Grand Magal de Touba economic impact climbs to 630 billion CFA francs

A joint study by the University Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim of Touba and the University Alioune Diop of Bambey estimates the Grand Magal de Touba generates 630 billion CFA francs for the Senegalese economy, a rise of 2.5 times since the 2017 estimate of 250 billion. The research, coordinated by economist Souleymane Astou Diagne, attributes the growth to stronger demand for food, transport and financial services during the pilgrimage. It recommends turning the event into a catalyst for industrialisation in Touba, proposing local production of goods to meet pilgrim demand. Projected benefits include up to 100 000 new jobs over three years, development of a domestic leather‑tanning sector from more than 100 000 ruminants slaughtered, and an agrobusiness push that could create 8 000‑8 500 agricultural jobs.

The authors call on public authorities, the Touba municipality, private investors and religious leaders to coordinate investments and position the holy city as a national‑regional industrial hub.