Bilateral relations Switzerland–Senegal
Switzerland and Senegal maintain excellent bilateral relations that are characterised by regular dialogue and close cooperation in multiple areas of common interest. These interests specifically include trade, education, climate, migration and democracy.
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
As part of its Africa Strategy 2025–28, Switzerland maintains excellent relations with Senegal on a broad range of subjects. These draw on bilateral agreements that cover trade, civil aviation and climate-related challenges.
Both countries aim to pursue initiatives at the multilateral level, especially within the UN and the Francophonie, demonstrating their shared interest in developing common solutions to certain global issues. These close relations are reflected in their collaboration on water governance, particularly as part of the UN framework and in the Blue Peace initiative.
Economic cooperation
Economic matters are governed by the 1964 Trade, Investment Protection and Technical Cooperation Agreement. According to the Swiss National Bank, Swiss direct investment in Senegal amounted to CHF 98 million in 2022.
Some 40 Swiss companies operate with a strong and diversified presence in the Senegalese market.
At USD 528 million in 2024, gold exports from Senegal account for the lion's share of trade in goods between the two countries.
Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise SGE
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
In view of its young population, Senegal takes a close interest in the Swiss model of dual vocational education and training (VET). Switzerland has been applying its expertise to aligning the Senegalese VET system more effectively with the needs of the market since 2015. Through the Francophonie, the two countries further strengthen their cooperation in the digital space.
Additionally, Switzerland offers financial support for research. Researchers who are citizens of Senegal can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for one of a limited number of Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for foreign scholars and artists (SERI)
Young professionals, State Secretariat for Migration SEM
Peacebuilding and human rights
Peace, respect for human rights and stability across West Africa are key concerns for Switzerland. Switzerland and Senegal share democratic values and have therefore stepped up their exchange on democracy.
At the multilateral level, in December 2018 the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding, since updated, to endorse and strengthen collaboration on ‘water, peace and security’.
Senegal is a major country of origin, transit and destination for migrants in West Africa. Switzerland therefore engages with Senegal on migration issues.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
Switzerland provided development aid to Senegal from 1962 to 2010. Since then, Senegal has ceased to be a priority country for Switzerland's bilateral cooperation, but has benefited from the SDC's regional programmes, especially those addressing food security, migration and forced displacement. Certain cantons and communes, Swiss universities and NGOs are also involved in projects totalling several million Swiss francs that benefit Senegal.
Cultural exchange
Pro Helvetia supports Swiss artists and cultural actors, promoting their projects in Switzerland and around the world. It is a public-law foundation dedicated to international cultural exchange and initiates cultural and thematic programmes.
Swiss citizens in Senegal
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, in mid-2026 there were 554 Swiss citizens living in Senegal and 2,024 Senegalese citizens living in Switzerland.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland opened a consulate in Dakar in 1928, when around 100 Swiss nationals were living in Senegal. Switzerland recognised the new state of Senegal as soon as it gained independence from France in 1960, and established diplomatic relations with the country the following year.
Senegal, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Links
- Switzerland and Senegal
- International treaty database
- Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise S-GE
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for foreign scholars and artists (SERI)
- Young professionals, State Secretariat for Migration SEM
- Pro Helvetia
- Senegal, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
- Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis
Documents
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