Cybastion, a US technology firm building digital infrastructure in Africa, will invest US$ 300 million to finance digital transformation projects in Senegal. The partnership will support investments in sovereign data centers, cybersecurity, digital government services, and workforce development.
The proposed projects will advance Senegal’s 2050 development agenda by expanding digital services and positioning technology as a driver of economic growth. According to a press release, local startups will be selected to implement and develop the government’s planned initiatives.
“Cybastion is proud to partner with Senegal to help achieve the country’s vision for a secure and resilient digital ecosystem,” said Dr. Thierry Wandji, Cybastion President and Chief Executive Officer. “Through our Digital Fast Track platform, we will work with the Senegalese government and financing partners to mobilize the technology, capital and expertise needed to deliver sustainable digital transformation.”
Cybastion’s Digital Fast Track platform assists African countries in building digital ecosystems through infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital solutions, and workforce development. The President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, said that the partnership should deliver faster, more accessible public administration, better protection of personal data against fraud, and qualified jobs. It should also attract new investments in Senegal’s digital economy.
The investment comes weeks after Wandji highlighted that in order to expand AI adoption in Africa, sovereign data centers, reliable energy, high-speed connectivity, cybersecurity, and a skilled workforce are required.
Cybastion said it will coordinate with the Senegalese government and local and global partners. The projects remaining subject to negotiated agreements, financing approvals, and other implementation requirements.
Senegal is becoming more attractive for data center investments as broadband access improves, the government pushes digital economy programs, and adoption of cloud based technologies grows. While home to just seven data centers, according to the Data Center Map, its location, coupled with growing enterprise demand for secure data storage and processing capabilities, is supporting the development of advanced data center infrastructure.