Malick Mboup, Sorbonne University, explores the impact of large-scale distribution on commercial dynamics in Dakar.
Malick Mboup, researcher at MÉDIATIONS - Sciences des lieux, sciences des liens (Sorbonne Université).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale de Géographie de Paris. Espace, sociétés, aménagement (Paris ; 2000-....).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
The emergence of large-scale food distribution in the metropolises of West Africa, and more specifically in Dakar, raises crucial questions about commercial dynamics and sustainable development practices. Malick Mboup's thesis highlights how the establishment of supermarkets like Auchan has transformed the commercial landscape, traditionally dominated by the informal sector. This transformation is not limited to the physical space of businesses but also affects the relationships between the various actors in the distribution chain, thereby redefining economic and social interactions within the city.
Dakar, as a cosmopolitan metropolis, presents a commercial sector where informal trade plays a central role. According to recent studies, nearly 80% of commercial transactions occur in the informal sector, underscoring its importance in the local economy. Supermarkets, by establishing themselves, have altered commercial practices, promoting a more structured and professional approach. For example, Auchan has introduced quality and food safety standards that were often absent in informal trade. However, this evolution brings challenges, particularly regarding sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Auchan, for instance, has had to adapt its strategy to meet the expectations of consumers and local producers. By establishing partnerships with local actors, Auchan has not only strengthened its supply chain but has also contributed to the local economy. This includes initiatives such as highlighting local products on its shelves, allowing small producers to gain greater visibility. Furthermore, Auchan's commitment to social initiatives, such as supporting education and training programs for youth, illustrates a willingness to integrate into the social fabric of Dakar.
The riots of March 2021 acted as a catalyst, prompting Auchan to strengthen its ties with stakeholders, including producers and associations. This dynamic underscores the importance of a proximity approach in a context where social tensions can quickly emerge. The events of 2021 highlighted existing social fractures and the need for companies to actively engage in constructive dialogues with local communities. The challenges of sustainability, on the other hand, require deep reflection on business practices and their impact on the environment and local communities.
Mboup's thesis does not merely analyze changes in the commercial space but also questions the power relations among the various actors. Employees, customers, suppliers, and public authorities must navigate a changing environment where conflicts of interest may arise. For example, the relationship between supermarkets and small traders is often tense, as the latter fear being sidelined from the market. This complexity calls for a better understanding of sustainability issues and responsible business practices.
It is essential to consider the implications of the establishment of large-scale distribution on informal trade. The latter, although often perceived as a marginal sector, plays a vital role in the local economy. Supermarkets must find a balance between modernizing the commercial space and supporting informal actors. Initiatives such as training programs for small traders could help integrate them into the value chain rather than marginalizing them.
In summary, the establishment of large-scale distribution in Dakar is a phenomenon that deserves particular attention. The implications for informal trade, relationships among actors, and sustainability challenges are all issues that must be addressed to ensure balanced and inclusive development. Malick Mboup's thesis thus paves the way for in-depth reflection on how large-scale distribution can coexist with the informal sector while contributing to sustainable and equitable development in the metropolises of West Africa.
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Malick Mboup. Le développement de la grande distribution alimentaire dans les métropoles d'Afrique de l'Ouest : entre recompositions des espaces marchands et pratiques de développement durable. Étude du cas d'Auchan à Dakar, Sénégal.. Géographie. Sorbonne Université, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025SORUL055⟩. ⟨tel-05274163⟩