Senegal: towards the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Authority

The establishment of this authority is part of the efforts made by the Senegalese government to better coordinate the prevention, detection, and response to cyber threats. At this stage, however, it is merely a project outlined in a legislative text, not yet an operational institution.

The draft law concerning the protection of cyberspace is expected to define the legal framework applicable to cybersecurity in Senegal. The available information does not yet specify the exact competences of the future authority, its governance model, or the anticipated date for its commencement.

This structure could contribute to enhancing coordination among public administrations, critical operators, and stakeholders responsible for digital security. The concrete modalities of its intervention will need to be clarified in the text and, if necessary, by the regulatory measures accompanying it.

Estimated losses of at least 5 billion dollars in Africa

The reform comes in a context of increasing cybercrime on the continent. According to data attributed to INTERPOL, financial losses related to cyberattacks in Africa are estimated to have reached at least 5 billion dollars in 2025.

This amount is presented as a minimum estimate. It may not cover all damages, particularly those related to unreported attacks, business interruptions, data theft, and the costs of restoring IT systems.

For Senegal, the creation of a specialized authority aims to strengthen the national cybersecurity framework. The adoption of the draft law and the publication of its implementation modalities will be necessary before a precise assessment of the role and resources of the future institution can be made.