Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has become increasingly popular in Africa. Capitalizing on this trend, a Senegalese startup is using its mobile application to broaden access to education.
Yello, an edtech solution developed by a young Senegalese startup, provides students in grades 10, 11, and 12 with access to practical course summaries in both text and audio formats. The Dakar-based startup was founded by Stéphane Mancabo, Mohamed Aly Sidibe, and Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
"At Yello, our vision is to reinvent education in Africa by making it accessible, interactive, and personalized through digital solutions tailored to each student," the startup stated. "We aim to break down barriers to learning by providing a supportive and engaging environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and success for high school students across the continent."
The mobile application is available on both iOS and Android platforms, with over 10,000 downloads on the Play Store alone. However, the startup reports a community exceeding 80,000 students, with over 2 million hours of audio content listened to and a baccalaureate success rate of over 89% among its users.
To access Yello's content, users need to download the application from either the Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). After creating an account, they gain access to the app's free content. For more in-depth features and additional resources, a paid subscription option is available.
The edtech platform includes more than a thousand course summaries, quizzes and exercises for tracking progress, audio lessons, revision sheets, and tips and methods designed to reinforce knowledge and promote academic excellence. Recognizing connectivity and cost limitations, particularly in rural areas, Yello also offers an offline mode, allowing users to learn at their own pace without requiring constant internet access.
Incubated within Teranga Tech and supported by the Orange Corners Dakar program, the startup is also leveraging an integrated referral system to enhance community engagement and expand its user base. By strategically using audio as a tool for inclusivity, Yello aligns with the growing number of African edtech companies that are reimagining learning to address local needs and realities.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- Senegal’s APROSI and Orange Business sign partnership to digitize industrial hubs
- Agreement signed April 28, 2025, to equip sites with fiber optics, private networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity
- Plan includes smart energy management, connected lighting, enhanced security, and improved mobility within industrial zones
On Monday, April 28, 2025, Senegal’s Agency for the Development and Promotion of Industrial Sites (APROSI) and Orange Business Senegal, the business-to-business arm of the SONATEL Group, entered into a strategic partnership to equip the nation's industrial hubs with next-generation digital services.
The alliance seeks to transform industrial sites into smart, connected, sustainable, and competitive platforms capable of meeting the demands of Industry 4.0. Orange Business will contribute its expertise in critical areas such as fiber optics, private networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity. The agreement extends further to include the deployment of intelligent energy management solutions, connected public lighting, security, and mobility within industrial sites.
The partnership also entails support for companies in their digital transition. Concrete applications involving the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive maintenance will be proposed to modernize production tools. A strategic committee and a monitoring and evaluation mechanism will be established to ensure the effective implementation of projects.
This initiative aligns with Senegal's 2050 Economic Transformation Agenda, which positions digital technology as central to the country's growth and competitiveness. It also responds to a regional landscape characterized by increasing competition among West African nations to attract industrial investment. In this strategic contest, the development of connected and high-performing industrial zones could provide Senegal with a significant advantage.
The industrial sector currently accounts for approximately 25% of Senegal's GDP. By equipping it with advanced technologies, the country aims to enhance its productivity, streamline logistics, optimize energy consumption, and strengthen the traceability of value chains. Digital technology thus becomes a strategic tool for building a more resilient, competitive, and future-oriented industry.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Algeria targets tablet distribution to half of primary schools by September 2025
- About 10,000 out of 20,000 primary schools to be equipped; currently, 3,270 schools have tablets
- Tablets are intended for learning, research, communication, and school management, enhancing academic performance
Algeria aims to equip half of its primary schools with electronic tablets before the start of the academic year in September 2025, according to Amara Ghalem, Director of Information Systems at the Ministry of National Education. Ghalem announced the project on Saturday, April 26, on the sidelines of a national conference evaluating the digital transition in the education sector.
The initiative targets approximately 10,000 of Algeria's roughly 20,000 primary schools. To date, 3,270 schools nationwide have already received electronic tablets, Ghalem said.
The distribution of digital tablets in schools is part of a broader digitization effort within the education sector, aligning with the government's ambition to develop an "information society" through infrastructure, telecommunications, and the widespread adoption of ICT across all economic sectors. The government aims to transform Algerian schools into models of modernization and innovation through digital tools. Digital platforms have already been deployed for teachers, parents, learning assessment, and appointment booking for diploma authentication.
The tablets are also envisioned for use in school administration. They will enable primary school students and teachers to access online educational resources, conduct research, learn, and communicate, potentially improving the quality of education and academic performance nationwide.
However, challenges remain in meeting the ambitious timeline for tablet distribution. For the current 2024-2025 school year, the government had planned to equip 1,700 primary schools, aiming to reach a total of 5,000 equipped schools. The current coverage stands at 3,270 schools. Additionally, some schools have yet to be included in the program, and the provision of a single tablet per institution may not adequately meet educational needs. The initiative's success also hinges on the availability of reliable internet connectivity in schools and the digital literacy of teachers and students to effectively utilize these tools.
