SONATEL has joined forces with the Government of Senegal to launch a series of groundbreaking projects under the country’s New Deal for Technology, designed to drive digital transformation and broaden access to essential public services.
The event, held at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf in Diamniadio, was chaired by Ousmane Sonko, alongside Alioune Sall and key figures from both government and industry.
SONATEL, represented by its CEO, Brelotte Ba, and the company’s management team, reaffirmed their dedication to supporting Senegal’s digital agenda. “We remain committed to developing infrastructure and delivering services that will propel the nation’s digital future,” Ba said during the launch.
The government revealed significant progress in digital infrastructure development, with a 30-fold increase in bandwidth capacity for governmental operations. Additionally, 51 government buildings have now been interconnected, facilitating more streamlined public services. Digital platforms such as e-Jokko, e-Senegal, and e-Consulate have been launched to further improve citizens’ access to public services.
However, the event also highlighted the challenge of digital adoption. Despite achieving 97 percent network coverage across the country, the rate of digital engagement remains around 40 percent, a gap attributed more to user engagement and digital literacy than to connectivity issues. “The focus now is on making sure that the technology is effectively used by the population,” noted one stakeholder at the event.
SONATEL’s involvement in the transformation is centred on more than just infrastructure. The company is also dedicated to fostering digital inclusion through initiatives such as fibre optic deployment, 5G connectivity, satellite services, and its expanding Orange Digital Center network.
Through these efforts, SONATEL aims to build capacity and ensure that all Senegalese can participate in the digital economy.