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Microsoft and Education Plus launched Empower+, a free digital platform offering AI and digital skills training across 21 African countries.
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The program targets adolescent girls and young womento reduce gender gaps in technology education.
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Sub-Saharan Africa could require 230 million digital jobs by 2030, according to the World Bank.
Microsoft and the Education Plus initiative, supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), launched a new digital platform designed to strengthen artificial intelligence and digital skills among young people in Africa.
The partners announced on March 10 the rollout of Empower+, an online platform that provides free access to digital training programs. The initiative primarily targets adolescent girls and young women in 21 African countries and aims to reduce inequalities in access to technological education.
The platform, also accessible via mobile devices, offers modules covering basic digital literacy, emerging artificial intelligence skills, and the use of technology in the workplace. In addition, the modules combine digital training with awareness and prevention content related to HIV, a major public health issue affecting young women in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tiara Pathon, Director of Artificial Intelligence Skills at Microsoft Elevate, said the initiative aims to equip learners with the capabilities required in a digital economy. “Access to education and skills is one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity. With Empower+, we want to enable learners to gain the knowledge to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” she said.
This launch comes as demand for skilled digital professionals continues to rise across the region. According to the World Bank, nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
However, gender disparities remain significant. UNESCO reports that women and girls are 25% less likely than men to use digital tools for basic purposes, four times less likely to know how to program, and thirteen times less likely to file patents in information and communication technologies (ICT).
Against this backdrop, expanding access to digital skills training represents a key lever to reduce inequality and support economic inclusion. Online training initiatives could help create more professional opportunities for young women in a technology sector that remains largely male-dominated.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The iHatch program is seeking innovation hubs across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT to lead its fifth cohort. A total of 37 hubs will be selected to provide year-long incubation, mentoring and training for startups under a standardized national framework. Interested hubs can apply until Monday, March 16, 2026.
Lagos Innovates has opened applications for its six-week Female Founders & Funders program, which supports women-led tech startups in Lagos. The curriculum includes masterclasses, mentorship and fundraising preparation, as well as introductions to investors. The program, which also trains women investors and has already backed more than 30 founders, is accepting applications until Saturday, April 4.
Meta is rolling out new anti-scam tools across Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger. Facebook will introduce alerts about suspicious friend requests, while WhatsApp will warn users about fraudulent attempts to link accounts. Messenger will also use AI to detect scam messages and prompt users to block or report suspicious accounts.
As fragmented payment infrastructure forces African businesses to juggle multiple providers, South African startup NjiaPay is developing a platform designed to simplify payment management through a single integration layer.
NjiaPay is a fintech solution developed by a South African startup. It offers a Payment-as-a-Service solution that allows businesses to integrate and manage multiple payment providers through a single technical interface.
The startup, based in Johannesburg, was founded in 2024 by Jonatan Allback, Dean Hiine, Hans Osnabrugge and Roderick Simons. Its stated goal is to reduce the operational complexity of integrating multiple payment providers and to improve online transaction success rates.
"We connect businesses to multiple Payment Service Providers through one central layer, routing transactions to the best available option and giving a clear view of how payments are performing. The result? Fewer failed payments. More successful checkouts. A better understanding of where revenue is won or lost," the startup said.
The platform acts as an orchestration layer above various payment service providers (PSPs). Through a single application programming interface (API), businesses can connect multiple payment methods, including bank cards, mobile money and bank transfers, while centralizing their transaction data on a single dashboard.
NjiaPay also incorporates an intelligent payment routing system. By analyzing real-time data, the platform automatically selects the provider or payment route with the highest probability of success, reducing declined transactions and increasing revenue for online merchants.
This approach aims to address one of the major challenges in African digital commerce: the multiplicity of payment infrastructures, which often forces businesses to work with several providers to achieve a satisfactory acceptance rate.
With this platform, NjiaPay aims to provide African businesses with infrastructure capable of simplifying digital payments while improving the financial performance of online transactions.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
- Platform links universities with industry for research and innovation
- Initiative supports Morocco Digital 2030 strategy and AI-driven growth
Three Moroccan government ministries signed an agreement Tuesday in Fez to establish the JAZARI Industry X.0 Institute, a new platform aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the country’s industrial sector.
The agreement was signed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It brings together several universities to support research, innovation and technology transfer to Moroccan industry.
The partnership includes Euromed University of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Moulay Ismail University and Al Akhawayn University. The institute will focus on Industry 4.0 technologies, including the Internet of Things, advanced robotics and industrial data analytics, with the aim of linking scientific research more closely to the needs of businesses.
