Visa and Senegal Sign Two-Year Digital Transformation Partnership

Visa and Senegal’s Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs have signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding aimed at supporting the country’s digital transformation plans.

The agreement creates a framework for cooperation on digital payments, financial innovation, cybersecurity and regulatory issues. It also provides for the exploration of person-to-government and government-to-person payment applications.

Focus on public services and digital payments

Under the partnership, Visa and the ministry will assess how digital solutions could improve interactions between citizens and public services. The parties will also examine potential high-impact applications that could contribute to the modernisation of public services and widen access to digital financial services.

The cooperation is based on public-private dialogue and the exchange of expertise. It is intended to help identify initiatives suited to Senegal’s requirements and encourage digital payment applications that reflect local conditions.

The agreement is described as the first partnership of its kind between Visa and a government institution in Senegal. However, the information available does not specify particular services to be introduced, completed projects or an implementation timetable.

Officials outline objectives

Samba Diouf, Senegal’s Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, said the agreement would support efforts linked to the country’s New Deal Technologique.

“This strategic partnership with Visa marks a decisive step forward in our efforts to accelerate the New Deal Technologique. Now is the time for action: we must be fully operational and move from intent to tangible results by deploying practical, secure and inclusive solutions that directly address the everyday needs of Senegalese citizens,” Diouf said.

Aminata Kane, Visa’s senior vice president and group country manager for Western and Central Africa, said the company would contribute its expertise to Senegal’s digital ambitions.

“We are proud to bring Visa’s expertise to bear in support of Senegal’s ambitions. Together with the Ministry, we aim to identify tangible opportunities to facilitate access to digital services and support the long-term development of the payments ecosystem in Senegal,” Kane said.

The two-year framework also includes knowledge sharing on cybersecurity and financial innovation. The stated aim is to support broader access to digital financial services in an environment that is secure and resilient.