• Cybastion to invest $25 million in Angola’s first phase of cybersecurity program

  • Full $170 million plan includes national cybersecurity agency and workforce training

  • Angola still ranks low on global cybersecurity index, with major gaps to address

The Angolan government has partnered with US technology company Cybastion to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities, with the firm committing to an initial $25 million investment.

The deal marks the first phase of a broader $170 million investment program announced last week in collaboration with state-owned operator Angola Telecom. The plan includes establishing a national cybersecurity agency and training new experts in partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy.

This effort aligns with Angola’s national digital transformation strategy, which aims to position information and communication technologies (ICT) as a driver of social and economic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity a key factor for ensuring sustainable digital growth.

In 2024, Angola was ranked in Tier 4 of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, the second-lowest level on a five-tier scale. The ranking reflects limited engagement, with some progress in regulations and international cooperation, but significant work remains to strengthen technical capabilities, improve incident response mechanisms, and expand training and awareness efforts.

Posted On mardi, 01 juillet 2025 07:55 Written by

In a context where access to financing remains a major challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, a local fintech is offering a digital alternative to support their cash flow.

Lulalend, a fintech solution developed by a South African startup, provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) rapid access to credit lines up to 5 million rand, approximately $280,000, within 24 hours. 

Founded in 2014 by Neil Welman and Trevor Gosling, the startup raised $35 million, in 2023, to support its expansion. At the time, co-founder Trevor Gosling stated, "We had more time to think about how to engage with our customers and understand their needs and problems and eventually realized that access to credit is just one of the big parts we can be doing for our businesses." He added, "So we went down the road of building our digital bank. Also, we know businesses need cash flow management and so we've broadened our horizon from just access to funding to how we solve end-to-end cash flow."

Lulalend's mobile application, available on both iOS and Android, has been downloaded over a thousand times, according to the Play Store. After creating an account, the platform uses algorithm-based assessments of a business's financial data to determine credit eligibility. This model helps SMEs monitor their cash flow, anticipate financing needs, and focus on growth.

The startup claims to have several thousand active clients across South Africa, operating in sectors such as retail, services, and others.

Written in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum,

Translated and adapted into English by Mouka Mezonlin

Posted On mardi, 01 juillet 2025 06:27 Written by

She develops digital tools to monitor women's health in Africa. Her platform allows them to track their menstrual cycle, monitor their pregnancy, and access online healthcare services.

Kidist Tesfaye (photo), an Ethiopian tech entrepreneur, founded and leads YeneHealth, a startup dedicated to the health and well-being of African women. The company particularly focuses on sexual and reproductive health.

Founded in 2022, YeneHealth provides services tailored for women in East Africa and beyond through a mobile app and website. The app uses artificial intelligence to track menstrual cycles and pregnancies. Users can monitor their cycles, ovulation, symptoms, and mood while receiving personalized advice.

Pregnant women using the platform receive weekly guidance, expert tips, and tools to track their baby's development. YeneHealth also operates an e-pharmacy, delivering health products in discreet, confidential packaging.

The platform offers educational content on topics like contraception, motherhood, wellness, and mental health, all validated by healthcare professionals. It also facilitates virtual consultations with certified doctors and pharmacists directly through the app.

Tesfaye is also a co-founder and co-chair of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs in Africa, a network for Harvard graduates. In 2017, she founded Art in Addis, an art event company designed to create spaces for artistic exchange.

She earned a bachelor's degree in public health from the University of Minnesota in 2015. She later obtained a master's in education from Harvard University in 2019, specializing in medical education and entrepreneurship.

Tesfaye began her career in the U.S. banking sector in 2011, working there for five years before shifting to health. In 2016, she returned to Ethiopia to join St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College. There, she served as Director of Strategic and Innovative Operations and of the International Communications and Partnerships Office. From July 2018 to May 2025, Tesfaye worked as a senior consultant at KP Innovative Solutions, a consulting firm with clients in finance, health, and education.

Written in French by Melchior Koba,

Translated and adapted into English by Mouka Mezonlin

Posted On mardi, 01 juillet 2025 06:22 Written by

Niger is launching a major overhaul of its identification system to boost security and improve administrative efficiency. The government will use biometric technology to modernize ID documents and better serve citizens.

On June 27, in Niamey, Niger’s Minister of State for the Interior, General Mohamed Toumba, signed two memorandums of understanding with Wissal Samtali, director of the Libyan firm Al Itissan Al-Jadeed, which specializes in biometric and digital identity solutions. These agreements set up a public-private partnership to revamp Niger’s identity documents.

The first memorandum covers the design, financing, construction, and maintenance of a system to issue electronic biometric passports. These e-passports will be made of polycarbonate and contain secure chips to fight fraud and improve the credibility of Nigerien travel documents internationally.

The second memorandum launches the creation of a new electronic national identity card (e-ID). The card will meet international security standards and enable secure online identification. Officials expect it to speed up administrative processes and lay a foundation for efficient digital governance.

These efforts go beyond simple document upgrades. Niger aims to build a digital ecosystem where secure identification supports services such as online authentication, e-government platforms, banking, social protection programs, and border control.

