Ousmane Sonko used the laying of the foundation stone for the SM10 Agro agro-industrial project on Saturday in Bambali to joke with Sadio Mané about a potential political entry in 2029. The National Assembly president said in a humorous tone that the Senegalese international would find him on his path.

Sonko’s playful challenge to Mané

In front of the crowd, Ousmane Sonko noted that Sadio Mané does not engage in politics, before raising the possibility of a future candidacy by citing former Liberian footballer and president George Weah as an example. He then told the player: “football is yours, but politics is mine,” prompting laughter from those present. Sonko even joked about his ability to defeat him electorally even in his Bambali stronghold.

The exchange, however, does not constitute any announcement of a Sadio Mané candidacy. Senegalese media present reported it as a good-natured moment, part of a speech in which Sonko mainly praised the player’s career and his investment in his home region.

SM10 Agro: a major agricultural project

The ceremony marked the launch of SM10 Agro, a project valued at 11.7 billion CFA francs. Located on about 500 hectares, the complex is set to process mango, among other crops, with an annual capacity of around 8,500 tonnes. Promoters announce more than 1,000 direct jobs at startup, with a target that could reach 2,500 jobs.

Ousmane Sonko presented Sadio Mané as one of Senegal’s best ambassadors and recalled having suggested to him as early as 2023 to invest in agriculture and local processing. The project aims to better valorize fruit production in Casamance and reduce post-harvest losses.

Institutional support and objectives

According to project officials and Senegalese authorities, SM10 Agro is designed to combine production, processing, and marketing. The initiative benefits from institutional support, notably from APIX, within the framework of the policy to develop local agricultural value chains.