Neighbours Prioritise Connectivity, Cybersecurity and Digital Skills.
Senegal and The Gambia are moving to turn their digital cooperation agreement into practical programmes, with both countries identifying connectivity, cybersecurity, capacity building and digital transformation as their immediate priorities. The latest discussions took place during a working visit by Senegal’s Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, Samba Diouf, to Banjul.
The two countries are now working on an implementation roadmap for a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2026. Officials from both sides reviewed the agreement and agreed that projects should be developed according to their readiness and the specific needs identified by the two governments.
Closing The Gambia’s Connectivity Gap.
For The Gambia, stronger cooperation with Senegal could help address some of the country’s longstanding connectivity challenges. The country remains heavily dependent on the ACE submarine cable for international internet access, while its terrestrial fibre network has limited redundancy.
Closer technical cooperation with Senegal could improve network resilience, particularly in border areas, while also creating opportunities for better coordination on telecommunications services and infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Becomes a Regional Priority.
Cybersecurity is another major component of the partnership. Both governments recognise that the expansion of digital infrastructure must be accompanied by stronger systems for protecting networks, public institutions and citizens from cyber threats.
The agreement also provides for capacity building and the sharing of technical expertise, which could help both countries develop the skills required to support increasingly digital economies.
A Digital Partnership With Wider Regional Implications.
The initiative is also significant from a regional integration perspective. Senegal and The Gambia share close geographical, economic and social ties, and stronger digital links could make it easier for businesses and citizens to access services across their borders.
For Senegal, the partnership supports its broader New Deal Technologique agenda, which places connectivity, digital transformation and cyber resilience at the centre of the country’s development strategy.
The Senegal-Gambia partnership shows that regional integration is increasingly moving beyond roads, trade and physical infrastructure. As both countries work to build stronger digital networks, cybersecurity systems and technical capacity, their cooperation could become a model for how neighbouring African economies use technology to deepen economic and social integration
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