Sénégal Numérique SA, the government agency spearheading Senegal’s digital transformation, is facing scrutiny following revelations of alleged internal embezzlement that threaten its reputation for reliability and financial rigor.
According to investigations reported by the newspaper Libération, Serigne Saliou Ndiaye, an actor and community manager within the company, is suspected of siphoning funds over an eighteen-month period.
Prosecutors allege he misused corporate bank card data to cover personal expenses between January 2024 and June 2025, including purchases from platforms such as Alibaba, Shein, Metricool, and the Yango service, which alone accounted for nearly 15.97 million CFA francs. The total alleged misappropriation is estimated at 46.4 million CFA francs.
Questioned by the Criminal Investigation Division (DIC), Ndiaye reportedly admitted to the transactions, citing “personal and family difficulties” and dissatisfaction with a salary of 440,000 CFA francs.
Authorities emphasize that these explanations do not exempt him from legal proceedings, which could include charges of fraudulent access to a computer system, embezzlement of public funds, and money laundering.
Beyond the immediate financial loss, the case has raised concerns about internal security and oversight at strategic government institutions.
For an agency responsible for deploying and securing public digital infrastructure, the apparent ability of an employee to manipulate payment systems over an extended period signals potentially serious weaknesses in both financial and IT controls.
Restoring confidence in Senum SA will require comprehensive audits, strengthened monitoring systems, and transparent communication with the public.
Experts stress that in a sector where trust and integrity are as critical as technological expertise, reputational damage can have long-lasting effects far beyond the value of the funds involved.
As Senegal continues to expand its digital infrastructure, ensuring robust governance mechanisms at key agencies such as Senum SA will be crucial to maintaining both public confidence and the smooth implementation of nationwide technological initiatives.
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