The Digital Silk Roads: How Huawei is Rewriting the Future of ICT Infrastructure in Senegalese

Ibrahima Niang

The “Made in China” technology serves now as the backbone of network infrastructure in several African countries and they are providing the next generation of technology. In Senegal, Huawei won the first major project funded by China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Dakar in October 2005. The aim of this research is to analyse how Huawei is rewriting the future of ICT in the modernization of public administration in Senegal; the establishment of a broadband network using new technologies and for making the extension of the administrative government intranet management of all services to reach all parts of the country. Huawei in Senegal is implementing the E-gov 1 and E-gov 2 projects for a total amount of $100 million. Senegal’s national broadband project represents the third phase execution of the government intranet infrastructure. It was officially launched in January 2016. The objective of the project is to extend the coverage of the administrative intranet and the construction of a new data center in Diamniadio on over one hectare (1 ha) of land. The project was financed through China Exim Bank for an amount of $85 million. The Smart Senegal Program is made up of five major projects: (safe city, smart education, smart territories, smart wifi, smart services) At the heart of these digital Silk Roads which draw so much sympathy and criticism, the Huawei Group is rewriting the future of technology in Africa.