News (1254)
Equipping African youth with cutting-edge skills is set to drive innovation and economic growth, creating opportunities for the youth to join the global workforce. These advancements are pivotal for driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.
Nigeria has partnered with Gluwa, a decentralized financial platform, to train 1,000 youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other technologies. The country is poised to outpace global peers in both economy and technology, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared on July 23.
We are proud to partner with VP @KashimSM’s Presidency Office to train 1,000 Nigerian youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies, preparing them to contribute to the global workforce.
— Gluwa (@Gluwa) July 23, 2024
Through this collaborative AI Expertise… https://t.co/nLDZFVqPqA
The VP announced this while launching the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, Jigawa State, as part of the country's digital transformation strategy. He urged youths to embrace the program, calling it vital for Nigeria’s economic future.
“We are poised to overtake the rest of the world. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to join a global workforce and drive innovation,” he said.
Shettima emphasized the federal government’s vision to create a network of tech hubs nationwide and lauded Gluwa for its significant impact. He highlighted the goal of transforming Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, combining global expertise with local talent.
Nigeria has made significant progress in its digitization efforts. This move aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030 (NDEPS), which aims to “transform the country into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.” Improving digital literacy and skills is one of the eight guiding pillars of the strategy, intending to reach a 95% digital literacy level by 2030.
Hikmatu Bilali
Improving regional cooperation leads to better connectivity across African countries. This connectivity is vital for economic growth, as it facilitates trade, communication, and access to information. Through such collaborations, African countries can leverage collective resources to foster economic growth.
Zambia has ratified the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), strengthening its commitment to advancing telecommunications and ICT development in Africa. The instruments of ratification were deposited at the ATU headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, today July 26, and received by ATU Secretary General John Omo.
The Republic of Zambia... - African Telecommunications Union | Facebook
Alfred Musemuna, Zambia's Charge d'Affaires in Kenya, delivered the instruments on behalf of the Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati. Musemuna conveyed Mutati's message, emphasizing Zambia's dedication to regional cooperation and connectivity. "Zambia recognizes the critical role of the ATU in promoting connectivity for the benefit of all African countries. We are excited to contribute to the Union’s goals of a digitally inclusive Africa," said Mutati.
Countries ratifying the ATU's foundational instruments gain benefits, including full engagement in Union activities, voting rights, eligibility for elections within the Union's Permanent Organs, and the ability to nominate candidates for elective roles.
“ATU is the leading continental organization fostering the development of information and communication technologies infrastructure and services.” With Zambia's ratification, 32 out of 52 African countries represented by ATU have now ratified or acceded to the Union's Constitution and Convention, initially signed by ATU Member States in 1999 and revised in 2014.
This step underscores Zambia's commitment to technological advancement and regional integration through active participation in international forums. As a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Zambia engages in the Regional Standardisation Forum for Africa. The country has also adopted several ITU conventions and guidelines, such as the Guidelines on Child Online Protection, which have been localized and implemented by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, as outlined in the National ICT Policy 2023 Republic of Zambia Implementation Plan 2022 - 2026.
Hikmatu Bilali
The digitization of public services in Burkina Faso is progressing steadily, affecting all sectors, including land management.
On Thursday, July 25, Burkina Faso's Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane (photo, left), co-chaired the official launch ceremony of the Teng@ Topo platform alongside her counterpart, Minister of Urbanism, Land Affairs, and Housing, Mikaïlou Sidibe (photo, center).
This solution, managed by the Ministry of Urbanism, offers six main services: boundary requests, issuance of plan extracts, land identification, tracking of land requests, change of land use, and authorization for subdividing or restructuring land.
"I am greatly satisfied to see this project led by the ministry I oversee come to fruition. This platform is a valuable tool for the public and it underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing administrative services for the benefit of all Burkinabe citizens," stated Mikaïlou Sidibe.
