Senegal's Free Internet Plan Could Pose Cybersecurity Risks

Why It Matters

The initiative could dramatically boost digital inclusion and economic growth, but persistent cyber‑security gaps risk undermining public trust and jeopardizing the nation’s digital transformation agenda.

Key Takeaways

• Senegal aims to provide free internet to 1 M by 2026.
• Recent hacks exposed biometric and tax data of citizens.
• Rural internet penetration remains under 3 % despite 60 % national rate.
• Lack of national cyber agency heightens vulnerability to attacks.
• Digital strategy targets 15 % GDP contribution by 2034.

Pulse Analysis

Senegal’s Universal Connectivity program reflects an ambitious push to close the digital divide, targeting one million underserved citizens with free broadband by 2026. By integrating connectivity into its Technological New Deal, the government hopes to catalyse a digital economy that contributes 15% of GDP and generates over 350,000 jobs by 2034. The rollout aligns with broader African trends where mobile penetration exceeds 40% and policymakers view connectivity as a catalyst for education, agriculture, and health services.

Yet the timing of two high‑profile cyber‑attacks—on the Directorate of File Automation and the national tax authority—exposes a critical weakness in Senegal’s cyber‑resilience. The breaches compromised biometric registries, identity documents, and tax records, eroding citizen confidence and threatening the integrity of the forthcoming free‑Internet rollout. Analysts note the absence of a dedicated national cybersecurity agency, leaving coordination fragmented across ministries and increasing the nation’s exposure to state‑ and criminal‑sponsored threats.

To safeguard its digital ambitions, Senegal must prioritize the establishment of a centralized cyber‑security authority, invest in threat‑intelligence sharing, and embed security by design into all public‑sector digital projects. Balancing rapid infrastructure deployment with robust data protection will be essential to attract private investment, maintain public trust, and position Senegal as a leading digital hub in West Africa. A proactive cyber‑defence posture will also mitigate economic fallout from future attacks, ensuring that connectivity translates into sustainable growth rather than a liability.