Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Senegalese sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a final summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Senegal's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 61.2

Senegal actively participates in international organizations: it is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, the IMF, the World Bank, etc. In 2025, Senegal became a member of Artemis Accords, joining the international space exploration coalition. Currently, the country also holds the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council. Senegal is a country with a monalistic legal system: ratified international treaties take precedence over the laws of the country after publication (Article 98 of the Constitution).

However, if the provisions contradict the Constitution, ratification is possible only after making appropriate amendments (Article 97 of the Constitution). In practice, the principle applies: international law can be incorporated into national law, but enforcement is not always guaranteed (example: the Habre case).

Senegal is considered one of the most stable countries in Africa, with peaceful and regular changes of power, the last of which is in 2024. In 2025, the new President, Bassiro Diomaye Fai, continues his policy of openness and strengthening institutions. According to the World Bank Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI, Scorecard MCC), the Senegalese government performance index in 2024 is 1.03 (among the best African indicators).

E-Government Development Index (EGDI) Senegal in 2024 — 0.45, which exceeds the average African level (0.405). In the UN world ranking for the development of e-government, the country ranks 105th in 2024. In April 2025, the approval level of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was 77.5% (48% "very satisfied", 29.5% "rather satisfied"); 20.8% of negative ratings among the respondents (1,200 people).

On July 17, 2025, France officially withdrew its last military bases, ending a 65-year military presence in Senegal. The country does not host foreign military bases on its territory. Senegal recognizes the jurisdiction of regional and international courts (ECOWAS Court, African Court of Human Rights, International Criminal Court).

Examples: the Hissen Habre case (International Court of Justice/ECOWAS) and regular cases in the ECOWAS Court. Within the country, despite formal recognition, national courts do not always execute decisions of international instances without additional procedures. Senegal is formally a unitary State, but implements de-concentration and decentralization, in which regions and municipalities have some autonomy in matters of budget, education and development; however, key decisions remain with the central government.

There is no direct data on independent parliamentary or civilian oversight mechanisms for the security services in international reviews. Senegal retains the image of a free electoral democracy with some control over the executive branch, but the level of transparency in the work of the security services is considered insufficient by international standards.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 91%.

Economic sovereignty — 44.6

GDP per capita (PPP): $4,496–5,110 according to World Bank and Trading Economics (2024), steady growth, "lower-middle income" category. Sovereign gold and foreign exchange reserves: equivalent to 3.5 months of imports as of June 2024; earlier (2022) – 4.3 months, the decrease is due to external shocks and import momentum.

Government debt (% of GDP): 58% (officially), alternative forecasts — 71% (BNP Paribas), maximum calculations according to statistics — up to 113.67% (Statista), fluctuations are related to the accounting methodology and the structure of borrowing.

Food security: The Global Hunger Index is 15.6 (“moderate" hunger level), dependence on imports and external vulnerability due to inflation and climate remain; the problem of malnutrition and the availability of basic food is acute. Energy independence: key transition to domestic gas and expansion of the refining sector with the launch of production at GTA/Sangomar fields 2024-2025, localization of processing (refinery project of $5 billion), but full independence has not been achieved.

Proven resources: large volumes of phosphates, gold, natural gas and oil (new offshore developments), further potential for gold and ferro-alloyed ores. Freshwater reserves: the problem remains in vulnerable regions, $200 million from the World Bank for the purification and development of systems (2024); volumes are growing, but still do not meet the needs of some rural areas.

National payment processing: the basis is the regional GIM-UEMOA, covers all banking and digital transactions, mobile money (Wave, Orange Money); there is no national isolated processing, but the system is fully integrated in the country.

The share of national currency in calculations: The entire domestic economy conducts operations in XOF (West African Franc), more than 90% of domestic settlements; exports/imports are dominated by the euro and the dollar, the national currency in foreign trade dominates only in the UEMOA area.

Its own issuing center and credit policy: The Central Bank, BCEAO, regulates the issuance of XOF and determines the credit policy of the entire UEMOA group of countries. Senegal does not have a full-fledged national emission center, decisions on key rates and reserves are made collectively by BCEAO.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 90%

Technological sovereignty — 33.8

R&D expenditures (% of GDP): according to UNESCO, less than 0.6% of GDP (2022-2024), the level is significantly lower than the global average, the structure of expenditures is mainly related to agriculture, basic science and applied social sciences.

Import substitution in high-tech: there are no developed programs, the country is heavily dependent on the import of electronics, software, telecom and medical equipment; there is practically no local assembly and production.

