Mercedes-Benz Expands into Senegal with New Truck Assembly Plant to Power West Africa’s Automotive Growth
Mercedes-Benz is set to expand its manufacturing presence in West Africa with the establishment of a truck assembly plant in Senegal.
This landmark initiative marks a significant step forward for the region’s automotive industry and industrialization efforts.
The project was formalized through a letter of intent signed by the Senegalese government, German automotive leader Mercedes-Benz, and Global Truck Systems (GTS), a key strategic partner.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, and a Mercedes-Benz Trucks delegation led by Franziska Cusumano, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks.
According to the Senegalese government, the new facility will initially focus on assembling military vehicles for the national armed forces. Over time, production will expand to include civilian trucks and commercial vehicle models.
“An initial assembly line will be operational by the end of 2025. Several hundred jobs will be created in the early phase, with plans to scale up to several thousand in the long term,” said Jan Weber, Commercial Director of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, in an interview with national broadcaster RTS.
Under the agreement, Mercedes-Benz will supply Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits to enable the local assembly of a variety of truck models.
This move is expected to strengthen Senegal’s industrial capacity, reduce reliance on imports, and promote a more sustainable, self-reliant automotive ecosystem.
The initiative aligns with Senegal’s broader strategy to accelerate industrialization by attracting foreign investment, fostering skilled employment, and nurturing local supply chains in key economic sectors.
Mercedes-Benz has been steadily increasing its footprint across Africa, positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s growing automotive and logistics sectors.
Demand for commercial vehicles is surging due to rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and enhanced regional trade integration.
In North Africa, the company maintains a strong presence through assembly plants and partnerships in Egypt and Algeria.
South Africa remains its primary manufacturing hub on the continent, where Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA), based in Pretoria, oversees operations employing around 300 people.
The upcoming Senegal facility marks a strategic expansion into West Africa, allowing Mercedes-Benz to serve emerging regional markets more efficiently.
Dakar’s strategic location as a logistics gateway makes it an ideal site for this new investment.
“The objective is to provide high-quality conditions for locally assembled vehicles, including long-term service support,” Mercedes-Benz stated.
“With the commitment of Daimler Truck, along with the support of our local partners, we aim to create new jobs, ensure reliable supply chains, and contribute meaningfully to Senegal’s economic development.”
The plant is expected to stimulate a broad range of ancillary industries, encourage technology transfer, and accelerate the development of a skilled local workforce.
As regional infrastructure projects continue to grow, so does the demand for heavy-duty vehicles. The new Mercedes-Benz assembly facility will not only meet this demand but also help position Senegal as a rising player in Africa’s evolving automotive manufacturing landscape—delivering long-term benefits to the country and the wider ECOWAS region.
