Tech (1192)
- Internet freedom levels vary widely across African countries, with Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Seychelles leading.
- Some countries, including Sudan and Egypt, impose severe digital restrictions.
- Internet shutdowns cost sub-Saharan Africa $1.11 billion in 2025 despite a slight decline from 2024.
Internet access continues to expand across Africa, but online freedom remains highly uneven depending on the country, reflecting political and socio-economic dynamics, according to a recent report.
A report published in mid-March by Cloudwards shows that some countries provide relatively open digital environments, while others impose strict restrictions that limit online expression and innovation.
The report, titled “Mapped: Internet Freedom by Country in 2026,” evaluates internet freedom on a scale from 0 to 100. It measures access to political and civic content, social media usage, and VPN access. It also assesses censorship practices, platform blocking, and potential penalties faced by users, offering a comprehensive view of both technical access and actual freedom of expression online.
Contrasting Levels of Digital Freedom Across Countries
Across Africa, several countries record relatively high levels of internet freedom. Cabo Verde ranks highest on the continent with a score of 84, alongside Côte d’Ivoire and Seychelles, which post identical scores.
A second group of countries—including Benin, Niger, Gambia, and Liberia—follows with scores of 76, reflecting generally open digital environments. Ghana completes the leading group with a score of 72.
Meanwhile, a middle-tier group—including Angola, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Mauritius—records intermediate scores of 68, indicating moderate freedom levels with some limitations.
By contrast, countries such as Sudan and Egypt rank among the most restrictive, each scoring 12, highlighting severe constraints on online content and digital expression.
Between these extremes, most African countries fall into an intermediate category. Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Tunisia, and Rwanda each score around 56, reflecting mixed environments with both openness and constraints.
Costly Digital Restrictions
Beyond governance concerns, digital restrictions impose significant economic costs.
A separate report titled “The Cost of Internet Shutdowns in 2025” by Top10VPN estimates that internet shutdowns cost sub-Saharan Africa approximately $1.11 billion in 2025.
This figure marks a slight decline from 2024, when losses reached $1.56 billion. However, the economic impact remains substantial amid continued disruptions.
In 2025, authorities recorded more than 24,000 hours of internet shutdowns, affecting approximately 116 million users across the region. These disruptions most often occurred during political tensions, elections, or security crises and directly impacted digital economies and access to essential services.
Globally, such shutdowns generated estimated losses of $19.7 billion.
Samira Njoya
African Countries, by Internet Freedom Score (2026)
Country Score
Cape Verde 84
Ivory Coast 84
Seychelles 84
Benin 76
Gambia 76
Liberia 76
Madagascar 76
Namibia 76
Niger 76
Ghana 72
Angola 68
DR Congo 68
Gabon 68
Malawi 68
Mali 68
Mauritius 68
Mozambique 68
Congo 68
Senegal 68
Botswana 64
Central African Republic 64
Guinea-Bissau 64
Lesotho 64
Morocco 64
Nigeria 64
South Africa 64
Mauritania 60
Burundi 56
Cameroon 56
Chad 56
Eswatini 56
Guinea 56
Rwanda 56
Tunisia 56
Kenya 52
Zambia 52
Algeria 48
Burkina Faso 48
Djibouti 48
Togo 48
Zimbabwe 48
Somalia 44
Equatorial Guinea 36
Ethiopia 36
Libya 28
Tanzania 28
Uganda 24
Egypt 12
Sudan 12
- Senegal joins a regional $718,200 digital circular economy initiative across four countries.
- The program targets SMEs with digital tools to improve waste valorization.
- Africa dumps or burns nearly 90% of its waste, underscoring urgent reform needs.
Senegal has launched the Digital Innovation for Circular Economy (DICE) Africa project to address mounting waste management challenges through digital innovation.
Authorities introduced the initiative on March 30 as part of a regional program also deployed in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the circular economy and improve waste valorization using digital solutions.
The initiative seeks to remove structural constraints in the sector while strengthening economic and social opportunities linked to waste management.
The Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) leads the project with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The program operates with a budget of about 1 million Canadian dollars (approximately $718,200) over 30 months across the four countries. The initiative combines research, capacity building, and funding mobilization to create a sustainable ecosystem around the circular economy.
