Gambiaj.com – (CALIFORNIA, United States) – President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, following his participation in the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, extended his U.S. tour to California’s Silicon Valley to strengthen Senegal’s position as a burgeoning digital hub in Africa.

Accompanied by senior U.S. officials, including Ambassador Steve Lang, U.S. Coordinator for International Information and Communications Policy, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa Michael Heath, President Faye’s visit on Friday, September 27, 2024, highlighted Senegal’s growing ambitions in the tech sector.

The trip, which took President Faye to key tech innovation hubs such as Santa Clara, Palo Alto, San Jose, and Sunnyvale, is part of Senegal’s “New Technological Deal.” This strategic policy program aims to transform Senegal into a “digital hub in Africa” by nurturing young entrepreneurs and positioning them as “digital champions,” as noted by the Senegalese presidency.

During his Silicon Valley engagements, President Faye met with key players from leading tech companies, academia, financial institutions, and representatives of the Senegalese diaspora. Among those joining him were Senegalese start-ups and promising young entrepreneurs eager to leverage the resources and expertise of the U.S. technology ecosystem.

The meetings were coordinated by Senegal’s Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, led by Minister Alioune Sall, with a focus on streamlining the country’s digital sector.

President Faye emphasized the need for strategic partnerships to drive Senegal’s digital economy and highlighted the importance of innovation and youth entrepreneurship as central pillars of his vision for a prosperous future. The president’s delegation also included Cheikh Diba, Senegal’s Minister of Finance and Budget, and other senior government officials, further signaling the country’s commitment to fostering economic growth through digital transformation.

U.S. officials echoed their support for Africa’s digital future. The U.S. State Department reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting the continent’s digital transformation, deepening partnerships between Senegal and the U.S. private sector, and strengthening ties between African partners and U.S. academic institutions.

President Faye’s visit follows U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s launch of the Partnership for Global Inclusivity on Artificial Intelligence (AI) on September 23. This initiative seeks to harness AI’s rapid advancements to promote sustainable development worldwide, aligning with President Faye’s goal of embedding technological innovation into Senegal’s development strategy.

As Senegal’s leader continues to position the country at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution, his Silicon Valley visit marks an important step in forging critical partnerships to boost the nation’s technological capabilities and elevate its youth as key drivers of economic progress.