Evaluating the Strategic Pathways of Senegal’s National Spatial Data Infrastructure Using the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF)

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In the context of growing international recognition of geospatial information as a strategic driver of evidence-based decision-making, digital transformation, and sustainable development, robust assessment frameworks are essential for guiding the development of National Spatial Data Infrastructures (NSDIs). This paper presents the first baseline assessment of Senegal’s NSDI using the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF). Drawing on the UN-IGIF Diagnostic Tool, supplemented by surveys, semi-structured interviews, and multi-stakeholder consultations, the analysis reveals a low overall maturity level (33/100), despite relatively better performance in institutional governance and geospatial data availability. Significant weaknesses persist in the areas of legislation, funding, standards implementation, innovation, partnerships, communication, and capacity building. The findings confirm the relevance of the UN-IGIF for assessing challenges related to geospatial governance in Francophone African countries and identify priority areas for reform, including strengthening coordination mechanisms, legal and regulatory modernization, sustainable financing, and strategic planning. By providing empirical evidence on both the NSDI maturity level and the operational applicability of the UN-IGIF, this study contributes to the international literature on geospatial governance and offers a solid foundation for future reforms in Senegal and other low- and middle-income countries.