Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
SENEMED 2026 is an international healthcare, medical equipment, and health tourism exhibition held in Dakar, Senegal. The event connects global healthcare stakeholders with one of West Africa's fastest-growing healthcare markets.
It brings together healthcare professionals, medical technology providers, hospitals, clinics, distributors, investors, and policymakers to create new business opportunities and long-term partnerships. SENEMED 2026 takes place in Dakar, Senegal.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: SENEMED 2026 runs from 22-24 October 2026 at CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf, Dakar, Senegal.
- 2Scale and Focus: This exhibition connects over 100 exhibitors and 3000 professional visitors from 20 countries, focusing on healthcare and medical equipment.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Hage Group, with registration available on their official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include healthcare professionals, medical technology providers, and investors with significant purchasing power.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online, with free entry for trade visitors.
Why visit
Visitors will discover the latest medical technologies and innovations, meet international manufacturers, and connect with distributors and investors. The event also offers expert-led congress sessions and industry discussions, making it a valuable opportunity for networking and exploring business prospects in West Africa.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at SENEMED provides companies with direct access to qualified buyers and decision-makers in the healthcare sector. This exhibition connects over 100 exhibitors and 3000 professional visitors from 20 countries, focusing on healthcare and medical equipment. Attendees include healthcare professionals, medical technology providers, and investors with significant purchasing power.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Healthcare professionals seeking new products and services
Medical technology providers looking for distribution partners
Investors interested in healthcare infrastructure opportunities
Distributors and importers of medical equipment
Health tourism companies and travel agencies
Policymakers and government representatives in healthcare
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of medical equipment and devices
Providers of healthcare technologies and solutions
Distributors of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
Investors in healthcare infrastructure projects
Companies offering health tourism services
Consultants and service providers in the healthcare sector
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Medical equipment and devices
Healthcare technologies and solutions
Laboratory and diagnostic systems
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products
Health tourism services
Hospital infrastructure solutions
Location & Facilities
Venue
CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf
Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf (CICAD), Dakar, Senegal
Facilities
Parking
CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf in Dakar typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf in Dakar typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Dakar, Senegal
Why it matters
On 2026-10-22 to 2026-10-24, SENEMED 2026 in Dakar covering Medical equipment and devices, Healthcare technologies and solutions, Laboratory and diagnostic systems, Pharmaceuticals gives medical buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · XOF
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hotel Al Afifa
4-star
Near CICAD, DakarApprox. 400 m from CICAD to venue(300 reviews)
USD 150–190 / night
Closest 4-star to the venue and therefore the first to fill for show dates. USD band is a comparison anchor; the hotel bills in XOF, so confirm the local nightly rate at booking.
Union Amicale Corse Dakar
4-star
Near CICAD, DakarApprox. 570 m from CICAD to venueUSD 150–190 / night
Walkable to the halls and the only cluster property in this list advertising an airport shuttle - confirm pickup times in writing. Rates settle in XOF.
Le Ndiambour - Hotel et Residence Dakar Senegal
4-star
Near CICAD, DakarApprox. 540 m from CICAD to venueUSD 150–190 / night
Residence-style rooms suit exhibitor crews staying through build-up. Breakfast is charged separately; billed in XOF.
Hotel-Restaurant Saint-Louis Sun DAKAR
3-star
Near CICAD, DakarUSD 95–122 / night
Leanest option within walking distance of the venue; limited amenities, so plan meals around the show. Rates settle in XOF.
Pullman Dakar Teranga
5-star
DakarUSD 230–265 / night
City-centre upper tier for teams that want full service; add a taxi or ride-hail budget for each show day. Billed in XOF.
Chez Agnes Hotel Restaurant
3-star
Dakar(134 reviews)
USD 95–122 / night
Lowest-price 3-star returned for the 22-24 October 2026 stay dates; shuttle is advertised but not scheduled - confirm before relying on it. Billed in XOF.
Amsy Hotel
2-star
DakarUSD 150–202 / night
Economy listing with a wide quoted band; check the exact room type and cancellation terms. Billed in XOF.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus (Dakar Dem Dikk)
Estimated costXOF 2-8 typical single public transport journey (confirm before travel)
Best forPlateau and central Dakar to the CICAD district
Pay the conductor in cash and keep small notes. Stop-level directions to the Abdou Diouf conference centre are published on Moovit; routes and stops change, so verify the line on the day.
