May 17, 2026

The Panafrican Press

English-language platform committed to rigorous, independent journalism across the African continent.

French businesses thrive in Senegal’s solar lighting market

Car drive past a French group Auchan supermarket on October 24, 2017 in the Yoff district of Dakar as the French group reinforces its presence in the Senegalese capital after buying City Dia stores. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP)

From the bustling Dakar waterfront to the historic island of Gorée, and spanning the airport highway to remote rural hamlets, Senegal now glows under the light of tens of thousands of solar-powered streetlamps. This burgeoning market is primarily led by two French companies: Ragni, a family-run business from the Alpes-Maritimes, and Fonroche, a small-to-medium enterprise headquartered in Agen. Together, they form part of the 340 French enterprises operating across the country. While industry giants like Orange, TotalEnergies, Auchan, and Eiffage have long-established roots in West Africa, smaller businesses see these opportunities as gateways to sustainable growth.