Senegal partners with Mercedes Trucks to establish military vehicle assembly Plant in Dakar
In a landmark move for Senegal’s defense industry, the government has signed an agreement with Germany’s Mercedes Trucks to establish a military vehicle assembly facility in Dakar.
Announced during Tuesday’s RTS evening news, this strategic partnership advances the nation’s industrial sovereignty agenda while strengthening defense capabilities.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presided over Monday’s signing ceremony at the Primature, attended by executives from Daimler Truck AG and local partner Global Trucks Systems (GTS).
The project will produce tactical trucks and military vehicles for Senegal’s Armed Forces, with the first assembly line becoming operational by late 2025.
Mercedes Benz Special Trucks’ Commercial Director Jan Weber confirmed initial phases will create hundreds of jobs, scaling to thousands long-term.
Defense Minister Birame Diop emphasized the agreement’s dual focus: achieving gradual autonomy in vehicle design/maintenance while meeting operational requirements.
The deal follows Senegal’s November 2024 Armed Forces Day theme (“Toward Technological and Industrial Sovereignty”) and complements a 35-billion CFA franc military vehicle factory under construction in Mbacké-Touba (capacity: 1,000 units/year).
Mercedes Trucks President Franziska Cusumano hailed the “historic moment,” while GTS Director Michel Noël outlined upcoming technical training programs for certified workers.
Industry Minister Serigne Gueye Diop noted this reinforces Senegal’s territorial industrialization strategy, further positioning the country as West Africa’s emerging defense manufacturing hub.
The project aligns with Senegal’s presidential military innovation prize initiative, fostering local expertise for complete defense sovereignty. With two major facilities now underway, Senegal accelerates its transition from arms importer to regional defense producer.
