• Senegal has launched a pilot phase of its public administration digitalization project (PRODAP) in Mbour.

• Germany finances the €29 million ($34 million) initiative through KfW and its embassy.

• Authorities aim to streamline administrative procedures and improve public service delivery.

Senegal launched on April 25 in Mbour, a town located about 80 km south of Dakar, the pilot phase of its Public Administration Digitalization Promotion Project (PRODAP).

This initiative aims to test digital solutions at the local level to simplify administrative procedures and improve service delivery to citizens. Authorities are simultaneously piloting the dematerialization of selected procedures and deploying the required infrastructure.

Souleymane Ba said, "The project revolves around three components: first, strengthening network and digital infrastructure; second, digitalizing public services, promoting their adoption and building stakeholder capacity; third, securing the provision of digital services."

Moreover, the pilot phase allows authorities to identify constraints, adjust systems and train public sector workers in the use of digital tools. This phased approach aims to reduce the risks commonly associated with large-scale deployments.

Senegal ranks among the more advanced African countries in e-government development. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the country recorded a score of 0.5162 in the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), compared with an African average of 0.4247.

Furthermore, Germany finances the project with €29 million (about $34 million) through KfW and the German embassy in Senegal. Authorities launched PRODAP in 2023, and Sénégal Numérique implements it.

Mbour stands as one of six municipalities selected for the pilot phase, alongside Dakar-Plateau, Ngor, Rufisque, Kaffrine and Kaolack.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum