- OneNine, founded by Senegalese entrepreneur Doudou Ba and Czech-Vietnamese engineer Duc Anh Tran, is building an AI infrastructure focused on African languages.
- The startup already works with over 160 native contributors and several data companies on pilot projects launched in August 2025.
- OneNine plans to process more than 500,000 hours of linguistic data to position itself as a global leader in underrepresented language datasets.
OneNine, a Sweden-based startup co-founded by Senegalese entrepreneur Doudou Ba and Czech-Vietnamese engineer Duc Anh Tran, is developing an artificial intelligence platform that understands and communicates in African languages.
The company emerged from a key observation: most AI systems are trained on dominant languages such as English, French, or Chinese, overlooking hundreds of languages spoken by millions across Africa. OneNine seeks to bridge this gap by collecting, sorting, annotating, and validating voice and text data in native African tongues.
#OneNine is the Data Supply Chain for AI.
— Doudou BA (@doudou_onenine) October 23, 2025
We provide production ready dataset to AI labs like @OpenAI @Meta @Google @AnthropicAI @xai @netflix @YouTube saving them 70-80 % FTE.
We are highly specialized in low resource languages and mission to make AI understand everyone.… pic.twitter.com/FxVt4aUHqN
Launched in August 2025, OneNine’s platform relies on a network of more than 160 African language contributors, supported by automated data-processing tools. The company has already initiated pilot projects with several linguistic data and research firms.
“Many people cannot read or write, but they can speak — maybe not in English, but in their mother tongue. We want AI to hear them,” said co-founder Doudou Ba.
Ba emphasized that Africa has a crucial role in shaping the future of AI. “The next frontier of AI will not depend solely on building more powerful models, but on creating richer and more diverse datasets. Africa, with its hundreds of languages, holds the world’s largest untapped data resource,” he added.
OneNine’s long-term goal is to become a global leader in linguistic data for underrepresented languages. The startup is building a pipeline estimated at over 500,000 hours of audio and text data.
The company recently joined the Google for Startups program and participated in Norrsken Africa Week, an event dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment across the continent.
In the short term, OneNine plans to collaborate with major AI laboratories to refine its models and expand its reach. In the long term, it aims to establish the foundation for a truly inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem that reflects the world’s linguistic diversity.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Kaadei develops digital tools to manage online and physical sales
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Platform streamlines inventory, billing, and performance tracking
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Founder also leads a design school training Africa’s next UX/UI experts
Beninese entrepreneur and product designer Mechac Goussanou is the founder of Kaadei, a tech startup established in 2024 that creates digital tools for African e-commerce businesses.
Kaadei offers a digital platform designed to help merchants manage their operations both in-store and online. It provides locally adapted tools to simplify sales, inventory, and billing management while delivering detailed analytics on business performance.
The platform enables real-time tracking of transactions and reduces administrative errors. Its analytical features help users identify trends and improve their management practices.
Alongside his role at Kaadei, Goussanou is co-founder and CEO of Web Design School, a training center specializing in UX/UI design. The school equips students with essential skills in typography, color theory, wireframing, prototyping, and design systems.
He also works as a UX/UI designer at Foxtech, a digital solutions company operating in West Africa. Holding a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from the University of Abomey-Calavi (2016), Goussanou has built a career blending communication, design, and entrepreneurship.
From 2019 to 2023, he served as communications manager for the Network of Women Leaders for Development in Porto-Novo, while collaborating as a product designer with several firms, including healthtech company goMediCAL, fintech KKIAPAY, and digital transformation firm OPEN SI. In 2023, he was design director at Groupe Mandela in Senegal, a multi-sector organization dedicated to driving Africa’s transformation.
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Aquamet develops smart water-monitoring tools for fish farms
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System helps farmers prevent losses and improve productivity
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Owusu, a 2025 Africa Prize finalist, leads innovation in aquatech
Frank Owusu, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and aquaculture specialist, was a finalist for the 2025 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, whose final event took place in Dakar on October 16. He is the co-founder and CEO of Aquamet, an agri-tech company focused on aquaculture.
