13 May 2025

On 23 April, Sonatel Group announced the launch of AWS Wavelength infrastructure in Dakar, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in West Africa.

This collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) is designed to enable cloud services that operate with ultra-low latency, facilitating near-instantaneous response times critical for applications such as telemedicine, digital payments, and streaming services.

The introduction of this infrastructure effectively brings the power of the cloud closer to users by hosting data locally in Sonatel’s data centres. This localization reduces dependence on foreign servers, thus aligning with the growing emphasis on digital sovereignty, security, and high performance.

The AWS Wavelength solution is deployed within a Tier 3+ certified data centre in Dakar and is part of Senegal’s broader digital strategy known as the New Technology Deal, which aims to establish a robust, inclusive, and innovative digital economy. This initiative stems from an agreement signed in May 2024 between Orange Middle East & Africa and AWS, which also includes a focus on Morocco.

Beyond the technological advancements, this project serves as a catalyst for digital transformation in Senegal. Through its Orange Business Senegal entity, Sonatel is actively supporting local businesses in their transition to the cloud, providing assistance from the initial design phase all the way through to operational support. This creates an optimal environment for startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and large corporations to devise and implement digital solutions tailored to local needs while effectively managing their costs.

The integration of AWS Wavelength in Senegal significantly strengthens the national digital ecosystem by offering advanced infrastructure that adheres to international standards. This development represents a significant strategic leap forward for the entire continent of Africa.