Under the Kédougou sun, a gleaming new gold bar has marked a historic milestone: Boto SA, operated by the Managem Group, has officially entered into production. A symbolic moment, the fruit of two years of monumental work and an investment of €350 million, this achievement puts Senegal firmly on the map of West Africa’s major gold producers.“I am delighted to see this project come to life, long awaited by local communities and set to drive development across the entire region,” said Imad Toumi, Chairman and CEO of the Managem Group.Located in the commune of Madina Baé, at the heart of the Kédougou gold belt, the Boto mine carries ambitious goals: an average annual production of 160,000 ounces of gold—nearly 5 tons—over the first three years. Its reserves are estimated at 1.8 million ounces (56 tons), with a projected lifespan of twelve years.Boto, a flagship project for Senegal, stands out as one of the country’s most structuring mining ventures. The open-pit mine can process up to 35 million tons of rock per year and is backed by state-of-the-art infrastructure: an ultramodern plant, a 23 MW power station, a water dam, an airstrip, and a residential base.At the peak of construction, the site employed 2,500 workers—90% of whom were Senegalese. Now in the operational phase, the mine is expected to generate more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to the local and regional economy.Managem also emphasizes the social dimension of its investment. From the outset, community programs have been launched to improve access to clean water, healthcare, vocational training, and employment opportunities for women and youth. Income-generating initiatives are also being developed for neighboring communities.For Managem, Boto is more than just a mine: it is a showcase of its strategy. The Moroccan group, which employs nearly 5,000 people and operates in seven African countries, aims to strengthen its gold portfolio while consolidating its diversified assets in energy transition metals, along with a commitment to natural gas.“This success is, above all, the result of the outstanding dedication of our teams and our close cooperation with Senegalese authorities,” stressed Imad Toumi. “It fully reflects our vision of sustainable growth, built on operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and strong engagement with local communities.”Majority-owned by Al Mada, a Pan-African investment fund, Managem reaffirms both its continental ambition and its role as a key player in the future of Africa’s mining and energy sectors.By Babacar Sène, Journal Agropasteur / Babaclimat