Oluwatosin Ajide, DICE Africa coordinator, said the program places local innovation at its core. He added that organizers will identify grassroots solutions capable of addressing sector-specific challenges.
Ajide said the program will organize a hackathon to stimulate innovation among Senegalese talent and develop digital tools tailored to the needs of circular economy businesses. These tools will support the rollout of a national digital platform designed to facilitate exchanges and improve SME competitiveness.
Waste management remains a major challenge across Africa as volumes rise and collection systems struggle to keep pace. The African Clean Cities Platform estimates that nearly 90% of waste generated on the continent is dumped in uncontrolled landfills or burned in open air.
Senegal produces more than 3 million tonnes of waste annually, while sub-Saharan Africa hosts 19 of the world’s 50 largest dumpsites and could become the largest waste-producing region over time.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- DR Congo launches a national digital university portal integrating its first digital library.
- The platform centralizes academic data and services to improve governance and efficiency.
- Internet penetration stands at 30.5%, highlighting infrastructure challenges to adoption.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a national digital portal to modernize its higher education system and expand access to academic resources. The government inaugurated the platform on March 30 in Kinshasa under the Higher Education, University, Scientific Research and Innovation (ESURSI) framework. The portal integrates the country’s first national digital library and provides unified access to educational and scientific content for students, teachers, and researchers.
The World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) support the initiative, which aims to reduce inequalities in access to knowledge, particularly between urban and rural areas.
The platform already offers several services, including academic pathway management, student identification, equivalency processing, and modules for scholarships and assessments. The system establishes the foundation for a harmonized and secure national academic infrastructure.
Marie-Thérèse Sombo, Minister of Higher and University Education, said the government will expand the platform progressively.
“In a phased approach, this portal will also integrate a national open and distance learning platform to democratize access to education, a system for archiving scientific output […] and advanced digital services to support academic management,” she said.
Beyond access to content, the reform aims to improve governance across the university system. Authorities expect centralized data to improve student tracking, enhance diploma credibility, and reduce fragmentation across information systems.
The country’s participation in the “Gateways” initiative, led by UNESCO and UNICEF, aligns the reform with international standards. However, infrastructure remains a major constraint.
DataReportal reported that DR Congo had 34.7 million internet users by the end of 2025, representing a penetration rate of 30.5%. In this context, broadband access and the adoption of digital tools by public administrations and academic institutions will determine the platform’s effectiveness.
Authorities must now transform the portal from a technical tool into a lever for modernization capable of supporting public governance, scientific production, and, ultimately, the national digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Rwanda’s Parliament approved the draft law’s explanatory memorandum to regulate virtual asset activities.
- Authorities aim to curb fraud, money laundering, and financing while protecting investors.
- The bill introduces a supervisory authority to oversee crypto service providers in coordination with the central bank.
Rwanda’s Parliament approved on Tuesday, March 31, the explanatory memorandum of a draft law designed to regulate activities related to virtual assets. The bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework for a fast-growing sector while balancing investor protection with support for digital innovation.
The draft law aims to prevent risks linked to money laundering and terrorism financing, according to the official document. It also seeks to protect consumers from the speculative nature of digital assets and to ensure market integrity and transparency.
Today, the Chamber of Deputies approved the rationale of the draft law regulating virtual assets in Rwanda. The law aims to create a safe and clear framework for this growing sector, protecting investors while supporting innovation.
— Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (@RwandaFinance) March 31, 2026
The draft law will now move to the commission… pic.twitter.com/HmF6Oq2AiV
Moreover, the legislation aims to preserve financial stability by limiting systemic risks arising from the increasing interconnection between digital assets and the traditional financial system.
The proposal introduces a structured regulatory framework, including the designation of a supervisory authority tasked with overseeing virtual asset service providers in coordination with the central bank.
It also covers key activities such as exchange platforms, conversion services between fiat currencies and digital assets, and public offerings of crypto-assets. These offerings will now face enhanced disclosure requirements.
This initiative comes amid growing adoption and rising risks. Rwandan authorities have identified several fraud cases linked to fake digital asset projects.
Data presented during parliamentary discussions show that the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has recorded 35 cases involving pyramid schemes and scams tied to pseudo-cryptocurrencies, resulting in significant financial losses for the population.
By introducing a dedicated regulatory framework, authorities aim to secure market practices, strengthen trust in digital financial services, and position Rwanda in Africa’s emerging digital asset market.