The Teng@ Topo platform is part of the National Strategy for Public Administration Modernization (SNMAP) 2021-2025, aiming to digitize 100% of administrative procedures by 2025. As of February, the average rate of administrative procedure digitization was 83.97%, according to an evaluation by the Ministry of Digital Transition.
The launch of this new platform is expected to allow users to submit their requests online, saving time. They will also be able to track the progress of their requests without having to travel and receive the necessary documents directly online. This initiative will help reduce long queues in administrative offices, lower the costs associated with frequent travel, and improve the transparency of administrative processes. Additionally, by centralizing land information, it will facilitate access to data for urban planning and land professionals, as well as investors, while securing real estate transactions.
Samira Njoya
African nations are in the process of digitizing their services. To fully realize the benefits of these advancements for their citizens, a robust unique identification system is crucial.
The Burkina Faso government, during the ministerial council on Wednesday, approved a bill establishing an electronic unique identifier for all residents.
The system will use biometric and biographical data to create a unique code for every person living in the country, including citizens abroad and foreign residents. However, it will not replace existing identification documents.
“This unique identifier will strengthen the identification system, allow better management of population data, facilitate service delivery, and clean up sectoral identification databases,” said Minister of Digital Transition Aminata Zerbo/Sabane.
This initiative is part of the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) program. The project, active in six West African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Niger, Togo, and Guinea) with financial support from the World Bank, aims to achieve digital identification for at least 85% of the population by 2026.
The implementation of this unique identifier will create an electronic code associated with every person living in Burkina Faso, as well as Burkinabè abroad and foreigners residing temporarily in the country. Besides ensuring the uniqueness of each individual, the unique identifier will be a key tool for inclusive growth. Public services such as social safety nets, healthcare, education, and businesses will be able to rely on this system to identify and authenticate their beneficiaries and clients.
Once adopted by the National Assembly, this law and the developing identification system are expected to contribute to the cleaning up of sectoral identification databases and ensure interoperability between these databases. This will resolve duplication issues and improve administrative efficiency.
Samira Njoya
While cash remains the primary payment method in Africa, the electronic payment market is experiencing rapid growth. This surge is fueled by the emergence of various cross-border payment solutions that offer quick and affordable transactions.
On Thursday, July 18, American payment firm MasterCard announced a collaboration with Premier Bank, a Somali commercial bank. The initiative aims to launch the "Premier Payment Gateway," a digital payment platform enabling Somali businesses to accept international card payments for online purchases.
Explaining the benefits of this collaboration, Shehryar Ali, Country Manager for East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands at MasterCard, stated that this partnership will provide Somali businesses with access to a secure online payment gateway, allowing them to accept payments, expand their customer base, and increase their revenues.
The collaboration aligns with Premier Bank's 2030 strategy to create a payment ecosystem beneficial for both cardholders and international merchants. For MasterCard, this highlights its commitment to fostering financial inclusion and supporting businesses globally, with the goal of integrating 50 million micro and small enterprises into the digital economy by 2025.
This initiative comes at a time when online payments are experiencing rapid growth in Africa, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the "Future of Commerce: Outlook for 2024" report by digital economy consultancy TechCabal Insights, the number of online shoppers in Africa is expected to grow at an average rate of 17.9% per year between 2023 and 2027, reaching 609.3 million shoppers in 2027, up from 387.5 million in 2022.
The Premier Payment Gateway platform, launched as part of this partnership, will provide Somali businesses with the necessary tools to capitalize on the growing demand for online shopping. With 7.99 million mobile cellular connections in Somalia at the start of 2023, representing approximately 44.7% of the total population, and increasing internet accessibility, this digital payment gateway is well-positioned to meet evolving consumer expectations for a safe and seamless online shopping experience.
Samira Njoya
In recent years, the Algerian government has prioritized accelerating the digitization process. To guide this transformation, the country is developing a comprehensive roadmap.
Algeria is set to implement a new digital transformation strategy, High Commissioner for Digitization Meriem Benmouloud said on Monday. The final draft was submitted to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for approval in June.
