In 2024, Senegal’s olive oil market remained modest in volume, while posting strong growth momentum. According to an infographic by CEPEX (Tunisia Export), Senegal imported 209 tonnes of olive oil in 2024, worth around $1.5 million.
Over the 2020–2024 period, average annual growth is estimated at +23%, pointing to rising interest despite a competitive environment dominated by cheaper oils.
Tunisia stands out as the pivotal supplier, accounting for just over half of the market. This can be attributed to the competitiveness of Tunisian olive oil, its supply capacity, and a degree of logistical proximity to West Africa.
The supplier structure highlights Tunisia’s clear dominance. The origin of Senegal’s olive oil imports breaks down as follows:
Tunisia: 50.4%
France: 30.1%
Spain: 15.2%
Italy: 1.1%
Others: 3.2%
Senegal’s olive oil imports reached $1.5 million in 2024 for 209 tonnes. In volume terms, this suggests an average import price of roughly $7,200 per tonne (order of magnitude), reflecting a product positioned well above mass-market cooking oils.
But the main takeaway lies elsewhere: olive oil represents only 2% to 3% of the edible oils market, compared with 97% for other oils (notably palm, groundnut/peanut, and sunflower oils). In other words, consumption exists and is growing, but remains concentrated in specific segments: higher-income households, expatriates, the restaurant sector, specialty grocers, and health-conscious consumers.
Senegal’s ranking as the world’s 120th largest importer out of 221 countries confirms this status: a market that is still secondary on the international scale, but one that could become strategic for players able to establish a lasting presence during the expansion phase.
The Export Promotion Centre (CEPEX) had announced that, in collaboration with the Embassy of Tunisia in Nairobi, it will organise the second edition of a promotional and networking event for Tunisian olive oil, titled “Tunisian Olive and Olive Oil Promotion Day”, on 29 January 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event offers Tunisian exporters of olives, olive oil and olive oil-based products an opportunity to identify new export prospects in promising markets—namely Kenya and other countries across East Africa. Participants will be able to meet directly with leading Kenyan importers of food products, as well as Kenyan organisations and institutions active in the olive oil sector.
The programme will include presentations highlighting the characteristics and quality of Tunisian olive oil, the screening of a promotional film, contributions from Tunisian olive oil exporters (in person or online), as well as a tasting session featuring olive oil and other products.
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