Founded in 2022, Aquamet has developed an integrated technology solution for fish farms operating in ponds, cages, or tanks. The company offers a smart probe that remotely measures and monitors water quality. Linked to a mobile app and farm management tools, the system provides daily alerts and data-based recommendations to farmers.
The device goes beyond monitoring by analyzing and predicting trends to guide decision-making. It helps producers reduce losses caused by poor water quality, improve yields, and increase profitability.
Owusu holds a degree in natural resource management, fisheries, and watershed management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, earned in 2020. After graduation, he worked there as a teaching and research assistant.
In 2021, he joined the UN Ocean Decade initiative as an ocean science specialist. The following year, he volunteered with the Ghana Aquaculture Chamber, where he later became operations coordinator. Between 2023 and 2024, he also served as a member of the World Economic Forum’s working group.
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President Oligui Nguema unveils “One Student, One Computer” initiative
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Program aims to reduce the digital divide and promote inclusion
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Effort aligns with Gabon’s broader digital transformation strategy
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema launched the “One Student, One Computer” program on Saturday, October 18, which plans to distribute 10,000 laptops to students. The goal is to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital academic and professional environment.
“The future of Gabon depends on an educated, equipped, and determined youth ready to face modern challenges. Digital technology is an opportunity for each of you to learn, innovate, and build a stronger, more prosperous Gabon,” said the president at the launch ceremony.
Led by the Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation, the program is part of a broader strategy to close the digital gap and enhance technological inclusion. Beyond providing equipment, it seeks to empower young people to play a central role in the country’s digital transformation.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Gabon has made major strides in integrating digital technology into its development agenda, earning a score of 76.1 out of 100 and ranking first in Central Africa ahead of countries such as Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.
However, the country still lags in preparing talent for artificial intelligence. The “AI Talent Readiness Index for Africa 2025” ranks Gabon 32nd out of 54 African countries, highlighting progress but also the need to strengthen training and the digital ecosystem to catch up with regional leaders.
By providing laptops to students, Gabon is taking a concrete step toward democratizing digital access. To ensure lasting impact, the government will need to complement this effort with measures such as improving nationwide internet connectivity and offering accessible or free training in advanced digital skills, including artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, and other emerging technologies.
In the long term, the initiative could boost academic research, foster local innovation, and prepare a new generation ready to compete in Africa’s and the world’s digital economy, leveraging technology to create new economic and scientific opportunities.
Across Africa, many residents continue to rely on informal, traditional savings systems to manage and secure their money. In Mozambique, one entrepreneur is tackling this trend by working to formalize and digitize these practices, making them more structured and accessible via digital tools.
Mozambican entrepreneur and computer scientist José Samo Gudo is modernizing a traditional African savings practice as the co-founder and CEO of Roscas, a financial technology startup. Roscas digitizes the community-based savings groups known in Mozambique as roscás.
Founded in 2023, Roscas is a digital platform focused on community financial resilience. It facilitates the management of both collective and individual savings, serving as a financial product that allows groups to leverage collective strength for economic well-being and financial autonomy. The company's vision is to make inclusive and sustainable solutions accessible to every community, promoting long-term economic security and stability.
Roscas' services include customized financial literacy content to boost basic personal and collective finance knowledge. It also provides a tool for individuals, groups, or institutions to create and manage one or more tontine or savings groups. Users can choose to receive educational content between two and five days per week. The platform also offers individual savings management alongside the collective feature.
To date, Roscas reports more than 130,000 active members in approximately 2,500 groups across Africa, with cumulative savings exceeding $32 million. The solution is available to both individuals and organizations seeking to deploy the platform at scale.
