08 December 2025
Senegal is set to expand its internet coverage through a new initiative announced by Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs Alioune Sall.
The government plans to install satellite antennas in multiple remote regions across the country with the ambitious aim of connecting one million Senegalese citizens to the internet by the end of 2026. This program specifically targets areas that remain underserved by traditional networks, such as fibre optics and 4G, where access remains limited or non-existent due to geographic and demographic challenges. In these isolated or sparsely populated zones, deploying satellite technology will enable households, schools, health centres, and administrative offices to gain stable and reliable connectivity.
Alioune Sall emphasised the urgency of this deployment, stating that it will commence before the year's end and underscoring the government’s commitment to bringing digital services closer to all citizens through new technological solutions. The initiative is a key component of the New Deal for Technology, Senegal’s national strategy to democratise digital access and modernise public services. Authorities see satellite connectivity as a strategic tool to reduce territorial inequalities and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
Improved internet access in these underserved areas is expected to unlock a range of opportunities, including online education, telemedicine, digital commerce, and remote work. As of early 2025, approximately 11.3 million Senegalese were using the internet, representing a penetration rate of 60.6%, according to DataReportal. The government’s push to expand connectivity aims to further bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive growth across the nation.
