Senegal has secured a $10 million investment from the Gates Foundation to support a groundbreaking national digital transformation program.
The move reflects the foundation’s expanding interest in technology-driven solutions for health, agriculture, and public services across Africa.
The partnership was formalized at the United Nations General Assembly, where Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met with Bill Gates to announce their collaboration.
According to a statement from the Senegalese Presidency, the funding will contribute to the country’s New Deal in Technology, a $1 billion program designed to modernize Senegal’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem.
The initiative targets three priority areas.
First, the deployment of a universal digital identity aims to simplify access to public services while increasing transparency. Second, the creation of an artificial intelligence hub will focus on practical applications in health and agriculture, such as improving harvest forecasting and monitoring endemic diseases.
Third, the establishment of a Delivery Unit will oversee the implementation of reforms, tracking progress and ensuring accountability across sectors.
Observers note that the project represents more than just a technological upgrade. “It is not just a matter of building cables, but of creating the conditions so that an entire ecosystem – from businesses to citizens – can innovate and develop,” experts said.
For Senegal, the initiative signals a shift in development strategy, treating digital technology not merely as a complementary tool but as a central driver of economic and social growth. By fostering innovation through artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, the government hopes to boost efficiency in public service delivery, enhance agricultural productivity, and strengthen healthcare systems.
This new investment adds to the Gates Foundation’s long-standing involvement in Africa, where it has supported projects ranging from vaccination campaigns to agricultural development. Analysts say the latest commitment underscores the growing recognition that technology can play a decisive role in shaping sustainable development and creating inclusive growth.
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