Collaboration Sparks Change: OPTIC and ITC Propel Senegal’s Digital Innovation Forward

Senegal is steadily earning its reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic tech hubs, with its thriving digital ecosystem showcasing how local innovation, strategic partnerships, and international support can reshape economies.

At the heart of this transformation is OPTIC (Organisation des Professionnels des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication), the country’s foremost digital industry body, which has spearheaded the sector’s growth in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the Netherlands Trust Fund (NTF) V programme.

Over the past three years, this partnership has delivered concrete gains, from building the capacity of local tech firms to positioning Senegal as a serious player in global digital services.

Building a Stronger Tech Economy

The NTF V project, a collaboration between the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ITC, supports tech ecosystems in seven African countries.

In Senegal, the programme has focused on enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in digital technology and business process outsourcing (BPO). For many start-ups and firms, this has meant more than training, it has opened doors to international markets and opportunities that were previously out of reach.

“NTF’s support has enabled us to establish our legitimacy and intensify our efforts in the Senegalese tech ecosystem,” said Antoine Ngom, President of OPTIC. “Dozens of IT and BPO start-ups have benefited from this initiative, not to mention the indirect spin-offs that have benefited the entire tech economy.”

Driving Innovation Through Skills and Strategy

OPTIC’s mission is to create a regulatory environment that encourages innovation, strengthens international competitiveness, and fosters meaningful partnerships. Through the NTF V programme, member companies have received comprehensive support from business coaching and fundraising training to certification for public procurement eligibility.

The Tech sector is picking up momentum in Senegal

Firms also benefitted from tailored 360-degree diagnostics to evaluate their performance and identify new growth levers. Participation in high-profile international B2B events such as VivaTech (France), AfricArena, GITEX International (Dubai), and SIPEN (Senegal), has raised visibility for local entrepreneurs, connecting them with investors, clients, and collaborators from across the globe.

The programme extended its impact to Senegal’s agritech community as well, facilitating thematic meetups and mapping digital solutions tailored to agricultural value chains.

Strengthening Institutions, Amplifying Regional Influence

OPTIC itself has undergone significant transformation. Following a governance and performance audit under the NTF V project, the organisation restructured its operations, updated key statutes, and expanded its permanent secretariat.

“Our collaboration with ITC didn’t just support start-ups, it helped us grow as an institution,” said Ngom. “The SIPEN trade fair has become a landmark event for digital players in Africa. We’ve also organized digital breakfasts, technical workshops, and thematic conferences that energize the entire tech community in Senegal.”

The impact has extended beyond Senegal’s borders. OPTIC is a founding member of the new Digital Senegal consortium and has forged promising partnerships with ecosystem players such as Sen Startup. With membership surging in recent years, the organisation is positioning itself as a central actor not just in Senegal, but across the West African tech landscape.

From Hub to Headquarters: What’s Next?

With its influence growing, OPTIC is now eyeing its next phase—building a permanent headquarters and securing financial autonomy. The organisation recently secured a plot of land for this purpose and is actively seeking national and international partners to sustain and scale its impact.

A map showing tech innovations across the continent

“We want OPTIC to reinforce its position as a key digital player in Senegal and more widely in West Africa,” Ngom said. “That means doubling down on regional cooperation, continuing to engage policymakers, and developing profitable services that serve our members and the economy.”

He also hopes that a future NTF VI project will continue the momentum. “Our work is far from done. The demand for innovation, digital services, and skilled talent in Africa is only growing. With the right support, Senegal is ready to lead.”

A Model for Africa’s Digital Future

Senegal’s tech ecosystem, anchored by OPTIC and powered by initiatives like the NTF V—is now a model for how Africa can leapfrog into the digital future. By investing in people, platforms, and partnerships, the country is proving that African ingenuity can thrive on the global stage.

As the NTF V programme wraps up in June 2025, its legacy in Senegal is clear: a more competitive, more connected, and more confident digital economy that reflects Africa’s readiness to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.