• Senegal is in talks with Visa on a potential partnership to support fintech and digital payments.

• Discussions include the possible opening of a Visa office in Dakar.

• The talks come as the country seeks to advance its digital strategy and financial inclusion agenda.

Senegal is exploring a potential strategic partnership with U.S. payments giant Visa as part of its broader effort to strengthen the country’s digital economy.

Alioune Sall, Senegal’s minister of communication, telecommunications and the digital economy, met last week in Dakar with Aminata Kane, recently appointed senior vice president of Visa for Central and West Africa.

According to a statement posted by the ministry on Facebook, discussions focused on the possible opening of a Visa office in Dakar and on expanding cooperation with Senegal in several strategic areas. These include support for the country’s fintech ecosystem, assistance to the ministry’s Delivery Unit, and contributions to the implementation of the New Technological Deal, the government’s digital transformation program.

The meeting follows an event organized by Visa in Dakar in October 2025. During the gathering, which brought together public and private stakeholders from Senegal’s financial sector, the U.S. company highlighted its technical and technological expertise and presented itself as a potential partner for the government.

The discussions come at a time when Senegal is seeking to accelerate financial inclusion and attract international players in the digital economy.

No formal agreement has yet been signed between the two sides. However, they have agreed to organize technical workshops aimed at defining a structured long-term partnership.

Visa also presented the initial elements of a regional study, with recommendations expected by the end of June. The study aims to provide African governments with actionable policy proposals related to digital payments and financial systems.

Adoni Conrad Quenum