The strategy, a first for the North African nation since independence, aims to shift from paper-based to digital management, increase transparency, reduce bureaucracy, broaden access to information, and boost economic performance while maintaining service quality.
The five-year plan, ending in 2029, is built on two pillars: a forthcoming digitization law and information and cybersecurity. The law will establish a regulatory framework for the digital sphere, streamline bureaucracy, and address technological gaps. The government will partner with the Ministry of National Defense to strengthen information and cybersecurity.
Tebboune has championed the digital transformation project as a driver of sustainable local development. Launched in 2019, the initiative has made significant progress in the past two years to overcome resource constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and sector complexities.
Algeria's ICT development has accelerated, according to the latest International Telecommunication Union report. The country jumped 14 places in the ICT Development Index, ranking 88th out of 169 nations. Its score of 77.8 points surpassed African (47.4), Arab (74.5), and middle-income country (62) averages.
Samira Njoya
In the face of the digital revolution, African nations are ramping up initiatives to equip their populations, particularly young people, with essential digital skills. Mastering these competencies is becoming increasingly indispensable in today's world.
On Tuesday, July 23, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (photo, center) launched the "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" program. Supported by the United Arab Emirates, this initiative aims to provide digital training to 5 million young Ethiopians, including 50% women, by 2026.
The training program focuses on areas such as programming, Android app development, data science, and fundamental digital skills in artificial intelligence. It will last between 6 and 7 weeks and will culminate in certification for participants.
"Ethiopia has hope through a forward-thinking youth population. The 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative we launch today is a great opportunity and I call upon everyone to encourage the youth to register for the program, gain skills, and acquire international certification," wrote Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on X (Formerly Twitter).
This initiative is an adapted version of the "One Million Arab Coders" program conducted in Dubai and initiated at the 2017 World Economic Forum by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The Ethiopian version of the program is part of the "Digital Ethiopia 2025" plan, aimed at leveraging digital opportunities to propel the country towards a knowledge and innovation-based economy.
With over 128 million inhabitants, a significant portion of whom are young, Ethiopia faces a digital divide that prevents its population from reaping the benefits of digital growth. In the era of the technological revolution, the country must equip this young generation with the necessary skills for future jobs.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The adoption of technologies such as AI in health interventions signals progress towards modernizing Africa's health infrastructure. This not only helps in fighting diseases but also positions Africa as a growing hub for technological innovation.
President Yoweri Museveni met with Israeli businessmen Israel Green and Koby Shushan to discuss innovative projects for Uganda, the State House Uganda announced on July 18. The meeting focused on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) through Malera Technologies Limited to combat malaria.
President Museveni met Israeli business leaders Israel Green & Koby Shushan at Nakasero State Lodge. They discussed; Combating Malaria with AI technologies, enhancing tourism with the Ruwenzori Cable Car project & Launching a Ka-Band satellite for rural connectivity. pic.twitter.com/uRly05h2HU
— State House Uganda (@StateHouseUg) July 18, 2024
The initiative will employ the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly pest control method that involves large-scale rearing of the target pest followed by sterilization using radiation. SIT has proven successful in countries like Israel and the United States, and it has been approved by Uganda's Ministry of Health.
The discussions covered both the project's budget and timeline. President Museveni directed the immediate allocation of a portion of the current budget towards the project, with additional funding to come from Israel's support program. A follow-up meeting with the Ministry of Finance will delve deeper into financing options.
The World Malaria Report 2020 by the WHO shows that Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate malaria burden, with 95% of cases and 96% of deaths globally in 2020. In Uganda, malaria is the leading cause of illness and death, particularly affecting children under five, according to the Ministry of Health's National Malaria Control program.
This move aligns with the regional strategy for malaria elimination endorsed by the Government of Uganda (GoU). The project reflects a strategic approach to leveraging technology and innovation for sustainable development.
Hikmatu Bilali
Several global technology companies are increasingly viewing Nigeria as a strategic hub for their African expansion, particularly in the West African sub-region.
