From 1960 to 2020, the population of Senegal increased from 3.21 million to 16.74 million people, an average annual population growth rate between 2 and 3%. With one of the highest birth rates in the world, Senegal’s population is projected to surpass 50 million by 2077 [4].

Senegal has an urbanization rate ahead of the average for Sub-Saharan Africa and almost half of the country’s population live in urban areas. Senegal’s urban population has almost doubled in the last few decades, rising from 23% in 1960 to 48% in 2020, and is projected to reach 60% by 2030. This growth comes with immense challenges, but also constitutes an opportunity for Senegalese policymakers to structurally transform the Senegalese economy [5].

The economy of Senegal is driven by mining, construction, tourism, fishing and agriculture. These are the main sources of employment in rural areas, despite abundant natural resources in iron, zircon, gas, gold, phosphates, and numerous oil discoveries recently.

Senegal is a lower-middle-income country (LMIC). In the past decade, the country’s economy has experienced rapid growth, and grew by more than 6% per year between 2014 and 2018. However, the pandemic has significantly changed the country’s economic outlook, setting back tourism, transport, and exports [6]. Nevertheless, growth is expected to pick up rapidly and reach 5.2% in 2021 (IMF forecast).

Senegal adopted a new development model to accelerate its progress toward emerging market status [7]. The Senegalese Government is currently implementing the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), a unique reference framework for the country’s economic and social policy over the mid- and long-term, represented by the vision “An emerging Senegal in 2035, with a cohesive society under the rule of law“ [8].

As per the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), technology and innovation in Senegal are positioned as key drivers of socio-economic development. Linked to the PSE, the “Digital Senegal 2025” strategy aims to breathe new life into the economic sector through providing stakeholders with new growth drivers and sources, raising the contribution of digital technologies to GDP by 10%, and creating 35,000 direct jobs by 2025 [8].

Senegal stands out in West Africa as an example of stability and democracy. Since achieving independence from France in 1960, Senegal has experienced three peaceful transitions of power, whilst never experiencing a military coup. However, Senegal is suffering from a rise in the incidence of natural disasters, and is vulnerable to four main natural hazards: drought; locust invasion; flooding, often with associated epidemics; and a sea level rise associated with coastal erosion. Natural disasters, such as droughts and flooding, have increased the vulnerability of Senegal’s whole economy and affected the country’s development [9].