Dakar is not only the capital of Senegal, it's a city full of energy and character, where the Atlantic breeze meets centuries of history. Today, it concentrates nearly half of Senegal’s GDP and continues to attract regional migration, making it a dynamic economic and cultural hub.

Its past is just as fascinating. It was one of the first European settlements in sub-Saharan Africa. The Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, and by 1857 the French had set up a permanent post, drawn by Dakar’s natural harbor and its strategic proximity to Gorée Island, a place that became a symbol of the transatlantic slave trade.

Later, Dakar became the capital of French West Africa. Today, it remains a politically and culturally powerful city, deeply rooted in Wolof influence referring to the cultural, linguistic, and social impact of Senegal’s largest ethnic group and in Muslim traditions. It’s a place where history and modern life blend with unmistakable rhythm.

Gorée Island is a small volcanic isle off the coast of Dakar, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, it was a key point in the transatlantic slave trade, serving as a departure port for Africans being shipped to the Americas.

Its most iconic site is the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves). This museum, with its tiny holding cells and the moving “Door of No Return,” stands as a stark reminder of the horrors of slavery and the loss of freedom experienced by millions. Today, the island is a powerful place of remembrance and reflection, visited by world leaders and people from around the globe.

Fashion in Dakar is more than just clothes, it’s a living expression of African identity, a way to empower people, and a growing part of the economy. In this lively and creative city, dressing up mixes tradition with modern style, showing pride in Senegalese roots.

Fashion also creates jobs in textiles, crafts, design, communication, and sales, making it an important part of the city’s growth.

The key event is Dakar Fashion Week, started in 2002 by designer Adama Paris. This festival has made Dakar one of Africa’s fashion capitals. It brings together designers from all over Africa and beyond to show their work in special places. What makes it special? Its focus on diversity and innovation, featuring models of all sizes, ages, and backgrounds. Fashion here isn’t just about clothes, it’s about making a statement.

The Dakar Rally was born from the daring adventure of Thierry Sabine, who got lost in the Libyan desert in 1977. Inspired by that experience, he imagined an epic race connecting Europe and Africa, with Dakar as the legendary finish line until 2007. Sabine described it perfectly: “A challenge for those who leave. A dream for those who stay.”

For nearly 40 years, this race became known as the toughest rally raid in the world. Covering thousands of kilometers, it demands extreme physical and mental endurance, daily stages can exceed 800 km, crossing deserts, dunes, and harsh terrain under brutal weather conditions. Beyond being a test of human and sporting limits, the Dakar Rally spread a message of openness and discovery that still resonates today.

Dakar’s economy revolves mainly around its bustling port trade and dynamic service sector. Thanks to the Autonomous Port of Dakar, one of West Africa’s most important ports, the city has established itself as a vital hub for regional and international commerce. This port handles imports and exports of key goods like oil, food, and industrial materials, while also serving as a crucial transit point for landlocked neighbors such as Mali. The port’s activities create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in logistics, transportation, customs, and storage.

Beyond the port, Dakar is home to the country’s main financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and fintech businesses. As the seat of government, embassies, and international organizations, the city also drives strong demand for administrative and professional services.