Senegal has just taken a major step in its quest for transparency and opening of public data. In the latest edition of the open Data Inventory (Odin) 2024, made public on April 29, 2025 by the international Open Data Watch organization, the country progresses dramatically, from the 100th to 33rd place in the world, and is now positioned as the 3rd country best classified in Africa. With an overall score of 75 out of 100, this increase of 67 places in just two years testifies to a strong and constant commitment in favor of the democratization of access to information.
Senegal is particularly distinguished in the “data opening” component, with a remarkable score of 88 out of 100, the best on the continent. This result confirms Senegalese leadership in terms of accessibility and transparency of statistical data. He also devotes the sustained efforts made in recent years by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD), which pilots the data opening strategy within the national statistical system.
This remarkable progression is based on several key reforms that have made the data more accessible, more reliable and easier to use. The complete overhaul of the statistical data portal has facilitated the consultation of the country’s essential indicators. Particular attention was paid to regular updating of socio-economic indicators in order to guarantee up-to-date data to citizens, researchers, journalists and public decision-makers. In parallel, a substantial effort was made to publish data in open and interoperable formats, accompanied by explicit metadata, thus reinforcing their reuse by digital actors, start-ups, NGOs and institutions.
All the structures of the national statistical system have also been more involved in the production, consolidation and dissemination of data, in a logic of pooling and sharing. This collective dynamic has made it possible to expand the scope of available data and to establish a culture of progressive opening in administrations.
Nevertheless, Open Data Watch’s report underlines that the data coverage score remains at 60 out of 100, revealing improvement margins. Certain strategic sectors, such as health, education, the environment, justice or even employment, deserve more complete and more frequent statistical coverage. These identified shortcomings are being processed, according to the ANSD, which plans to strengthen the collection and publication of data in these priority areas.
Beyond its technical scope, this advance has concrete repercussions on the lives of citizens. Access extended to reliable data allows better governance, based on informed decisions, supported by objectified indicators. For entrepreneurs and developers, these open data represent a lever for creativity and innovation, contributing to the development of an inclusive and dynamic digital economy. For the general public, they offer new visibility of national progress, challenges and priorities, thus strengthening the transparency of public action and the accountability of the state.
By positioning itself today among the most advanced countries of the continent in terms of open data, Senegal demonstrates that statistical sovereignty can rhyme with openness, innovation and citizen participation. This international ranking thus rewards a coherent, voluntary and future strategy, at the service of sustainable development and the country’s digital transformation.
