Orange Business Senegal has signed a partnership with Port Autonome de Dakar aimed at transforming Senegal’s main maritime gateway into a fully integrated Smart Port, as authorities push to modernise infrastructure and strengthen the country’s logistics competitiveness.
The agreement will introduce a range of digital and technological upgrades at the Port of Dakar, including improved connectivity, digitised payment systems, and enhanced cybersecurity for critical operational infrastructure.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Senegalese authorities to modernise port operations and consolidate Dakar’s position as a leading logistics hub in West Africa.
“It is no longer just about digitizing what already exists, but about restructuring our value chains around robust and resilient digital infrastructure,” Waly Diouf Bodian, Director General of the Port Authority, said.
What you need to know
Under the partnership, Orange Business Senegal will deploy advanced connectivity infrastructure designed to support the port’s digital ecosystem and improve operational efficiency.
The modernisation programme will also focus on digitalising payment processes, streamlining administrative procedures, and strengthening the security of critical digital systems to ensure operational continuity.
Port authorities believe the adoption of integrated digital solutions will significantly enhance cargo handling efficiency, reduce delays, and improve coordination across the port’s logistics chain.
According to officials, the goal is to redesign operational workflows around digital systems capable of supporting future growth in cargo volumes and maritime trade.
Pilot phase for electronic delivery orders planned
As part of its ongoing digital transition, the port authority plans to launch a pilot programme for the electronic exchange of delivery orders on 2 January 2026.
The system will operate through the port’s electronic single-window platform, which has been in operation since February 2024 and allows various stakeholders, including shipping companies, freight forwarders, and government agencies to process documentation through a unified digital interface.
Authorities say the initiative is expected to reduce paperwork, shorten cargo clearance times, and improve transparency in port operations.
The Orange partnership builds on earlier digitalisation initiatives undertaken by the port authority. In October 2024, the port signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Technologies to deploy technology solutions aimed at improving truck traffic management and container handling systems.
Together, these projects form part of a broader strategy to digitise port logistics and improve the flow of goods through Senegal’s main maritime gateway.
A port critical to Senegal’s economy
The Port of Dakar plays a central role in Senegal’s national economy and public finances.
According to government data, the port generates nearly 95% of the country’s customs revenues, accounting for roughly 25% of Senegal’s state budget.
This makes the efficiency and reliability of port operations a critical issue for national economic stability.
For Senegal, strengthening the port’s digital infrastructure is therefore not only a matter of operational efficiency but also of fiscal sustainability.
Performance gains strengthen Dakar’s regional position
Recent international rankings suggest that the port’s modernisation efforts are already beginning to yield results.
In the 2024 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) published by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, the Port of Dakar ranked first in sub-Saharan Africa.
The port recorded a significant improvement in performance score, from –82 in 2023 to +23 in 2024, representing one of the strongest performance gains globally during the period.
The index evaluates ports based on metrics such as vessel turnaround time, operational efficiency, and the speed of container handling.
Authorities say the continued deployment of digital infrastructure and smart logistics solutions will be essential to sustaining these gains and strengthening Dakar’s position as a major maritime gateway for West Africa.
Talking Points
The partnership between Orange Business Senegal and Port Autonome de Dakar signals a major step in the digital transformation of African port infrastructure.
By prioritising connectivity upgrades, digital payments, and stronger cybersecurity systems, the initiative reflects how technology is increasingly shaping the efficiency and competitiveness of major trade gateways across the continent.
Transforming the Port of Dakar into a Smart Port could significantly streamline port operations. Improved connectivity and digital systems can reduce administrative bottlenecks, speed up cargo processing, and enhance coordination among shipping companies, freight forwarders, and government agencies operating within the port ecosystem.
At Techparley, we see this development as part of a broader trend where African infrastructure is gradually integrating digital tools to improve efficiency and transparency. Ports remain critical gateways for trade, and modernising them with technology can unlock stronger regional logistics networks and economic growth.
The initiative also builds on earlier digitalisation efforts, including the deployment of an electronic single-window system and collaborations with technology providers such as Huawei Technologies to improve truck traffic management and container handling.
As Dakar continues its modernisation journey, there is an opportunity to strengthen its role as a major logistics hub in West Africa.
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