In recent years, Senegal, like most African countries, has accelerated its digital transformation. To successfully implement that transformation, the country is relying on support from valued partners like the World Bank. 

The World Bank recently approved a CFAF91 billion ($150 million) to support Senegal in the implementation of its Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAEN). A financing agreement was signed to this effect on Thursday, April 6, between Mamadou Moustapha Bâ (photo, right), Senegal's Finance Minister, and Keiko Miwa (photo, left), Director of the World Bank Regional Office for Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, and Senegal.

"For the population’s benefit, it is essential to leverage digital technologies in critical sectors such as health where digital solutions, including electronic medical records, telemedicine, and immunization campaign management can have a tangible impact," said Keiko Miwa after the agreement was signed. 

According to the Finance Minister, the funds will help improve the legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks governing the digital economy. It will support the digital transformation of the public sector by strengthening the technical foundation and e-government services. It will also promote digital adoption by improving digital literacy and skills -particularly among women and youth- and increasing access to health information to improve the delivery of health services.

PAEN is the first axis of the Plan for an Emerging Senegal (PSE) adopted in 2014 by the government to make Senegal an emerging country by 2035.  

Samira Njoya