The main state initiatives are the development of digital skills and the stimulation of startups, but the share of import substitution in high-tech is extremely low. Higher education coverage: according to the World Bank and UNESCO, the proportion of people aged 18-24 with higher education is up to 10%. The main fillers are public universities in Dakar, Thies, Saint-Louis.

The coverage is growing, but remains quite limited. Internet penetration: by the end of 2024 — 61-63% among the total population (ITU/World Bank data). The growth is due to the development of mobile networks (4G, partly 5G) and lower connection costs, but the quality of communication in the regions is not uniform. Own national digital platforms: the key platforms are SenGov (unified portal of public services), the digital platform of the tax service, educational and medical online services integrated with mobile ecosystems.

The infrastructure is almost always based on third-party software, and the platforms are localized solutions based on international systems. High-tech software import dependence: extremely high; electronics, servers, software, telecommunications equipment, security systems, and all high-tech medical equipment are imported.

The share of domestic production is extremely small and does not ensure independence in critical technologies. Digitalization of public services: Senegal ranks 105th in the UN EGDI with an index of 0.45. Digitalization includes electronic taxes, education, medicine, passport and registration services, but the quality and completeness of the services covered is still inferior to the global average.

Biotechnological autonomy: absent as a sector; biotechnologies are represented as small research groups at universities and government institutions, but a large independent bioindustry has not been formed. Robotic autonomy: underdeveloped; industrial and service robots are almost completely imported, there are no local companies, and adoption is low even by African standards.

Autonomy in chips and microelectronics: complete dependence on external suppliers, there is no internal manufacturing sector, there are no specialized personnel and infrastructure for microelectronics.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 88% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 52.1

Cybersecurity (CERT/ITU): there is a national coordinator of CERT (CERT-SN), ranked 89th in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, there is a basic development of infrastructure and cooperation, but a shortage of personnel and weak protection of critical systems.

IXP/network development: Senegal has two main Internet exchange offices (IXP) - Dakar IXP and SenIX, providing inter-operator traffic exchange and the development of local digital infrastructure, which helps reduce delays and increase access speeds.

Media in the national language: national media are broadcast in French, Wolof, Serer and other languages; the largest broadcasting companies are RTS, 2STV, Walf TV; regional languages are used on radio and TV, the coverage of national languages is up to 80% of the total audience. BigTech resilience: Senegal does not have its own BigTech-scale digital platforms, government services rely on the infrastructure of global players (Microsoft, Google, AWS); there is no significant regulation and restrictions, and BigTech resilience is weak.

The share of own media content: according to media market research, more than 60% of broadcast content is produced locally (shows, news, series, music, talk shows), however, online content, video services and social networks - up to 90% are foreign (YouTube, Meta, TikTok).

Proprietary IT products/software: independent software development is poorly developed; there are mobile applications (SenGov, GIM-UEMOA, local Wave services, Orange Money), but the technological base is mostly third-party, open source projects and public clouds are implemented with the participation of external contractors.

Digital services coverage: up to 63% of the population uses digital government and financial services; pension, tax, banking, insurance, and land services have switched to online format, but the range and quality of services are inferior to developed markets. National cloud storage systems: there are no government cloud data centers, government data is hosted on infrastructure private operators and international providers; large banks and telecom companies use their own data centers, but there is no complete national cloud.

The sovereignty of mobile communications: mobile networks are managed by large private and international operators (Sonatel/Orange, Free, Expresso); licenses are issued by the national regulator, the infrastructure belongs to the operators, the state does not control the entire network completely, but holds the key levers of licensing and frequencies.

The legal regime of personal data: there is legislation on the protection of personal data (Law No. 2008-12), the national regulator CDP operates; the norms comply with the basic standards of ECOWAS, but enforcement and enforcement control remain weak, information leakage incidents are detected irregularly.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 89%.

Cultural sovereignty — 76.8

Number of UNESCO sites: officially 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including: Gore Island, Saint Louis Island, Stone Circles of Senegambia (together with Gambia), Saluma Delta, Juj National Park, Niokolo Koba National Park, Bassari Country Cultural Landscape; 8 more sites in the preliminary list.

Total contribution to world culture: Senegal stands at the origins of Afro-francophone modern literature, arts and music (the most famous is the mbalax style and the Dakar-Biennial creative community, the largest in West Africa). Influential people: Leopold Senghor (poet and president), Ousman Semben (cinematography), Youssou N'Dour (music).

