Senegal is shifting its digital strategy towards local digital-device production as it seeks to reduce reliance on imported consumer technology through a partnership agreement valued at nearly CFA88 billion ($150 million).
Under the framework of the national Senegal 2050 Agenda and the state’s New Deal Technologique – a CFA1.1 trillion digital transformation strategy running until 2034 – the Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs signed an agreement with the World Investment and Business Council for Africa and India-headquartered Blue Cloud Softech Solutions.
The move comes as African governments increasingly push for digital sovereignty, maintaining control over infrastructure, data and supply chains to reduce exposure to global supply chain disruptions and foreign currency volatility associated with technology imports.
According to the ICT ministry, the agreement activates phase eight of the initiative, dubbed “Senegal Digital Factory: from idea to product”.
The new framework builds on local initiatives including the ministry’s strategic partnership with domestic tech firm SunuCorp, which runs a private computer assembly unit in Keur Ndiaye Lo.
The cornerstone of the expanded phase is a planned digital-equipment assembly facility in the Diamniadio smart city district, scheduled to begin operations in December.
Once operational, the facility will produce computers, smartphones and tablets for domestic and regional markets, according to the government.
Beyond physical manufacturing, the agreement incorporates technology transfer and technical training programmes for local youth, aiming to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting hardware assembly, component maintenance and industrial design in Senegal.
“The production of computers, smartphones and tablets will be accompanied by the transfer of technologies and training of young people, thus directly meeting the industrialisation and value-added creation requirements set by the Senegal 2050 Agenda,” said the ministry.
Operational readiness testing at the Diamniadio site is expected to begin ahead of the December launch, with initial device roll-outs expected in early 2027.
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