Senegal partners with Visa for digital transformation

Senegal has signed a cooperation agreement with Visa to boost its digital public services. The deal, announced on October 30, focuses on improving digital financial services through shared expertise and structured dialogue between the government and the private sector.

Collaboration targets digital payments

The partnership will explore high-impact uses of digital payments, including Person-to-Government and Government-to-Person transactions. These involve payments made by citizens to the state, such as taxes, and payments from the state to citizens, like subsidies or services.

Digitizing transactions improves efficiency

Digitizing these operations reduces the need for in-person visits to government offices, minimizes cash handling, and makes it easier to track financial transactions. This is expected to modernize public services and expand access to digital financial tools for Senegalese citizens.

Senegal's minister highlights strategic goals

Samba Diouf, Senegal’s minister of Telecommunications and Digital Technology, called the agreement a "decisive step" in the country’s efforts to accelerate its Technological New Deal. He emphasized the need for secure, inclusive digital solutions that meet the daily needs of citizens.

Cybersecurity and regulations are priorities

The agreement also includes support for cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, which are crucial for protecting sensitive data and building public trust in digital platforms. These elements ensure that the new services are both safe and legally sound.

Visa emphasizes practical benefits

Aminata Kane, Visa’s senior vice president for West and Central Africa, stressed the practical benefits of the collaboration. She said the goal is to identify real-world opportunities to improve access to digital services and support the growth of Senegal’s payment ecosystem.

Senegal’s long-term digital strategy

This agreement aligns with Senegal’s broader digital transformation strategy, which began with the Senegal Emerging Plan in 2014. The country’s new vision, Senegal Vision 2050, places digital technology at the heart of its future development and governance goals.