The bill will now move to the relevant parliamentary committee for further review before potential adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Senegal and Finland held political consultations to explore cooperation on digital infrastructure and AI-ready data centers.
- Dakar seeks to diversify technology partners to meet targets under its “New Deal technologique.”
- No formal agreement has been signed yet despite growing engagement.
On Thursday, March 26, Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Alioune Sall, met a Finnish delegation led by Outi Holopainen, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The meeting took place during the second session of political consultations between Senegal and Finland.
Both delegations reviewed key digital projects, including infrastructure development, the establishment of an artificial intelligence-compatible data center, and public service connectivity. They also discussed submarine cables as well as two critical issues: disinformation and media literacy.
This engagement with Helsinki reflects Dakar’s strategy to expand its network of technology partners. Senegal requires diversified partnerships to meet the deadlines set under its “New Deal technologique” and to achieve its digital transformation objectives.
In recent months, Dakar has strengthened ties with major technology companies such as Visa and Huawei. It has also engaged with international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to support its digital and technological projects.
Finland has acted within the framework of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy. The EU launched this initiative in 2021 to build smart, secure, and reliable connections with global partners across sectors including digital.
The initiative aims to mobilize up to 300 billion euros ($345 billion) in investments to achieve these objectives. However, Senegal and Finland have not yet signed a formal agreement despite ongoing discussions and growing cooperation.
This article was initially published by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Orange launches the 16th edition of POESAM and opens applications until May 10.
- The competition prioritizes projects using artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity.
- Winners receive up to €25,000 and access to funding and network support.
Orange announced on Monday, March 30 the opening of applications for the 16th edition of POESAM. Young entrepreneurs from the 17 countries where the telecom group operates have until May 10 to submit their projects through the dedicated platform.
For this edition, the initiative highlights projects that rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity. The program specifically targets solutions developed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and the environment, as these areas concentrate a significant share of Africa’s innovation needs.
The competition follows a two-phase structure. First, organizers conduct a national selection to identify the best projects in each country. Then, selected candidates advance to an international phase where the Grand Prize and a dedicated Women’s Entrepreneurship Prize are awarded.
Winners receive financial support, with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 for the top three awards, and €20,000 for the International Women’s Prize. In addition, the program provides support through Orange’s ecosystem, including networking opportunities and access to development resources.
Since its inception, POESAM has recorded more than 17,000 applications and has recognized numerous startups across the region. The initiative forms part of a broader effort by major telecom groups to support innovation in Africa and the Middle East, as technology ecosystems continue to expand.
Entrepreneurs can submit their applications online via the dedicated platform: https://POESAM.Orange.com/.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Tunisia’s state utility, Société tunisienne de l'électricité et du gaz (STEG), has deployed advanced technologies in the Moknine region as part of a broader effort to modernize its distribution network.
The project is part of a 15-million-dinar ($5 million) pilot program funded by the U.S. government to upgrade critical electricity infrastructure.
“This project is fully aligned with STEG’s strategic vision to modernize the national electricity network and support Tunisia’s energy transition through the deployment of Smart Grid technologies,” Chief Executive Faycel Tarifa said.
The centerpiece of the Moknine site is a FLISR system — Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration. Deployed in partnership with U.S. companies E3-International, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and G&W Electric, the technology automatically detects outages and restores power, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Nokia has installed a private LTE (pLTE) communications network to support operations, enabling real-time monitoring of the entire distribution system.
The project is part of a broader Smart Grid initiative to transform the electricity system into a fully connected grid capable of optimizing the entire power value chain, from generation to end users. Running from 2020 to 2026, the program combines technical studies, training and advanced technology deployment, with the aim of testing a model for nationwide rollout.
STEG accounts for nearly 96% of national electricity production, with installed capacity of about 5,944 MW across 25 power plants. The Smart Grid program aims to reduce energy losses, improve load management and support the integration of renewable energy, which is expected to reach 35% of the electricity mix by 2030.
STEG faces a dual challenge: improving efficiency to limit energy losses while supporting the energy transition through better demand management. Over time, the technologies are also expected to improve customer relations, notably through the rollout of smart meters enabling more accurate consumption tracking and billing based on actual usage.
Samira Njoya
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Niger rolls out a biometric ID system under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen digital sovereignty.
