadian partners, including non-governmental organizations, Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs. Canadian NGOs, development workers and youth interns are particularly active in the country, sharing their expertise, exchanging knowledge and learning from the Senegalese, creating strong ties between Senegal and Canada every year.
See the Project Browser for more details on programming in Senegal.
Peace and security
Canada and Senegal work in close collaboration to promote peace and security in the region. The two countries participated in many peacekeeping initiatives. Senegal's Armed Forces (SAF) are involved in Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP).
As part of the Elsie Initiative, led by Global Affairs Canada, for the meaningful participation of women in peace operations, Senegal is helping to define and promote the initiative as a member of the contact group. Canada is supporting Senegal in the implementation of the Gender Sector Strategy for the Armed Forces to increase the representation of women in its ranks. In addition, the Senegalese police and gendarmerie were one of the first beneficiaries of the Elsie Initiative Fund - to which Canada contributed $17.5M - to eliminate barriers for women within their structures and to participate in peace operations.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Senegal work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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