Understanding the impact of digitalization transition of Senegal and its implication on human health and wellbeing

Digitalization has become ubiquitous; however, stakeholders have varying degrees of integration globally. Within the context of this study, a digitalization strategy has the potential for economic growth, enhanced health services, and ensuring national stability, thereby improving social well-being and facilitating a country's emergence as a developing nation. This study seeks to examine Senegal's digital landscape, with a particular focus on its impact on health and well-being, which are pivotal in the nation's progression towards becoming an emerging country. This study identifies key themes and factors contributing to Senegal's digital transformation and its potential to enhance overall quality of life. A systematic literature review (SLR) revealed a paucity of relevant research specific to the Senegalese context. Through thematic analysis, we identified research gaps (themes) that could assist Senegal in achieving its digitalization objectives: incremental transitioning facilitated by broadband improvements; digitalization of the economic, political, and human resources sectors; influence of trust and perceived risk on the adoption of emerging technologies; and integration of emerging technologies across all facets of life. Moreover, we conducted a pilot survey based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to obtain additional insights into digital healthcare adoption. • According to the PRISMA literature review methodology, studies on digitalization in Africa are limited. This is particularly evident in the case of Senegal, despite the country's recent implementation of a digitalization strategy. Furthermore, there is a notable lack of research focusing on digital health and well-being initiatives in Senegal. • The digital transformation of Senegal is hindered by several significant obstacles. These include insufficient coverage of mobile broadband networks, inadequate internet infrastructure, and low adoption rates of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). • While organizations in Senegal are creating job opportunities for workers with digital skills, the supply of such talent falls short of meeting the demand. Educational institutions appear to be out of sync with the government's digital transformation agenda. A considerable gap persists in the availability of digital expertise and related talent pool. • Four themes were identified in the literature and clearly suggest where efforts need to be focused. These themes are: Alignment of digital agendas between African countries; lack of trust and perceived risk in adoption of emerging technologies, weak integration of emerging technologies in organizations and society, and unsupported change due to broadband improvements. • Regarding digital health development in Senegal, key specific success factors that build on the four themes are identified.