By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Senegal
has officially launched the Senegal AI Scaling Hub to accelerate implementation of its New Deal Technologique and expand digital technology's contribution to 15% of gross domestic product (GDP) by
2034.
The
Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs announced the launch, describing
it as a decisive step in the country’s digital transformation, supported by a
strategic partnership with the Gates Foundation.
Minister
of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs Samba Diouf said digital
transformation must deliver broader economic, social and institutional
benefits.
“The
digital transformation must not be an accumulation of technological projects.
It must be a real instrument of economic, social and institutional
transformation,” Diouf said.
The
government said the initiative would rely on continuous collaboration with
various sectoral ministries to maximise the impact of digital projects and
improve services for citizens.
The
interventions will be coordinated through GouvNum as part of a global and
coherent approach aimed at pooling resources and moving away from siloed
operations.
Implementation
of the New Deal Technologique requires estimated financing of 1,100 billion CFA
francs.
Senegal
has therefore invited investors and partners to support the initiative, with
the objective of advancing digital inclusion, building robust digital public
infrastructure and developing sustainable African capacities.
