Senegal is widening Nokia’s role in its digital transformation as the Finnish technology company moves beyond telecom networks into cybersecurity, digital public services and skills development under a new government partnership.

The expanded cooperation comes as the country rolls out its New Deal Technologique, a 2025-2029 digital strategy built around 12 programmes and 50 priority projects aimed at expanding digital infrastructure, digitising government services and strengthening Senegal’s digital sovereignty.

The Ministry of Telecommunications and Digital Affairs announced the agreement on September 30, saying Senegal and Nokia will identify priority projects and jointly determine how they should be implemented. Selected initiatives could subsequently be covered by separate agreements.

Nokia expands beyond telecom networks

The partnership builds on Nokia’s existing work with Senegalese companies and government-linked digital infrastructure programmes.

Nokia already works with Sonatel, including a 5G test conducted in Saly on Dec. 14, 2021, during the operator’s network trials. The company is also involved in a major fibre and IP transmission equipment opportunity under the Sénégal Numérique programme.

In 2026, the Groupe Univers Telecom/Nokia consortium was proposed for the provisional award of Lot 1 of a Sénégal Numérique contract, with its bid valued at €5.64 million($6.37 million).

That infrastructure opportunity gives the latest partnership a more immediate commercial dimension as Senegal invests in the networks needed to support its digital ambitions.

Digital infrastructure meets cybersecurity

The new agreement broadens cooperation beyond physical connectivity. Its scope includes network resilience, cybersecurity, digital public services, innovation and skills development, alongside knowledge transfer and initiatives intended to create value locally.

For Senegal, the broader focus reflects the growing importance of secure and resilient digital infrastructure as more public services and economic activity move online.

The partnership also aligns with the government’s New Deal Technologique, launched in February 2025 to accelerate the country’s digital transformation while developing infrastructure and strengthening national control over its digital capabilities.

By linking Nokia’s network expertise with cybersecurity, public-sector digitisation and skills development, Senegal is positioning the partnership as part of a wider effort to build the technology base behind its five-year digital agenda.