Cameroon will host e-Gov’A, the African e-Governance Summit, in Yaoundé from May 14-16, 2026. Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and e-Governance,” the event aims to accelerate the transition to more efficient digital public services across Africa. The summit will bring together policymakers, experts and technology leaders to develop practical digital solutions.
Agritech startups in Kenya and Uganda are invited to apply for the O-Farms accelerator, a program focused on circular agriculture models that reduce waste and generate new revenue streams for rural communities. Selected participants will receive specialized training, mentorship, technical support and networking opportunities. Upon completion of the program, two standout startups will each receive a grant of up to €50,000. Applications close on Sunday, February 15.
Delta40, a venture studio based in Nairobi and Lagos, has raised $20 million to invest in and help scale African startups. Its model combines early-stage capital with hands-on operational support across strategy, product development, finance and growth. Focused on energy, agriculture, financial services and AI-driven technologies, Delta40 aims to help local ventures achieve sustainable growth.
Launched in 2023, the company has developed a platform enabling small businesses to generate reports, process invoices and monitor inventory through chat-based interactions and automated analytics tools.
SupplyzPro is an AI-powered enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises manage operations more simply and efficiently. The Tunis-based startup was launched in 2023 by Seddik Houimli (photo).
The company presents the platform as a modern alternative to complex traditional ERP systems, offering a conversational and intuitive interface. One of its distinguishing features is integration with WhatsApp for day-to-day business management.
“SupplyzPro is a conversational ERP designed for retail SMEs across the MENA region, Africa and Europe. We make sales, inventory and procurement management as simple as a WhatsApp conversation, eliminating the complexity of traditional ERPs,” the startup said.
Using built-in AI agents, users can send text or voice messages to retrieve information or trigger actions such as checking stock levels, generating reports or processing invoices. This turns ERP use into a chat-style interaction.
The platform covers key business functions, including real-time inventory tracking; sales management, from quotations to invoicing; procurement, including supplier and order management; cash flow monitoring and accounting; as well as advanced analytics and customized dashboards. It also includes inventory forecasting, automated report generation, and OCR capabilities to extract text from user-submitted images.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
- Program offers certifications in AI, cloud, cybersecurity
- Aims to address skills gap and high unemployment
Rwanda and U.S. technology company Oracle launched a national digital skills initiative on Tuesday, signing a memorandum of understanding to formalize the partnership.
The program aims to provide Rwandans with advanced digital training aligned with international standards and leading to industry-recognized certifications through Oracle Academy and Oracle University, Oracle said.
Oracle Academy will work with schools and universities, equipping teachers with updated curricula, structured teaching resources and access to enterprise-grade technologies, software tools and development platforms to improve the quality of digital education.
Oracle University will deliver specialized training and certifications via an e-learning platform in strategic fields including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, generative AI, cybersecurity, programming and enterprise systems. The goal is to equip learners with skills in demand in the job market.
The initiative comes as Rwanda, like many African countries, positions digital transformation as a key driver of socio-economic development. The International Telecommunication Union says digital skills are central to building the digital economy and form a core component of national transformation strategies.
A study published in October 2025 by the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organisation, found a gap between the skills employers seek and those taught in universities. The mismatch hampers industry, and private sector actors have called for greater academic investment in digital skills programs. Teachers and university lecturers in particular need advanced digital competencies to better prepare students for current and future labor market demands.
According to the World Bank, 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The trend presents a significant opportunity in Rwanda, where unemployment remains high. The African Development Bank estimated the unemployment rate at 40.2% in 2023, citing skills mismatch as a key factor. In a 2022 study, the World Bank said about 14% of the labor force is unemployed and lacks market-relevant skills. Youth unemployment stands at nearly 21%, while around 60% of those employed work in low-productivity sectors such as subsistence agriculture, retail trade and construction.
Although the training will be delivered online and offered free of charge, effective access will depend on the availability of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers, as well as internet connectivity. DataReportal said Rwanda had 5.01 million internet subscribers at the end of December 2025, representing a penetration rate of 34.2%.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Benjamin Kalombo Mukena co-founded and leads Goodben, a tech start-up created in 2020 to support digital innovation in the DRC.
- Goodben develops solutions across education, e-commerce, student networking and renewable energy, while running youth training programs.
- Mukena also works as a back-end developer at Tinda and FENX, alongside his entrepreneurial activities.
Benjamin Kalombo Mukena works as a Congolese web developer specializing in back-end development. He co-founded and leads Goodben, an IT start-up that aims to “revolutionize the Congolese technology sector, help Congolese youth contribute to the development of the country and the African continent.”
Founded in 2020, Goodben designs and develops technology solutions for various sectors. The company aims to innovate and deliver products and services that support local economic growth. The firm supports project leaders from concept design through implementation and seeks to foster the emergence of new businesses.
The company runs several initiatives. Goodben Educ supports students facing learning difficulties. Amazing operates as an online store that sells clothing and other products. The company also launched Aurore, a web and mobile application that allows students in the Democratic Republic of Congo to connect based on shared interests.
