In a development poised to transform Senegal’s industrial landscape, Daimler Truck, a leading German automotive manufacturer, has embarked on an ambitious partnership with the Senegalese government and Global Truck Systems (GTS) to establish a truck assembly plant in the West African nation.
Announced on 1 July, this collaboration was formalised through the signing of a letter of intent, outlining a plan to assemble a range of Mercedes-Benz truck models locally using Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits supplied by Daimler Truck. These vehicles, scheduled to reach customers as early as next year, will serve critical roles across multiple sectors in Senegal, including the logistical needs of the Ministry of Defence, the modernisation of fire brigade and police fleets, and applications in waste collection, construction, logistics, and transport.
This initiative not only marks a step forward for Senegal’s industrial ambitions but also reflects Daimler Truck’s growing commitment to the African continent. The essence of this project lies in a joint venture between the Senegalese government and GTS, with Daimler Truck acting as the key supplier and technology partner. The CKD process involves shipping disassembled vehicle components from Germany to Senegal, where they will be pieced together into fully operational trucks under the leadership of the Senegalese government and GTS. This approach, while intricate, is a proven strategy for Daimler Truck, which has honed its expertise in CKD assembly through operations in South Africa and Kenya.
The trucks to be assembled include various Mercedes-Benz model series, tailored to meet diverse needs—from military logistics to municipal services. GTS, tasked with the technical, economic, and industrial execution, will oversee the assembly process, equip the vehicles with specialised bodies such as container frames or cranes, and manage local recruitment and sales. Meanwhile, Daimler Truck ensures a steady supply chain, implements quality assurance measures, and provides long-term service support, laying the foundation for high-quality, locally produced vehicles.
This partnership promises a wealth of benefits for Senegal, aligning with the country’s broader industrial policy to foster homegrown automotive production. The Senegalese government is playing an active role by offering industrial land, tax and customs relief for CKD imports, and support for training local specialists. These measures are designed to create a skilled workforce capable of sustaining the plant’s operations and beyond. The creation of qualified jobs—both within the assembly plant and across related industries—stands out as a major advantage, offering employment opportunities and boosting local expertise. Franziska Cusumano, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Special Trucks, captured the spirit of this collaboration, noting, “The delivery of CKD kits for on-site assembly, the transfer of know-how and comprehensive technical advice are our contributions to a successful, partnership-based cooperation.”
This transfer of technological competence is expected to empower Senegal’s workforce and enhance its industrial capabilities over time. The economic implications extend far beyond job creation. By assembling trucks locally rather than importing fully built units, the project reduces costs, making vehicles more accessible to customers while contributing to economic value creation in the region. Michael Dietz, CEO of Daimler Truck Middle East/Africa, emphasised this long-term vision, stating, “With the relocation of the assembly plant, the creation of qualified jobs and the transfer of technological competences, we will be able to make a joint contribution to economic value creation in the region.”
The initiative also enjoys backing from the German Federal Government, building on decades of development cooperation between Germany and Senegal. Since 2019, this relationship has evolved into a bilateral reform partnership, and in 2023, it transitioned into a climate and development alliance known as the Just Energy Transition Partnership. The CKD assembly project exemplifies this alliance, showcasing how industrial collaboration can drive economic progress. Daimler Truck’s experience in Africa provides a strong foundation for this venture.
In South Africa, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA), headquartered in Pretoria, operates a major assembly plant in East London. Employing around 300 people, this facility is one of the company’s largest CKD plants outside Europe, producing models such as the Actros, Arocs, Atego, Econic, Unimog, and Zetros. In August 2024, the plant marked a milestone by assembling its 800,000th CKD unit, a testament to the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this approach. Olaf Petersen, DTSA’s sales and marketing vice president, explained, “Being able to produce our products from CKD kits instead of importing fully built units has a major cost advantage for our customers, and allows DTSA to remain competitive within the market.” Similarly, Daimler Truck has established operations in Kenya, further demonstrating its commitment to expanding its footprint across the continent through localised production.
Senegal’s project fits into a wider pattern of international interest in African manufacturing. Russian truck manufacturer Kamaz, for instance, is also planning to open a production plant in Senegal, as announced by Senegal’s Foreign Minister Yassine Fall during a press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. This follows discussions in July 2023 between then-Senegalese President Macky Sall and the head of Russia’s Tatarstan region, where Kamaz is based, highlighting Senegal’s appeal as a hub for automotive production. Founded in 1969, Kamaz is Russia’s largest truck producer, manufacturing over 53,000 trucks annually, and its entry into Senegal mirrors Daimler Truck’s strategy of tapping into the continent’s growing demand for locally made vehicles.
This trend reflects a broader shift in Africa towards reducing reliance on imported goods, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth through industrial development. While the Daimler Truck project holds immense potential, its success hinges on overcoming logistical and operational challenges. Setting up an assembly plant requires meticulous planning—from ensuring a reliable supply of CKD kits to training local personnel to meet production standards. GTS’s role in managing recruitment, qualifying production staff, and planning the facility will be critical, as will Daimler Truck’s efforts to maintain quality and provide technical support.
The Senegalese government’s proactive involvement, however, signals a strong commitment to addressing these hurdles. The provision of industrial land and training programmes, coupled with Germany’s diplomatic and developmental backing, creates a supportive framework for the plant’s establishment. As Senegal prepares to welcome this new era of industrial activity, the collaboration between Daimler Truck, the Senegalese government, and GTS stands as a model of how international partnerships can fuel progress. The assembly plant not only meets immediate mobility needs—supplying specialised vehicles for defence, civil protection, and municipal tasks—but also lays the groundwork for sustained economic and technological advancement
With the first trucks set to roll out next year, the project promises to strengthen Senegal’s position in West Africa’s industrial landscape, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of localised production. For Daimler Truck, this venture reinforces its role as a key player in Africa’s evolving automotive sector, building on its successes in South Africa and Kenya to drive growth in a region brimming with opportunity.