Country profile: Senegal

Senegal has three MNOs; market leading Sonatel (part of Orange) with 56.23% of the country’s mobile market share, Free with 24.47% and Expresso with 17.02%. In a bid to increase market share, Free is investing US$217mn in network upgrades to hit 96% 3G and 90% 4G coverage. A futher US$100mn project has been announced by the government to improve connectivity in border and underserved areas to support Senegal’s digital transformation agenda, supported by US$150mn finance package from the World Bank.

Sotel has also raised fresh investment, from the BII, IFC and Proparco, to provide US$87mn in infrastructure expansion to rural communities. The loans are designed to link pricing to the achievement of measurable development goals, increasing representation of women in management positions and expanding the reach of digital skills programs. Helios Towers is the only towerco in the market, but has set its short-term focus on operational efficiency, expanding colocations and build-to-suit. However, AXIAN Telecom has increased it’s stake in Free to a majority 80% as part of a pan-African expansion.

Free acquired its 5G operating license in January, paying US$22.4mn. Sonatel had previously been the only MNO with a 5G license, acquired in July 2023 for US$34.5mn, with Free’s offer being rejected by the ARTP for non-compliance, and a commercial launch is expected in May. Sonatel is has now expanded its 5G license to include mobile internet services as well.

Due to heavy reliance on oil and gas for power generation, Senegal’s grid energy is some of the most expensive in Africa. While grid availability is good, Helios Towers has been exploring on-site energy solution to reduce grid consumption, and ESCO Aktivco has signed with Sonatel taking over power for 2,800 sites.