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 214 million euro, with Germany exporting significantly more to Senegal than it imports from the 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 in Ghana is also responsible for Senegal.

Bilateral development cooperation has been ongoing since Senegal attained independence in 1960. Senegal, as a reform partnership country, has been a privileged partner since 2019. In this way, Germany is supporting the Government’s endeavours towards reform in the areas of land law and labour law and is promoting vocational training as well as financing for small and medium-sized enterprises in Senegal. Support is also being given to vaccine production and the expansion of renewable energies.

Cooperation in the field of climate and energy is an important component of bilateral relations. On 22 June 2023, Senegal and Germany, along with other partners such as the European Union and France, agreed on a Just Energy Transition Partnership that aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energies.

The Goethe-Institut in Senegal celebrated its 40th anniversary in December 2018; with the construction of an architecturally interesting and innovative building; it will gain further prominence in Dakar’s cultural scene. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) maintains one lectorship in Senegal. 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 (Thiès) bring together people from the two countries. 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).