• Senegal reviewed progress of the Force-N digital jobs program ahead of its 2026 end.
• Backed by Mastercard Foundation, it targets 70,000 jobs and 1,000 startups.
• To date: 2,548 trained, 13,554 linked to jobs, 7 startups created.

Senegal’s Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf, chaired the first Steering Committee meeting for the Force-N program on Tuesday, July 29, in Diamniadio. The program was developed by the Cheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University (UNCHK) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The committee, which includes key institutional stakeholders from the presidency, prime minister's office, and various ministries and partners, reviewed the program's progress. It also defined its strategic direction and worked to strengthen its governance and nationwide deployment.

Launched in 2022 as a five-year initiative, Force-N aims to create 70,000 jobs for young people, support 10,000 entrepreneurs, and launch 1,000 startups in the digital sector. The program focuses on five key pillars: training, professional integration, entrepreneurship, digitalization of public administration, and the promotion of artificial intelligence.

Although it predates the Technological New Deal, Force-N aligns with its goals and those of the 2050 Agenda. Both initiatives seek to establish Senegal as a digital hub by promoting STEM skills, youth employment, and innovative entrepreneurship.

With one year remaining before its scheduled conclusion in 2026, the program has shown modest results. It has trained 2,548 young people in entrepreneurship, connected 13,554 to job opportunities, and created seven startups. This first steering committee meeting is expected to intensify action, strengthen partnerships, accelerate the program's rollout across the country, and adopt more agile mechanisms to meet its ambitious targets.

These measures are intended to maximize Force-N’s impact and reinforce Senegal’s digital transformation efforts.

Samira Njoya