
The Senegalese government has launched a call for applications for the position of Director General of the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority ARTP. This move aims to enhance transparency and merit-based appointments in strategic administrative roles, aligning with the New Technological Deal and the Senegal 2050 National Transformation Agenda. The future Director General will be responsible for defining and implementing ARTP's strategy, strengthening regulation in telecommunications, digital, and postal sectors, protecting users, promoting innovation, and developing the digital economy. The application process is open to all eligible Senegalese citizens, with a deadline of August 6, 2026. This procedure effectively ends the tenure of the current Director General, Dahirou Thiam, who was appointed under the current regime and is considered close to the Pastef party and the President of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko. This change is part of broader leadership transitions occurring across various general directorates and public institutions.
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Must ReadThe World Bank has approved two additional financing packages for Senegal, totaling $180 million, equivalent to 103.4 billion CFA francs. These funds are aimed at strengthening rural connectivity and territorial development, ultimately benefiting hundreds of thousands of people by improving access to socio-economic services and boosting local economies. One financing package, approved on July 14, 2026, provides an additional $140 million for the Agricultural Production Zones Connectivity Project in Northern and Central Senegal PEZA. This brings the project's total investment to $470.8 million, directly benefiting approximately 570,000 people. This support, mobilized through the International Development Association IDA and supplemented by a $2 million contribution from the Senegalese government, builds on previous achievements, including the construction and upgrade of 414 km of resilient roads and improved access to socio-economic services for 350,000 people. It will extend these results to two key economic corridors: Koussanar-Koumpentoum and Tambacounda-Makha, where agriculture and livestock are primary activities. The second financing, approved on June 29, 2026, provides an additional $40 million for the Casamance Economic Development Project PDEC, which will now also include interventions in the K茅dougou region. This new support increases the total investment to $85 million and is expected to benefit approximately 850,000 people in the Casamance and K茅dougou regions. The

Lionel Messi, currently with Inter Miami, is a strong contender for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. Revised trophy rules no longer restrict eligibility to players in Europe, allowing him to compete despite playing in Major League Soccer. Bookmakers favor Messi for the 2026 award, raising questions about a player outside Europe winning football's top individual honor. The answer is yes; the rules do not prohibit it. Messi, at 39, continues to perform at a high level with Inter Miami and Argentina. He is among the top contenders for the award from France Football, with bookmakers listing him as a favorite. The debate about playing in MLS, considered less competitive than European leagues, being a handicap for the Ballon d'Or is addressed. Regulations confirm no geographical restriction; players are not required to play for a European club to be eligible. This perception stems from the trophy's history: until 1995, it was for European players only. From 1995 to 2006, all players were eligible but only if they played in a European league. Since 2007, this restriction was removed, making all professional footballers eligible regardless of their league. The 2022 reform emphasizes individual performance, collective achievements, and fair play over a sports season. Organizers have publicly stated that winning the Ballon d'Or without playing in Europe is possible, though historically rare. Messi made history in 2023 as the first player to win the Ballon d'Or while with an MLS club, Inter Miami,

The 2026 World Cup saw Morocco emerge as the top-ranked African team, securing 7th place globally with 11 points from three wins, two draws, and one loss. Their campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a 0-2 defeat to France. Senegal, despite being African champions, had a disappointing run, finishing 31st worldwide and 8th among African representatives after being eliminated in the round of 16. They recorded one victory against Iraq 5-0 and three losses against France 1-3, Norway 2-3, and Belgium 2-3. Egypt placed second among African teams and 15th globally with six points, reaching the round of 16 before a 3-2 loss to Argentina. C么te d'Ivoire finished 19th with six points, DR Congo 23rd with four points, Ghana 24th with four points, South Africa 25th with four points, and Algeria 30th with three points. Cape Verde, a tournament revelation, ranked 32nd globally, just behind Senegal, with both teams earning three points. Tunisia was the only African team eliminated in the first round without scoring any points, finishing 47th overall.