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The program integrates centralized biometric data, including fingerprints, facial recognition, and electronic signatures.
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Authorities combine infrastructure investment and local skills development to reduce reliance on foreign solutions.
Abdourahamane Tiani officially launched the rollout of the biometric national identity card of the Alliance of Sahel States on Friday, March 27 in Niamey. The government positions the initiative as a key step in modernizing identification systems and strengthening national digital sovereignty.
Moreover, the authorities frame identity management as a strategic pillar in the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The program relies on a secure biometric identification system that collects and integrates unique personal data. The system records fingerprints, captures digital facial images, and applies electronic signatures that comply with international standards.
According to authorities, centralized and secured databases store this information and enable reliable citizen identification. The system reduces identity fraud risks and facilitates access to public services. At the same time, it guarantees the authenticity of official documents.
Beyond the physical card, the government builds an advanced data infrastructure. The program includes the construction of a modern data center and the deployment of secure systems that ensure centralized and reliable management of national resources.
Furthermore, this architecture strengthens data sovereignty and improves the reliability of exchanges between government administrations.
The government adopted the project on December 26, 2025, during a Council of Ministers meeting. The initiative aligns with the digital transformation strategy of the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The bloc aims to build sovereign digital infrastructure across member states.
In addition, authorities plan to develop local expertise through training programs. They aim to ensure system sustainability and reduce dependence on external providers.
The government established a monitoring committee to oversee the production of biometric ID cards and electronic passports. Authorities report that e-passports have reached the finalization phase.
The project also benefits from technical expertise provided by Al Itisal Aljadeed, which specializes in network technologies, data centers, and biometric identification solutions.
Samira Njoya
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Burundi’s PAFEN project reaches 61% budget commitment at mid-term review
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World Bank finances the $92 million program to modernize public systems and services
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Government prioritizes digital public finance management and national digital ID rollout
Burundi advances its administrative modernization by leveraging digital technologies to strengthen public resource management. The World Bank conducted an evaluation mission on Thursday, March 26, to assess progress on the Digital Economy Foundations Support Project (PAFEN), a key pillar of the country’s digital transformation strategy.
The project reached a 61% budget commitment rate at mid-term, according to figures disclosed during the review.
The government launched PAFEN in 2024 with $92 million in financing from the World Bank. The program aims to modernize public systems through digital tools, particularly in public finance management and access to administrative services.
Consequently, authorities focus on strengthening institutional efficiency and service delivery through digital infrastructure.
The evaluation places strong emphasis on the modernization of public finance management systems. The government deploys digital solutions to improve revenue collection and monitor public spending.
These reforms aim to reduce resource losses and strengthen budget transparency. Moreover, the government aligns these efforts with its broader macroeconomic consolidation framework under Vision 2040–2060.
PAFEN also includes the rollout of a national digital identity system as a central reform component. The government intends to use this system to improve access to public services and streamline administrative procedures.
In addition, authorities seek to enhance citizen identification and promote the integration of rural populations into the formal economy. The project also provides for the establishment of a national data center.
The World Bank mission aims to identify operational constraints that slow project execution. It also evaluates achieved results and determines adjustments needed to accelerate implementation by the 2028 target.
Following technical discussions held since Monday, March 23, stakeholders emphasized the need to adapt certain mechanisms to facilitate the deployment of digital infrastructure.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Comoros validates a nationwide civil registry digitization plan backed by a 2023 law
- The reform introduces a unique Personal Identification Number to centralize citizen data
- France funds the project with UNICEF support to modernize and harmonize systems
The Comorian government accelerates administrative modernization under President Azali Assoumani. On Wednesday, March 25, authorities validated preparatory studies in Moroni for the full digitization of the civil registry system.
The government implements the project through the Civil Registry Modernization Support Program in the Comoros (Amecc). The initiative aims to eliminate fragmented records and guarantee a legal identity for every citizen.
The validated study establishes the foundations of a modern and secure system. The reform introduces a Personal Identification Number (PIN) as the cornerstone of citizen identity.
This unique identifier centralizes personal data and facilitates access to public services. Moreover, the system strengthens data reliability across institutions.
The plan ensures interoperability with other state systems. It also defines a technical, legal and institutional framework that assigns responsibilities to each stakeholder.
In addition, the study evaluates existing infrastructure and human resource capacities to support implementation.
