Senegal is taking a leading role in global telecommunications policy following the election of malick Ndiaye as Vice-President of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Progress Sector on November 27, 2025, in Baku.The appointment signals increased recognition of Senegal’s advancements in digital infrastructure and innovation within the ITU, a specialized agency of the United Nations [[2]]. Ndiaye’s election places Senegal at the forefront of efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand connectivity across developing nations.
Senegal has secured a key leadership position within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency focused on information and communication technologies. Malick Ndiaye, a prominent figure in Senegal’s digital sector, was elected Vice-President of the ITU Development Sector on Thursday, November 27, 2025, during the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku.
The appointment places Senegal at the forefront of global discussions on expanding broadband access, including wired, satellite, and mobile technologies (IMT), and integrating these solutions into existing infrastructure. The ITU Development Sector’s Study Group 1, which Ndiaye will help lead, analyzes technologies, proposes guidelines for broadband development, and works to standardize technologies while addressing the needs of developing nations in bridging the digital divide.
Ndiaye’s role will also involve shaping policies and strategies for digital development, encompassing areas like public service transformation, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and capacity building. This leadership position will allow Senegal to contribute to global digital development strategies and amplify Africa’s voice, sharing its experience with the country’s New Deal technological initiatives.
In addition to Ndiaye’s election, Senegal was designated by the African Telecommunications Union to coordinate a resolution focused on the adoption of satellite technologies by developing countries. The move underscores Senegal’s growing influence in shaping the future of telecommunications across the continent.
Ndiaye previously served as vice-rapporteur on the topic of “Strategies, policies, regulations and methods relating to the transition to digital broadcasting” during the previous four-year cycle. His extensive experience in the field positions him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Ndiaye brings nearly three decades of experience to the role, beginning his career as a Support and Development Engineer at SONATEL in 1994. He has since held several key positions, including a role on the regulatory board of ARTP since 2017, and previously served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications from August 2014 to March 2017. He also served as Director General of the Digital Economy from March to July 2014, and as Coordinator at GRAPPE TIC & Teleservices for five years prior.
Before his work in telecommunications regulation, Ndiaye held a leadership position as Deputy General Manager of the Radiodiffusion Télévision du Sénégal for two years and five months. He also served as a technical advisor to the Prime Minister on ICT issues for eight years, advising six consecutive prime ministers from 1997 to 2005 – a rare feat in Senegalese politics.
Ndiaye holds a specialized master’s degree in Digital Regulation from Télécom Paris, which he obtained in 2016.
By Jean Materne Zambo
