Renting commercial space in Dakar: a guide to choosing well

Opening a shop, setting up an office or launching a workshop in Dakar almost always starts with the same question: where, and at what price? Location drives a large share of a shop's revenue, and a poorly negotiated lease can weigh on a business for years. Here are the useful benchmarks before you sign.

Choosing the neighbourhood for your activity

The right neighbourhood depends on your customers first, not on how prestigious the address sounds.

• Plateau: offices, firms, banks and business customers. Heavy footfall on weekdays, much quieter at weekends.
• Point E, Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur: a good balance of local shops, restaurants and personal services, with a middle-class clientele.
• Almadies, Ngor, Ouakam: affluent and expatriate customers, ideal for restaurants, beauty or upmarket shops, but rents are high.
• Liberté, HLM, Médina, Colobane: dense, popular retail areas suited to textiles, food and quick services.
• Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye, Pikine, Keur Massar: more affordable rents and large populations, relevant for everyday shops.
• Diamniadio: a growing area around government offices, the exhibition centre and new housing, interesting for business-facing activities.

Before deciding, walk past the premises at different times and on a weekend. Count passers-by, see where customers park and spot direct competitors.

What budget to plan

Rents vary a lot by street, size and condition. As a rough guide, a small shop in a popular neighbourhood may rent for around 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA a month, while well-located premises in Plateau or Almadies easily exceed one million. Always compare per square metre.

On top of the rent come the upfront payments:

• the deposit, often two to three months of rent;
• the advance, several months paid upfront, sometimes more for sought-after premises;
• agency fees, frequently one month of rent;
• fit-out works: paint, wiring, signage, metal shutter, air conditioning.

Also plan for water, electricity (a meter in your name if possible) and security. For taking payments, our guide to accepting Wave and Orange Money payments in your shop helps you get started.

What the commercial lease must include

In Senegal, business leases fall under the OHADA Uniform Act on General Commercial Law. Always insist on a written contract, even with a landlord you trust. It should state:

• the landlord's exact identity and proof of ownership or mandate;
• a description of the premises, their size and the permitted activity;
• the lease term and renewal conditions;
• the rent, its payment date and review rules;
• what happens to the deposit when you leave;
• how repairs are split between tenant and landlord;
• whether you may sublet or transfer the lease with your business.

OHADA law protects tenants who have run their business on the premises for at least two years: they are in principle entitled to renewal. Register the lease with the tax office, which gives it a certain date. An accountant in Dakar or a lawyer can review the contract before you sign, a modest cost compared with the commitment.

Traps to avoid

• Paying before seeing the papers: ask for the title deed or the agency's mandate, and be wary of informal middlemen who collect advances.
• Signing for unsuitable premises: check electrical capacity, water supply, drainage, waterproofing before the rainy season and delivery access.
• Forgetting permits: some activities (restaurants, health, pharmacy, bars) need specific authorisations. Check before paying anything.
• Ignoring signage and visibility: a discreet unit at the back of a courtyard will need a strong online presence to compensate.

If you are just starting out, also read our guide to starting a business in Senegal.

Working with an agency

A reputable estate agency saves time, filters out fanciful listings and knows the real rents in each area. Always ask for a written mandate, a receipt for every payment and a visit before any money changes hands.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Carré d'Or Immobilier: estate agency in Dakar.
• Keur Immo: estate agency in Dakar.
• Dakar Relocation et Services Immo: relocation support and property search.

You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• List your business on SeneFinder once your premises are open, for free.
• Recommend an address.
• FCFA currency converter.

Frequently asked questions

How much does commercial space cost in Dakar?

It depends on the neighbourhood and size. A small shop in a popular area may rent for around 100,000 to 250,000 FCFA a month, while well-located premises in Plateau or Almadies often exceed one million.

What deposit is required for commercial premises?

The deposit is often two to three months of rent, plus an advance of several months and, if you use an agency, fees of about one month of rent.

Does a commercial lease have to be in writing?

It is strongly recommended. A written, registered contract protects the tenant, especially the right to renewal granted by OHADA law after two years of operation.

Should I go through an estate agency?

It is not mandatory, but a reputable agency checks the landlord, knows real prices and reduces the risk of scams. Insist on a written mandate and a receipt for every payment.