By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
Senegal has stepped up
efforts to attract international investment and strengthen strategic
partnerships for its digital transformation programme through a high-level
mission to Washington, D.C., led by the Minister of Telecommunications and
Digital Affairs, Mr. Samba Diouf.
The mission forms part of
the implementation of Senegal's New Deal Technologique, the country's national
digital transformation strategy aimed at accelerating digital development and
strengthening the digital economy.
During the visit, Minister
Diouf met with representatives of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where he
presented Senegal's digital ambitions to American investors, businesses and
institutions. Discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in digital
sovereignty, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial
intelligence and the broader digital transformation of public services.
The Senegalese delegation
also held meetings with officials from the U.S. Department of State and the
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to explore financing
mechanisms and cooperation for priority digital projects.
The discussions covered
potential investment in digital infrastructure, data centres, connectivity,
digital identity systems and digital payment solutions, which the government
considers key pillars of its digital transformation agenda.
According to the Ministry of
Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, the mission reinforced growing interest
among U.S. partners in Senegal's digital strategy and created opportunities to
mobilise financial and technical support for the implementation of the New Deal
Technologique.
The ministry said the
engagements are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation and support
Senegal's ambition to position itself as a leading digital economy and
innovation hub in Africa through increased investment, modern digital
infrastructure and expanded technology partnerships.
