Senegal aims to make the space sector a key lever in its digital transformation strategy, dubbed the “New Deal on Technology.” This ambition was at the center of discussions during a workshop organized on Friday, January 24, by the Senegalese Agency for Space Studies (ASES), in collaboration with the African Regional Satellite Communication Organization (RASCOM).
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (photo) plans to officially launch the “New Deal in Technology” in February 2025. This strategy, which succeeds the “Senegal Digital 2025” plan, aims to modernize the country’s economy by integrating information and communication technologies into all sectors.
As part of this program, Senegal, which launched its first satellite in August 2024, plans to develop a satellite constellation and create a national space ecosystem by 2028. The country’s goal is to position Senegal as a digital hub in Africa.
The deployment of satellites is expected to improve connectivity across the country. “We know that alongside terrestrial networks, we have satellite networks that generally cover areas not covered by terrestrial networks. So, the satellite has a big role to play in the connectivity of our territories ,” explained Bara Mbaye, representative of the director of the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Agency (ARTP), during the workshop.
However, significant challenges remain. Senegal does not yet have its own launch infrastructure, making it dependent on foreign partners to launch its satellites. This dependence raises concerns, particularly regarding control of technologies and access to data.
Source: extensia.tech