The government bases the reform on the law of July 27, 2023, which mandates computerized processing of civil registry data. Accordingly, authorities plan to centralize records to improve service efficiency for both administrators and users.
The reform responds to findings from a 2022 assessment. The evaluation highlighted the limits of a largely manual system marked by high costs, frequent errors and increased risks of document fraud.
The French Embassy funds the Amecc project, while UNICEF provides technical support. The program aims to harmonize civil registry practices across the archipelago.
Local authorities secure support from municipalities, which facilitates implementation. However, the rollout must address uneven levels of digital maturity across the islands.
Nevertheless, the validated study marks a decisive step toward a reliable, secure and internationally aligned civil registry system.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Gabon launches a digital driver’s license system to centralize transport data.
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Authorities introduce biometric enrollment and anti-fraud technologies.
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The reform aims to expand to all road documents and strengthen regulation.
Gabon accelerates the digitization of public services and targets better use of transport data while strengthening document security. The government launched its digital driver’s license system on Tuesday, March 24, in Libreville. President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema leads the reform as part of a broader strategy to modernize public administration and reinforce oversight in the transport sector.
The system relies on full biometric enrollment of users, including fingerprints, photographs, and electronic signatures. Authorities aim to build a reliable national driver database to authenticate transport documents and limit fraud risks. The license also integrates QR codes and near-field communication (NFC) technology. These tools allow enforcement agents to verify information more efficiently during checks.
Beyond driver’s licenses, authorities plan to extend digitization to all road-related documents, including vehicle registration certificates and transport licenses.
The government seeks to build an interconnected system that centralizes data on drivers and vehicles. As a result, authorities aim to improve traceability of operations and strengthen regulatory capacity through better visibility over the vehicle fleet and sector participants.
This data structuring also opens the way for new use cases in road safety. The government plans to introduce automated traffic enforcement systems based on video monitoring. Authorities will connect surveillance systems with administrative databases to detect and sanction violations automatically. Consequently, the reform aims to improve enforcement efficiency and strengthen compliance.
More broadly, the reform reflects the government’s intention to use digital tools as a lever for public governance. Authorities view data centralization and reliability as prerequisites for improving administrative services and enhancing data use in related sectors such as insurance and traffic management. However, the success of the system will depend on its integration into a coherent digital ecosystem, including strong personal data protection frameworks.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Senegal launches online access to key administrative documents via e-senegal.sn.
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The rollout marks the operational phase of the government’s “New Deal technologique.”
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Authorities aim to expand digital services while tackling connectivity and inclusion gaps.
Senegal accelerates the implementation of its “New Deal technologique.” One year after launching the strategy, the government rolled out on Tuesday, March 24, the digitization of several critical administrative procedures.
Authorities now provide criminal records, nationality certificates, and certificates of non-membership in the civil service online through the e-senegal.sn portal.
This first wave of online services marks the start of a broader expansion. The single-window platform will soon integrate services related to urban planning, including building permits, as well as civil registry and land administration documents.
Moreover, the government aims to centralize interactions between the state and citizens on a secure platform. Authorities seek to significantly reduce processing times and transaction costs for individuals, businesses, and the diaspora.
Senegal improved its position in the United Nations e-government development ranking, moving to 135th place in 2024 from 143rd in 2022. However, the country still faces structural barriers to digital adoption.
To prevent exclusion, authorities plan to deploy hybrid connectivity combining terrestrial and satellite networks, notably through Starlink. The government aims to provide free internet access to one million citizens to ensure that digital services reach rural areas. According to DataReportal, internet penetration in Senegal reached 60.6% at the end of 2025.
The success of this digital transition depends on the administration’s ability to ensure system interoperability and protect personal data. Beyond the technical platform, the government must support adoption through digital literacy campaigns and public access points in local communities. Therefore, authorities aim to build a fully connected and user-centric administration.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Burkina Faso prioritizes local languages to build inclusive artificial intelligence systems.
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Authorities launch work on linguistic datasets for four national languages.
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The initiative aligns with a broader African push to integrate local languages into AI.
The Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications launches work on Tuesday, March 24 to structure linguistic foundations for AI solutions. It focuses discussions on formalizing resources that AI models can use.
