Senegal’s ambitions to position itself as a leading startup destination in Africa have taken a significant hit following the resignation of Raki Kane, the Executive Secretary of the Commission for the Evaluation, Support, and Coordination of Startups (CEAC). Kane’s resignation, submitted to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, comes amid sustained political pressure and controversy over her past political statements against opposition leader Ousmane Sonko of the PASTEF party.
In her resignation letter, Kane acknowledged that the controversy surrounding her past positions had cast a shadow over her ability to lead. “Following the intense controversy sparked by the publication of my past political positions, which compelled Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to undertake the challenging task of clarification, I have made the conscious and responsible decision to step down from this role,” she wrote. Kane emphasized that her departure was intended to safeguard the integrity of the CEAC and shield the government from ongoing criticism.
Her resignation comes at a critical juncture for Senegal’s startup ecosystem. Established in 2023 as part of the Startup Act’s implementation, the CEAC has been central to promoting innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and coordinating national strategies to bolster startups. The Commission’s responsibilities include overseeing the startup labeling process and formulating strategies to enhance creativity, competitiveness, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
The CEAC was created as a cornerstone of Senegal’s Startup Act, which was ratified in 2021 by President Macky Sall following its 2020 adoption by the National Assembly. The Act is part of the broader “Digital Senegal 2025” strategy, aimed at fostering innovation-driven economic growth. It outlines specific criteria for startups to qualify for benefits, such as customs and tax exemptions, funding opportunities, and preferential access to public procurement.
To be eligible, startups must be legally registered for no more than eight years, demonstrate substantial growth potential, and have at least one-third ownership by Senegalese nationals or entities. The law also extends to startups founded by Senegalese in the diaspora, provided they own a majority stake.
The CEAC’s responsibilities include creating an online platform for startup registration and labeling, defining technical standards, and coordinating with public and private sectors to support startup development. These efforts are supplemented by financial incentives, such as a three-year tax exemption for eligible startups, and access to specialized training, mentorship, and intellectual property support.
Kane’s resignation highlights the fragility of Senegal’s efforts to establish itself as a regional hub for innovation. The political backlash she faced highlights the challenges of insulating the startup ecosystem from broader political dynamics. Critics argue that the controversy distracts from the urgent need to support startups amid increasing competition from other African nations.
The Startup Act has been lauded as a model for fostering innovation, but its success hinges on effective implementation and leadership. The departure of Kane, a key figure in the CEAC’s formation and operation, raises concerns about the Commission’s ability to maintain momentum.
Despite the challenges, Senegal’s startup ecosystem has shown promise. The CEAC’s initiatives, combined with the incentives outlined in the Startup Act, have the potential to attract investment and nurture local innovation. Startups labeled under the Act benefit from financial stability through public and private funding, as well as access to public procurement opportunities.
However, political instability and leadership changes could undermine these efforts. The government’s ability to address these issues and ensure a stable environment for startups will be crucial in realizing Senegal’s ambitions to become a top startup destination in Africa.
The resignation of Raki Kane serves as a stark reminder of the delicate interplay between politics and economic development. As Senegal wriggles through these challenges, the focus must remain on creating a robust and inclusive ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs and drives sustainable growth.