• Senegal appointed Samba Diouf as Minister of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy as part of a government reshuffle announced on June 1.
• Authorities separated the digital economy portfolio from communications, underscoring the strategic importance of technology and digital sovereignty.
• Diouf takes charge of implementing Senegal’s New Technological Deal, a CFA1.1 trillion ($1.95 billion) program scheduled for 2025–2034.

The composition of Senegal’s new government was unveiled on Monday, June 1. Among the appointments announced by the administration led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, the nomination of Samba Diouf as Minister of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy has drawn particular attention.

Diouf succeeds Alioune Sall at the head of the ministry. Meanwhile, authorities have reconfigured the institution by separating the digital economy portfolio from the communications portfolio.

The restructuring reflects the increasing importance that Senegal places on digital transformation within its public policy framework. As a result, Diouf assumes responsibility for a sector that sits at the center of the government’s economic development and technological sovereignty agenda.

A Specialist in Digital Transformation

Before joining the government, Samba Diouf served as Minister-Counselor for Digital Affairs to the President of the Republic. Diouf built most of his professional career in digital transformation, telecommunications, and financial services. He held positions within several international technology groups, including Huawei Technologies, IBM, Oracle, Atos, and Ericsson.

Throughout his career, he led digital transformation projects for public administrations, telecommunications operators, and financial institutions.

His profile combines technical and managerial expertise. He holds a master’s degree in physics, a master’s degree in information and communication systems engineering, an Executive MBA in corporate strategy, and an MBA in finance. His qualifications provide expertise across technology, governance, and business development.

Strategic Projects to Advance

Diouf assumes office two months after the first anniversary of the New Technological Deal and the launch of its flagship projects.

Authorities launched the program last year around 12 priority projects and allocated nearly CFA1.1 trillion ($1.95 billion) in investment between 2025 and 2034. The initiative aims to strengthen connectivity, expand digital public services, support the digital economy, and enhance the country’s technological sovereignty.

However, significant challenges remain. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, Senegal ranked among Africa’s 15 most advanced countries for digital services in 2025. Nevertheless, gaps in internet access persist, particularly between urban and rural areas.

Cybersecurity, digital identity, artificial intelligence development, and support for technology startups also remain among the sector’s top priorities.

As head of a ministry now fully dedicated to telecommunications and digital development, Diouf must translate the government’s ambitions into measurable outcomes. His mandate comes at a time when digital technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in Senegal’s economic competitiveness and the modernization of public 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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