Senegal and Spain strengthen digital and economic cooperation
Date: 2025-01-31
Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Alioune Sall, has hosted Spain’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Enterprise, Carlos Cuerpo, in a high-level meeting aimed at reinforcing bilateral cooperation in digital transformation and economic development.
During
the meeting, Mr. Sall noted the need for international partnerships to align
with Senegal’s strategic priorities, particularly the National Transformation
Agenda (ANT) 2050. He outlined key government initiatives, including the
upcoming New Technological Deal,
set to be launched on February 24 by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as part
of efforts to drive digitalization and economic growth.
Senegal’s
digital transformation agenda is closely linked to broader national development
goals, including reducing economic inequalities, expanding access to quality
education, and strengthening healthcare coverage. Minister Sall reiterated the
country’s commitment to ensuring that technological advancements serve as a
tool for inclusive and sustainable development.
In
response, Mr. Cuerpo introduced Spain’s "Alliance
for Africa", a new initiative aimed at fostering
technological, economic, and social collaboration between Spain and African
nations. He highlighted Spain and Senegal’s shared commitment to sustainable
development and the importance of forging mutually beneficial partnerships.
A
key highlight of the discussion was the X
Passât Project, an initiative designed to enhance connectivity
across Senegal. The pilot phase of the project will establish digital access at
100 sites over the
course of one year, enabling stakeholders to assess local needs and develop
tailored solutions. The first phase of X Passât is envisioned as a model for
broader cooperation between the two nations, with an emphasis on knowledge
transfer and scalable solutions to benefit a wider population.
Minister
Sall welcomed Spain’s approach to cooperation, emphasizing the importance of
balanced and respectful collaboration that reflects the priorities of both
nations.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
