Senegal has taken another step in its quest for food sovereignty by signing a strategic agreement on November 13, 2025, with rice producers, processors, and traders. This protocol, concluded under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, sets an ex-works price of 350 CFA francs/kg for white rice, guarantees the absorption of available stocks, and temporarily suspends imports to promote the sale of domestic production.

A strong signal for food sovereignty

This agreement is part of a strategy to strengthen the rice sector, considered a pillar of the country's food security. By linking imports to purchases of locally produced rice, the government intends to rebalance the market and reduce dependence on foreign volumes, which weigh heavily on the trade balance. The one-month suspension of import authorizations is a significant step, designed to prioritize Senegalese producers and bolster consumer confidence in the quality of locally grown rice.

A sector structured around producers

Traders have committed to purchasing all available stock in production areas, a measure that secures rice farmers' incomes and reduces the risk of unsold stock. This purchase guarantee should help stabilize prices, encourage investment in the sector, and incentivize producers to increase their yields. The protocol also includes close monitoring to ensure that commitments are met and that trade flows align with food sovereignty objectives.

A national awareness campaign

Beyond economic measures, a national campaign to promote locally grown rice will be launched to convince consumers and distributors to favor domestic production. The objective is twofold: to showcase a product originating from Senegal's land and to strengthen the image of a modern sector capable of meeting quality and competitiveness standards. This campaign also aims to reduce the prejudices that sometimes persist around locally grown rice by highlighting its nutritional qualities and its contribution to the national economy.

Towards a dynamic and balanced national market

By structuring the sector around a more coherent national market, Senegal seeks to build sustainable momentum. The signed agreement is not merely a short-term measure. It fosters better regulation of flows, increased recognition for producers, and stronger integration of private actors into the national food security strategy.

In the long term, this approach could help reduce the import bill, strengthen resilience to international shocks and consolidate the place of Senegalese rice in consumption habits.