Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially installed the country's Youth Advisory Council, marking a significant step in increasing youth participation in public decision-making. On this occasion, he encouraged the youth to take an active role in shaping the country's future, particularly in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The President emphasized that he wants a Senegalese youth that is not just a consumer of AI technology, but one that creates and adapts it to the country's needs.
President Diomaye Faye highlighted the vast potential of AI in various sectors, including education, agriculture, and access to knowledge. However, he also warned that this technology will significantly transform the job market, with some professions becoming obsolete. He urged the youth to prepare for these changes and to develop skills that will enable them to create AI solutions tailored to Senegal's realities. The President's vision is to see the emergence of a new generation of Senegalese professionals, including engineers, linguists, jurists, entrepreneurs, programmers, and developers.
The President's call for the youth to take charge of AI development is part of a broader effort to promote innovation and self-reliance. He emphasized that Senegal should not simply adopt AI solutions developed elsewhere, but rather create its own, adapted to the country's languages, needs, and values. This approach, he believes, will enable Senegal to harness the benefits of AI while preserving its cultural identity and human values.
In addition to his remarks on AI, President Diomaye Faye also spoke about the importance of preserving human values in the face of technological advancements. He identified four "temptations" that the youth must resist: resignation, dependence on machines, falsehoods, and imitation. The President encouraged the youth to engage in constructive debates and discussions, both online and offline, while rejecting misinformation and insults.
The Youth Advisory Council, created by decree on December 5, 2025, is tasked with gathering the concerns and proposals of young people and feeding them into the national agenda. President Diomaye Faye expects the Council to provide precise, quantified, and actionable recommendations to support the country's transformation. He has committed to meeting with the Council members and facilitating their exchanges with the government on key issues such as education, vocational training, and digital skills.
As Senegal prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2026, President Diomaye Faye has issued a rallying cry to the nation's youth. He encouraged them to take ownership of the country's future, to be bold, and to showcase their talents to the world. The President's message is one of hope and empowerment, urging the youth to become active agents of change and to help shape a brighter future for Senegal.
The installation of the Youth Advisory Council and President Diomaye Faye's address to its members mark a significant milestone in Senegal's efforts to engage its youth in the country's development. As the nation looks to the future, the President's emphasis on innovation, self-reliance, and human values is likely to have a lasting impact on the country's trajectory.
Key points
- President Diomaye Faye wants a Senegalese youth that creates and adapts AI solutions to the country's needs, rather than simply consuming technology developed elsewhere.
- The Youth Advisory Council is tasked with gathering the concerns and proposals of young people and feeding them into the national agenda.
- President Diomaye Faye has committed to meeting with the Council members and facilitating their exchanges with the government on key issues.
