By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Senegal’s Minister of
Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, Samba Diouf, has held discussions with
fintech company Wave Senegal on expanding collaboration in digital public
services, supporting the digitalisation of priority sectors and addressing regulatory
issues affecting the country’s digital economy.
Diouf visited Wave Senegal as
part of the government’s engagements with key players in the national digital
ecosystem.
During the meeting, Wave
presented its organisational structure, business model and plans for innovation
and expansion. The company currently operates in 11 countries and said it
intends to deepen its contribution to African economies, particularly in Francophone
markets.
Discussions focused on
opportunities for Wave to work with the public sector to facilitate the use of
digital government services and support digitalisation in priority areas
including transport, health and the Treasury.
Wave also reaffirmed its
interest in contributing to Senegal’s digital transformation and positioning
itself as a partner in the development of the country’s digital economy.
The meeting also addressed
issues surrounding Senegal’s Telecommunications Code and wider regulatory
framework, with participants discussing the need for regulations to keep pace
with technological developments and reduce constraints that could slow digitalisation.
The Ministry stressed the
importance of continued dialogue with Wave on data governance, compliance and
regulatory developments. Further technical workshops may be organised to
examine these issues, particularly the Telecommunications Code and measures needed
to accelerate digital transformation.
Diouf encouraged Wave to
continue investing in innovation and supporting the wider digital ecosystem as
Senegal implements the ambitions of its New Deal Technologique.