However, authorities must overcome challenges to make the new e-ID a true tool for development and inclusion. They must ensure fair access across the country, build a reliable and connected identification system, enforce legal protections, and secure citizens’ data—a crucial asset in today’s digital economy.

This partnership marks a key step in Niger’s modernization strategy and highlights the growing importance of intra-African cooperation. Wissal Samtali said the deal sends a strong signal that could encourage more cross-border projects in identification technology across Africa.

Samira Njoya

 

Posted On lundi, 30 juin 2025 14:35 Written by

Angola has partnered with American technology company Cybastion to improve its cybersecurity. The government signed a deal with Cybastion, which pledged to invest $25 million to strengthen Angola’s digital defenses.

This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding the two parties signed in March during the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. The partnership is part of Cybastion’s “Digital Fast Track initiative.”

Officials said this first investment marks the initial phase of a broader $170 million program launched with Angola Telecom. The full program includes creating a national cybersecurity agency and training a new generation of cybersecurity professionals. Angola will collaborate with the Cisco Networking Academy to deliver these training programs.

These moves support Angola’s national digital transformation strategy. The government wants to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to drive socio-economic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity essential for any successful digital transformation.

In 2024, the ITU ranked Angola in “Tier 4” on its global cybersecurity index, the second-lowest level on a five-point scale. This score shows Angola has made some progress with regulations and international cooperation. However, the country still needs to strengthen technical tools for detection and incident response, improve organizational processes, and boost training and awareness for all stakeholders.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

 

Posted On lundi, 30 juin 2025 13:55 Written by

Through these efforts, TikTok is not just promoting digital safety but also actively contributing to mental health awareness and support across Africa, setting a new standard for global social platforms.

As Africa experiences a boom in digital connectivity and online activity, TikTok held its first-ever African Summit on Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health, bringing together mental health experts, NGOs, content creators, and institutional representatives.

Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the event, announced June 27, 2025, is part of the platform’s push to promote healthier and more responsible use of social networks while addressing mental health challenges faced by young Africans in today’s increasingly connected world.

With over 150 million (189.3M per Intelpoint data) monthly active users in Africa, TikTok has firmly established itself as a major player on the continent’s digital scene. Recognizing its influence on behavior, especially among teenagers and young adults, the company is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness around mental health issues and create safer online spaces.

The summit aimed to raise awareness about the effects of excessive social media use on mental health, promote healthy and responsible use of TikTok among young people, and create a safer, more supportive digital environment for African youth. Discussions covered topics such as screen time management and digital dependency, cyberbullying and online social pressures, the impact of algorithms on self-image, and ways to promote educational, positive, and culturally relevant content.

Key stakeholders involved included mental health professionals from the World Health Organization’s Fides Network. NGOs such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya’s Mental360 also took part, along with influential African content creators, including psychologists and doctors serving as new Mental Health Ambassadors.

During the summit, TikTok announced several major commitments. These included strengthening moderation, safety, and parental control tools on the platform, expanding the #MentalHealthMatters campaign across Africa (which has already inspired over 6.5 million posts globally), and launching a new Mental Health Education Fund to support local initiatives. Selected NGOs will receive funding and training to create culturally relevant mental health content and reach wider audiences.

In addition, TikTok is expanding in-app mental health helpline resources across Africa, connecting users directly to local support organizations in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius, and Malawi. Through these efforts, TikTok aims to empower young Africans to use social media more mindfully while building stronger, safer, and more supportive digital communities across the continent.

As more young people come online in Africa, they face increased exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges. The Digital Well-Being Summit and TikTok’s expanded mental health initiatives come at a critical time for Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.

These efforts not only protect vulnerable users but also empower young people to engage online more confidently, supporting broader goals for digital inclusion, youth development, and community resilience across Africa. By taking a leadership role in mental health and online safety, TikTok demonstrates social responsibility and positions itself as a platform that genuinely cares about user well-being.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On lundi, 30 juin 2025 13:10 Written by
  • Shoptreo connects African artisans and small brands to local and global buyers

  • The mobile platform offers fashion, beauty, decor, and handmade accessories

  • The startup raised undisclosed funding to expand its network and international reach

Shoptreo, a Nigerian startup, has launched a B2B e-commerce platform designed to connect artisans, creators, and small local brands to both national and international buyers. The company, founded in 2021 by Emmanuel Jacobs and George Uteh, operates from Aba in Nigeria and Dover in the United States.

“Shoptreo offers digital solutions that streamlines business and financial operations for SMEs in the informal B2B fashion market in Nigeria and West Africa,” the startup explained.

The service is currently available through a mobile application for Android users only. The platform provides an intuitive digital showcase for a wide range of African-made products, including traditional clothing, handmade accessories, beauty products, and home decor items.

In addition to its marketplace, Shoptreo offers sellers tools to manage inventory, track orders, and access training opportunities. The aim is to digitize the informal sector, which is often excluded from traditional distribution networks.

To accelerate its growth, Shoptreo announced this week that it has secured new funding, though the amount was not disclosed. The funds will help expand its artisan network, improve logistics, and boost its global presence, especially among the African diaspora.

