In recent years, many developing countries have taken advantage of technological progress to improve their social, political and economic standings. Low- and middle-income countries that have embraced the digital revolution have seen broad advancements in their quality of life.

Senegal’s Technological Advancements

Senegal, where more than one-third of the population lives below the national poverty line, has leveraged technology to its benefit. The West African nation has long faced disparities and barriers in areas like education, economic stability and access to health care.

Thanks to the country’s recent embrace of digital infrastructure, more opportunities are opening for Senegalese to escape extreme poverty and overcome these challenges. Here is what to know about Senegal’s digital transformation and how technology is improving the lives of citizens.

Increased Internet Access

One of the most impactful developments in Senegal has been the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure. In December 2025, estimates suggested that continued digital reforms would bring 2.6 million more Senegalese online by 2030.

This trend will likely accelerate with recent investment. Last month, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development began its first project in Senegal by committing up to €270 million to telecommunications initiatives in Senegal and Kenya.

This financing will support the expansion of 4G and 5G mobile networks, among other advancements intended to improve the connectivity of Senegalese with one another and the rest of the world.

Access to the internet opens up a wide range of new opportunities. Enhanced connectivity can help alleviate poverty and improve quality of life by expanding access to virtual educational materials, allowing individuals to open and operate digital businesses, increasing access to telehealth and helping employees find better-paying jobs.

Job Growth

Even before the forthcoming investments in telecommunications, government policies and programs to expand information and communication technology have accelerated job growth. This is extremely impactful in a country where the expanded unemployment rate was about 19% in 2025, according to Senegal’s national statistics agency, Agence Nationale de la Statistique et de la Démographie (ANSD), and where unemployment remains a primary driver of poverty.

Managing digital infrastructure has been a source of new jobs. With about 60% of the population now using the internet, opportunities have opened up in business process outsourcing, IT engineering and contact centers. These roles provide steady employment for Senegalese seeking to lift themselves out of poverty.

Online businesses have also increased employment. The internet creates an opportunity for pre-existing business owners to optimize their services and reach a wider range of consumers, and it allows more individuals to become business owners.

Digital startups have seen major growth in popularity in Senegal. One potential reason is the country’s youthful population, with more than 60% of citizens under age 25. Younger citizens are more likely to start online businesses and turn them into a lucrative source of revenue.

Whether in IT engineering or online retail, Senegal’s digital transformation has helped decrease the nation’s unemployment rate, which has been a primary driver of poverty in the country.

The Digitization of Health Care

Public health is a sector in Senegal that has long needed improvement. Diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS persist, and many communities lack reliable access to clean drinking water.

Senegal’s government has begun to integrate modern technology into the country’s health care sector. One key example is diagnostic centers. With technology transfer from the UK and the Republic of Korea, Senegal’s Diatropix facility increased production from 2 million to 75 million disease tests annually by 2024.

Since then, the government has adopted a national digital health policy, partially financed by the World Bank’s $150 million Digital Economy Acceleration Project. The policy aims to expand access to health technology to underserved rural communities, which remain disproportionately impoverished.

Looking Forward: The New Deal Technologique

These recent strides to integrate technology into the lives of Senegalese are part of a broader strategy by Senegal’s government to leverage technological progress in a way that benefits its citizens.

The New Deal Technologique is the government’s 10-year plan to secure digital sovereignty, grow Senegal’s economy and position the nation as a leader of African innovation. The national framework includes plans to increase international partnerships, garner investment and solve some of Senegal’s most pressing issues through technological progress.

While work remains to improve the country’s quality of life, Senegal’s digital transformation has opened up more opportunities, fueled job growth and revolutionized sectors like the health care industry. As the New Deal Technologique is further implemented, more advancements can be expected.

– Brogan Jones

Brogan is based in Norman, OK, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr