On 13 October 2025, the city of Ziguinchor, capital of the Casamance in Senegal, celebrated a major event: the official inauguration of the Tilène market, completely rebuilt seven years after a devastating fire that occurred in 2018. This modern infrastructure, described by the authorities as a “commercial jewel”, marked a turning point for the local economy and the traders who had lost everything during the disaster. The event was chaired by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Serigne Guèye Diop, in the presence of several personalities, including the Director of the Programme de Modernisation et de Gestion des Marchés (PROMOGEM), Rougui Aladji Sow, and the Mayor of Ziguinchor, Djibril Sonko. The market of Tilène, extending over 8 500 m2, was rebuilt with an investment of 1,755 billion CFA francs within the framework of PROMOGEM, a national programme aimed at modernizing commercial spaces and preventing fire risks. It now has 374 canteens, some 20 butchers’ shops, a restaurant, and advanced security equipment, such as fire-fighting systems. According to Rougui Aladi Sow, this market represents “a model of management and innovation”, with a local antenne to ensure hygiene, safety and daily maintenance.
The opening of the market of Tilène in Ziguinchor: a symbol of economic renewal