At a time when Africa is working to promote its local products, Shoptreo positions itself as a strong alternative. With a model built on technology and social impact, the company reflects the rise of African-led solutions designed for local realities but geared toward global markets.

Posted On lundi, 30 juin 2025 08:13 Written by

At Vivatech Paris last April, the startup gained attention for its effective solutions to the persistent challenges of interoperability, cost, and accessibility in cross-border payments across Africa.

Lengo Pay, a fintech solution developed by a Guinean startup, announced its expansion into Morocco on Tuesday, June 24. The Conakry-based startup, founded in 2024 by Thierno Ibrahim Diallo, enables users to make payments, send or receive money, pay bills, and manage a digital wallet without geographic limitations.

The solution operates through a web-based interface rather than a mobile app. It provides a technological infrastructure designed to connect mobile wallets, banks, and merchants. Lengo Pay relies on a robust and scalable API that facilitates the integration of its services into third-party applications, particularly for merchants, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions.

Beyond its technology, the fintech promotes a strong inclusion agenda. It targets both unbanked users and small businesses or informal workers by offering an alternative to traditional financial channels. This aligns with public policies that leverage digital finance to expand access to essential services.

The solution is compatible with several existing mobile payment systems, making it relevant in fragmented environments where various operators coexist.

Currently in its rollout phase, Lengo Pay aims to structure its offering around concrete use cases such as diaspora remittances, cross-border payments for merchants, and the digitization of public payments. Its vision is to build “an online payment gateway designed to meet the diverse needs of the modern commercial landscape.”

This article was written in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum,

Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin

Posted On lundi, 30 juin 2025 06:48 Written by
  • Côte d’Ivoire appeals for 100 billion FCFA fund ($178M) to support tech startups, calls for private investment.

  • Aims to bridge seed funding gap and boost digital transformation.

The Ivorian government is betting on a new strategy to drive the creation and expansion of technology businesses. Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, the Minister of Digital Transition, has formally appealed to private investors to help establish a 100 billion CFA franc fund, approximately $178 million, aimed at supporting the country’s young startups and tech projects.

“Let’s have faith in our youth. They are creators. I call on the private sector to support Côte d’Ivoire’s digital startups. Together, we will build this powerful financial vehicle to accelerate our country’s digital transformation,” Konaté declared during a public address. In an interview with panafrican media Jeune Afrique, he added that the fund seeks to improve access to financing for entrepreneurs often hampered by a lack of seed capital.

The initiative comes amid strong digital momentum in the country. Ivory Coast now hosts nearly 300 active startups and some 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs in fields such as fintech, edtech, agritech, and healthtech. To structure this ecosystem, authorities adopted a Startup Act in November 2023, which introduced a “Digital Startup” label, fiscal and customs incentives, and a national labeling committee.

Despite these efforts, private funding remains scarce. While some young entrepreneurs already benefit from Startup Boost Capital, a fund launched in 2023 to improve access to financing, many startups remain underfunded and struggle to secure the resources needed to scale.

With this new fund, the government hopes to attract private and institutional capital to complement existing public support and foster the growth of high-potential startups with strong socio-economic impact. The target, as outlined in the Côte d’Ivoire Numérique 2030 strategy, is clear: make digital technology contribute 10% of GDP by 2028.

This article was written in French by Samira Njoya,

Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin

Posted On lundi, 30 juin 2025 06:18 Written by

Amr Gamal started his career in telecommunications, then expanded into industry and finance. He later focused on creating digital tools that meet companies’ operational needs.

Gamal, an Egyptian tech entrepreneur, co-founded and leads Octane, a start-up specializing in digital management of payments and expenses for vehicle fleets.

Octane, founded in 2022, developed a digital platform to manage fleet costs such as fuel, maintenance, spare parts, petty cash, and tolls. The platform uses a closed digital wallet that centralizes all mobility payments in a secure, traceable system.

The platform includes advanced technologies like NFC smart cards, which ensure payments happen only at service stations, reducing fraud risk. The system requires a pump photo for every transaction, sends instant alerts if payments don’t match actual consumption, and collects mileage data manually for accurate tracking.

Octane connects clients to more than 2,400 service stations. It also provides real-time analytics, automated controls, and detailed reports to optimize costs, prevent fraud, and improve fleet efficiency. Recently, Octane raised $5.2 million to expand in the Middle East and North Africa, upgrade its AI tools, and add features like support for electric vehicles.

Before founding Octane, Gamal co-founded TEDxCairo in 2010 to bring together changemakers and spark local and international innovation.

Gamal graduated from Ain Shams University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications. That same year, he began his career at Orange Egypt, where he worked as transmission quality engineer, radio quality and benchmarking engineer, radio frequency optimization team leader, and geomarketing team leader.

In 2015, he joined Procter & Gamble as operations and initiative availability manager for the Near East. In 2018, he became a marketing team leader at Vodafone. In 2022, he served as operations director at FlapKap, a financial company in Abu Dhabi.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum

Posted On vendredi, 27 juin 2025 17:25 Written by
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