Sénégal Connect Pushes Startup Labelling to Boost Digital Innovation in West Africa

As part of its mission to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem, Sénégal Connect has initiated a broad consultation with key actors in the startup community to operationalize Law No. 2020-01-06, which governs the creation and promotion of startups.

The consultation workshop, organized in collaboration with the Senegalese Association of Normalization (ASN), aims to review and refine the proposed startup labelling process and internal regulations. This labelling system is designed to provide startups with a range of benefits, including tax incentives, customs facilitation, market access, and funding opportunities, thereby fostering a more supportive environment for innovation.

Representatives from startups, technical and financial partners, and other stakeholders participated in discussions, sharing insights and recommendations to ensure the labelling framework reflects the needs and expectations of the broader ecosystem. The outcomes of the workshop will be submitted to President Bassirou Djomay Djokhar Fay and the Minister of Communications and Telecommunications, serving as a comprehensive overview of sector priorities.

The labelling process, which must ultimately be approved by presidential decree, is intended to formalize support mechanisms for startups while promoting transparency and inclusivity in decision-making. Sénégal Connect Start-up emphasized that the initiative is part of its broader goal to position Senegal as a leading technology hub in West Africa, by creating an ecosystem conducive to startup growth and digital innovation.

This consultative approach underscores the government’s commitment to collaborative policymaking, ensuring that regulatory frameworks are aligned with the realities and ambitions of Senegal’s vibrant startup sector.