Furthermore, the national conference on the evaluation of the digital transition in education highlighted several challenges. Participants emphasized the need to increase "awareness of cybersecurity risks to ensure a safe digital environment within educational institutions and to develop a new version of the sector's information system in line with the requirements of the country's digital transformation and the aspirations of the educational community," Algérie Presse Service (APS) reported.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
At the crossroads with e-commerce, marketing, and gamification, the Tunisian solution is breaking new ground. It is transforming how brands handle unsold goods and connect with consumers.
Tunisian startup Millim is pioneering a novel approach to selling surplus inventory: turning it into prizes in online contests. The company's web platform enables partner brands to gain renewed visibility for unsold goods while enhancing their image with consumers. Millim was founded in 2024 by Ayed Mami (photo) and Rahma Ben Abid.
"We empower brands to transform their unsold inventory into interactive experiences through contests, offering consumers a fresh way to discover, engage, and win," said Rahma Ben Abid.
The solution operates via a web platform, without a dedicated mobile app. Users register online and participate in various games and contests offered by Millim. Each prize originates directly from unsold stock, providing a second opportunity for new items often overlooked by conventional distribution methods. Notably, users can also accumulate loyalty points, redeemable for goods and services within a network of partner businesses.
Supported by the Flat6Labs Tunis program of Orange Fab, Millim is recognized among emerging Tunisian startups for its innovative capacity. By merging clearance sales with digital engagement, the startup aligns with a growing trend that seeks to reimagine the relationship between brands and consumers in a more sustainable and interactive way.
Looking ahead, the young Tunisian company aims to broaden its network of brand partners and expand its model to international markets. At a time when brands are seeking improved strategies for managing surplus while capturing the attention of an increasingly fickle audience, Millim's solution holds potential appeal far beyond Tunisia.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- Senegal launches six major projects to digitize healthcare system
- Projects include electronic health records, telemedicine development, Hospital Information System (HIS), Health Geographic Information System (HGIS), pharmaceutical management digitization, and digital health governance
Senegal has initiated six major projects to accelerate the digitization of its healthcare system, the director of the Unit for the Health and Social Map, Digital Health, and the Health Observatory (CSSDOS), Ibrahima Khaliloulah Dia, announced on Monday, April 28. The initiative aims to transform the country's health governance through the adoption of cutting-edge technological solutions.
These projects encompass the implementation of electronic health records, the development of telemedicine services, the establishment of a Hospital Information System (HIS), a Health Geographic Information System (HGIS), and the digitization of both pharmaceutical management and community health activities. A sixth component, focusing on digital governance, provides the overarching framework for the entire initiative.
"To date, two hospitals, one health center, and one health post are utilizing the digital patient record system, with over 127,000 patients registered, more than 355,000 financial transactions processed, and over 66,000 medical procedures recorded," Ibrahima Khaliloulah Dia said.
These advancements are part of the Senegal Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAENS), aligning with the national digital strategy known as the Technological New Deal. Healthcare holds a central position within this strategy, alongside education and public administration. The dual objective is to enhance equitable access to healthcare and to establish Senegal as a regional leader in digital health.
By 2034, the government's key targets include achieving fully digitized health coverage, increasing the use of telemedicine to reduce expensive medical evacuations, and enabling data-driven decision-making based on reliable, real-time information. According to goals set by the CSSDOS, by the end of the current year, 20% of health centers must adopt electronic medical records, 30% of health facilities must have internet connectivity, and 1.5 million Senegalese citizens, with 50% being women, must possess a secure digital health space. Furthermore, 2,000 regulated telemedicine consultations are to be conducted.
Samira Njoya
Aruwa Capital Management, a Lagos-based female-founded and led early-stage growth equity and gender lens fund manager, announced on April 28 that it has secured 90% of its $40 million Fund II target, moving closer to its mission of driving gender-lens investing across Africa.
Key investors include returning anchors Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund and Visa Foundation, along with global institutions like British International Investment (BII) and EDFI Management Company. Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI) also joined as a lead local partner.
Fund II builds on the success of Fund I. Aruwa plans to increase Fund II to $50 million this year in response to strong investor demand.
OmniRetail, a unified consumer goods distribution platform, closed its Series A funding round, it announced on April 28.
The funding round strengthens OmniRetail’s commitment to its asset-light, technology-first model - a strategy that has proven resilient even amid economic headwinds across the continent.
The company plans to channel the new capital into inventory financing through debt, strategic acquisitions, and profitable growth initiatives. This Series A success signals investor confidence in OmniRetail’s ability to not just navigate but redefine Africa’s fast-moving consumer goods industry through digital infrastructure and scalable logistics solutions.
