Senegal has launched a national initiative to provide free internet access to one million people, targeting underserved rural and remote areas, the government announced.
The program, inaugurated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye at the Mamba Guirassy Technical and Mining High School in Kédougou, is part of the New Deal Technologique, Senegal’s national strategy to expand digital connectivity, foster innovation, and support inclusive access to technology.
“Digital access is no longer a luxury; it is a right,” Faye said at the ceremony, describing the initiative as creating an “infinite library” accessible to all, even in isolated locations. The program prioritizes schools, technical training institutions, health centers, and rural communities where connectivity remains limited or nearly nonexistent.
The initiative aims to connect one million people by the end of 2026, using a combination of traditional mobile networks and satellite technology. Senegal has negotiated the purchase of 5,000 Starlink satellite terminals at preferential rates to complement existing infrastructure, bridging coverage gaps in areas that remain difficult to reach despite investments by mobile operators.
Senegal already performs above the West African average in mobile connectivity. 4G coverage reaches about 97 percent of the population, while 5G is available to 39 percent, mainly in urban centers. Yet disparities persist: only 3 percent of rural households have internet access, compared with 43.8 percent in Dakar, according to a national ICT survey by the telecommunications regulator ARTP and the national statistics agency ANSD.
The universal connectivity project seeks to narrow this digital divide, providing students and professionals with access to online educational platforms, technical resources, and labor-market information. By enabling learners in remote regions to follow online courses and improve their skills, the government expects to enhance employment readiness and educational outcomes.
The program also targets long-term economic benefits. A GSMA report cited by the government estimates that broader internet adoption in Senegal could connect an additional 2.6 million people by 2030, generate up to CFA1,100 billion ($1.9 billion) in economic growth, and create roughly 280,000 jobs in digital services, education, and related sectors.
President Faye emphasized the transformational role of technology in education and economic development, noting that access to digital tools in rural and remote areas could help reduce regional inequalities and accelerate Senegal’s progress toward becoming a knowledge-based economy.
The program follows the recent arrival of Starlink in Senegal, reflecting the government’s strategy to integrate satellite connectivity into national broadband plans. Officials said satellite access would supplement mobile networks, especially in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or deployment costs are prohibitive.
By combining satellite and mobile technologies, the government hopes to create a resilient, inclusive digital ecosystem, allowing all Senegalese citizens to access the internet regardless of location. Authorities also plan to monitor usage, provide technical support, and integrate digital literacy programs to maximize adoption and impact.
The launch is part of a broader push by Senegal to modernize education, enhance workforce skills, and boost economic competitiveness. Officials say that expanding connectivity aligns with national priorities to support youth employment, strengthen technical education, and promote innovation in both urban and rural communities.
With one million new users expected to come online by 2026, Senegal is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital inclusion, demonstrating how targeted investments in connectivity can support both social and economic development goals.
