Senegal is a West African country with a long history shaped by powerful ancient kingdoms like the Jolof Empire. It has a strong Islamic identity, with Islam today being the majority faith. Portuguese missionaries first introduced Christianity in the 15th century. They later strengthened through Catholic and Protestant mission work by French missionaries in the 19th century, including significant efforts in education and healthcare that spread the Gospel.

The Senegalese Church faces severe struggles—navigating discrimination in an overwhelmingly Muslim society, the clampdown on free media that restricts expression of faith, and the influence of Islamic extremism.

The Senegalese people have come under the crushing weight of poverty with little job creation. Their livelihoods are under threat from systemic corruption in government. The local economy of fisherman communities faces extreme threats from the Chinese exploitation of local fisheries off the Senegalese territorial waters.