DAKAR, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Senegal, one of Africa's major groundnut producers, has officially announced the resumption of groundnut exports to the international market, a move long awaited by industry stakeholders.
Senegalese Minister of Industry and Trade Serigne Gueye Diop made the announcement on Tuesday in Diamniadio, near the country's capital, Dakar, following a meeting with stakeholders across the groundnut value chain and strategic partners.
"Starting today, we have decided, together with all stakeholders, to resume groundnut exports to China and other markets. Discussions have also taken place with our embassy in China, which has confirmed the readiness of Chinese partners to work with Senegalese operators," he said.
Groundnut exports had been suspended for the past two years to ensure domestic supply, support local oil-processing plants, and secure seed reserves, the minister said. For the current agricultural season, the government has set a minimum purchase price of 305 CFA francs (about 0.54 U.S. dollars) per kg.
He emphasized that the resumption would be subject to strict requirements, particularly concerning product quality, transaction traceability, and the repatriation of export earnings to Senegal.
"Instructions have been given to Senegalese Customs to facilitate export operations while strengthening controls. Banks and financial institutions have also been encouraged to support exporters in order to speed up the process," he added.
According to the minister, the National Oilseed Marketing Company of Senegal plans to collect between 250,000 and 450,000 tonnes of groundnuts this year, while the volume authorized for export ranges from 300,000 to 450,000 tonnes.
"This policy reflects the government's determination to liberalize the sector while providing producers with multiple collection and marketing channels," Diop said. ■
