Senegal: Universal Service Fund Requests More Financial Resources
June 18th 2025
Senegal’s Universal Telecommunications Service Development Fund (FDSUT) is calling for increased financial resources to accelerate the implementation of its connectivity projects. This appeal was made on Monday, June 16, by its coordinator, Diop Ndiaye Blondin, before the National Assembly’s Culture and Communication Committee.
Ms. Blondin points out that the FDSUT has action plans, benchmarks, and roadmaps, but lacks the financial resources to implement them. For example, through the Universal Digital Access Program (PANU), the Fund plans to connect 1,550 localities to 4G by 2028, targeting approximately 2.6 million people. It also plans to equip 200 public institutions with digital tools, develop five content or applications, and train 500 people in digital professions.
“It’s not just a question of connectivity, it’s a real digital revolution that must be vigorously pursued, with contemporary tools, smartphones, local applications, integrated artificial intelligence, and constant attention to the environment and gender,” said Ms. Blondin.
These projects are part of the Senegalese government’s strategy to expand access to digital services and accelerate digital transformation. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), approximately 40% of the Senegalese population did not use the internet in 2023, and nearly 20% did not own a mobile phone.
The Global Mobile Operators Association (GSMA) recognizes the need to strengthen the financing of Universal Service Funds (USFs) in Africa, believing they can help bridge the connectivity gap. To improve their effectiveness, the organization recommends, among other things, adopting incentive mechanisms to accelerate the effective disbursement of funds collected from operators.
Beyond funding issues, the GSMA suggests several best practices: setting clear and measurable objectives, involving stakeholders, relying on data to target projects, ensuring regular monitoring with transparent reporting, rigorously assessing costs, strengthening internal skills, involving local communities and establishing independent governance to ensure better management.
Source: Agency EcoFin
Back