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In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital technology is no longer an option. It has become a strategic imperative for Africa’s economic, social, and cultural development. As a powerful driver of transformation, it also represents one of the foundations of our collective sovereignty, competitiveness, and ambition for continental integration.
It is in this spirit that Senegal has embarked on an ambitious journey through the New Deal Technologique, its national digital transformation strategy, which carries an inclusive, innovative, and forward-looking vision. This approach fully aligns with a broader conviction: Africa’s future will be built through technology, innovation, and human capital.
The vision championed by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, to foster the emergence of a digital society based on value creation, services, innovation and talent, resonates with the aspirations of many African countries engaged in similar transformation pathways.
The Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy (MCTN), as the driving force behind this transformation in Senegal, works to implement public policies that promote connectivity, e-government, innovation, and the development of the digital economy. This action is part of a broader dynamic of cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the construction of strong, interconnected African digital ecosystems.
The New Deal Technologique is structured around four major strategic pillars that resonate at the continental level:
- digital sovereignty;
- digitalization of public services;
- development of the digital economy;
- African leadership in digital transformation.
Beyond national strategies, this represents a collective African ambition, driven by a creative youth, innovative entrepreneurs, committed researchers, visionary investors, and institutions determined to make digital technology a driver of inclusive growth.
It is within this dynamic that the Ministry is actively engaged on the continental stage. As co-organizer of the Africa Innovation Awards 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to contributing to the development of a pan-African innovation agenda, built on public–private dialogue, regional cooperation, and investment in future technologies.
The Africa Innovation Awards serve as a strategic platform to showcase African talent, connect ecosystems, attract capital, foster partnerships, and accelerate the emergence of African digital champions capable of addressing the continent’s challenges and competing on the global stage.
The time for a digital Africa has come. Together, it is our responsibility to build cutting-edge infrastructure, ensure inclusive and affordable connectivity, stimulate a high-performing digital economy, and make digital technology a powerful lever for shared prosperity.
I invite all African innovation stakeholders, including public decision-makers, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and partners, to rally around this vision and to make the Africa Innovation Awards a catalyst for the innovative, sovereign, and ambitious Africa we seek to build.
Mr. Alioune SALL
Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy