Finding a job and working in Senegal
Thiès is the name of the region outside of Dakar with its largest city, also called Thiès, the third-largest urban centre in Senegal with an estimated 765,000 people. Located 70km from Dakar and 30km from the new Blaise Diagne International Airport, Thiès is a well-connected city that is known as the ‘junction' of Senegal because of its road links to Saint-Louis, Touba (via a new motorway), Kaolack, Tambacounda and Mali. As a result, Thiès is a very dynamic city, offering many career opportunities to foreigners wishing to settle there, especially those involved with transporting goods across the country.
The economy of Thiès
In 2013, a large investment project was announced to transform Thiès into an economic hub in Senegal, including the building of new commercial centres, offices and markets. Its strategic location has been enhanced by the completion of new motorways, which connect Thiès to Dakar and Touba, the second-largest city in Senegal.
Also, Thiès is known for its natural resources, including iron ore and phosphate. In 2017, the Thiès extractive sector contributed 50 billion CFA (76 million euros) to Senegal's economy.
Mines and quarries are therefore a common sight in the outer Thiès area, while the city also hosts crafts and arts industries, highlighting its economic diversity. There is even a renowned crafts village in the city, which uses locally-sourced materials, such as wood and animal skin, in its products, but is especially well-regarded for its weaving.
Job hunting in Thiès
Some of you might have been transferred to Thiès by your company, but for others, there are a number of ways to find employment there. For example, you can research the industries and companies that are based in the city and send off spontaneous job applications. If you are in Senegal, it's a good idea to give them a call to make sure they have received your application.
You can also view job offers on the internet, particularly on professional social networks, such as LinkedIn, and inquire on international expatriate forums.
Useful links:
Emploi Senegal
Jumia Jobs
Official site of the city of Thiès
LinkedIn