From academia to industry
Authorities say the institute will work to turn academic research into practical technological solutions for industry. Priority areas include improving productivity, predictive maintenance, manufacturing quality and the development of applications for sectors such as smart agriculture and healthcare.
The initiative also seeks to support the creation of technology startups and to train specialists in industrial data and cybersecurity.
The project is part of a broader national push to develop an artificial intelligence ecosystem. Moroccan authorities have recently launched a network of institutes under the “Jazari” label to establish regional centers of excellence dedicated to innovation and the industrial use of digital technologies.
The initiative aligns with the goals of the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy, which places artificial intelligence at the core of the country’s economic modernization.
Authorities estimate that the structured rollout of AI could generate around 100 billion dirhams ($11 billion) in additional GDP. Official projections also point to the creation of 50,000 jobs and the training of 200,000 skilled graduates, strengthening Morocco’s technological and industrial competitiveness.
Samira Njoya
April 28-30, 2026, the Landmark Centre on Victoria Island in Lagos will host IoT West Africa, co-located with Data Center & Cloud Expo Africa. The event will bring together industry leaders, financial institutions, public officials and e-commerce companies to present the latest developments in IoT, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data centers and digital energy. Organizers say the aim is to support digital transformation and strengthen the competitiveness of African businesses.
Adlore Business Enterprise has launched a pilot of its Jollof Boss platform, enabling small businesses to manage product catalogues, orders and payments directly within WhatsApp. By integrating Paystack, the platform allows customers to select food items through an interactive menu and receive a payment link, while merchants are automatically notified once the payment is completed. The service is currently being tested in Benin City and Lagos and aims to remove friction between messaging and payments.
Yazi, a South African AI-driven research platform built on WhatsApp, has raised its first institutional funding round led by 3 Capital Ventures at a pre-money valuation of about $1.6 million. The capital will be used to launch automated voice interviews on WhatsApp, expand its African respondent panel, and support expansion into the UK and Europe, where demand is growing.
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Kenya launched an automated traffic management system that detects violations and sends fines to drivers via SMS.
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Authorities introduced the system to improve transparency, reduce corruption risks and curb rising road accidents.
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Motorists groups raised concerns about appeals procedures, oversight and delays in issuing vehicle license plates.
Kenya has taken another step in digitizing road enforcement as authorities deploy automated systems to detect traffic violations and issue instant fines by text message.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced on Monday, March 9 that it had activated an automated road-traffic management system that relies on intelligent cameras to identify violations. The system sends SMS notifications directly to offenders, removing the need for direct human intervention. Authorities said the reform aims to strengthen transparency, improve enforcement efficiency and enhance road safety. The government launched the strategy in 2020 as part of a broader push to reduce road accidents, which increased between 2024 and 2025.
On Tuesday, March 10, the NTSA published a list of 35 traffic violations and the corresponding instant fines. The penalty scale ranges from warnings for minor speeding to fines of 10,000 Kenyan shillings ($77.37) for more serious offenses. Authorities classified serious violations to include speeding, obstructive parking, failure to install mandatory speed limiters on public transport and commercial vehicles, and driving without a valid roadworthiness certificate.
The system also targets other infractions such as running red lights, driving on sidewalks or pedestrian crossings, and failing to wear a seatbelt. Offenders must pay the fine within seven days. Otherwise authorities apply interest and may block access to NTSA services.
A series of technological investments
The automated enforcement system builds on several technological reforms that the Kenyan government introduced since 2020. Kenyan law now provides for smart driver’s licenses embedded with electronic chips. The chip stores driver identification data, fingerprints, photographs, signatures and biometric information.
Authorities introduced second-generation license plates in 2022. Kenyan officials often describe these plates as “digital” or secure plates because they incorporate advanced security features and allow digital traceability of vehicle ownership.
The government added speed cameras and video surveillance to its road-safety strategy in 2024. Authorities deployed the cameras in pilot phases in 2024 and plan to expand the network in 2026 by installing additional units across six major cities. President William Ruto requested the expansion.
In practice, authorities link biometric licenses, secure license plates and camera systems to identify vehicles that commit violations more quickly. The system also connects offenses to specific drivers or owners and creates a digital driving record for administrative use.
Concerns persist
The automated traffic management system with instant fines has already triggered criticism from motorists.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) publicly asked the NTSA to provide urgent clarifications about the system. The group argued that the new system leaves several fundamental questions unanswered. It asked what procedure drivers can follow to contest fines and what safeguards can prevent an automated system from acting simultaneously as investigator, judge and enforcer. The association also asked who certifies and regularly verifies the quality of cameras and detection equipment. It further asked which public account will receive the collected fines and what public consultations preceded the system’s rollout.