BRT
Estimated costXOF 2-8 typical single public transport journey (confirm before travel)
Best forBRT corridor into the city centre, then bus or taxi to the venue
Dedicated-lane electric buses are quicker than classic buses on the main corridors. Buy or tap the card/ticket at the station before boarding and allow a transfer leg to reach CICAD.
TER train
Estimated costXOF typical airport or regional rail single journey (confirm before travel)
Best forDakar station towards Diamniadio and the airport zone
Regional express train is the traffic-proof option for visitors staying downtown; fares scale with distance and the airport station is the most expensive leg. Pair it with a short taxi to the venue.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. XOF 3,000-6,000 for a cross-city ride (estimate; agree before departure)
Best forPlateau / central Dakar hotels to CICAD
Agree the fare before getting in, or use an app quote. Traffic on the main arteries can double the time in the morning peak, so leave a buffer for early appointments.
Taxi or ride-hail from DSS
Estimated costApprox. XOF 20,000-35,000 for the airport run (estimate; confirm with the driver or app before travel)
Best forBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf
Fixed airport taxi tariffs are not published on the listing, so settle the price up front or book through an app. Rail plus taxi is cheaper if you are travelling light.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forHotel cluster (Al Afifa, Le Ndiambour, Union Amicale Corse) to CICAD
The three closest 4-star properties are listed approx. 400-570 m from the venue, a 5-10 minute walk depending on the gate used. Carry water; the walk is hot at midday in late October.
Car / parking
Estimated costApprox. XOF 1,000-2,000 per day for guarded parking (estimate; venue rates not published)
Best forSelf-drive or organiser-arranged vehicle to the CICAD site
On-site parking exists at CICAD but daily rates and hall access rules are not published on the listing. Exhibitors should request a vehicle permit for build-up days from the organiser.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. XOF taxi/rideshare from DKR to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forLeopold Sedar Senghor International Airport (DKR) to CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf
Weather
Late-October outlook for Dakar from the Open-Meteo public forecast API (estimate; confirm before travel). 22 October: overcast, high near 32 C, low near 27 C. 23 October: overcast, high near 33 C, low near 28 C. 24 October: overcast, high near 33 C, low near 28 C. All three show days are forecast overcast rather than sunny, and late October sits at the tail of the rainy season, so a light rain layer is sensible. Air quality on the same public forecast shows US AQI around 92 with PM2.5 near 16.4 ug/m3 and PM10 near 33.2 ug/m3; this is a forecast, not an on-site measurement, so sensitive travellers should check local advisories. Conference halls are air-conditioned, which makes a light layer useful across a full day of sessions.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Senegal's main mobile networks are Orange, Free and Expresso, and coverage in Dakar city and the CICAD district is generally good for calls and data. Business travellers can either enable a roaming data plan before departure or buy a local prepaid SIM or eSIM at the airport or in the city with a passport; local data bundles are usually cheaper than roaming for a week-long stay. Venue Wi-Fi should be treated as a backup for badge scanning and demos: download confirmations, tickets and floor plans offline before travelling, and keep a power bank because charging points in busy halls are limited. Power sockets are European-style (types C/E/F) at 230 V, so most EU plugs fit directly and UK/US visitors need an adapter.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language at the venue
French is the working language of Senegalese business and of most exhibitor signage at Dakar venues, with Wolof spoken widely in the street. Carry your registration confirmation, hotel address and appointment details in French as well as English, and print a few French product sheets if you are exhibiting.
Currency and paying
Senegal uses the CFA franc (XOF), fixed to the euro. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but buses, most taxis, parking and small purchases are cash. Withdraw XOF on arrival and keep small notes for transport; do not expect taxi drivers to change large bills.
Greetings and dress
Business greetings start with a handshake and a short exchange of news before the commercial conversation; a light suit or smart shirt works for stand meetings, and modest, breathable clothing is the comfortable choice in 32-33 C heat. Ask before photographing people or stands, and use a title such as Monsieur or Madame with surnames.
Time and scheduling
Meetings often start with a few minutes of conversation and can run flexible on timing, so leave slack around fixed appointments and confirm key meetings the day before. Arriving early for badge collection avoids queueing at the busiest mid-morning window.
Health and practical care
Drink bottled water, use sun protection for the walk between hotels and the venue, and keep hand sanitiser for busy halls. Travel clinics commonly advise yellow fever vaccination and routine boosters for Senegal; confirm current requirements before departure and carry any prescription medication in its original packaging.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Flights for this edition arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). Book early for the 22-24 October 2026 window: late October is a normal business-travel period in Dakar and the limited 4-star hotels near the venue fill faster than the flights do. Compare one-stop routings through West African or European hubs against direct services from your origin, and check whether the connection lands in time for badge collection on 21 or 22 October. If your itinerary uses the old Yoff airport (DKR) for a regional leg, allow a road transfer across the city to reach CICAD. Hold the return leg until you know the closing time on 24 October, and book the airport transfer in advance if you land after dark.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Dakar; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf: Near CICAD, Dakar: Hotel Al Afifa; Near CICAD, Dakar: Union Amicale Corse Dakar; Near CICAD, Dakar: Le Ndiambour - Hotel et Residence Dakar Senegal.
Ride-hail: App-based ride-hailing operates in Dakar alongside street taxis and is the simplest way to fix a price for venue trips without negotiating. Set the pickup point carefully: agree on the hotel entrance or a named vehicle gate at the CICAD site, because drivers will not enter the halls. At the airport, book inside the terminal after baggage claim rather than accepting offers in the arrivals hall, and keep the app quote on screen in case of a dispute. Payment is usually in cash (XOF) unless the app supports a card, so keep enough local currency for the airport run (approximately XOF 20,000-35,000 as an estimate) and for cross-city rides.
Public transit: Dakar has three usable public options for reaching the show. Dakar Dem Dikk buses cover the city at low fares (approximately XOF 200-400 per journey) with stop-level directions to the Abdou Diouf conference centre published on Moovit; the BRT runs dedicated-lane electric buses on the main corridors with station-based ticketing (approximately XOF 300-500); and the TER regional express train links the city centre towards Diamniadio and the airport zone, with fares rising by distance (approximately XOF 1,500-3,000). None of these reaches the venue gate directly, so plan a short taxi or walking leg. All fares are labeled estimates - confirm live prices and routes locally, and carry XOF cash as digital payment is not universal on buses.
Parking: CICAD has on-site parking for visitors and exhibitor vehicles, but daily rates and hall access rules are not published on the listing. Budget approximately XOF 1,000-2,000 per day for guarded parking in the venue district as a planning estimate and confirm the real tariff at the gate. Exhibitors building stands should request a vehicle permit and a delivery slot from the organiser before arrival, since build-up access is controlled and freight vehicles are usually restricted to set windows. If you drive, arrive before the mid-morning peak: the approach roads fill quickly and the car park nearest the halls goes first.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: Late October 2026 (show dates 22-24 October)
Temperature: Highs 32-33 C, lows 27-28 C across 22-24 October 2026 (Open-Meteo outlook; estimate, confirm before travel)
Seasonality: The outlook for all three show days is overcast, with warm nights around 27-28 C. Late October is the tail of Dakar's rainy season, so a mostly dry, hazy week can still produce a short heavy shower; the venue is indoors and the risk is mainly on the walk between hotels and the halls.
Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing for 32-33 C days and a light layer for air-conditioned conference halls, which run noticeably cooler than the outdoor areas. Add a compact rain shell or umbrella for the walk from the nearby hotels, high-factor sun protection, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes for concrete floors. Bring a European-style plug adapter if you are travelling from the UK or US, a power bank for long days on the floor, and keep documents in a waterproof sleeve.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at SENEMED 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Complete your visitor registration through senemedexpo.com and save the confirmation as a PDF plus a screenshot, so badge collection works even if venue Wi-Fi is slow.
T-2
Book a room in the CICAD hotel cluster if you want to walk to the halls: Hotel Al Afifa (approx. 400 m), Le Ndiambour (approx. 540 m) and Union Amicale Corse (approx. 570 m) are the closest 4-star options listed. Otherwise book in Plateau and budget a daily taxi.
T-3
Book flights into DSS and decide the transfer: TER train plus a short taxi is the cheaper pattern, a taxi or ride-hail from the airport is the door-to-door option. Hotels in the venue cluster that advertise airport shuttles should be asked to confirm pickup times in writing.
T-4
Check the Open-Meteo outlook for 22-24 October (overcast, highs 32-33 C) and pack breathable clothing, a layer for air-conditioned halls and light rain protection.
T-5
Withdraw XOF cash for bus fares, taxi rides and parking; card payments work in hotels and larger restaurants but not reliably for street transport.
T-6
Download offline maps of the CICAD district, save the venue address and your hotel address in French, and confirm the first appointment times for day one.
T-7
Agree the taxi fare before departure or book through an app, then walk the last stretch to the venue if you are staying in the nearby cluster; check Moovit for bus directions if you prefer public transport.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2SENEMED 2026 registration concourse
CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
CICAD - Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsF CFA 190
- Per diem × 2F CFA 150
Estimated totalF CFA 340
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether SENEMED 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For SENEMED 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Medical equipment and devices and Healthcare technologies and solutions solutions and benchmarking suppliers at SENEMED 2026 in Dakar.
Min. budget
$680.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Medical equipment and devices and Healthcare technologies and solutions products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,060.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Dakar show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Where is SENEMED held in Dakar?
The show is listed at CICAD, the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf in Dakar, Senegal. The venue's own site is cicad.sn and public transit directions are mapped on Moovit.
Which airport should I fly into for the show?
Dakar's international gateway is DSS, Blaise Diagne International Airport. Flight searches for the 22 October 2026 arrival date route into DSS, and some hotels near CICAD advertise airport shuttles.
Are there hotels within walking distance of CICAD?
Yes - Hôtel Al Afifa, Union Amicale Corse Dakar and Le Ndiambour - Hôtel et Résidence Dakar Senegal are listed roughly 400-570 m from the conference centre, all 4-star with pools and parking.
What is the weather like in Dakar during the show?
The public forecast for 22-24 October 2026 shows overcast skies with highs of 32-33 C and lows of 27-28 C, plus air quality in the moderate range (US AQI near 92).
How do I register or exhibit?
Registration, stand booking and pricing are handled by the organiser through senemedexpo.com; check that site for the current exhibitor forms and ticket categories before travelling.
Glossary
- CICAD
- Centre International de Conferences Abdou Diouf, the Dakar conference complex named in this listing as the venue for the 22-24 October 2026 show; badge collection, halls and session rooms sit inside the same site, so most visitors walk between them.
- DSS
- IATA code for Blaise Diagne International Airport, the principal international gateway for Dakar and the arrival point named in the flight notes for this edition.
- DKR
- IATA code for Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport on the Yoff peninsula close to downtown Dakar; long-haul commercial traffic is limited since DSS opened, so confirm whether a useful connection exists before booking.
- TER (Train Express Regional)
- Dakar's regional express train, running from the city centre towards Diamniadio and the airport zone. Useful for exhibitors and visitors staying downtown who want to avoid road traffic, with a taxi for the final leg to CICAD.
- BRT
- Dakar's Bus Rapid Transit network with dedicated lanes and electric buses, a faster alternative to classic city buses on the main city-centre corridors; check the nearest station to your hotel.
- Dakar Dem Dikk
- The public bus operator in Dakar. Fares are paid in cash on board, routes change, and stop-level directions to the conference centre are published on mapping apps such as Moovit.
- XOF (CFA franc)
- The currency used in Senegal, fixed to the euro. Budget in XOF for bus fares, taxi rides, parking and small purchases; card acceptance is common in hotels but unreliable for street transport.
- Hivernage
- The West African rainy season, roughly July to October in Dakar. Show dates fall at its tail, so the forecast can read overcast or dry while short heavy showers remain possible.
- US AQI
- Air Quality Index scale used in the Open-Meteo forecast quoted for the show days (around 92 with PM2.5 near 16.4 ug/m3). It is a public forecast, not an on-site measurement; sensitive travellers should check local advisories.
- Build-up day
- The installation period before the doors open, when exhibitors move freight, build stands and test equipment. Access times and vehicle permits are issued by the organiser, not the venue reception.
- Exhibitor badge
- The named pass issued per staff member for hall access during build-up and show days. Register every team member in advance and carry photo ID to collect badges on site.
- Ride-hailing
- App-based car booking used in Dakar alongside street taxis. App quotes remove the need to negotiate, but confirm the pickup point because large venues have several vehicle gates.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- SENEMED 2026 Dakar
- SENEMED Dakar 2026
- Dakar Senegal
- Medical equipment and devices
- Healthcare technologies and solutions
- Laboratory and diagnostic systems
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products
- digital transformation expo
- Dakar technology expo 2026
Trust footer
Sources
4
References
2
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
SENEMED
- event_website
- event_social
- event_social
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Hage Exhibitions
- event_social
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.