American tech giant Microsoft has decided to reduce its presence in Nigeria. According to a Techcabal article published on Friday, July 19, "Microsoft will reduce its office space at the Kings Tower building in Ikoyi from six floors to two, suggesting a scaleback in its Nigerian operations."
This decision follows a wave of layoffs in its engineering team in May and July 2024. Additionally, Microsoft has announced the closure of its African Development Center, which was inaugurated in March 2022 in Lagos. The center aimed to develop technological and engineering solutions for Africa and the world.
"While we have made the difficult decision to close the Africa Development Centre in Nigeria, we want to emphasize that this move does not diminish our commitment to Nigeria and the region," Microsoft explained.
The reduction of Microsoft's activities in Nigeria can be attributed to the economic instability in the country, marked by the depreciation of the local currency and the accelerating rise in prices. Many companies operating in the country are reorganizing their presence to cope with this economic climate.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, is following a similar path. After laying off about thirty employees from its Nigerian team, the Menlo Park firm indicated it is reassessing its office spaces to ensure they meet the company's needs.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Digital progress is critical for Africa's development, providing numerous benefits to the broader economic landscape. Efforts to increase internet penetration in Africa are vital for connecting rural communities, enhancing social outcomes, fostering economic growth, and improving governance.
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. held a virtual meeting with Elon Musk, entrepreneur and CEO of SpaceX, the operator of Starlink. The Executive Mansion announced the meeting in a release dated July 21.
During the meeting, President Boakai emphasized the value of such engagements for building long-term relationships and improving Liberia’s key sectors through technology. He highlighted the potential of tech collaborations to enhance service delivery and support Liberia’s youth.
Musk discussed the Starlink program’s impact on education and healthcare, noting how improved internet access could benefit rural communities. He expressed support for advancing these initiatives while President Boakai welcomed the discussion as a significant step in fostering international partnerships and invited Musk to visit Liberia.
According to Datareportal, as of 2024, Liberia has about 1.65 million internet users, representing 30.1 % of the total population, showing a notable increase from previous years. The country also has around 859,000 active social media users, indicating growing engagement and connectivity among its citizens.
This discussion represents a crucial step in enhancing international partnerships and harnessing technological innovation, aligning with the Government’s ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, & Tourism) Agenda.
Hikmatu Bilali
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For a continent experiencing a digital boom, hosting its own data becomes essential. Local data centers offer not just independence, but also enhanced security and control over sensitive information.
Consulting and management firm Essor Services announced plans to launch a data center in Burkina Faso, partnering with Costa Rican clean energy company Kaia Energy. The initiative was discussed on July 22nd with Aminata Zerbo/Sabane (photo,center), Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications.
"We presented this project to the Minister, who recognized it as a critical need for Burkina Faso's development. She expressed strong support for the initiative," said Fidèle Rinsinda Komboigo, CEO of Essor Services.
The data center, powered by a 12-megawatt waste-to-energy plant, will process, host, and transfer data internationally. Completion is targeted for November 2025.
This project aligns with the Burkinabe government's "digitalization dynamic," aiming to integrate digital technology across sectors for social and economic progress. For Komboigo, it is Essor Services’s modest contribution to the implementation of Burkina Faso's digital economy policy.
The data center will not only reduce reliance on foreign data infrastructure but also enhance national data security. Furthermore, by utilizing waste for energy generation, the project promotes sustainable practices, waste management, and local job creation.
Samira Njoya
Information and communication technologies (ICT) are now an essential part of modern education systems. An international organization headquartered in Tunisia is backing government initiatives to further integrate ICT into schools.
The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced on Friday the donation of 2,000 tablets and 20 computers to Tunisia. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in education by equipping students and teachers from low- and middle-income communities with internet-connected devices.
The breakdown of the donation allocates 1,500 tablets and 15 laptops to the Ministry of National Education, while the Ministry of Family, Women, Children, and the Elderly will receive 500 tablets and 5 laptops.
