Senegal Signs Key Partnerships to Boost Digital Innovation in Q4 2025
The initiatives, according to the Ministry, are designed to serve as catalysts for innovation adoption, job creation, and investment within Senegal’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
The Government of Senegal has taken another major step toward advancing its Technological New Deal, as the Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, Alioune Sall, signed partnership agreements to support a series of major digital events scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025.
The initiatives, according to the Ministry, are designed to serve as catalysts for innovation adoption, job creation, and investment within Senegal’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
Among the key events is Dakar SLUSH’D, set for October 9–10, 2025, at the Museum of Black Civilizations. Originating from Helsinki, the international innovation and startup fair will make its debut in Dakar, bringing two days of intense deal flow, venture capital–startup meetings, and networking opportunities to connect ideas, funding, and markets.
Next on the calendar is SIPEN by OPTIC, scheduled for October 16–17, 2025, the flagship event of Senegal’s digital economy. SIPEN will feature B2B marketplaces, innovation showcases, international networking sessions, and public–private policy dialogues on digital transformation and procurement strategies.
From November 25–26, 2025, the Senegal Algorithms, Technology, and Innovation Fair (SALTIS) will also take place at the Museum of Black Civilizations, focusing on AI use cases, algorithm fairness, data governance, cybersecurity, and hands-on product demonstration workshops.
Beyond national borders, Senegalese innovators will take part in the Learning Expedition Montreal, running from October 25 to November 5, 2025, organized by FESTIC in collaboration with AKASSAA. The program will offer participants an immersion into Montreal’s AI and digital innovation ecosystem, including startup visits, masterclasses, and networking during MTL Connecte (October 28–31) — with a particular focus on advancing Women in ICT.
Rounding out the digital calendar, the NEXTEN Summit 2025 will be held from December 3–5, 2025, at the King Fahd Palace in Dakar. The summit aims to make Dakar the epicenter of a global movement to transform Africa’s economy and technology sectors through artificial intelligence and blockchain, bringing together decision-makers, investors, founders, and tech innovators for discussions, deal rooms, and live demos.
In addition, the Planetary Digital Olympic Village by ASED is being developed as a vibrant space for youth, sports, e-sports, coding, and XR content, in alignment with preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The final event dates will be announced soon.
The Ministry described these gatherings as “unmissable events”, emphasizing that they will help turn ideas into contracts, pilot projects into real deployments, and emerging talent into skilled jobs, all while reinforcing Senegal’s digital sovereignty and leadership in Africa’s innovation landscape.
