Abdourahmane Baldé Appointed Director General of Senegal's National Lottery LONASE

New Leadership at LONASE

Abdourahmane Baldé has taken over as Director General of Senegal’s National Lottery (LONASE), succeeding Toussaint Manga. The appointment was confirmed by the Presidency following a Council of Ministers meeting on 1 July, chaired by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Baldé, a tax lawyer with expertise in fiscal and financial matters, has built his career within Senegal’s tax administration. Upon accepting the post, he thanked President Faye for the trust placed in him, describing the role as “an honour, but above all a responsibility in the service of our country.”

Priorities and Governance

Baldé pledged to lead with “rigour, integrity and a spirit of dialogue.” His stated priorities include consolidating LONASE’s past achievements, boosting operational performance, and enhancing the lottery’s contribution to Senegal’s economic and social development. He also emphasised close collaboration with employees to improve efficiency and public trust, while ensuring the state-owned enterprise grows responsibly under strong governance standards.

Outgoing Director's Tenure and Financial Results

The previous Director General, Toussaint Manga, had led LONASE since May 2024. In his farewell message, Manga expressed gratitude to President Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, saying he left the organisation with “a sense of duty fulfilled.” During his tenure, Manga reported a net profit of CFA19 billion (roughly US$33 million) for 2025, and noted that LONASE contributed more than CFA90 billion (about US$157 million) to the Senegalese state between October 2025 and June 2026. He congratulated Baldé on his appointment and wished him success in guiding the lottery through its next phase.

Digital Expansion: LPbet Launch

Baldé’s arrival comes shortly after LONASE launched LPbet, an online sports betting platform designed to strengthen the lottery’s foothold in Senegal’s regulated digital betting market. The platform aims to offer a locally developed alternative to international bookmakers, while expanding LONASE’s digital service portfolio. At the launch, Manga described LPbet as a step toward enhancing digital capabilities and supporting Senegal’s ambition for greater digital sovereignty. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of more than 25 specialists, LPbet is accessible on desktop and mobile devices and integrates multiple mobile payment options. LONASE stated that the platform provides a secure, regulated domestic choice for bettors and helps retain a larger share of betting revenue within the country.

Broader African Context

The initiative reflects a wider trend across Africa, where state lotteries are increasingly deploying digital platforms to compete with international operators and strengthen regulatory oversight.