Senegal is considering strengthening its cooperation with Visa to expand access to financial services and support digital innovation

Senegal is considering strengthening its cooperation with the international payment company Visa to accelerate financial inclusion and foster digital innovation in the country.

The talks took place on March 10, 2026, when Senegal’s Minister of Communications, Telecommunications, and Digitalization, Alioune Sall, met with Aminata Kane, Visa’s newly appointed Senior Vice President for West and Central Africa.

During the meeting, the minister congratulated Kane on her appointment, describing it as a recognition of her professional achievements and a reflection of the role played by Senegalese women in leadership positions on the international stage.

Discussions between the two sides focused on several strategic areas of cooperation, including the possible opening of a visa office in Dakar and closer cooperation to support Senegal’s growing fintech ecosystem. Other areas of interest include support for the implementation unit at the Ministry of Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Technologies, as well as a contribution to the implementation of Senegal’s “New Technological Deal” program—a national initiative aimed at accelerating the digital transformation.

Visa also presented preliminary findings from an ongoing regional study designed to provide policy recommendations for governments across the region. The full results of the study are scheduled to be published in June 2026.

During the meeting, the ministry outlined the main priorities of the “New Technological Deal” program and the government’s broader plans to strengthen Senegal’s digital sector.

Both sides agreed to organize technical workshops to establish the framework for a long-term strategic partnership aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting digital innovation in Senegal.