Senegalese Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Senegal lies on the westernmost point of mainland Africa, and its capital, Dakar, is a lively centre of music, art and fashion. French is the official language, and Wolof is widely spoken. Senegalese people in Britain include students, professionals, traders and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 6,034 people living in the city had been born in Central and Western African countries other than Ghana and Nigeria, a group that includes Senegal.

Working for Birmingham

Senegalese residents work in business, trade, hospitality, healthcare and education, and many are multilingual, speaking Wolof, French and English. Senegalese traders and entrepreneurs are known for their skill in business, and students study at the city's universities.

The city's future rests on the same things as its past: skills, enterprise and people willing to put in the hours. Whether in a hospital, a classroom, a lecture theatre, a van full of tools or a shop on a busy high street, Senegalese residents are helping to build that future, and to make Birmingham a stronger, fairer and more welcoming city.

Culture and community life

Thieboudienne, rice cooked with fish and vegetables, is Senegal's national dish and is recognised by UNESCO. Mbalax music, made famous by Youssou N'Dour, fills celebrations, and the tradition of teranga means that guests are always welcome. Eid, known locally as Tabaski, is the highlight of the year.

For anyone who wants to learn more, the best introduction is the simplest one: say hello. Birmingham's communities are at their best when they meet, share food and learn from one another, and the Senegalese community is a warm part of that everyday exchange.