Senegal unveils strategy for strong digital infrastructure development

Isidore Diouf, the newly appointed Director General of Senegal Numérique SA, has pledged to prioritise the development of robust digital public infrastructure (DPI) as he takes office. Diouf aims to build on the progress made by his predecessor, Cheikh Bakhoum, to realise President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s vision of rapid digital transformation for Senegal. President Faye, who emphasised digital transformation during his campaign, has instructed his government to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure to achieve digital sovereignty.

Diouf’s agenda includes expanding Senegal’s digital economy to increase its contribution to the national GDP from the current 3.3 percent to 10 percent by 2025, as outlined in the Senegal Digital Strategy 2025. He plans to address low internet coverage, which is currently around 46 percent, and improve collaboration among government information systems. Additionally, Diouf will work on finalising the legal framework for personal data protection, digitising government services, and developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

As part of its digital transformation initiatives, Senegal Numérique recently partnered with the African Digital Development Agency (ADD) to share best practices and enhance the interoperability of government systems. That partnership aligns with Senegal’s national digital ID program, which was launched in 2022 and is a key component of the Senegal Digital Strategy 2025, which the UNDP supports. The program aims to modernise Senegal’s economy through technology, reinforcing the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in digital innovation in West Africa.