Senegal plans to establish a real estate investment fund targeting its citizens living abroad, the government announced during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 25.
The initiative, titled the Diaspora Senegal Real Estate Investment Fund (FCPI-DS), seeks to channel part of the annual remittances sent by Senegalese expatriates into rental property investments. Remittances from the diaspora account for nearly 10 per cent of GDP, totaling 2.2 trillion CFA francs per year, most of which are currently used for consumption.
Under the proposal, members of the diaspora can acquire shares in a professionally managed real estate portfolio without increasing public debt. By directing savings toward rental housing, the government aims to boost residential construction, create regular income for investors, and stimulate activity in construction, financial services, and urban employment.
The FCPI-DS forms part of a broader policy to engage the diaspora. On December 17, 2025, Senegal established its first national day for citizens living abroad, recognizing their economic and social contributions. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized strengthening partnerships with the diaspora, leveraging their expertise, and diversifying funding sources.
The fund is expected to complement domestic financing, channeling existing savings into structured investment projects while deepening financial ties between the state and its diaspora. Its success will depend on strong governance, operational transparency, and the ability to deliver returns that meet investor expectations.