The MAK also warned that the credibility of fully digital enforcement depends on the availability of vehicle identification documents. The association said production delays had left more than 70,000 license plates pending since February 2026, raising questions about how authorities used funds already collected from motorists for their manufacture.
“For the MAK, digitizing road control and sanctions is not enough,” the association said. “The entire administrative chain — plates, licenses, traceability and appeals — must function without delay or opacity.”
By placing roads under the watch of intelligent cameras and replacing paper tickets with SMS notifications, Kenya has signaled a clear ambition: reduce traffic violations, limit corruption-prone roadside interactions and modernize road safety.
Authorities hope the system will help reduce accidents, which reached 5,009 cases in 2025 compared with 4,748 in 2024, according to data from the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ).
This article was initially published in French by Muriel EDJO
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Orange Guinea relaunched the 2026 edition of the “Hello Women” program to encourage women to pursue careers in technology and digital sectors.
- The initiative offers training, mentorship, technical site visits and a women-focused hackathon through the Orange Digital Center.
- The program addresses a persistent gender gap in tech as women represent about 30% of researchers in Africa and less than 15% in engineering and technology in some regions.
Orange’s Guinean subsidiary announced the launch of the 2026 edition of its “Hello Women” program, an initiative that aims to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology and digital industries.
Orange presented the program on Monday, March 9 and said it aims to strengthen Guinean women’s access to digital skills while supporting their entry into a sector that men still largely dominate.
The program includes several activities designed to introduce participants to technology careers and practical skills. Organizers will run awareness sessions on technology professions, facilitate meetings with female professionals in the sector and organize visits to the company’s technical sites.
Participants will also attend short training courses at the Orange Digital Center. The courses will cover topics such as software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analysis.
The initiative will also host a women-focused hackathon to stimulate innovation and encourage participants to develop technological solutions that address local challenges.
Orange Guinea said the program will support women at multiple stages of their professional journey. Ousmane Boly Traoré, chief executive officer of Orange Guinea, said the initiative aims to guide women whether they want to discover digital professions, shift into technical careers or gain their first professional experience.
The company said it wants to expand women’s participation in scientific and technological sectors where female representation remains limited.
The initiative comes at a time when women still play a limited role in the digital sector across Africa. According to UNESCO, women account for about 30% of scientific researchers in Africa, but their presence in information technology fields remains significantly lower.
In parts of West and Central Africa, women represent less than 15% of researchers in engineering and technology, a gap that limits their participation in the digital economy. Technology companies and telecom operators have launched multiple initiatives to reduce this imbalance. Within the Orange Group, women represent about 25.4% of employees in technical and digital professions.
Orange said it hopes that training and support initiatives such as “Hello Women” will expand the pool of female talent and promote greater diversity in technology careers.
Beyond equality goals, policymakers and companies increasingly view female participation in science and technology as a driver of economic development. Africa’s digital transformation continues to create growing demand for skills in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
The World Bank estimates that sub-Saharan Africa could generate up to 230 million digital-related jobs by 2030 as digital services expand rapidly across the region. This outlook increases the urgency to train more talent, including women, to meet the continent’s growing demand for digital skills.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Congolese entrepreneur Mannick Syllas Bryant developed “Shule System,” a digital platform used in 144 schools across the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The platform currently serves 56,200 students and 18,262 parents, centralizing school administration and communication.
- Bryant co-founded Find Solution Technology, an IT company established in 2017 to develop digital solutions for institutions.
Congolese entrepreneur Mannick Syllas co-founded and leads Find Solution Technology, an IT company that develops digital solutions for institutions and organizations. The company aims to modernize administrative processes and improve communication within schools through digital tools.
Find Solution Technology launched operations in 2017. The company gained recognition through its flagship product “Shule System.” Shule System operates as a digital platform designed to help schools organize administrative activities and strengthen communication with parents. The platform centralizes school management processes within a single system.
Shule System functions as a comprehensive school management software. The platform enables schools to track student progress and manage daily institutional activities such as enrollment, grading, attendance and fee payments. Developers designed the software as a multi-purpose tool that supports administrators, teachers, parents and indirectly students.
The platform offers several operational features.
Schools can register students, track academic records and maintain detailed educational histories through the system. Administrators can monitor absences and lateness while teachers can review attendance records by student or by class. The system also allows institutions to manage grades, tuition payments, libraries and archives. In addition, the platform provides a direct communication channel between schools and parents. Parents can access key information about their children’s academic progress through the system.
