Investment

Cybastion to support Senegal's digital transformation plans

Cybastion to support Senegal's digital transformation plans

Cybastion, a US company that delivers digital and infrastructure solutions in Africa, reportedly plans to mobilise about US$300 million for several projects supporting Senegal's digital transformation.

The funding will support initiatives in cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime, as well as data centre development, technology transfers and national skills development.

The programme will also involve Senegalese startups in the implementation of the projects in order to help the country strengthen the capabilities of young local companies and retain a larger share of the value generated by digital investments within Senegal's economy.

A main aim, according to President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, is to deliver tangible economic and social benefits, including, as he puts it, “faster and more accessible public administrations, personal data better protected against fraud and cybercrime, skilled jobs for a trained and ambitious youth, and a digital business ecosystem capable of innovating and attracting new investment”.

As the Ecofin news agency points out, Senegal's national New Deal Technologique strategy aims to accelerate the digitisation of the economy and public services and establish the country as a leading technology hub by 2034. However, this acceleration has also brought with it some cybersecurity issues.

In fact, this year saw the launch of a cybercrime reporting platform that allows users to report and track cybercrime incidents more easily. In addition, the country’s Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP) is expanding cooperation with international institutions and partners. The regulator aims to adapt Senegal's regulatory framework to technological developments, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Cybastion has had a busy few weeks in west Africa. Earlier this month it announced a major investment in Cameroon.



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