Tunisia Leverages Olive Oil Strength to Expand in West Africa
Tunisia is leveraging the global weight of its olive oil industry to gain significant market share in West Africa. Senegal, where Tunisian products already hold a prominent position, serves as a strategic foothold for this commercial offensive.
Record-Breaking Production and Export Performance
During the 2025–2026 campaign, Tunisia’s olive oil production reached 500,000 tonnes. Between November 2025 and August 2026, exports surpassed 381,000 tonnes to more than 80 countries, generating nearly €1.4 billion in revenue. These strong performances provide the industry with key advantages to continue its expansion, particularly across the African continent.
Senegal: A Strategic Gateway to West Africa
Senegal plays a central role in this strategy. According to the Ministry of Commerce, it is Tunisia’s second-largest client in Sub-Saharan Africa and serves as a gateway to broader West African markets. Data indicates that Tunisian olive oil already accounts for more than half of Senegal’s imports of this product.
Tunisian exporters are determined to consolidate this position. From October 7 to 9, 2026, the Tunisian Olive Oil Promotional Days brought together a dozen Tunisian companies and Senegalese economic operators in Dakar. Nearly 200 B2B meetings were organized to strengthen commercial relationships and explore new cooperation opportunities, including:
- Local packaging solutions
- Know-how transfer
- Investment partnerships
Consumer Engagement and Culinary Integration
Promotion efforts also target end consumers. In Dakar, tastings and culinary demonstrations showcased Tunisian olive oil in the preparation of local specialties, such as thiéboudiène and yassa. This approach aims to increase product awareness and facilitate its integration into local consumption habits.
The Role of AfCFTA and Future Outlook
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can support this momentum by facilitating trade, subject to applicable tariff and regulatory conditions. For the Tunisian industry, the next step is to convert the contacts established in Dakar into concrete business deals and expand presence to other markets across the continent. The ultimate goal is to diversify export destinations and enhance the commercial value of Tunisia’s "green gold."
Key Facts: Tunisia’s Global Standing
- World Ranking: 2nd largest olive oil producer globally, behind Spain.
- Export Status: Among the world’s leading olive oil exporters.
- Organic Leadership: Holds the world’s first place in terms of land area dedicated to organic olive cultivation.
Source: Ministry of Commerce
