• Senegal plans to deploy official software to digitize birth and death registrations nationwide.
• The initiative forms part of Senegal’s $1.7 billion New Deal for Technology launched in 2025.
• Authorities aim to curb fraud, improve data reliability, and secure personal information through a state-certified system.

Matar Ndao, Director General of Senegal’s National Civil Status Agency (ANEC), announced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Ziguinchor, the upcoming installation of official pre-declaration software for civil status records within health facilities nationwide.

The digital tool will focus primarily on registering births and deaths.

“Many civil status events do not reach the system because they occur outside health facilities. This software will help close that gap […] The objective is to establish a reliable, secure, and verifiable civil registry in order to put an end to fraudulent practices,” Ndao said.

The system will allow authorized agents to enter information immediately when an event occurs, thereby reducing delays and omissions that frequently affect official registration processes.

This initiative forms part of the broader modernization of public administration. It aligns with the national strategy to digitize civil registration, which authorities view as a pillar of Senegal’s digital transformation agenda. Beyond administrative efficiency, the project also addresses concerns related to personal data security.

Authorities have warned about the use of uncertified software locally, which could expose sensitive information to mismanagement or data breaches. The state-certified software offers a secure, standardized, and free solution designed to harmonize practices and ensure data protection.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM