President
Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has officially launched the New Deal for
Technology, Senegal’s comprehensive digital strategy. The initiative, led by
the Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Mr.
Alioune Sall, is a cornerstone of the Senegal 2050 National Agenda for
Transformation. The strategy aims to position Senegal as a leading African hub
for digital innovation and technology by 2034, transforming the nation into a
digital society and a center for high-value-added services.
The launch
event held in Dakar marked a pivotal moment in Senegal’s journey toward a
digitally empowered future. The New Deal for Technology outlines a bold vision
for leveraging digital technologies to drive economic growth, improve service
delivery, and enhance the quality of life for all Senegalese citizens.
The New Deal
for Technology is designed to accelerate Senegal’s digital transformation, with
the goal of creating a fully digital society by 2034. The strategy focuses on
several key pillars, including: expanding access to high-speed internet and
modern digital infrastructure across the country, particularly in rural and
underserved areas, equipping Senegalese citizens with the skills needed to
thrive in the digital economy through training programs and educational
initiatives, streamlining public services and making them accessible online to
improve efficiency and transparency, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for startups
and innovators, supported by funding, mentorship, and access to markets and ensuring
that all Senegalese citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic
status, can benefit from digital technologies.
President
Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the transformative potential of the strategy. “The
New Deal for Technology is a bold and ambitious plan that will position Senegal
as a leader in Africa’s digital revolution,” he said. “By 2034, we
envision a Senegal where digital technologies drive economic growth, improve
service delivery, and empower our citizens to achieve their full potential.”
The development
and implementation of the New Deal for Technology is a collaborative effort
involving government agencies, private sector partners, and international
organizations. Minister Alioune Sall highlighted the importance of partnerships
in achieving the strategy’s goals. “This is a collective effort that
requires the involvement of all stakeholders,” he said. “We are
committed to working with our partners to build a digital ecosystem that
benefits all Senegalese citizens.”
The strategy
also aligns with regional and global initiatives, including the African Union’s
Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By
leveraging these frameworks, Senegal aims to create a digital economy that is
inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
