Relations between Germany and Senegal are wide-ranging and friendly. The two countries maintain a lively political exchange, including at the highest level, and engage in close cooperation on a range of topics.

Senegal is one of the partner countries in the Compact with Africa initiative, which was launched during the German G20 Presidency in 2017 and is aimed at promoting economic development on the African continent. Bilateral trade is worth around 416 million euro, with Germany exporting significantly more to Senegal than it imports from that country. A bilateral investment protection agreement has been in place since 1966. There is an EU Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Dakar (EUROCHAM), while the Delegate Office of German Industry and Commerce (AHK) in Côte d’Ivoire is also responsible for Senegal.

Bilateral development cooperation has been ongoing since Senegal attained independence in 1960. Germany provided special support between 2019 and 2023, in connection with the designation of Senegal as a reform partnership country, focusing on the spheres of labour law, land rights and funding opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as vocational training.

The two countries are currently engaged in intensive cooperation in the form of a climate and development partnership: By adopting what is known as a Just Energy Transition Partnership, Senegal and Germany, along with other partners such as the European Union and France, have agreed on a climate and development partnership that will place a particular emphasis on the further development of renewable energy sources. Germany also supports the increased focus on reforming the pharmaceutical sector and producing medicine and vaccines in Senegal, efforts which have been driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Goethe-Institut has gained further prominence in Dakar’s cultural scene following the opening of its architecturally innovative building on 18 April 2026. German ranks fourth among the foreign languages taught in schools. Five German political foundations have offices in Dakar. Town-twinning arrangements, school partnerships and partnerships between parishes and dioceses bring together people from the two countries on a regular basis.

Bridges are also forged between the two countries through sport: Germany donates equipment and offers courses to Senegalese coaches in Germany (for football and athletics).