Dakar witnesses business slowdown amidst protests

Senegal is facing unrest and protests following the detention of the opposition leader after a court ruling. CNBC Africa had an exclusive interview with Daouda Gueye, Vice Mayor of Dakar City in Charge of New Technologies, to shed light on the impact on businesses and the overall economic situation in the country. The protests have taken a toll on businesses in Senegal, with many struggling to operate at full capacity. Additionally, uncertainty about the future and upcoming elections is causing business owners to proceed cautiously. While there has been a slight resumption of business activities in the past two days, the overall growth trajectory remains stagnant. Gueye expressed concerns about the lack of information and clarity surrounding the political situation, which is hindering the rapid recovery of the business sector. As a prominent political figure in Senegal, Gueye emphasized that the current challenges are not localized to Dakar but are reflective of broader displeasure with the state of democracy in the country. Despite the unrest, Senegal has been actively investing in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to foster economic growth and connectivity. The government has introduced initiatives like a new data center for centralized information storage and 'Senegal Connect' to promote digital engagement. These efforts are aimed at enhancing infrastructure and connectivity for businesses and citizens. Gueye highlighted the significant progress made in the ICT sector at both the national and local levels in Senegal. When asked about the investment in these transformational projects, Gueye mentioned that while he couldn't provide specific figures, there is a considerable interest from partners to invest in the sector. With the city of Dakar moving towards the concept of smart cities, there is a focus on leveraging existing solutions and attracting more investors to drive this technological evolution forward. The goal is to transition from a tech-savvy ecosystem to a fully integrated smart city model, aligning with the government's vision and attracting further investment in the region. While challenges persist due to the ongoing political turmoil, the commitment to technological advancement and economic growth remains strong in Senegal.