Senegalese football star Sadio Mané is continuing to invest in his hometown of Bambali, with his latest project taking his community development efforts into agriculture.
Mané has committed approximately $20.4 million (11.7 billion CFA francs) of his own money to SM10 Agro, an agro-industrial project focused on mango production and processing. The foundation stone was laid in Bambali on September 19.
The project will cover around 500 hectares and is expected to include mango plantations, processing facilities, an agricultural training centre and research facilities.
Plans also include approximately 78,000 mango trees, with the facility expected to process about 8,500 tonnes of mangoes annually. One of the project’s major goals is job creation.
Reports show that more than 1,000 direct jobs could be created once the project begins working. It will also process mangoes into products such as pulp, dried mango, and mango butter, creating opportunities to sell both locally and internationally.
Mané has previously supported Bambali through investments in community infrastructure, including a school, hospital, mosque, and petrol station.
His latest project stands for a move towards creating long-term economic activity in his hometown.
From football pitches to agriculture, Mané is building a legacy beyond the game.
