Senegal and Azerbaijan have signed two cooperation agreements aimed at advancing digital transformation and e-government initiatives, the Senegalese Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy has announced.
The agreements, concluded with Sénégal Numérique SA (SENUM) and the Commission for the Evaluation, Support, and Coordination of Startups (CEAC), were formalized following an official Azerbaijani delegation visit to Dakar on December 22–23. They focus on skills transfer, joint initiatives to modernize public administration, and collaboration to strengthen the digital economy in both countries.
“Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate the digitalization of administrative processes, enhance public sector efficiency, and support the emergence of a competitive technology ecosystem,” said a statement from the Ministry.
Under the cooperation framework, joint committees will be established to implement initiatives across key areas. These include cybersecurity, workforce training, talent retention, and public innovation models linking startups with government services. By leveraging technology-driven solutions, Senegal hopes to improve administrative performance, strengthen digital trust, and foster innovation within its private sector.
The collaboration builds on a series of exchanges between Dakar and Baku initiated in November 2025, reflecting shared ambitions to modernize public systems and expand the digital economy. For Senegal, the agreements align with its New Deal technologique strategy, launched in February 2025, which seeks to accelerate administrative digitalization, enhance digital sovereignty, and cultivate an innovative startup ecosystem.
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Azerbaijan brings recognized expertise in e-government to the partnership. The country has deployed integrated public platforms and digital identity solutions that have positioned it among the leading nations in the United Nations E-Government Development Index, scoring 0.7607 out of 1. Its experience in streamlining administrative processes and enhancing online service delivery is expected to guide Senegal’s digital initiatives.
The agreements also prioritize skills development and knowledge exchange. Joint training programs will target public sector staff and private sector stakeholders, aiming to strengthen technical capacities in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure management, and e-government service delivery.
“Capacity building is central to this cooperation,” said the Ministry. “By training professionals and fostering collaboration between government and startups, we ensure that technological solutions are effectively implemented and sustained over the long term.”
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The partnership is expected to produce a joint roadmap defining stages, responsibilities, and timelines for implementation. Both governments anticipate tangible outcomes, including improved administrative efficiency, stronger digital ecosystems, and enhanced opportunities for technology-based entrepreneurship.
For the private sector, particularly startups, the agreements offer opportunities to participate in public innovation programs. This model enables technology companies to contribute solutions for administrative digitalization while benefiting from government support, mentorship, and access to new markets.
The initiative also emphasizes cybersecurity, reflecting the growing importance of securing digital infrastructure and sensitive data amid rapid technology adoption. By combining Azerbaijan’s experience with local expertise, Senegal aims to strengthen digital resilience across government networks and public services.
Observers have hailed the agreements as a milestone in international cooperation for Africa’s digital transformation. By fostering knowledge transfer and practical collaboration, the initiative offers a blueprint for other countries seeking to modernize administrative systems, improve governance, and enhance public service delivery through technology.
Senegalese officials noted that successful implementation will depend on coordinated efforts between government agencies, the private sector, and international partners. They stressed that the agreements are not merely symbolic but are intended to deliver concrete improvements in public administration, talent development, and the growth of the national digital economy.
The Senegal-Azerbaijan collaboration illustrates the growing trend of global partnerships to share expertise, mobilize technology, and drive innovation in public service delivery. It underscores Senegal’s commitment to transforming its public sector and leveraging technology to foster sustainable economic growth and social development.
