Senegal Launches Universal Connectivity Initiative to Connect 1 Million Citizens

The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has officially launched the Universal Connectivity initiative in Kédougou, a nationwide program aimed at providing free digital access to one million Senegalese, particularly in regions where connectivity has been limited or nearly absent. The launch took place at the Mamba Guirassy Technical, Industrial and Mining High School, a strategically significant institution in the South-East known for training technicians and senior technicians in fields aligned with national economic needs.

The initiative is expected to act as a catalyst for pedagogical transformation, enhancing access to digital learning resources, improving the quality of technical education, modernizing training methods, and supporting better alignment between education and employment opportunities. By equipping learners with the skills required in the industrial, mining, and agricultural sectors, the program aims to strengthen their employability and readiness for a technology-driven economy.

Beyond education, the universal connectivity program signals a broader political commitment to using digital technology to bridge territorial gaps, promote equal opportunity, and advance social justice. By connecting schools, healthcare facilities, and rural communities to the national digital ecosystem, the government emphasizes that a citizen’s place of birth or residence should no longer limit access to knowledge and opportunity.

Embedded within the New Technological Deal, this initiative positions Senegal on a path toward universal digital access, leveraging technology to transform human capital, stimulate job creation, and support national sovereignty in alignment with the Senegal 2050 vision.