The platform already operates in 144 schools across the country and serves 56,200 students and 18,262 parents.
Mannick Syllas Bryant graduated from IGIS-Goma, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2016. Bryant also gained international recognition in 2022 when Forbes included him in its ranking of 30 African francophone personalities under the age of 30.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Cameroonian entrepreneur Fonguong Edrick co-founded Traitz Tech, a startup that helps companies expand their digital presence and strengthen their brands.
- The company has launched products including AsapChop, a food delivery platform, and Zomi, an AI-powered productivity assistant.
- Edrick also works as a mobile engineer at elifesaver, a health-tech platform connecting hospitals with blood donors in Cameroon.
Fonguong Edrick co-founded and leads Traitz Tech, a startup that supports companies in developing their online presence and strengthening their brand identity. The company focuses on designing digital solutions that help organizations expand their operations and execute business projects more effectively.
Traitz Tech launched operations in 2023. The company develops digital products that help businesses improve operational efficiency and accelerate growth. The firm designs tools that match the specific needs of its clients. These tools aim to help companies manage operations more efficiently while expanding their market reach.
Traitz Tech has already introduced several products. One product, “AsapChop,” operates as a fast and reliable food delivery platform. The platform connects users with their preferred local restaurants and enables a streamlined ordering experience.
Traitz Tech has also developed “Zomi,” an artificial intelligence-powered productivity assistant. Zomi helps users organize daily and weekly schedules. The system allows users to remain productive even without a stable internet connection because it offers offline functionality. The company designed the assistant to help individuals stay organized and efficient regardless of connectivity levels.
In parallel with his entrepreneurial work, Fonguong Edrick works as a mobile engineer at elifesaver. Elifesaver operates as a health technology solution designed to address blood shortages in Cameroonian hospitals. The platform connects hospitals with blood donors and simplifies donor recruitment during urgent medical situations.
Fonguong Edrick holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Bamenda, which he obtained in 2022. He completed a mobile development internship at the technology company Skye8 in 2023. He also worked as a junior mobile developer at Terminativ, a United Kingdom-based IT outsourcing firm, starting in October 2023.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Mauritania plans to digitize the entire driver’s license application process, including registration, examination and secure digital issuance.
- Authorities reviewed the project during a meeting between Digital Transformation Minister Ahmed Salem Bede and Transport Minister Ely Ould Veirek.
- The initiative forms part of a broader e-government strategy that already includes 800 administrative procedures listed on the national “Khdamati” digital platform.
Mauritanian authorities are now working on the dematerialization of driver’s license procedures. The initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and improve access to services for the population.
The project formed the core of a working meeting on the digitalization of transport services held on Tuesday, March 10.
The meeting brought together Ahmed Salem Bede, minister of digital transformation and administrative modernization, and Ely Ould Veirek, minister of equipment and transport.
During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed a detailed technical demonstration of a new digital system currently under deployment. The system aims to transform the entire process for obtaining a driver’s license.
The platform will digitize every step of the procedure. Applicants will complete registration remotely, take the driving examination through the digital system and receive a secure digital driver’s license once authorities approve the application. Authorities expect the system to reduce human intervention and strengthen the reliability and security of issued documents.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization said the project reflects the government’s broader administrative reform agenda. “This project reflects the guidance of the high authorities regarding the modernization of public administration and the simplification of administrative procedures,” the ministry said in a statement published on social media.
The ministry added: “It places users at the center of an administration that is progressing, for public services that meet citizens’ expectations.”
The initiative follows the launch of a government platform listing 800 administrative procedures to help citizens access public service information. Authorities plan to gradually integrate these procedures into the national digital services platform “Khdamati.”
The platform already offers several services. Users can register students at the University of Nouakchott, access the Digital Road Traffic System (SNTR), register companies, apply for investment code approvals and request criminal record certificates.
Citizens can also apply for vehicle registration certificates and request loss certificates for official documents through the platform.
Authorities have not yet announced a precise timeline for launching the digital driver’s license system. However, questions remain regarding user adoption. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2G network coverage reached 97% of Mauritania’s population in 2023. Meanwhile, 3G and 4G networks covered 43.9% and 34.7% of the population respectively in 2022.
DataReportal estimates that Mauritania counted around 2 million internet users by December 2025, representing an internet penetration rate of 37.4%.
Network coverage and service quality represent only part of the adoption challenge. Access to compatible devices also influences the use of digital services. The World Bank estimates that 56.61% of Mauritanians aged over 15 owned a smartphone at the end of 2024.
Other factors may also influence the effective use of dematerialized services, including the population’s level of digital skills and the affordability of internet services.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum