On Monday, February 24, Senegal officially launched its digital strategy, titled “New Deal Technologique.” Valued at 1,105 billion FCFA (about $1.7 billion), this plan aims to establish the country as a regional and international digital hub by 2034, thus strengthening its position on the African technology scene.
A roadmap structured around four strategic axes
The strategy is based on four fundamental pillars, the first of which is digital sovereignty. The government seeks to reduce Senegal’s dependence on foreign technologies while promoting the development of local solutions. This also involves strengthening cybersecurity and building data centers, thus ensuring sustainable technological autonomy.
The digitalization of public services is the second crucial axis. The implementation of a digital administration is planned, with the aim of dematerializing 90% of public services by 2034. This initiative will facilitate citizens’ access to faster and more efficient services.
The third axis concerns the development of the digital economy. This initiative includes the acceleration of Internet connectivity, the promotion of entrepreneurship in the technology sector and the integration of artificial intelligence. The digitalization of key sectors such as agriculture, health and education will also be a priority.
Finally, the last axis aims to affirm Senegal’s African leadership in digital technology, by setting up mechanisms to attract foreign investment. The country wants to create national champions and position itself as a major technological center on the African continent.
An action plan structured around 12 priority programs
The implementation of this strategy is based on a Digital Master Plan that includes 12 programs and 50 priority projects. Among the flagship initiatives are the strengthening of the regulatory framework and digital governance, establishing a climate of trust and protecting the country’s critical infrastructure. The deployment of a digital public infrastructure through the implementation of solutions such as electronic identity (e-ID), digital signature (e-Sign) and the interoperability of services is also a priority. The plan also includes the promotion and financing of digital initiatives, particularly for start-ups, the digitalization of the informal sector, the creation of smart cities, etc.
Measurable goals for tangible transformation
By 2034, the strategy sets specific objectives, such as a 95% connectivity rate at low cost. It is also planned to create more than 500 certified technology start-ups and generate 150,000 direct jobs. At the same time, Senegal aims to position itself among the top three African countries in terms of exporting digital services, while it currently ranks 12th. An almost total dematerialization of administrative services and a rate of use of digital services of 80% among the population are also on the agenda. In addition, the training of 100,000 graduates in the digital field, with 90% of certified experts, as well as the hosting of 100% of sensitive data in Senegal, are key objectives of this strategy.
Mixed financing to achieve these ambitions
Of the total budget of 1105 billion FCFA, 950 billion FCFA have already been identified, of which 150 billion come from private financing. The remaining 800 billion FCFA are provided for in the Vision 2050 Transformation Agenda. Thus, 155 billion FCFA remain to be financed to realize all the ambitions of the “New Technology Deal” strategy.
With this roadmap, Senegal aspires to become a reference in digital innovation in Africa, while attracting investors and technological talents from the continent and elsewhere.
Source: Extensia