Mohamed El Jemni, ALECSO's Director of the ICT Department and project coordinator, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to fostering digital solidarity. He emphasized ALECSO's commitment to ensuring equal access to learning opportunities and supporting countries in navigating the current global challenges and significant digital transformations.
This donation aligns with the growing importance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. Stakeholders across the educational spectrum are increasingly embracing these tools to enhance the quality of learning. Tunisian authorities are also actively pursuing similar initiatives, including the implementation of a digital strategy within the Ministry of National Education.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
According to the UN, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of educational exclusion in the world, with approximately 98 million children out of school. To address this issue, governments and various international partners are implementing several initiatives.
Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Tecno announced a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday, July 18th, to support the "Nigeria Learning Passport" initiative. This digital learning platform aims to provide educational opportunities for children across Nigeria, particularly those residing in remote and underserved areas.
"Digital learning is a powerful tool in bridging educational gaps and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive. With TECNO's support, we are one step closer to our goal of making education accessible to all children in Nigeria, empowering them to build a brighter future," said Cristian Munduate, Unicef's representative in Nigeria.
Nigeria, like many African nations, grapples with a high rate of out-of-school children. Data from UNICEF published in 2022 reveals approximately 18.3 million children are not enrolled in school, placing Nigeria among countries with the world's highest number of out-of-school children. Insecurity is cited as a primary driver of this situation.
To address this educational crisis, the Federal Ministry of Education and UNICEF launched the "Nigeria Learning Passport" program in 2022, aligning with UNICEF's global education strategy established in 2018. The program aims to further close the educational gap and improve education quality by expanding to include offline content for 50,000 children in remote and low-income areas in 2024.
The partnership with Tecno is expected to accelerate this progress by strengthening content development, facilitating the purchase and maintenance of technical equipment, and providing professional training for educators. Notably, the program has already seen significant growth, expanding to 19 Nigerian states and registering approximately 888,000 users, ranking Nigeria second in participation globally.
Samira Njoya
Investing in digital infrastructure improves internet access across the continent, especially in underserved rural areas. This increased connectivity is crucial for integrating more people into the digital economy, reducing the digital divide, and promoting social inclusion.
The World Bank has pledged US$100 million to accelerate Zambia's digital infrastructure and expand internet access through the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), Minister Felix Mutati announced on July 19 on X. This initiative aims to bolster the country's digital capabilities and enhance access to digitally enabled services.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Administration Officer Wengcai Zhang announced the project during his visit to Lusaka, where he met with Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati. Zhang highlighted that the project will be funded through national and regional IDA funds, supplemented by US$20 million in unguaranteed commercial financing.
"The Digital Zambia Acceleration Project is designed to increase internet access and enhance digitally enabled services," said Zhang. "It aligns with government priorities and will focus on expanding broadband and last-mile infrastructure. Additionally, it will deploy digital public infrastructure to improve efficiencies in both the public and private sectors."
The DZAP will also target high-impact sectors to support digitalization and nurture employment-ready digital skills. The project is expected to be approved by the World Bank Board in March 2025. In the meantime, a Project Preparation Advance of US$6 million has been allocated to finance preliminary activities.
A Project Implementation Unit will be set up within the Smart Zambia Institute to manage and drive the government's digitization efforts. The World Bank also expressed support for Zambia hosting the World Skills Africa Competition in Livingstone in April 2025, with Zhang emphasizing the event's importance on a global scale.
This initiative aligns with Zambia's goals of creating a more inclusive and equitable society through technology, which is crucial for the country's sustainable development. According to the Zambia Inclusive Digital Economy Status Report 2022, the country's digital economy is still in its nascent stages, with a digital economy score of 45 percent and a significant digital divide. Currently, 47 percent of Zambians are not digitally included, with 56 percent of rural residents lacking digital inclusion. The report underscores the urgent need for digital transformation to improve economic participation and national development
Hikmatu Bilali