Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Senegal, with its idyllic beaches, rich cultural heritage, and constantly improving internet connection, is attracting more and more digital nomads from around the world. These digital professionals, who choose to live and work remotely, are helping to transform the local economic landscape, particularly through their impact on the rental market.
While cities like Dakar and Saint-Louis are seeing the emergence of coworking spaces and other infrastructure adapted to this new generation of workers, real estate prices are also adjusting to this growing demand.
The effect of this international and connected presence on the Senegalese rental market sparks various reflections, both on the local economic dynamic and on the issues related to housing affordability for residents.
Coliving: An Opportunity for Digital Nomads in Senegal
Coliving is a modern form of shared housing where each resident has a private space (bedroom, sometimes bathroom), while enjoying common areas such as equipped kitchens, lounges, coworking spaces, and gardens. Packages often include an all-inclusive rent (utilities, high-speed internet, cleaning) and services managed by a professional team that fosters community life through events or collaborative activities.
How Coliving Works:
- Private bedroom (sometimes with en-suite bathroom)
- Common areas: shared kitchen, cozy lounge, coworking space
- Included services: regular cleaning, fast wifi, bundled bills
- Professional management and community building
- Flexible contracts (short-term or long-term rentals)
Coliving is particularly appealing to digital nomads for several reasons:
- Flexibility of leases suited to their geographic mobility
- International atmosphere fostering professional and personal networking
- Immediate access to furnished housing with a reliable internet connection upon arrival
- A community ready to welcome and share tips on local life
Specific Advantages of Coliving in Senegal for Digital Nomads:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost of Living | Significantly lower than major European or North American capitals |
| Environment | Warm atmosphere; rich Senegalese cultural diversity |
| Infrastructure | Growing development of fiber optic networks in urban centers |
| Mobility | Proximity to airport (Dakar), easy access to tourist sites |
| Local Integration | Opportunity to quickly immerse in the culture through daily exchanges |
Concrete initiatives already exist in Senegal. In Dakar notably:
- Coliving House Dakar offers turnkey accommodation with shared spaces suitable for remote work.
- Baobab Co-Living & Coworking combines flexible accommodation and equipped offices near the city center.
These places attract an international clientele as well as an African one wishing to discover the country while working remotely.
The Potential Positive Impact of Coliving on the Senegalese Rental Market
- For Digital Nomads:
- A rental offering adapted to their specific needs without long-term commitment.
- Promotes rapid social integration in a welcoming environment.
- For Local Communities:
- Generates direct jobs (residence managers) and indirect jobs (ancillary services).
- Enhances certain neighborhoods through property renovation or commercial revitalization.
- Encourages enriching intercultural exchange for everyone.
Challenges to Consider
- Unclear regulations concerning this type of hybrid accommodation;
- Potential risk of pressure on the local rental market if poorly managed;
- Variable accessibility depending on geographic location – outside major cities, the offering remains scarce;
- Constant need to ensure quality internet network/electrical stability;
- Critical importance of harmoniously integrating these projects into their social environment so that local residents also benefit.
Thus conceived as an innovative lever combining international digital appeal and responsible local development, coliving represents a real opportunity to strengthen the Senegalese digital ecosystem.
Good to Know:
Coliving, a concept combining shared living and working spaces, proves particularly attractive for digital nomads in Senegal, offering a flexible and friendly solution adapted to their lifestyle. This model meets the needs for socialization, cost reduction, and practicality, with advantages like a low cost of living and rich cultural diversity. Senegal is becoming a destination of choice thanks to its growing digital infrastructure and initiatives like “Keur Merin” in Dakar, which offer modern coliving spaces. These places foster enriching cultural exchange and simplified access to local resources, thus stimulating the rental market while offering economic opportunities for communities. However, the development of coliving must consider challenges such as social integration and environmental sustainability, ensuring that benefits are distributed equitably.
The Importance of High-Speed Wifi for Nomadic Workers
High-speed wifi is a fundamental pillar for the productivity of nomadic workers, as it determines their ability to conduct video conferences, transfer large files, and access collaborative tools in real time. In Senegal, this need is acutely felt: digital nomads prioritize places where the internet connection is fast and reliable to ensure the efficiency of their daily tasks.
The specific challenges in Senegal regarding internet infrastructure are numerous:
- Uneven coverage between urban and rural areas.
- Sometimes limited speeds in certain regions or neighborhoods.