Senegal is a recognized cultural leader of Francophone Africa. National Awards in Art and culture: National Awards in the fields of arts, literature, and cinema are awarded annually; there are separate awards for contributions to theater, music, and cinematography (the winners and information are published by the media and the Ministry of Culture).

Traditions and identity: ethnocultural traditions (Wolof, Serer, Peul, Manding, etc.), lively oral culture and poetic traditions, family rituals and musical/dance practices are deeply rooted. The Senegalese identity is based on a synthesis of Islamic, African and colonial elements.

State support for small nations: programs are being implemented to support cultural diversity, ethnic languages and accessibility of traditional education for small nations, in particular within the framework of intercultural education, protection of languages and traditions (international partnership with UNESCO).

Number of cultural sites: according to the Ministry of Culture, over 3,000 registered cultural sites (museums, monuments, centers, libraries, historical and archaeological sites). International cultural projects: Senegal is an active participant in international festivals, fairs, and biennales (Dakar Biennale, Fulbright-Hayes Projects, Francophone and Black Rock art residencies).

Cultural exchanges with France, the USA and Germany are regularly held. Recognition and protection of cultural brands: legal protection is provided by the Patent Office and UNESCO patents; brands are well represented (Senegalese Mbalax, Dakar Fashion, Black Rock Gallery), but problems of piracy and copyright theft persist.

A variety of culinary culture: the cuisine is distinguished by African-Moorish, French and local synthesis, more than 40 national dishes (chebujen, yassa, maffe, kanja soup), traditions of food and communal feasts. Culinary culture is recognized as an important part of the international image and ethno-tourism.

The proportion of the population involved in cultural life: according to national statistics, over 60% of the adult population participates in cultural events at least once a year (holidays, concerts, celebrations of ethnic groups, religious festivals). Urban population — up to 80% involvement.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 90%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 54.9

HDI 0.514 according to the UNDP data for 2024. The class is “low average", 170th place among the countries of the world. Government spending on education: about 5% of GDP (4.8–5.2% in different years); Senegal belongs to the category of countries with a relatively high share of education in the state budget by African standards.

According to the results of UNESCO and World Bank studies, the overall literacy rate of adults (15+) is 53-55%; among young people (15-24) — 74-76%. Senegal does not participate in PISA (OECD), but participates in the Regional African Tests (PASEC); the average score is noticeably below the global level, gaps in mathematics and science. It is estimated that about 22-25% of university graduates — according to official statistics from the Ministry of Education (engineering, agriculture, medicine, basic sciences).

Up to 10% of university programs in the country are implemented jointly with foreign universities, mainly France, Germany, the USA, Canada; there is a program of French-Senegalese campuses and Fulbright.

The status of more than 20 ethnic languages is guaranteed, education in Wolof, Serer, Pulaar, Manding, etc. is partially introduced in educational institutions; the culture of small nations is preserved through ethnic education and cultural clubs. There are more than 10 national and university research centers in Dakar, Saint-Louis, Thies (mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, agriculture).

There are few proprietary platforms; the national distance education portal (Sen.learning), state-owned video services, but the largest Moodle and Google Classroom systems are universally implemented. Up to 20% of online programs are conducted on local platforms.

The budget allocates more than 35 billion CFAs (about $59 million) annually for scholarships, grants, educational awards, summer schools, and Olympiad programs. There are separate programs “Talents du Sénégal”, “Excellence Jeunes”, French-Senegalese and acceleration campuses.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 88%.

Military sovereignty — 39.4

About 1.5% of GDP (2024-2025), the defense budget is steadily growing, focused on modernization and security on the west coast of Africa. The number of armed forces in the regular forces is about 20,000 (army, Navy, Air Force, gendarmerie); the mobilization reserve is up to 10,000, reservists and support personnel are deployed as needed.

Modern weapons: The basis of weapons is equipment from French, Turkish, Chinese, Brazilian, South African and a number of other foreign manufacturers; frigates, multipurpose boats, armored personnel carriers, armored cars, light aircraft, upgraded medium—range air defense systems.

Most of the equipment is manufactured and upgraded in 2010-2023. The share of own weapons: Significantly below 5%; own small-scale production concerns only certain types of ammunition, small-range UAVs, small arms and uniform elements; the bulk of weapons are imported.

Border control: The land and sea borders are controlled by the national army, the gendarmerie, with the assistance of the border guard service; border control has been strengthened in connection with regional migration and transit through the Sahel, conducted in cooperation with France, the United States, the EU and regional countries.