Samo Gudo is also the founder and CEO of Tablu Tech, a digital solutions company established in 2017. In 2019, he co-founded the Mozambique Fintech Association (FINTECH.MZ), where he served as Vice President for regulation, investment, projects, and studies from 2021 to 2023. In 2022, he co-founded Kunona, a startup that connects farmers and buyers in Mozambique, where he served as a non-executive director for one year.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and software engineering from the Higher Institute of Science and Technology of Mozambique (ISCTEM), obtained in 2010. He earned a master’s degree in innovation and entrepreneurship from HEC Paris in 2021 and is a certified digital finance practitioner from the Digital Frontiers Institute. From 2016 to 2022, he was a shareholder and deputy general director at Escopil Tecnologia, a Mozambican tech firm.
Melchior Koba
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Algeria launched a National Digital University Library providing access to 110,990 digitized academic resources, including 90,794 doctoral theses and 15,546 patents.
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The government targets 500,000 digital documents by 2027 to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education.
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The initiative aims to enhance research, innovation, and academic accessibility, though challenges such as limited infrastructure and cybersecurity risks remain.
Algeria has launched a National Digital University Library as part of its strategy to modernize higher education and strengthen research through digital innovation. The initiative, led by Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Kamel Baddari, was unveiled on October 20 in Algiers.
Developed by the Office of University Publications (OPU), the platform gives students, teachers, and researchers access to 110,990 digital academic resources. The collection includes 4,154 OPU publications, 90,794 doctoral theses, 380 Arabic-language works provided by the High Council for the Arabic Language (HCLA), 124 historical books on Algeria’s national movement and the 1954 Revolution, and 15,546 national and international patents integrated in partnership with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI).
From November 2025, Algerian residents abroad will be able to purchase OPU publications online via the platform.
The digital library forms a core part of the ministry’s strategy to digitalize the higher education system and foster an inclusive, connected academic ecosystem.
Minister Baddari said the project “marks a key step in aligning Algeria’s universities with global digital standards and improving access to scientific knowledge.”
Through this initiative, the government seeks to facilitate administrative efficiency, data access, and knowledge sharing across Algeria’s universities, while improving research output and collaboration between institutions.
The ministry aims to expand the collection to 500,000 electronic documents by 2027, signaling a long-term commitment to digital transformation in academia.
The project involves multiple institutional partnerships to enrich the library’s content and ensure interoperability between research centers. Key partners include the HCLA, the Center for Research on Scientific and Technical Information, the National Center for Studies on the National Movement, and the INAPI.
These collaborations are expected to broaden Algeria’s academic and scientific databases, making them accessible through a unified digital interface.
Despite its ambition, the digital transition faces several obstacles. Some universities and regions still lack sufficient technological infrastructure, and students without adequate digital devices may struggle to benefit from the new platform.
Experts have also warned of cybersecurity risks, including data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and technical system failures.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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The program targets 200,000 Moroccan children for training in digital and AI skills.
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It is part of the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy to make the country an inclusive and competitive digital hub.
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The initiative is backed by multiple ministries and the AI Movement Center under UNESCO supervision.
Morocco has launched a national program to train 200,000 children in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, reinforcing its “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy to boost digital inclusion and prepare citizens for the economy of the future.
The government unveiled the initiative on Monday, aiming to equip younger generations with future-oriented skills, promote technology culture, and narrow the digital divide.
The project stems from a partnership signed in March between the Ministries of Digital Transition, Youth, Economy, and Finance, and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence – AI Movement, affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and operating under UNESCO supervision.
The first phase was simultaneously launched across 12 cities, mobilizing 65 trainers from participating youth centers. The program will gradually expand nationwide after this pilot phase.
The initiative forms part of Digital Morocco 2030, the kingdom’s long-term strategy to position itself as an inclusive and competitive digital hub. The plan calls for training 100,000 youth annually in digital professions, up from 14,000 in 2022, and includes the creation of specialized schools and support for innovation in emerging technologies.
By introducing 200,000 children to coding, robotics, and AI basics, Morocco aims to cultivate a new generation of digitally empowered citizens capable of driving the country’s digital transformation.
