The role of North-South cooperation is critical in advancing innovation across Africa. Such partnerships enable technology transfer, provide crucial funding, and support entrepreneurial endeavors, thereby stimulating the growth of local startups and improving the continent's competitive standing.

France and Senegal are moving to strengthen their digital sector cooperation, with a focus on supporting young entrepreneurs. French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, visited Senegal's General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ) on Monday, March 10, to review existing partnerships and explore new avenues for collaboration in digital technology and innovation.

The visit aimed to accelerate the growth of Senegalese tech startups and bolster support for young entrepreneurs.

"We are in Senegal to strengthen the partnership between France and Senegal. A win-win partnership, and I am very proud to see here that the French Development Agency (AFD) and other operators, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), are helping to promote these crucial and innovative projects for Senegalese youth. France is committed to establishing this new partnership agenda that respects our historical ties," Mohamed-Soilihi said.

The visit comes amid increased cooperation between the two nations in innovation and entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like Choose Africa 2, France is actively backing young African entrepreneurs. The DER/FJ, in partnership with the AFD and other stakeholders, has facilitated the creation of 74,000 jobs and supported 10,000 entrepreneurial initiatives, including 40 startups in collaboration with HEC Paris.

Projects such as Game Hub Senegal and Anim’Lab provide young talent with training and hands-on experience in digital creation.

The visit also raised the prospect of the AFD signing the second phase of the Innovation Valorization Support Program (PAVI 2), which would enhance young entrepreneurs' access to financing and technical assistance.

These potential partnerships align with Senegal's New Technological Deal, the country’s national digital transformation strategy. The ambitious program aims to certify 500 technology startups and create 150,000 direct jobs by 2034, positioning innovation as a key driver of Senegal’s economic growth and competitiveness.