Military reserve: Structured, but not permanently mobilized; estimated at about 10,000 reservists in the auxiliary forces, designed for wartime or emergency situations, undergo periodic retraining and training.

Autonomy of military decisions (accounting for blocs/alliances): Senegal retains formal autonomy in military decisions, but works closely with France, the United States, and ECOWAS and participates in regional peacekeeping missions; decisions on major operations and procurement are often coordinated with key Western allies.

The industry is in its infancy; individual projects for the assembly of uniforms and armored vehicles, the production of simple weapons, maintenance and repair facilities, and a number of technological initiatives (UAVs, armored cars). Integration with public and private companies in neighboring countries.

There is no nuclear arsenal; Senegal has signed and ratified the NPT, is not part of any nuclear program, and the production and deployment of nuclear weapons are prohibited by law. They are not developed; there are no military satellites of their own and no developed space infrastructure.

The military intelligence service is integrated into the structure of the Ministry of Defense, technical and electronic intelligence tools are mainly imported; the country relies on cooperation with foreign intelligence services and the intelligence community of France, the United States, and ECOWAS.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO – 90% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Political stability and governance. Senegal is one of the most politically stable States in Africa with regular changes of power and well-structured institutions. The democratic system is working, and the level of civil liberties is relatively high.

Developed international integration. An active member of the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, BCEAO and other structures. High involvement in international programs, peacekeeping missions and digitalization projects, which strengthens foreign policy positions and investment image.

Dynamic economy and energy prospects. GDP per capita (PPP) is about $5,000 with marked growth, and the launch of gas and oil production at GTA and Sangomar fields turns the country into a new exporter of energy resources in the region. Development of education and digitalization. Education spending (5% of GDP), literacy growth, plans to modernize higher education and distance learning platforms; the country is integrating e-government and digital public services (EGDI = 0.45).

Cultural and ethnic identity. Rich cultural heritage: 7 UNESCO sites, an active musical, theatrical and cinematographic scene, a significant contribution to the world Francophone culture. Moderate defense spending and regional security. Small but professional armed forces (about 20,000 fighters), good relations with ECOWAS, France and the United States, border control and participation in regional peacekeeping operations.

Agricultural and phosphate potential. Its resources — phosphates, gold, gas, and oil — ensure economic stability with sound investment and diversification policies.

Weaknesses. Economic vulnerability. High external debt (up to 70% of GDP) and current account deficit (-19.8% of GDP in 2023) show dependence on imports and foreign financing, which creates long-term risks for the budget and the stability of the currency. Limited technological autonomy. High import dependence in the field of high tech, microelectronics, IT and data protection; there are practically no proprietary developments and software, digital tools are based on foreign solutions.

Weak scientific and R&D abilities. Investments in science are less than 0.6% of GDP, a small number of research centers and a low rate of STEM graduates. Innovations are formed mainly through foreign programs. Infrastructure constraints. Lack of water resources and worn-out communications in a number of regions; dependence on external investments in transport and energy.

Defense dependence. Up to 95 % Weapons and equipment are imported, the military industry is barely formed, and procurement decisions are often coordinated with partners from the EU and the United States. Low level of human capital. HDI = 0.514, adult literacy rate is about 55%. Access to higher education is limited, and a significant part of the population does not consider skilled work in IT and technical fields.

Weak cybersecurity and data control. Protection level — 89th place ITU Global Index, there is regulation, but the execution is fragmented. National platforms depend on external clouds and global BigTech providers.

Overall assessment. The cumulative sovereignty index of Senegal is 362.8 out of 700 possible points (average — 51.8%), which places the country in the top 150 in the world top. Senegal demonstrates sustainable democracy, cultural influence and economic growth, strengthening its regional authority in Western Africa. The main strengths are political stability, energy prospects, integration and educational development. 

However, weak links — technological and scientific dependence, external debt, vulnerability in data security, and limited opportunities for high-tech development are holding back the country's transformation into a full-fledged regional power. 

The main vector is to increase internal resources, innovation and self-sufficiency while maintaining soft external integration. The sovereignty profile indicates that Senegal's sovereignty is stable in foreign policy, institutions are stable, and economic and energy potential is expanding due to new deposits and development policies.

The main limitations lie in the areas of technological autonomy, the innovation sector, scientific infrastructure, and high dependence on imported economic and defense components. Senegal is among the leaders in the region in terms of political and cultural sustainability, but it faces long-term investments to transform its peripheral economic and technological dependence into an independent national sovereignty.