Officials say the program could also strengthen Morocco’s technological sovereignty and consolidate its leadership in innovation on the African continent.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Ghana, Cisco discuss partnership for digital skills training
- “One Million Coders” targets certified youth in tech fields
- Plan includes digital centers, global tech firm collaborations
The Ghanaian government is exploring a collaboration with U.S. technology giant Cisco Systems for its "One Million Coders" program, an initiative aimed at equipping the nation's youth with digital skills. A Cisco delegation presented a partnership proposal to Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, during a meeting last week.
While specific details of the proposed partnership were not disclosed, Cisco operates its own global training platform, the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad), established in 1997. NetAcad offers free or subsidized courses, both online and in-person, covering areas such as computer networking, cybersecurity, programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. The academy works with governments, universities, and organizations to provide globally recognized certifications, including the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).
During the meeting, Minister George reiterated that the "One Million Coders" program aims to train internationally certified professionals in high-demand fields such as AI, cybersecurity, forensic data science, and cloud computing. He also announced plans to establish digital centers in all 276 constituencies across the country, each equipped with approximately 50 computers, to ensure young people in rural areas have access to necessary equipment and internet connectivity for their training.
George stated that the government is actively seeking partnerships with major technology firms, including Google, Huawei, Microsoft, and AWS. The government had previously engaged with TikTok in June and, in September, initiated a collaboration with Code Racoon, a company backed by German partners, to train 350,000 young individuals. Discussions are also underway with local tech firm TECHAiDE to integrate its "Asanka" wireless device, an offline Local Learning Management System (LMS), into the training program.
Launched in April, the "One Million Coders" program is part of the government’s comprehensive plan to build a digitally competent workforce capable of supporting Ghana's transition to an innovation-driven economy. The GSM Association (GSMA) estimates that continued digital transformation across the agriculture, industry, trade, and transport sectors could create an additional 340,000 jobs by 2027, generating a total added value of 34.9 billion cedis ($3.24 billion).
The partnership is not yet finalized. Minister George invited Cisco to submit a formal proposal and a letter of intent to officially establish the collaboration, though no specific timeline was provided.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Elly Savatia honored in Dakar for Terp 360, an AI-powered sign language app.
- His company Signvrse develops inclusive tech for the deaf community.
- Award includes £50,000 ($67,000) from the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering.
Kenyan inventor and social entrepreneur Elly Savatia has won the Africa 2025 Engineering Innovation Prize awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering in the United Kingdom. The announcement was made on October 16 in Dakar. He received the award for Terp 360, an artificial intelligence–based application that translates speech into sign language, along with a £50,000 ($67,000) grant.
Terp 360 provides real-time sign language interpretation, enabling seamless communication between deaf and hearing individuals in both physical and digital environments. The solution uses 3D avatars and motion-capture technology to deliver fluid, accessible interaction.
The innovation is the flagship product of Signvrse, a company co-founded and led by Savatia. Established in 2023, the startup leverages AI and inclusive design to remove communication barriers faced by the deaf community. It integrates real-time sign language into digital platforms to improve access to education, healthcare, and public services.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Savatia is the founder and president of Innovate 4 SDGs, a nonprofit that mobilizes youth around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He is also a One Young World ambassador and a member of the Youthtopia Circle, a network promoting youth leadership and civic engagement.
Before creating Signvrse, Savatia co-founded Veezaviz in 2021, a startup focused on assistive communication technologies for the deaf and hearing communities, where he served as CEO until 2022.
He previously worked as a project manager at School for a Village, an organization supporting access to science and technology education in underprivileged schools. In 2023, he joined Swift Lab Ltd, a medical logistics company using drones to deliver supplies to remote areas.
Savatia’s work has earned multiple honors, including the Artificial Intelligence for Africa Challenge (2022) by UK Tech Hub, the Kenya Drone Business Competition Challenge (2023) by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Award.
