In the third leg of his economic tour of the Kédougou region, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye made a significant appearance this Saturday at the Mamba Guirassy Industrial and Mining Technical High School. There, the Head of State officially launched "Universal Connectivity," a flagship project aimed at guaranteeing internet access across the entire national territory, without distinction between urban and rural areas.

In front of students, teachers and administrative authorities, President Faye explained the symbolic significance of choosing this institution to initiate this new stage of Senegal's digital policy.

“We came to launch universal connectivity in this high school to show our commitment to equity between territories. By making this choice, we are committing Senegal to an era of connectivity that opens up other opportunities for all citizens, regardless of where they are located across the territory,” he said.

The head of state recalled that this vision is part of a dynamic initiated since his visit to Silicon Valley in September 2024, during which he gave clear instructions to those in charge of the digital sector.

"I have instructed that on no square meter of this territory can there be any white zones, that is to say, zones where the Senegalese citizen is deprived of connection not because he does not have the means to pay, but because this connection is simply not available," he stressed.

According to the President of the Republic, cities have long benefited from a decisive advantage thanks to access to digital technology, enabling their populations to innovate and develop economic activities. Conversely, many localities, despite the talent of their inhabitants, have suffered from the lack of this "fundamental input" that is internet connectivity.

With this initiative, the State intends to correct this structural inequality. The Mamba Guirassy high school thus becomes a symbol of a Senegal that is investing in knowledge and technology to reduce territorial inequalities.

“Today, we are demonstrating that we care about all Senegalese people. We are launching an infinite library in this high school at the disposal of students, who will be able to follow distance learning courses. This is a connected Senegal, an innovative Senegal and a Senegal resolutely focused on the opportunities that digital technology offers,” the Head of State affirmed.

Another major announcement: free internet access for students of the institution, a measure that is part of a broader ambition.

"This connection provided to high schools is free for learners and we intend to extend it also to one million Senegalese who will not pay for this connection," he revealed, inviting all citizens to embrace this new digital era.

Through this strong gesture made in Kédougou, President Diomaye Faye sends a clear signal: digital technology is becoming a strategic lever for territorial equity, education and economic development for the whole country.