Senegal Launches National Digital Council to Guide Digital Transformation

Senegal has taken a major step in its digital transformation journey with the launch of the National Digital Council (CNN). The body was officially inaugurated on October 2, 2025, by the Prime Minister under the directive of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has made digital development a central pillar of his national strategy.

The new Council brings together 20 experts drawn from the public sector, private enterprises, and civil society. Their mandate is to advise the government on global technological trends, propose strategic recommendations for digital policies, and support the implementation of key structural projects in the sector. By combining diverse expertise, the Council is expected to provide informed guidance on shaping Senegal’s digital future.

Among its missions, the Council will work to encourage innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and boost job creation in the digital economy. It will also play a crucial role in promoting digital inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring the protection of personal data — areas seen as critical to building public trust in the country’s digital transition.

The creation of the CNN is part of Senegal’s New Technological Deal, a comprehensive plan that aims to deliver universal internet access, introduce biometric digital identity, and modernize public services with tools such as e-ID, e-signature, and e-payment. The strategy also calls for a sovereign cloud to secure national and citizens’ data, alongside partnerships to expand broadband connectivity across the country.

With these initiatives, Senegal is positioning itself as a leader in digital sovereignty in Africa. The Council is expected to play a decisive role in building an inclusive, innovative, and resilient digital ecosystem, with the ultimate goal of achieving a fully sovereign digital Senegal by 2050.