Senegal aims to bring free internet to 1 million citizens by 2026 🇸🇳 📡

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Senegal is betting big on digital inclusion. On February 6 in Kédougou, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye unveiled a nationwide “universal connectivity” initiative aimed at providing free internet access to one million citizens by the end of 2026.

The program targets rural communities and populations still excluded from the digital economy — despite the country’s already strong mobile coverage. While network availability is high on paper, meaningful access remains uneven. The government’s goal is clear: close the persistent digital divide between major cities and remote regions where reliable internet access is still out of reach.

Connectivity as a lever for education and jobs 🎓💼

The initiative is part of Senegal’s broader “New Technological Deal,” a national roadmap designed to position the country as a competitive and inclusive digital economy.

At its core, the program aims to democratize access to digital resources and unlock new opportunities for learning and employment.

Priority beneficiaries include schools, vocational training centers, healthcare facilities, and communities located far from urban hubs. Expanded internet access is expected to enable students to take online courses, use digital learning platforms, and build technical skills. President Faye described the vision as opening access to an “infinite library” — a connected knowledge ecosystem available to all.

Beyond education, the government also sees connectivity as a catalyst for modernizing vocational training and aligning youth skills with labor market demands.

Satellites to bridge the coverage gaps 🛰️📡

The launch comes shortly after Starlink began operating in Senegal. The government has already negotiated the acquisition of 5,000 terminals at preferential rates to support the rollout. Satellite connectivity will complement existing mobile networks, particularly in areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited or economically unviable.

On paper, Senegal’s mobile coverage looks strong. According to GSMA data, around 97% of the population is covered by 4G, and nearly 39% by 5G — primarily in major urban centers. But coverage does not automatically translate into adoption.

The urban–rural gap remains stark. A national survey conducted by ARTP and ANSD found that only 3% of rural households have internet access at home, compared to nearly 44% in Dakar. Infrastructure may exist, but affordability, equipment, and digital literacy remain significant barriers.

A strategic economic and social bet 📈🤝

By aiming to connect one million people, Senegal hopes to accelerate digital inclusion and boost economic growth. GSMA estimates that broader internet adoption could bring 2.6 million additional people online by 2030 and generate up to 1,100 billion CFA francs in additional economic value. The expansion could also create nearly 280,000 jobs across digital services, education, and related sectors.

This universal connectivity initiative is therefore more than a tech deployment plan. It forms part of a broader structural transformation strategy. The ambition is to position digital infrastructure as a driver of territorial development, competitiveness, and equal opportunity.

But execution will be everything. Connecting one million people is only the first step. Ensuring users are trained, equipped, and fully integrated into the digital economy will be the real challenge in the years ahead.

Will free internet access meaningfully transform education and employment in Senegal? And what hurdles must be cleared to make this initiative sustainable?