SENEGAL - IYBA-SEED and Senegal’s Startup Act: A Strategic Partnership

IYBA-SEED, a strategic partner in launching the Startup Ecosystem and operationalizing the Startup Act in Senegal

The official launch of the Startup Ecosystem, a national initiative for implementing the Startup Act, marks a key milestone for Senegal’s entrepreneurial landscape. 
Alongside the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, IYBA-SEED project is proud to be a partner in this process, supporting national stakeholders in the preparation, structuring and operational implementation of the law.

A strong commitment to fostering inclusive innovation

The Startup Act aims to create an environment conducive to innovative entrepreneurship by facilitating access to funding opportunities, tax incentives, public procurement, and institutional support.

Since its inception, IYBA-SEED has established itself as a catalyst for public-private dialogue, contributing to the clarification of procedures, the structuring of support mechanisms, and the establishment of startup labeling systems.

Through technical and financial support, the project has assisted the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs in:
•    Setting up and operationalizing the platform for startup labeling and accreditation of Entrepreneurial Support Structures (SAE);
•    Establishing the incentive framework and modeling the operational system (processes, criteria, digital tools);
•    Strengthening the capacities of Entrepreneurial Support Structures (SAE);
•    Creating a national coordination framework among entrepreneurs, investors, territorial administration, and the diaspora;
•    Promoting a common, transparent, and inclusive labeling reference system.

Strategic participation in the launch of the Startup Ecosystem

By participating in the launch of the Startup Ecosystem, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting the success of the Startup Act as a tool for economic transformation and to facilitating access for young and women entrepreneurs to the opportunities generated by the Act. Our ambition is to enhance the visibility of the initiative, mobilize key ecosystem players (incubators, accelerators, SAE, startups), and promote participatory governance.

Towards a national model of open and inclusive innovation

In collaboration with ministries, APIX, incubator networks, and technical and financial partners, IYBA-SEED is working to ensure that the Startup Act becomes a lever for territorial competitiveness by promoting:
•    Recognition of startups as drivers of economic sovereignty;
•    The rise of innovation in regions beyond urban centers;
•    The creation of skilled jobs for youth;
•    The emergence of national and regional champions.

Through its strategic support, the IYBA-SEED project is helping to firmly establish the Startup Act as a pillar of national innovation policy, serving an entrepreneurial, inclusive, and competitive Senegal.