Senegal Activates Startup Act with Official Launch of National Startup Ecosystem

The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy  has officially launched the Startup Ecosystem, the national mechanism that brings Senegal’s Startup Act into full operation. This marks a major step in the government’s efforts to strengthen the digital economy and position innovation at the heart of national development.

The initiative is part of the New Technological Deal championed by the President of the Republic. Under this agenda, Senegal aims to make digital transformation a driver of sovereignty, economic opportunity, and job creation for young people across all regions of the country. By operationalizing the Startup Act, the government reinforces its commitment to supporting local innovators and strengthening the national tech landscape.

The newly launched Startup Ecosystem is designed as a unified home for all actors in Senegal’s innovation community. It brings together entrepreneurs, accredited Startup Support Structures (SAE), investors, development partners, public agencies, regional institutions, and members of the diaspora. According to the Ministry, this platform is more than a digital tool—it is a foundational infrastructure that organizes, strengthens, and connects the country’s startup environment.

Oversight of the system is ensured by the CEAC, the commission responsible for guaranteeing transparency and fairness in how startups and support organizations are labeled and recognized. Through this structure, entrepreneurs gain clearer processes and criteria, SAEs receive formal recognition, and investors benefit from a verified and structured pipeline of emerging ventures. The framework also supports national ambitions for digital sovereignty and equitable territorial development.

With this launch, the Ministry underscored its belief that a startup’s success depends on the strength of the broader ecosystem around it. The Startup Ecosystem aims to nurture ideas, talent, and innovation across the entire country, enabling high-potential solutions to grow regardless of geographic location.

Ultimately, the government sees this development as a decisive step toward building national tech champions, creating thousands of skilled jobs, and positioning Senegal as a leading innovation hub in Africa.