- Data scientist and entrepreneur Sokhar Samb founded WeInnove to promote tech learning.
- The Dakar-based lab trains youth in coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- Initiative also supports digital inclusion through computer recycling programs.
Sokhar Samb (pictured), a Senegalese data scientist, researcher, and entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of WeInnove, an innovation lab dedicated to education and technology.
Established in Dakar in 2024, WeInnove aims to introduce children and young people to programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence while addressing Africa’s specific needs and future challenges. The lab offers interactive programs that encourage curiosity through workshops, coding challenges, scientific exploration, and engineering projects, helping participants develop technical, analytical, and teamwork skills.
WeInnove also provides tailored corporate training in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and programming. In addition, the lab runs a nationwide initiative to recycle and refurbish computers, managed by students, to reduce electronic waste and promote digital inclusion in Senegalese schools.
Alongside her entrepreneurial role, Sokhar Samb teaches and conducts research in artificial intelligence at the Dakar American University of Science and Technology (DAUST). In 2018, she founded Women Promoting Science to the Younger Generation (WPSYG), an association that encourages youth—especially girls—to explore science and mathematics and pursue careers in STEM fields.
A graduate of Université Gaston Berger with a master’s degree in probability and statistics, she also holds a master’s in big data and cybersecurity from AIMS Senegal (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences).
Samb began her professional career in 2019 as a data collection and analysis manager at Global Research and Advocacy Group (GRAG), an organization specializing in operational research and strategic communication. In 2020, she joined Obertys, a consulting firm in banking and technology, as head of data science and machine learning, and later worked as a data scientist at Theolex, a French legal tech start-up, from 2021 to 2022.
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Burkina Faso launches Faso Andubè to boost tech innovation
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Platform connects local talent to incubators, promotes “Made in Burkina”
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Goal: reduce imports, build industrial base, foster tech sovereignty
Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré on Friday, Oct. 17, announced the launch of Faso Andubè, a new digital platform designed to highlight Burkinabè talent in science and technology. The initiative aims to connect inventors and innovators in the country and abroad, and support the local production of “Made in Burkina” machinery.
“We will launch a digital platform that will enable anyone with scientific or technical skills to register. They will then be directed to an incubator currently under construction to help Burkina Faso manufacture its own machines,” Traoré said.
The platform is envisioned as a hub for national innovation and expertise. It allows Burkinabè citizens to register and promote their skills through an organized system that offers project monitoring, networking opportunities, and participation in industrial and technological programs.
The initiative supports Traoré’s broader goal of promoting local expertise and mobilizing talent to strengthen national sovereignty. It comes as the country works to expand its industrial base and reduce dependence on imports. According to World Bank data, industry accounted for 29.6% of GDP in 2024, while manufacturing represented just 9.9%.
Faso Andubè aims to serve as a catalyst for Burkina Faso’s tech innovation ecosystem by providing a digital space for collaboration and visibility. It seeks to identify and support scientific and technical talent and spur the creation of locally designed prototypes, agricultural tools, and industrial equipment.
Officials say the project is meant to lay the groundwork for an innovation-driven economy that boosts technological sovereignty, creates jobs, and strengthens the skills of young engineers and technicians.
Samira Njoya
- Twenty high-speed Internet sites launched under a $100 million digital project.
- The program aims to connect 76 rural sites nationwide by the end of 2025.
- Limited electricity access remains a major challenge in remote areas.
Congo’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, announced on Monday, October 13, the activation of 20 high-speed Internet access points in rural areas. The initiative, unveiled during a visit by a World Bank delegation for the Africa region in Brazzaville, aims to democratize Internet access nationwide and reduce the digital divide.
“As of today, 76 connectivity sites have been built and equipped across the country. Of these, 20 are already connected to high-speed Internet, allowing residents in remote areas to go online in real time,” said the minister.
