Senegal has made significant progress in the development of its digital economy in recent years, with a particular focus on expanding access to the internet and promoting the use of digital technologies in various sectors. As of 2023, the country has an estimated 14.7 million internet users, representing a penetration rate of around 80%.
Essential Headlines for Digital Adoption and Use in Senegal in Early 2023
- There were 10.19 million internet users in Senegal at the start of 2023, when internet penetration stood at 58.1%. Senegal was home to 3.05 million social media users in January 2023, equating to 17.4% of the total population. A total of 20.13 million cellular mobile connections were active in Senegal in early 2023, with this figure equivalent to 114.8% of the total population. Moreover, there were 10.19 million internet users in Senegal in January 2023. Senegal’s internet penetration rate stood at 58.1% of the total population at the start of 2023. Kepios analysis indicates that internet users in Senegal increased by 255 thousand (+2.6%) between 2022 and 2023.
- The Internet connection speeds: Ookla’s data reveals that the median mobile internet connection speed in Senegal increased by 5.24 Mbps (+29.3%) in the twelve months to the start of 2023. Meanwhile, Ookla’s data shows that fixed internet connection speeds in Senegal increased by 1.06 Mbps (+5.1%) during the same period.
- Social media: Statistics in 2023 show that there were 3.05 million social media users in Senegal in January 2023; the number of social media users in Senegal at the start of 2023 was equivalent to 17.4% of the total population. At that time, there were 2.95 million users aged 18 and older using social media, which was equivalent to 32.3% of the total population aged 18 and older.
- Mobile connections: According to the data from GSMA Intelligence, there were 20.13 million cellular mobile connections in Senegal at the start of 2023. This indicates that mobile connections in Senegal were equivalent to 114.8% of the total population in January 2023. Also, the number of mobile connections in Senegal increased by 378 thousand (+1.9%) between 2022 and 2023.
Overall, Senegal's digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and the country has made significant strides in expanding access to the internet and promoting the use of digital technologies in various sectors. With continued investment and attention to key challenges, Senegal has the potential to further strengthen its digital economy and position itself as a leader in the region.
