This ranking is based on international perceptions measured through a survey of over 150,000 respondents in more than 100 markets, evaluating familiarity, reputation, influence, and attributes across 8 pillars of Soft Power (Business & Trade, International Relations, Education & Science, Culture & Heritage, Governance, Media & Communication, Sustainable Future, People & Values).
Le pays de la téranga enregistre un score de 33.1, en baisse par rapport à 2025 où le pays était évalué à 33.5 et figurait à la 102e place. En Afrique, le Sénégal passe de la 11e place et à la 12e place. Sur le continent africain, l'Égypte est en tête, suivie de l'Afrique du Sud, du Maroc, et du Nigeria. L'Algérie complète le top 5.
In West Africa, Senegal is fourth behind Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Senegal remains attractive in terms of leading countries in sports moving from 23rd place in 2025 to 17th place in 2026. In this category, only Cameroon (14th) is ahead of it in Africa.
Unlike previous editions, the report does not provide detailed scores by country and by pillars this time.
Strategic implications
This ranking reflects a country's capacity for influence, cultural and economic attractiveness, how it is perceived in the world, and how its nation can inspire. It is not just an influence ranking but allows decision-makers to understand the strategic levers they have and how to use them to enhance their soft power, which has become crucial in foreign policy.
For Senegal, economic prospects, the exploitation of oil and gas, the decrease in energy costs, and enhanced economic stability could allow for a significant leap in the rankings in 2027. Even though rating agencies have not been lenient with Dakar lately due to debt, the Economic and Social Recovery Plan advocated by the Senegalese government is already yielding positive results. The public deficit has decreased from 13% in 2024 to 5% at the beginning of 2026 according to the budget director. This could improve the country's economic perception in 2027.
Improvements in the fight against corruption (Senegal moves from 70th to 65th place between 2023 and 2025 on the Corruption Perception Index) and performance in governance (1st in UEMOA according to a ranking by Chandler Institute of Governance, August 2025) will also make the country more attractive for business. It is also worth noting the reform of the Investment Code and the Tax Code in the last quarter of 2025.
Senegal is especially fortunate to host this year the Youth Olympic Games, a first on the continent. This will be an opportunity to strengthen its asset as a leader in sports worldwide, but also and above all, to take advantage of the spotlight on this event to enhance our tourist attractiveness and showcase our economic and cultural strengths.