The rollout is part of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN) and the broader Digital Strategy 2030. Co-financed by the World Bank and the European Union for $100 million, the PATN represents one of the largest investments ever made in Congo’s digital sector. The government has also contributed an additional $3 million to upgrade infrastructure, prioritizing 4G technology to ensure stable and efficient connections.
The government’s goal is to connect all 76 sites to 4G by the end of the year, creating new economic and social opportunities for rural communities in e-commerce, e-learning, and e-government.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative seeks to narrow the digital gap between urban and rural areas and strengthen the state’s capacity to deliver efficient online public services. However, persistent challenges remain, especially limited access to electricity. According to the World Bank, 67% of the urban population has electricity, compared with only 12.4% in rural areas.
- Dzair Services will serve as a one-stop portal for all government e-services.
- The project is part of Algeria’s 2025–2030 National Digital Transformation Strategy.
- It aims to modernize administration, improve data exchange, and boost efficiency.
Algeria is finalizing the rollout of Dzair Services, a national platform designed to centralize all public digital services. The announcement was made on Wednesday, October 16, 2025, by Meriem Benmouloud, High Commissioner for Digitalization, during the opening of the E-commerce and Online Services Fair (Ecsel Expo) in Algiers. The initiative marks a major milestone in the government’s long-term digital transformation policy.
Designed as a single access point, Dzair Services brings together all existing public digital services in one place. Its goal is to simplify procedures, ensure operational traceability, and reduce institutional overlaps. The government aims to modernize public administration while bringing services closer to citizens and businesses. The platform is expected to become the central interface of Algeria’s online administration.
The project aligns with the National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025–2030, unveiled in May 2025. Structured around seven key pillars, the plan seeks to develop digital infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity, and consolidate technological sovereignty. It also aims to make digital technology a driver of economic growth through education, innovation, and skilled job creation.
Several major initiatives are already underway. The government has connected 46 ministries and public agencies to fiber optics and launched the national data center in El Mohammedia, with a second facility under construction in Blida. Authorities are also preparing to establish a sovereign cloud to host public data and eventually provide hosting solutions for local companies.
Technically, Dzair Services will rely on an interoperability system that allows public administrations to automatically exchange verified data. This architecture is expected to reduce data duplication, automate cross-checking, and speed up case processing. Nationwide, this interconnection will help produce reliable indicators, facilitate public planning, and lay the groundwork for the future integration of artificial intelligence into state management.
- Aïda Tagmouti founded Invirtus, an AI-driven HR tech start-up launched in 2025.
- The platform automates recruitment, training, and integration for digital jobs.
- Her second venture, JobBee, connects global tech firms with remote developers.
Moroccan entrepreneur Aïda Tagmouti, a specialist in human resources technology and artificial intelligence, is the founder and CEO of Invirtus, a digital start-up dedicated to HR innovation.
Founded in January 2025, Invirtus offers a recruitment platform that helps companies identify and assess candidates while automating the selection, training, and onboarding of digital talent. The platform also serves international firms seeking to diversify their teams with expertise from across Africa.
Invirtus combines artificial intelligence, inclusion, and ethical responsibility in its solutions, particularly by enabling skills-based recruitment and video interview analysis that limits bias.
Aïda Tagmouti is also cofounder and CEO of JobBee, an HR start-up launched in 2022. JobBee helps technology companies recruit vetted international developers and allows developers to secure full-time remote jobs to advance their careers.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics for social sciences from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (2009) and a master’s in institutional economics research from the École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS, 2013).
Her career began in 2010 at Crédit Agricole CIB as an asset-liability manager. In 2012, she joined Awalee Consulting as a liquidity risk manager, and in 2013, she moved to Dexia as a financial advisor before serving as a strategic planner from 2017 to 2020.
In 2023, Aïda Tagmouti was named a Women In Africa Young Leader and awarded the title of “Innovative Woman in the Arab States” by the UNDP and 4YFN. That same year, JobBee was recognized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as one of the most promising women-led start-ups in the Middle East and North Africa region.