Work has officially begun on the Mbodiène seaside resort, a flagship project designed to transform Senegal’s coastal tourism landscape and invigorate the local economy.
The launch ceremony, held on Tuesday in the Thiès region’s Petite Côte, was led by Serigne Mamadou Mboup, Director General of the Senegal Coastal Development and Promotion Company (SAPCO).
Speaking at the site, Mr. Mboup described the resort as “ambitious and structured,” with a sweeping development plan that includes 3,000 hotel rooms, 2,000 residential units, state-of-the-art sports facilities, a modern shopping centre, a lagoon-side promenade, an artisan village, and an open-air theatre.
Backed by a total investment of 665 billion CFA francs, the project is primarily financed by the private sector, which has committed 600 billion CFA francs, while the state has pledged 65 billion.
The first phase alone is projected to generate 15,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs.
Located in a region known for its mangrove-fringed lagoons, pristine beaches, and untouched sand dunes, Mbodiène is poised to become a top-tier tourist destination in West Africa.
SAPCO’s development strategy aims to blend modern hospitality infrastructure with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
“The Mbodiène development programme is not just about tourism—it’s about creating sustainable value for our communities while showcasing Senegal’s natural and cultural riches,” Mr. Mboup added.
The groundbreaking was attended by a host of political leaders, investors, and local authorities, underlining the government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a key driver of economic diversification.
The project’s phased rollout will see the integration of luxury hotels, leisure amenities, and cultural hubs, with an emphasis on sustainability and inclusive growth.
SAPCO has pledged to involve local communities in both the operational management and economic benefits of the resort.
Already home to established coastal destinations like Saly and Somone, the Petite Côte will soon welcome Mbodiène as a new cornerstone of Senegal’s tourism identity—modern, eco-conscious, and globally competitive.
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