• GSMA estimates $2 billion in economic value and 280,000 jobs by 2030.

• Smartphone costs and low digital skills keep usage far below coverage levels.

• Policy reforms on spectrum, taxation, and 5G could unlock major investment.

Senegal could generate CFA1,100 billion ($2 billion), create nearly 280,000 jobs, and boost public revenues by 2030 if the country accelerates reforms to expand digital inclusion. These projections, detailed in the report “Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Senegal” by the GSMA, were presented on December 5, 2025 in Dakar during the Digital Africa Summit.

Strong foundations but limited usage

The study notes that Senegal already benefits from major assets, including a young population familiar with digital tools and a set of national strategies such as Digital Senegal 2025, the Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAENS), and the Technological New Deal 2034. These initiatives have helped extend mobile Internet coverage, now reaching 97% in 4G and nearly 39% in 5G. However, adoption remains limited: a 54% usage gap persists, driven by high entry-level smartphone prices and low digital skills across several population groups.

Focusing on affordability, digital skills, and a supportive policy environment can unlock opportunities for all communities—from farmers and traders to students, entrepreneurs, and users of public services. These reforms can turn digital access into meaningful impact while strengthening Senegal’s long-term economic resilience, said Angela Wamola, GSMA’s head of Africa.

Priority reforms to modernize the telecom ecosystem

While connectivity has improved significantly, telecom infrastructure must be further strengthened to support national ambitions. The GSMA recommends adopting a new spectrum policy based on a national roadmap developed through sector consultations. The goal is to ensure a more efficient, transparent, and predictable allocation of frequencies. Allocating 5G bands, granting longer license durations—up to 20 years—and aligning spectrum fees with international standards are identified as key steps to attract investment and support the objectives set out in the Technological New Deal.

The report also recommends lowering certain sector taxes, including the Specialized Telecommunications Contribution (currently 4.5%) and the Telecommunications Usage Fee (5%), which could each be reduced to 3% to free up financial capacity for operators. Establishing a national program to provide affordable entry-level smartphones is also listed as a priority, mirroring initiatives adopted in other African countries.

A regulatory framework suited to emerging technologies is considered essential for improving coverage in remote areas. Integrating partnerships between mobile operators and low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite providers, along with developing direct-to-device connectivity solutions, would help extend broadband coverage to underserved regions and strengthen network resilience.

If the recommended reforms move forward, Senegal could reach a decisive milestone in its digital transition. By 2030, 2.6 million new users could come online, pushing mobile Internet adoption to 61% according to GSMA forecasts. The impact would be especially strong in agriculture, industry, commerce, and public services, where process digitalization, broader data use, and automation could deliver major productivity gains.

Samira Njoya