The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and building a digital-ready workforce equipped for the demands of the modern global economy.
The Federal Government is partnering with the World Bank to drive a shared agenda focused on creating high-quality jobs for young Nigerians. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, confirmed this during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information on April 25.
Speaking to journalists in Washington, D.C., Mr. Edun highlighted that Finance Ministers from World Bank member countries had collectively agreed to prioritize employment generation as a key pillar of development. "Creating good-quality jobs is central to addressing poverty and inequality," the Minister said.
A major element of this strategy includes the expansion of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, ensuring broader access to internet services, data, and fibre-optic networks, to empower young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s poverty rate climbed to 38.9% in 2023, with approximately 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line. The bank pointed to sluggish economic growth as one of the key drivers of this worsening poverty situation. However, it also noted that targeted economic reforms could help reverse the trend. The Federal Government’s new partnership with the World Bank - particularly its focus on creating youth jobs using digital tools - directly addresses the urgent need for inclusive economic recovery.
By investing in digital infrastructure and skills development, Nigeria can equip its large youth population with tools to access new economic opportunities, especially in the growing global digital economy. This approach not only has the potential to reduce youth unemployment but also to lift millions out of poverty by stimulating entrepreneurship, remote work, and tech-driven sectors.
Hikmatu Bilali
- Congo’s ARPCE and ANSSI sign cybersecurity cooperation pact
- Protocol includes secure threat data sharing, joint response coordination, and creation of a permanent consultative committee
- Focus on building incident response capacity and developing shared technical protocols
The Congolese Regulatory Agency for Posts and Electronic Communications (ARPCE) and the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, April 25, signaling their intent to collaborate on strengthening the security of national networks and cyberspace.
The agreement aims to improve the handling of cybersecurity incidents and foster information sharing between the two organizations. Specifically, it encompasses the secure exchange of information regarding incidents and emerging threats, the coordination of responses to incidents impacting telecom operators, the establishment of a joint committee for continuous consultation, and the enhancement of technical capabilities alongside the development of joint response protocols.
“This partnership aligns with a larger vision: that of a digital, resilient, and sovereign Congo. It underscores our mutual dedication to building a trustworthy digital space, a prerequisite for the growth of our digital economy,” said Louis-Marc Sakala (photo, right), the Director General of the ARPCE. Underscoring this commitment, the government has allocated $1.3 million to ANSSI’s operations for 2025. In October 2024, the government also conducted a cybersecurity training seminar for judicial and law enforcement agencies.
Currently, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index classifies Congo as a Tier 4 country in terms of cybersecurity. Tier 4 includes “countries with an overall score of at least 20 out of 100, indicating a basic level of commitment to cybersecurity.” The nation demonstrates strengths in its legislative framework and cooperation efforts. However, it needs to bolster its technical measures, organization, and capacity development, with respective scores of 0.3 out of 20, 3.9 out of 20, and 0.72 out of 20.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Nigeria is set to host the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) 2025, a platform where different groups come together to discuss important issues about how the internet is managed.
The event will convene policymakers, stakeholders, youth leaders, and digital enthusiasts from May 19–23 at The Auditorium, Digital Economy Complex (NCC Annex), Mbora, Abuja.
This year’s forum will feature the West Africa Youth IGF, a multi-stakeholder forum, and a parliamentary track, driving discussions on building a resilient, inclusive, and secure digital future for the region.
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Applications are now open for the Futuremakers Women in Tech Uganda program, a six-month accelerator supporting women-led, tech-enabled startups.
Powered by the Standard Chartered Foundation and delivered by Future Lab at The Innovation Village, the program offers funding, mentorship, and ecosystem exposure to help startups scale and grow. Participants will gain business development support, access to industry networks, and investment readiness training.
The accelerator targets visionary women entrepreneurs building innovative solutions that contribute toward at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Their startups must be based in Uganda and employ fewer than 10 people with an annual turnover of less than USD 100,000.
Applications are open till May 30, 2025
- Côte d’Ivoire ratifies bill modernizing digital security framework
- National Assembly unanimously adopted the bill on April 24, 2025
- New framework aims to strengthen cybersecurity and align with international standards
Côte d’Ivoire's National Assembly unanimously approved on Thursday, April 24, a bill ratifying Ordinance No. 2024-950 dated October 30, 2024, concerning the security of its digital space. Presented by Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization Kalil Konaté, the legislation modernizes the legal framework for electronic transactions and bolsters cybersecurity measures within the country.
A key amendment involves the repeal of Article 50 of Law No. 2013-546, which had previously assigned the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI) responsibility for network security, the auditing and certification of information systems, and the issuance of electronic certificates. These responsibilities are now transferred to the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI), a specialized cybersecurity body.
Concurrently, Articles 3 and 17 of Ordinance No. 2017-500, pertaining to electronic exchanges between citizens and administrations, are amended to replace references to ARTCI with "the competent body," which now designates ANSSI.
ANSSI's mandate now includes safeguarding the State's networks and information systems, as well as critical infrastructure. It will also coordinate responses to cybersecurity incidents, conduct security audits, certify information systems, and issue electronic certificates to entities operating in Côte d’Ivoire. Furthermore, ANSSI is tasked with promoting cybersecurity best practices among government agencies and economic operators.
This transfer of responsibilities is intended to enhance the protection of Côte d’Ivoire's digital realm by entrusting it to a dedicated and technically proficient agency. It also aims to improve the interconnectedness of public information systems within a framework that ensures transparency, technological neutrality, and security. The ratification of this ordinance sets the stage for the implementation of strengthened digital public policies within a more cohesive legal environment aligned with international cybersecurity standards.
Samira Njoya
Since its inception in 2004, VITIB has aimed to position Ivory Coast as a key player in technological innovation. Now, it's intensifying efforts to attract strategic investments and evolve into a leading technology hub in West Africa.
The Information Technology and Biotechnology Village (VITIB), situated in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, is intensifying its drive to secure $311 million (180 billion CFA francs) to fund its development blueprint through 2028. The initiative aims to transform its special economic zone into a comprehensive technology hub, spurring innovation and economic expansion across West Africa.
To this end, a VITIB delegation recently travelled to India for discussions with investors and prospective collaborators. Conversations focused on investment prospects within the park, infrastructure development, modalities for industrial and financial alliances, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technological solutions. Among the entities engaged were AXL, OKAYA Group, and representatives from the Export-Import Bank of India.
"India occupies a significant chapter in VITIB's history. Shortly after its inception, Côte d’Ivoire’s first technology park benefited from crucial financial backing through a loan from Exim Bank of India, which facilitated the construction of essential infrastructure. As a tribute to this partnership, a section of the technology park was named after Mahatma Gandhi," VITIB stated.
Spanning more than 600 hectares, VITIB is organized into three distinct zones: manufacturing, administrative, and residential. It is home to pioneering enterprises in the fields of information technology and biotechnology. It provides a favorable tax climate, featuring a five-year tax holiday followed by a lowered rate, alongside contemporary infrastructure such as data centers, fiber-optic connectivity, and a single-window service streamlining business establishment.
Its strategic roadmap aims to generate 40,000 skilled employment opportunities and attract $1.6 billion (1,000 billion CFA francs) in foreign direct investment. VITIB thereby aspires to establish Côte d’Ivoire as West Africa’s technological vanguard by cultivating an environment that fosters innovation and competitiveness.
This promotional tour in India forms part of a wider campaign to raise the profile of the technology park, draw new participants from the technology and biotechnology sectors, and investigate novel financing avenues. Leveraging its established relationship with India, VITIB seeks to inject fresh impetus into its project and solidify Grand-Bassam's position as a pivotal innovation hub in Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Dans un contexte où la méconnaissance du droit freine souvent l’accès à la justice, cette solution numérique se veut un pont entre les citoyens et le système judiciaire, offrant des contenus fiables, accessibles et actualisés. Elle se positionne comme un outil d’inclusion juridique.
Beninese authorities unveiled a mobile application, dubbed "Justice.bj," designed to ease access to justice services this week. The initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and bolster the availability of legal information for citizens.
The application is now available for download on both iOS and Android platforms. According to the Google Play Store, it has already garnered over a thousand downloads. "Justice.bj" offers a range of features, including a comprehensive legal database encompassing laws, decrees, codes, and procedures currently in effect in Benin. Users can also access a directory of the nation's courts and find practical guidance on various administrative and judicial procedures. Notably, the app incorporates a scanning tool that allows users to verify the authenticity of official documents through QR codes.
"Justice.bj" is intended for a broad audience, including the general public, legal professionals, law students, and those working within the justice sector. Its interface allows users to consult legal codes, understand their rights, and identify the appropriate court for a legal matter without immediate external assistance. The application also prioritizes legal education for the public by providing explanatory articles that aim to demystify legal terminology.
However, the effectiveness of the application hinges on the regular updating of its legal texts and guides. Failure to do so could lead to the dissemination of outdated or inaccurate information. Furthermore, while efforts have been made to simplify legal language, the inherent technical nature of law means that some content may still prove challenging for individuals without legal training, potentially limiting their independent understanding of their rights.
Moreover, while "Justice.bj" seeks to democratize access to the law, its utility is contingent upon owning a smartphone and having internet connectivity. This could exclude a segment of the Beninese population, particularly those in rural areas or older individuals. DataReportal figures indicate that at the beginning of 2025, Benin had 4.71 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 32.2%.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa