Regional competition is prompting the Société africaine de raffinage to extend its horizons beyond its traditional market. SAR's challenge is now to develop a competitive offering across West Africa while supporting Senegal's changing energy needs.
Competition also takes place at storage depots
An article published on 2 October 2026 reports concerns expressed by SAR's managing director, Mamadou Abib Diop, about Dangote's expansion into neighbouring countries. It mentions announced investments in The Gambia and proposed depots in Guinea. According to the sources consulted, the latter remain reported projects, rather than facilities whose commissioning has been confirmed.
The announcement concerning The Gambia requires clarification. The presidential statement dated 7 July 2026 links the $2 billion commitment to two projects: a 250 MW solar power plant and fuel storage infrastructure. The amount should therefore not be presented as an investment devoted exclusively to refining. The statement also provides for agreements to be concluded, studies to be undertaken and implementation structures to be established.
Storage is emerging as an essential commercial tool: it can bring products closer to customers and improve delivery consistency. Competition therefore extends across the supply chain, from crude processing to distribution.
SAR2: turning an industrial ambition into delivery
On 23 September 2026, the Société africaine de raffinage (SAR) and Turkish company Yamata signed a memorandum of understanding in New York to establish a second refinery and modernise the existing facility. The new plant is expected to have capacity of 4 million tonnes a year, specifically dedicated to processing crude oil extracted in Senegal.
This initiative could substantially diversify SAR's commercial opportunities. However, a memorandum of understanding alone does not establish the actual commissioning date, final financing arrangements or purchase commitments from future customers. Close monitoring of the project will be needed to distinguish announced capacity from facilities that are genuinely operational.
For sector participants, four key factors will be decisive: crude supply, cost management, product quality and market access. Increased capacity does not necessarily guarantee greater competitiveness.
Anticipating changes in demand
Le passage projeté des centrales de SENELEC vers le gaz pourrait transformer les perspectives du fioul de la SAR. L’ampleur et le calendrier de cet impact nécessiteront une documentation approfondie ; il serait prématuré de conclure à une disparition immédiate de ce marché.
Pour la raffinerie, cela incite à analyser l’équilibre entre les différents produits, les exigences des secteurs des transports et de l’industrie, ainsi que les opportunités d’exportation. Ces marchés requièrent des infrastructures robustes et des relations commerciales solides capables de soutenir les volumes anticipés.
Local value as a measure of performance
Pour les entreprises sénégalaises, les perspectives d’opportunités se situent dans des domaines tels que l’ingénierie, la maintenance, le transport et les services industriels. La réalisation de ces opportunités sera conditionnée par l’accès à des contrats, les qualifications requises et la structuration efficace des projets.
La réponse de la SAR face à la concurrence régionale devra être évaluée sur plusieurs axes : la fiabilité industrielle, la compétitivité commerciale et l’engagement des entreprises locales. Accroître la production est une étape cruciale ; cependant, l’objectif économique réside dans la capacité à fournir de manière durable des produits compétitifs tout en maximisant la valeur ajoutée au Sénégal.