• Government launches satellite program to reach underserved and remote areas

• Goal is to connect one million people to the Internet by the end of 2026

• Initiative supports the New Technological Deal and aims to reduce digital inequality

Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Alioune Sall, announced on December 4, 2025 the launch of a national program to install satellite antennas in several remote regions of the country. The government aims to connect one million people to the Internet by the end of 2026.

The project focuses on areas still poorly served by traditional networks such as fiber optics and 4G. In many sparsely populated or isolated zones, Internet access remains limited or nonexistent. The government plans to deploy satellite antennas capable of providing stable connectivity to households as well as essential services, including schools, health posts, and administrative offices.

“The deployment of satellite antennas will begin before the end of the year […] Through new technologies, the State of Senegal must remain close to its people,” Alioune Sall said.

The initiative is part of the national New Technological Deal, which aims to broaden digital access and modernize public services. For authorities, satellite technology is a key tool for reducing territorial disparities and accelerating digital transformation.

Beyond basic connectivity, expanded Internet access in remote areas opens opportunities in online education, telemedicine, e-commerce, and remote work. As of early 2025, 11.3 million people were using the Internet in Senegal, representing a penetration rate of 60.6 %, according to DataReportal.

Adoni Conrad Quenum