Senegal's
Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Mr. Alioune
Sall, has met with the Secretary of State for Trade of Spain, Ms. Amparo Lopez,
to discuss the innovative HISPASAT project. The meeting, which took place on Thursday,
August 29, 2024, was part of the visit of His Excellency Mr. Pedro Sanchez,
Prime Minister of Spain, to Senegal.
The
HISPASAT project, proposed by the Spanish government, aims to establish
satellite connection points across Senegal, focusing on critical sectors such
as telemedicine and digital education. This ambitious pilot project envisions
extending connectivity to 150 points throughout the country, aligning closely
with Senegal's goals of digitizing its administration and public services to
drive inclusive growth.
In
his welcome address, Minister Sall noted the crucial role of connectivity in
Senegal's development strategy, highlighting the need to ensure comprehensive
coverage across the entire national territory, including both urban and
peri-urban areas. He acknowledged the potential impact of the HISPASAT project
on the country's digital transformation efforts, particularly in enhancing
access to essential services in remote areas.
During
the discussions, the Senegalese government reiterated its commitment to
carefully evaluating the proposal, with a focus on ensuring that the
partnership aligns with national interests. He stressed the importance of a
win-win approach and safeguarding national sovereignty in the implementation of
such strategic initiatives.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye