- Senegal, UNDP sign deal to advance digital governance, AI
- Partnership to support innovation hubs, startup ecosystem growth
- Government targets 500 startups, 150,000 jobs by 2034
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy (MCTN) signed a framework agreement on Tuesday, April 14, in Dakar. The partnership aims to structure Senegal's digital governance and accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into public services.
Minister Alioune Sall and UNDP Resident Representative Njoya Tikum signed the agreement. The deal comes at a strategic time, as authorities aim to strengthen digital inclusion and establish a regulatory framework conducive to innovation. The government said the partnership is "structuring and results-oriented," aligning with its priorities for public service digitalization and economic competitiveness.
The first tangible outcome of the partnership is expected on April 27 with the inauguration of the University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) at Amadou Mahtar Mbow University. Funded with $1 million, the hub is designed as an incubator to support young innovators in turning research projects into high-impact startups. Authorities plan to replicate this model nationwide to expand the network of innovation centers.
The initiative is part of the "Technological New Deal," Senegal's national digital transformation strategy, which aims to create more than 500 certified technology startups by 2034 and generate around 150,000 direct jobs. According to StartupBlink, the country currently has about 60 active startups, highlighting an ecosystem still taking shape and scaling.
Samira Njoya
