Thiès, Senegal: New Fish Market Boosts Fisheries & Economy

A significant modernization effort in Senegal’s fisheries sector reached a milestone with the inauguration of the central fish market in Thiès. The new market, located in Diassap on the Thiès–Tivaouane axis, was officially opened on Saturday by the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Fatou Diouf.

A Regional Hub for Senegal’s Fisheries

The market is intended to serve as a regional distribution hub for fish products. According to Minister Diouf, the facility was designed to meet modern standards for sanitation, conservation, traceability, and competitiveness. The project was entirely funded by the Agence nationale des affaires maritimes (ANAM) at a cost exceeding two billion francs CFA.

Modern Infrastructure and Capacity

Spanning 3,200 square meters, the market boasts an annual processing capacity of 8,000 tonnes. It features 300 modern stalls, a dedicated area for scaling and preparing fish, five large-capacity cold rooms, and two autonomous ice-making units. These features are designed to maintain product freshness.

Did You Know? Thiès concentrates the landings from the Petite and Grande Côte, with an annual production estimated at over 130,000 tonnes, valued at more than 80 billion FCFA.

ANAM Director General Bécaye Diop emphasized the integrated approach to the project’s design. The market includes amenities such as a two-story building for user rest, a mosque, modern public restrooms, a restaurant, and equipped meeting rooms for professional exchanges.

Sustainability and Addressing Existing Challenges

Environmental considerations were also central to the market’s development. It will incorporate a wastewater treatment system, a water tower for a consistent supply, and solar-based energy autonomy for public lighting and water supply. The new market aims to address longstanding structural issues in the region, including high post-capture losses, inadequate cold chain management, and poorly structured commercialization circuits.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on modern infrastructure and environmental sustainability suggests a deliberate effort to move beyond simply increasing output and towards establishing a more resilient and responsible fisheries sector in Senegal. This approach could be crucial for long-term economic viability and resource management.

The region also includes 54 aquaculture farms, indicating a growing diversification of fisheries activities. Minister Diouf stated that this potential “must imperatively be supported by modern infrastructure, commensurate with the requirements of the market.”

Alignment with National Development Plans

The Thiès central fish market is aligned with the Ministry’s sectoral policy letter for 2025-2029 and the Senegal 2050 Vision. Minister Diouf described the market as a decisive step in transforming the Senegalese fisheries sector, marking “the end of informality, precariousness and avoidable losses.”

She called on stakeholders to responsibly manage the facility, advocating for a modern, professional, and transparent management approach to ensure its economic viability, equipment maintenance, and sustainable income improvements for fishermen, fishmongers, processors, and transporters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capacity of the new fish market?

The market has an annual processing capacity of 8,000 tonnes and includes 300 modern stalls.

How is the market funded?

The market was entirely financed by the Agence nationale des affaires maritimes (ANAM) with funds exceeding two billion francs CFA.

What environmental features does the market include?

The market will have a wastewater treatment system, a water tower, and solar-based energy autonomy for lighting and water supply.

What impact could this new infrastructure have on the future of the fisheries sector in Thiès and Senegal?