Sadio Mané invests $19.5m in major agricultural project in Senegal hometown

Senegal international Sadio Mané is investing 11.7bn CFA francs ($19.5m) in a major agricultural and food-processing project in his hometown of Bambali.

The project, known as SM10 AGRO, is designed to create employment, expand opportunities for local farmers and establish Bambali as an important centre for agricultural production and processing.

Construction is expected to take 18 months, with the foundation stone ceremony scheduled to take place in Bambali on 19 September 2026.

The project is expected to create more than 1,000 direct jobs, providing employment opportunities for people in the local community and surrounding areas.

It will also seek to support local farmers by creating greater opportunities to produce and supply agricultural products for processing.

A major part of the development will focus on mangoes, with facilities planned to process the fruit for both domestic consumption and export.

The project is expected to produce a range of mango-based products, including mango purée, butter and dried mango.

SM10 AGRO will also feature a training centre aimed at developing skills in agriculture and food processing, alongside four processing facilities.

For Mane, the project represents another significant investment in his home community beyond football.

The 34-year-old has previously used his success in football to support development projects in Bambali, including investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich forward has become one of Senegal’s most successful footballers, winning major domestic and European honours during a career that has also included spells with Southampton, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

Mane’s latest venture moves his focus towards agriculture and industrial development, with the project intended to create long-term economic opportunities for people in Bambali.

The planned processing facilities could also allow farmers to benefit from added value within the agricultural supply chain, rather than relying solely on the sale of raw produce.

With construction scheduled to last 18 months, SM10 AGRO is expected to become operational after the completion of the facilities and associated infrastructure.

The foundation stone ceremony on 19 September will mark the formal start of the project and is expected to highlight Mane’s latest contribution to the economic development of his hometown.