In Senegal, a new wave of young entrepreneurs is transforming their ideas into thriving businesses, thanks in part to innovative digital service centres established at universities in Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor.
Supported by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and part of the West Africa Competitiveness Support Programme, Senegal Component (PACAO-Senegal), these centres provide free access to computers, high-speed internet and essential digital tools that foster business development.
Making Dreams Come True
Through training, mentorship and networking opportunities, they are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Senegal and helping young people turn their aspirations into tangible economic contributions.
The centres serve as vital catalysts for entrepreneurial growth, especially for youth who may lack access to traditional business resources. By offering a space where young innovators can experiment, learn and connect, the centres are helping demystify the process of launching and scaling a business.
For individuals like Djiby Diop and Ousmane Traoré, the centres have been transformative, enabling them to realize their dreams and make meaningful impacts within their communities. Their experiences exemplify how digital empowerment can help young entrepreneurs overcome barriers and unlock new opportunities in Senegal’s evolving economy.
Djiby Diop’s Journey from Novice to Innovator
Djiby Diop, a 32-year-old graduate in information technology, is now a proud founder of Dior Bi, a company dedicated to producing organic fruits and vegetables. His story begins with curiosity and a desire to contribute to sustainable agriculture, but he admits that prior to discovering the Saint-Louis Service Centre, he lacked the practical skills necessary to turn his idea into a business.
“I found out about the Centre thanks to a friend,” Djiby recalls. “When I arrived, I lacked practical skills, but I had the will to become an entrepreneur. The Centre gave me the tools to make it happen.”
The resources provided by the centre, including access to computers and mentorship, proved instrumental in Djiby’s development. He was able to prototype an automatic irrigation system designed to optimize water use and boost agricultural yields, an innovation that could significantly impact local farming practices.
Under the guidance of mentors at the centre, Djiby refined his concept, gaining confidence and expertise along the way. Today, he is among the 501 individuals who have benefited from the centre’s resources, demonstrating how digital centres can serve as launching pads for innovative solutions that address local challenges.
Ousmane Traoré’s Digital Leap in Livestock Management
Ousmane Traoré, a 27-year-old master’s student in forestry, exemplifies how digital tools can revolutionize traditional sectors such as agriculture and livestock farming. Discovered at a youth employment forum in 2021 at Assane Seck University, the Ziguinchor Service Centre offered Ousmane an invaluable opportunity to develop his ideas.
“The Centre was a golden opportunity to bring my ideas to life,” he says. With mentorship and access to digital tools, Ousmane launched Gaynako, a startup producing livestock feed from agricultural waste and wetlands bulrush.
Ousmane’s journey didn’t stop there. He further innovated with Gaynako 2.0, a digital platform that streamlines livestock management by providing real-time updates on animals and facilitating efficient farm operations.
Recognizing the need for broader financial inclusion, Ousmane also created Yaralma, a platform that allows urban residents to invest in livestock raised by professional breeders.
“With increasing urbanization, many people can no longer keep livestock at home,” Ousmane explains. “Thanks to Yaralma, they can buy livestock on the platform and entrust it to professional breeders while receiving real-time updates on their animals.”
Today, Ousmane and his team of six connect breeders and investors, creating jobs, increasing income, and modernizing traditional ranching practices. The Ziguinchor centre supported 241 project holders in 2024 alone, reflecting the significant role these centres play in fostering entrepreneurship.
Transforming Ideas into Community Impact
The success stories of Djiby and Ousmane highlight the profound impact that digital service centres have on young entrepreneurs in Senegal. By providing free access to vital digital resources, they lower barriers to entry and enable young people to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
These centres are not only spaces for individual growth but are also catalysts for community development and economic diversification.
Djiby emphasizes the importance of the centre’s role in his journey, saying: “The tools and mentorship I received helped me move from an idea to a real product that can impact farmers’ lives. It’s a platform that nurtures innovation and confidence.”
Similarly, Ousmane notes the importance of digital platforms in expanding traditional sectors: “Our platform helps bridge the gap between rural producers and urban investors, creating opportunities for many who were previously excluded from these markets.”
The centres’ holistic approach, combining access to technology, training and mentorship, is crucial in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem. They equip young people with the skills needed not just to launch a business but to adapt, innovate and scale their ventures.
The emphasis on digital literacy and practical skills ensures that entrepreneurs like Djiby and Ousmane are prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly changing economy.
Expanding Reach and Services
As Senegal continues to develop its digital infrastructure and entrepreneurial landscape, the role of these service centres is expected to grow even more critical. With plans to expand their reach and services, the centres are poised to support more young entrepreneurs across the country.
Their success stories serve as inspiration for other youth to pursue their ambitions, knowing they have access to resources and mentorship that can turn ideas into impactful businesses.
Senegal’s digital service centres at Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor have proven to be powerful platforms for empowering young entrepreneurs. By offering free digital tools, training and mentorship, they are helping young people like Djiby and Ousmane realize their dreams and contribute to their communities.
These centres exemplify how strategic investments in digital infrastructure and youth support can drive economic growth, foster innovation and create a more inclusive future for Senegal.