- High cost of very high-speed offers for an individual or SME.
- Frequent reliance on ADSL while fiber is still sparsely deployed outside major urban centers.
These constraints strongly influence the choice of cities and coworking spaces by digital nomads. Dakar and certain tourist hubs like the Petite Côte stand out as preferred destinations thanks to better network coverage, the presence of professional fiber offers (speeds up to 30 Mbps), as well as the development of coworking spaces that guarantee high-performance wifi. The emergence of multi-operator eSIMs also allows travelers to temporarily bypass certain weaknesses of the local network.
Local or private initiatives have emerged to improve access to high-speed wifi:
- Launch by Orange SN of ADSL/Fiber offers dedicated to professionals (e.g., Fibre Pro Max).
- Development of eSIM packages allowing fast connection on several major local networks.
- Opening in tourist areas (e.g., Petite Côte) of residences offering unlimited high-quality wifi included in the overall service.
Summary Table of Available Solutions
| Solution | Speed/Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Residential ADSL | ~1 Mbps | Urban centers |
| Fibre Pro Max | Up to 30 Mbps | Major cities |
| Multi-operator eSIM | 4G/5G coverage depending on operator | Main regions |
| Coworking Spaces | Stable & fast wifi | Dakar/Petite Côte |
Better access to wifi has several positive repercussions on the rental market:
- Increase in real estate attractiveness in neighborhoods well-served by high-speed internet.
- Emergence of a “nomad-friendly” rental offering adapted to international expectations (equipped housing, included internet subscriptions).
- Local economic revitalization thanks to an increased presence of international workers who consume services, restaurants, and leisure activities.
List of Impacts on the Local Economy
- Increase in annual rental occupancy rate outside the tourist season
- Job creation around the digital/coworking sector
- Increased property value in connected areas
Widespread access to high-speed wifi thus constitutes a strategic lever to attract more digital nomads while sustainably stimulating the Senegalese economic fabric.
Good to Know:
For digital nomads in Senegal, access to high-speed wifi is essential to maintain their productivity, as the nature of their work relies on a reliable and fast internet connection. However, challenges related to internet infrastructure can complicate their setup, with some networks being underperforming outside major cities. This constraint pushes nomadic workers to favor cities like Dakar, which offers better wifi access, notably thanks to well-equipped coworking spaces. To address these shortcomings, local initiatives have emerged, such as network development projects in underserved areas, or public-private partnerships to improve wifi speed and availability. Improving this infrastructure could broaden the location choices for digital nomads, making certain areas more attractive, which could boost the local rental market and, as a ripple effect, stimulate the economy through an increased presence of international workers seeking housing suited to their needs.
The Evolution of Short-Term Rental Contracts in Response to Demand
In Senegal, the rise of the digital nomad phenomenon has profoundly transformed the short-term rental market, particularly in major urban areas such as Dakar and Saly.
Before the Rise of Digital Nomads:
- The Senegalese rental market was traditionally dominated by long-term rentals (annual or semi-annual leases), mainly intended for a stable local or expatriate clientele.
- Contracts were often formalized informally, with few requirements regarding digital equipment or stay flexibility.
- Digital platforms were marginal; the majority of transactions were done by word of mouth or through local real estate agencies.
After the Massive Arrival of Digital Nomads:
- There is a significant boom in the short-term rental offering, driven notably by the development of the internet (penetration rate of 60.6% at the start of 2025) and the growth of remote work.
- More and more owners are adapting their homes to meet specific needs: guaranteed high-speed wifi, integrated coworking spaces, or immediate proximity to these services.
- The increased use of international platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com) and local ones now allows for flexible and secure reservation management. These tools also facilitate direct competition between owners and promote rapid adjustment to market expectations.
Comparison of Contract Types
| Criterion | Before Digital Nomads | After Digital Nomads |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Long (>6 months) | Short (1 week – 3 months) |
| Formalization | Informal | Standardized via platform |
| Flexibility | Low | High |
| Included Services | Minimal | Wifi/digital inclusivity |
Factors of Adaptation Among Owners
- Continuous increase in the number of internet users (+259,000 between January 2024 and January 2025).
- Young and mobile profile: average age around 36 for new digital arrivals.
- Increased search for flexible experiences: possibility to book for a few days/weeks without long-term commitment.
Examples Observed in Dakar/Saly
“In Dakar Plateau as well as in Saly Portudal, the seasonal occupancy rate now regularly exceeds 70% for certain properties adapted to international teleworkers.”
