Senegal has officially launched its Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAEN), funded by the World Bank with $150 million until 2028. The project aims to expand access to resilient broadband connectivity and to promote the adoption of online government services and electronic health records. Among the PAEN’s objectives are access to high-speed Internet for 5 million Senegalese people, the creation of medical records for 1.5 million users, and the construction of infrastructure resilient to climate change. The Senegalese government hopes that digital technology will contribute to 10% of GDP next year.
To contextualize this project, it is useful to note that Africa is resolutely committed to digital transformation. According to the “E-Conomy Africa 2020” report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google, the African Internet economy could reach 5.2% of the continent’s GDP by 2025, bringing in nearly $180 billion. Senegal, by investing in digital technology, aims to be part of this dynamic by facilitating access to technology for its citizens, and by further integrating women into the digitalization process.
The PAEN represents a crucial step in Senegal’s strategy to modernize its economy, diversify its activities, and improve living conditions thanks to new technologies. The focus on electronic health records is particularly relevant as it aims to improve the efficiency of health care, a critical area for population well-being.
