Senegal has developed an extensive and modern telecommunications infrastructure. Since the liberalisation of the communications sector in 1999, the number of mobile subscribers has risen dramatically, now representing around 95% of all telephone lines. Sales generated by the sector accounted for more than 7% of the GDP in 2007.
The West African country introduced ADSL broadband service (2.3 gigabytes bandwith) in 2003, which has almost completely replaced dial-up as the internet access method of choice. The Internet and broadband market is expected to receive a boost from planned fibre optic submarine cables that will dramatically reduce the cost of international bandwidth.
The government plans to make Senegal a haven for teleprocessing services, supported by its
advantageous geographic position, relatively good telecommunications infrastructure and affordable wages. Currently, telemarketing businesses are mostly serving the French market.
Investment opportunities
Overall penetration in all sectors of telecommunications market is still low, resulting in attractive opportunities for new entrants such as the following;
• Cybervillages
• Call Centers
• Business Process Outsourcing
• Computer factory
• Software development
• Computer engineering
• Data management and processing
• Telecom integrators
Reasons to invest in the ICT sector
• Modern and reliable telecommunication network (2200km of optic fibre, 100% digital and internet bandwith 2.3 gigabytes ADSL)
• Quality and competitive labour
(English/French/Arabic spoken)
• Existence of pioneer ICT Companies
• High growth in outsourcing
• Closeness to markets – GMT Time Zone
Incentives
The government offers special incentives for major projects which are negotiated with the relevant state department.
The revised incentive scheme also offers the following:
• Increased investment protection
• Improved investment incentives
• Consideration of priority sectors
• The issuance of documents for approval in 10 days
• Compliance with the Code of the Environment
For more information on investing in Senegal's ICT and BPO sectors contact Senegal's National Agency for Investment Promotion, APIX.
Key contact: Augustin Diouf
adiouf@apix.sn, contact@apix.sn
Tel: +221 849 05 55
www.investinsenegal.com