Main Platforms Used:
- Airbnb
- Booking.com
- Jumia House Senegal
Recent Numerical Trends:
- More than a quarter (26.8%) of Senegalese now have at least one active digital identity on social networks — a key factor that facilitates direct contact between local landlords and international clientele.
- Between January 2024 and January 2025, nearly half a million additional people regularly connected to the internet.
Notable Evolution:
The classic contract is gradually giving way to the “all-inclusive” model renewable monthly — offering not only housing but also a connected environment adapted to the itinerant lifestyle specific to digital nomads.
Good to Know:
With the increase of digital nomads in Senegal, short-term rental contracts have evolved to meet this growing demand, particularly in Dakar and Saly. Once dominated by rigid monthly contracts, the market has seen diversification with flexible formulas ranging from a few weeks to several months, to better adapt to the temporary stays of digital nomads. Owners have been incentivized to adapt their offerings, influenced by the potential for higher income, partly due to increased competition from digital platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. This evolution has led to a 20% increase in short-term rentals in Dakar since 2020, according to local data. Notable examples include the proliferation of listings for multi-purpose housing, evolving from simple furnished apartments to innovative coliving spaces, thus intensifying competitiveness between traditional hosts and new digital entrants.
Economic Repercussions of the Influx of Digital Nomads
Digital nomads constitute a significant economic lever for Senegal, a country whose internet penetration rate reached 60.6% of the population at the start of 2025. This growing connectivity favors the reception of these remote workers.
Tourism, a sector representing about 7% of Senegal’s GDP, directly benefits from the influx of digital nomads. These professionals, unlike traditional tourists, stay longer and spend more in the local economy. They particularly energize:
- Hotels and rental real estate
- Restaurants and cafes
- Coworking spaces
- Local transport services
| Sector | Impact of Digital Nomads |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Extended occupancy, demand for housing equipped for work |
| Restaurants | Regular clientele, promotion of local products |
| Digital Services | Infrastructure development, skills transfer |
| Transport | Frequent use, exploration of regions |
Experience observed in other destinations shows that digital nomads contribute significantly to local economies. They do not just rent temporary housing, but buy local products, employ local services (translators, tutors, technicians), and often promote small businesses.
Transformations similar to those observed in Canggu (Bali), Lisbon, or Medellín could occur in certain Senegalese neighborhoods, with the emergence of yoga studios, coworking spaces, and financial services adapted to this community.
In terms of employment, the Senegalese tourism ecosystem, which has suffered in the past with the loss of over 2,000 direct jobs, could benefit from a new lease on life. Artisans in craft villages, tour guides, restaurateurs, transporters, and traders — professions mostly held by Senegalese people supporting thousands of families — would see their activity stimulated.
Senegalese Teranga, recognized worldwide, constitutes a major asset for attracting this international clientele in search of authenticity and unique experiences.
Challenges and Potential Solutions
The increased presence of digital nomads is not without risks. As observed in Montenegro, it can lead to a rise in rents, making housing less accessible for local residents. To avoid these pitfalls, several measures could be considered:
- Regulation of the rental market to protect local residents
- Investment in digital infrastructure in less developed areas to distribute benefits
- Training of young Senegalese in digital professions to promote skills transfer
- Development of specific visas for digital nomads generating tax revenue
The emergence of a specialized industry around digital nomads (digital banking, travel insurance, temporary accommodation platforms, coworking networks) also represents an opportunity for Senegalese entrepreneurs to create services adapted to this clientele.
To maximize economic benefits, Senegal would benefit from investing in the modernization of its infrastructure, the preservation of its cultural and natural sites, as well as actions to guarantee cleanliness and safety in its tourist areas, thus contributing to its international influence while generating skilled jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for its population.
Good to Know:
The massive arrival of digital nomads in Senegal energizes several key economic sectors, notably tourism, hotels, and restaurants, by stimulating the demand for services and accommodations adapted to these international workers. Their presence can contribute positively to the GDP by generating new employment and partnership opportunities for local businesses, while encouraging attractive foreign investments. The tax contributions of this nomadic population could strengthen public finances, but precautions must be taken to manage challenges such as increased pressure on local infrastructure and the risks of social inequalities. Solutions like developing a robust digital infrastructure and measures to ensure equitable economic benefits could help maximize advantages while minimizing negative impacts.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