Specifically, the ministry targets four local languages: Mooré, Dioula, Fulfulde and Gulmancema. These linguistic resources support the development of applications such as speech recognition, machine translation and text-to-speech systems. These technologies play a key role in expanding access to digital services in a country with strong linguistic diversity.
“Through the integration of national languages into emerging technologies, Burkina Faso affirms its commitment to building inclusive, accessible artificial intelligence adapted to its socio-cultural context. This workshop fully aligns with the 12 major digital transformation projects by 2030, particularly the initiative dedicated to artificial intelligence serving all Burkinabè,” the ministry states.
This initiative fits into a broader trend across Africa. Several countries launch programs to integrate local languages into artificial intelligence technologies.
In Benin, the “JaimeMaLangue” project advances efforts to give local languages a digital presence. In Nigeria, authorities launch N-ATLAS v1, an open-source language model developed in partnership with Meta. This system supports multiple local languages, including Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo, alongside Nigerian English. It aims to reduce linguistic barriers that hinder technology adoption across the continent.
At the same time, international technology companies increase their focus on this issue. Google’s Africa-focused artificial intelligence division launches the Wazal project to improve support for African languages in AI models.
The project collects linguistic data and develops translation systems. Its database covers 21 African languages, including Hausa, Yoruba, Luganda, Acholi, Swahili, Igbo and Fulfulde.
In Burkina Faso, authorities prioritize the production of local data to build a more sovereign AI ecosystem. They collaborate with public institutions and research organizations to create reliable corpora. These datasets remain essential for training effective AI models and ensuring long-term technological independence.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Senegal launches operational phase of its New Deal Technologique to accelerate digital transformation of government and economy.
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Authorities plan CFA1,100 billion ($1.95 billion) in investments under Vision 2050, including connectivity, data centers and sovereign cloud.
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Flagship platforms aim to centralize public services, streamline payments and expand access for citizens and the diaspora.
The Senegalese government launched, on Tuesday, March 23, the flagship projects of the New Deal Technologique. This launch marks the transition to the operational phase of a strategy designed to accelerate the digital transformation of public administration and the broader economy. One year after announcing the initiative, authorities are now focusing on deploying digital platforms and infrastructure to modernize public services, strengthen digital sovereignty and improve citizens’ access to government services.
A one-stop shop to streamline public services
Among the flagship initiatives, the “e-Senegal” platform acts as a one-stop shop that allows citizens and businesses to access administrative procedures online. The government aims to centralize public services through a single entry point in order to reduce processing times, limit travel and improve transparency.
In parallel, the “e-Consulat” solution targets the diaspora by providing digital access to consular services. Meanwhile, the “SenTrésor” platform introduces a unified electronic payment system for public fees, including taxes, customs duties and local government services.
These tools rely on a national interoperability platform that enables real-time data exchange between administrations. This system follows the “once only” principle, which requires users to submit their data only once and prevents repeated requests for the same information.
Stronger governance to avoid fragmentation
The rollout of these projects includes a restructuring of digital governance. The government established the Digital Governance Committee (GouvNum) in March 2025 to coordinate state-led digital initiatives and ensure policy coherence.
This approach aims to address inefficiencies linked to the proliferation of uncoordinated projects across ministries. At the same time, the National Digital Council, composed of sector experts, provides advisory support to guide strategic decisions and anticipate technological shifts.
Connectivity and innovation at the core of the strategy
The program forms part of the Vision Sénégal 2050, which outlines an investment portfolio of CFA 1,100 billion ($1.95 billion) over 2025–2034. The plan also includes a digital inclusion component that aims to connect more than one million people in underserved areas and reduce geographic disparities in internet access.
The government is investing in sovereign infrastructure, including the deployment of data centers in Diamniadio and Orana. Authorities also plan to increase national bandwidth from 600 Mbps to 20 Gbps. In addition, the state is developing a sovereign cloud to host sensitive public data locally, as cybersecurity becomes a strategic priority.
At the same time, the Start-up Act, now in the implementation phase, aims to structure the entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating funding and support for innovative startups.
A structural transformation of public action
Beyond digital tools, authorities present the initiative as a deep transformation of how the state operates. The government aims to move from a fragmented administration to an integrated system that centers on users and leverages data.
With this deployment phase, Senegal seeks to build a coherent digital ecosystem that supports public sector performance and drives a competitive digital economy.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum