Saudi Arabia to invest in solar-powered desalination project in Senegal, says minister

Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih is leading a high-level Saudi delegation to the Invest in Senegal Forum 2025. SPA

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is poised to sign an agreement to harness solar energy for a water desalination project in Senegal, alongside additional investments totaling €250 million ($291.57 million), Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said.
Al-Falih, leading a high-level Saudi delegation to the “Invest in Senegal Forum 2025” on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said the 300-megawatt photovoltaic project will be integrated with the desalination facility and other development initiatives. 
The delegation includes public sector representatives and 400 private sector delegates, with Saudi Arabia serving as the forum’s guest of honor.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, Saudi exports to Senegal reached SR9.21 million in February 2025, while imports totaled SR105,000, resulting in a positive trade balance of SR9.1 million. Between February 2024 and February 2025, exports declined by SR1.28 million (12.2 percent), and imports fell by SR913,000 (89.7 percent).
Speaking in the presence of Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Al-Falih said: “Senegal and Africa are a top priority for our external investments.” 
He expressed confidence that Saudi companies participating in the forum would soon announce new investments and partnerships in Senegal.
“Relations between Saudi Arabia and Senegal are historic, deeply rooted in Islamic brotherhood and shared values,” Al-Falih added, highlighting leadership-level visits since Senegal’s independence. He noted that Senegal’s Vision 2050 and the Invest in Senegal Forum signal a strong commitment to development and international partnerships.
The minister also highlighted Africa’s growing role in global investment, referencing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement at the Saudi-African Summit of $25 billion in new investments across the continent.
Al-Falih detailed one of the Kingdom’s flagship initiatives: the Grande-Cote seawater desalination project. ACWA Power has signed an agreement to invest nearly €750 million to build a renewable energy-powered desalination plant, capable of supplying up to 400,000 cubic meters of potable water per day to Dakar and surrounding areas. 
“This project addresses climate change and advances energy transformation in Senegal,” he said.