Sadio Mané is taking his investment in his Senegalese hometown of Bambali to a new level, committing about 11.7 billion CFA francs, or $20.4 million, to an agro-industrial project designed to turn mango production into a major local business.
The project, known as SM10 Agro, held its foundation stone ceremony on September 19. It will cover about 500 hectares, with plans for 78,000 mango trees and processing facilities capable of handling approximately 8,500 tonnes of mangoes annually. The facility will produce mango pulp, dried mango and mango butter.
SM10 Agro expects the project to create more than 1,000 direct jobs initially, with the figure potentially rising to 2,500. The development will also include an agricultural training centre and research facilities.
The project aims to tackle post-harvest losses in Senegal’s Casamance region, where limited storage and processing facilities often leave farmers with large quantities of unsold mangoes. Mané says he wants the community to retain more of the wealth generated from its agricultural resources.
Building Bambali From the Ground Up
SM10 Agro adds to a long list of projects Mané has supported in Bambali.
In 2018, the football star contributed 234,000 euros toward a 17-classroom secondary school. He later financed a hospital serving Bambali and 34 surrounding villages, as well as a mosque, post office and petrol station.
Mané has also provided monthly financial support to families in the village and rewarded outstanding students with cash and computers. He helped improve internet connectivity and has supported young people with football equipment and sportswear.
From Football to Local Enterprise
Mané has also invested heavily in sport and small businesses.
He funded a modern football stadium in Bambali, replacing the basic pitch where he played as a youngster. In 2025, he also helped establish Le Boudhie, a modern bakery created through a partnership with Grands Moulins de Dakar and local authorities.
With SM10 Agro, Mané is taking that vision further. His projects now stretch from education and healthcare to sport, small business and agriculture, creating services, jobs and economic opportunities in the community where his journey began.
