Lions of Teranga: How to Hire the Best Talent from Senegal

We’ve still only scratched the surface of reasons to hire in Senegal. Here are three takeaways you need to understand about the Senegalese workforce.

• Diverse and Multilingual Workforce: Senegal’s workforce is not only diverse in terms of skills and industries but also boasts a significant multilingual capability, particularly in French, English, and various local languages such as Wolof (which serves as a lingua franca between various ethnic groups). This makes Senegal an attractive location for companies seeking a multilingual workforce to support global operations.
• Growing Focus on Technology and Innovation: Senegal is increasingly becoming a hotspot for technology and innovation within Africa, with a burgeoning tech scene in Dakar that is one of the most advanced in West Africa. For instance, In 2022, Senegalese startups raised an impressive $151m.
• Youthful Population: The Senegalese population has an average age of just 22, with youth development index scores improved by over 10% since 2010 due to increased secondary school enrolment.

How does that sound? We know this is a lot of information to take into consideration. That’s why at Multiplier we pride ourselves on offering dedicated, 24/5 support tailored to specific countries–so you can sit back and relax in the knowledge that the professionals have things under control. 

Now you’re speaking their language

Picture this scenario: you’ve hired and onboarded talent from Senegal, and now you’re wondering what makes them tick. Consider these tips for effective communication with your Senegalese colleagues, starting with the stuff that helps no matter where they’re based:

1. Clear Communication: Clearly communicate job expectations, company culture, and goals to ensure alignment. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help keep everyone on the same page.
2. Leverage Technology: Use technology to facilitate collaboration and communication. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Trello can help manage projects effectively.
3. Integration: Make efforts to integrate remote workers into the company culture. Virtual team-building activities or occasional in-person meetings (if possible) can foster a sense of belonging.
4. Legal Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts and practices comply with Senegalese labor laws, even when hiring remotely. Luckily, with Multiplier, our easy-to-use platform ensures compliance is guaranteed, with automatic contract generation that dots the Is and crosses the Ts.

Of course, there’s more to connecting with a new employee than following a checklist. Sport is always a good bonding opportunity, and In Senegal, one sport reigns supreme above all others: football (soccer). The national team, known as the “Lions of Teranga,” is one of Africa’s most storied teams having made significant strides on the international stage, including memorable performances in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Senegal’s love for football is matched by its investment in the sport, with numerous academies and training facilities aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent. 

Sport not your new colleague’s thing? Luckily, Senegal is culturally rich as well. We’d be remiss not to mention its music scene, particularly Mbalax, a popular dance music genre blending traditional Senegalese drum beats with Western pop influences. The country’s capital, Dakar, is a cultural hub in itself, known for its lively arts scene and for hosting events such as the Dakar Biennale, one of Africa’s most important contemporary art exhibitions. Between sport and culture, there’s sure to be something to help you break the ice. 

Speaking the truth

Of course, if you really want to impress your new hire, you could try picking up some Senegalese terminology. While there are countless languages present in the country, Wolof is widely spoken by around 85% of the population. To say “hello” in Wolof, you would use “Salamaleikum”, a greeting borrowed from Arabic that is common throughout Senegal, conveying peace to the person you’re greeting. The response to this is “Maleikum Salam,” which returns the greeting of peace. For “goodbye,” meanwhile, you might say “Mangi dem”.

That’s the basics out of the way, but here are some key phrases which might be beneficial for navigating the professional landscape in Senegal. In French, which is commonly used in business contexts, you might hear “Quelle est la date limite?” meaning “What is the deadline?” or “Pouvons-nous fixer une réunion?” which translates to “Can we schedule a meeting?”

As we mentioned earlier, Senegal’s growing digital economy means some tech terminology might also come in handy. As the country embraces technological advancement, terms like “l’intelligence artificielle” (artificial intelligence), “le développement de logiciels” (software development), and “la sécurité des données” (data security) are just a few statements you’re likely to hear. Sorted!

Did you know?

Now that we’ve got the serious business out of the way, let’s have a quick look at some Senegalese fun facts.

Senegal’s history is marked by its position as a pivotal trading center and its resistance against colonial powers. Senegal gained independence from France in 1960, and since then, it has been known for its stable democracy in a region often fraught with political instability.

When it comes to Senegal’s most famous citizens, Youssou N’Dour is one of the most celebrated African musicians in history, known for being the king of the aforementioned musical genre of Mbalax.

Ast, but certainly not least, there’s the food. Senegalese cuisine showcases the country’s blend of indigenous, French, and North African influences. The national dish, Thieboudienne, is a delicious concoction of fish, rice, and vegetables, seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Delicious!

Hungry for more Senegal info?

We’ve got you covered. So far we’ve talked about the big picture, but our talent wiki page contains all the nitty gritty information you need to make your Senegal hiring plans an astronomical success. Click the link for details on statutory leave, public holidays, talent sourcing locations, and much, much more!

Taxes

Employers must contribute 17.6% – 26.4%, broken into social security, retirement contributions, and medical coverage.

Employee benefits

• Paid Leave
• Healthcare and Medical coverage
• Social Security
• Retirement/Pension

Visa requirements

• Overseas employees will need to secure a work permit to legally work in Senegal. However, only long-term work permits are issued in the country, with a validity of 2 years. Additionally, they must also apply for a residence permit to stay in Senegal.