Other notable projects include Smart Energy, an experimental technology that uses renewable energy to produce electricity. The company also developed Yekola, a training program that aims to strengthen entrepreneurial skills among young Congolese and increase their contribution to national and continental development.
In parallel, Mukena works as a back-end architect and developer at Tinda, an intelligent parcel and payment management platform designed for the African market. He also serves as a back-end developer at FENX, an IT engineering services company that supports organizations in their digital transformation processes.
Mukena graduated from the University of Kinshasa. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science in 2022 and completed a master’s degree in computer engineering in 2025. He worked as an intern at FBNBank RDC SA in 2022.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM
- Blaise Buma co-founded and leads Kappa Pay, a fintech platform launched in 2021 to facilitate cross-border payments.
- The platform operates from Cameroon and Nigeria and enables transfers to countries including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, China and the United Arab Emirates.
- Kappa Pay positions itself with lower transaction costs and more competitive exchange rates than traditional banking channels.
Blaise Buma, a Cameroonian entrepreneur and financier, co-founded and leads Kappa Pay. The platform enables companies and individuals to send and receive money securely within Cameroon and to multiple countries worldwide.
Founded in 2021, Kappa Pay targets businesses seeking to expand internationally and individuals requiring overseas transfers. The platform allows companies to pay foreign suppliers and receive payments from clients based abroad.
Kappa Pay differentiates itself through lower costs, sometimes offering zero transaction fees, and through exchange rates that compete with traditional banking channels. The company launched operations in Cameroon and Nigeria, which currently serve as the only sending markets. From these countries, users can transfer funds to destinations including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, China and the United Arab Emirates.
Users can access Kappa Pay by linking a bank account or by depositing cash to fund a digital wallet. The platform provides flexibility and allows customers to choose transaction methods that align with their financial habits.
In parallel, Buma co-founded Open Dreams Educational NGO, an organization established in 2014 in Bamenda, Cameroon. The NGO provides educational opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Buma graduated from Washington and Lee University with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He studied economics and finance at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He later earned a Master of Arts through the Schwarzman Scholars program and completed an MBA at Harvard Business School.
Buma began his professional career in 2015 as an investment analyst at Goldman Sachs in the United States. He worked from 2017 to 2019 as an investment professional at CrossBoundary, an investment firm focused on emerging markets.
Melchior Koba
BlueInvest Africa, a leading event focused on the blue economy, is inviting African startups and small businesses working on ocean sustainability to apply to pitch in Cape Town this November. Selected companies will present to investors, take part in B2B meetings and join a network focused on sustainable coastal development. Applications close on Friday, February 13.
OpenAI is testing ads for ChatGPT users in the U.S. on the Free and Go plans. The company says ads will be clearly labeled and kept separate from the chat interface, and will not influence responses or user privacy. The move is intended to help cover costs and keep the service free.
The She Wins Africa program, backed by the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, has completed its first phase in Lagos, supporting 100 women-led startups across 23 countries and helping them raise $4 million. The initiative is now scaling up, aiming to support 1,000 more entrepreneurs across the continent with training, mentorship and access to capital.
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- Algeria launched a national data governance framework to support state modernization and digital transformation.
- The system will establish a legal, institutional, and technical framework for managing public data.
- The initiative aligns with “Digital Algeria 2030” and builds on recent investments in five regional data centers.
Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb officially launched the national data governance framework on Monday, February 9. Authorities presented the initiative as a foundation for state modernization and faster digital transformation.
According to the Prime Minister, the framework establishes a sovereign model based on data control, organization, and protection. Authorities classify data as a strategic asset and aim to shift from traditional administrative governance to digital governance based on the use of reliable data to improve public decision-making.
The system provides a legal, institutional, and technical framework to organize the collection, storage, sharing, and use of public data. The framework will strengthen information system security, ensure interoperability between public administrations, and establish a unified national database of data sources. As a result, institutions will exchange information through secure and standardized channels, reduce data silos, improve the reliability of public statistics, and support the development of digital services based on centralized and regularly updated data.
The initiative aligns with the “Digital Algeria 2030” strategy, which targets administrative modernization and the development of the digital economy. Algeria has already launched several public service digitization projects and strengthened digital infrastructure, including the commissioning of five regional data centers dedicated to hosting and securing public information.
The government formally anchored the national data governance framework in Presidential Decree No. 25-350 of December 30, 2025. Authorities now expect the framework to serve as the backbone for structured public data use. Policymakers anticipate stronger coordination between administrations, more reliable public decision-making, and a clearer regulatory environment for economic operators, as data increasingly drives digital transformation and national economic attractiveness.
Samira Njoya
- South African startup Uptooyoo operates a digital marketplace linking service providers with clients.
- The platform has recorded more than 10,000 downloads on Android, according to Play Store data.
- Uptooyoo targets both physical services and digital freelancing, with secure payments for online work.
Uptooyoo operates as a digital platform developed by a South African startup. The company designed the solution as an all-in-one digital marketplace that allows anyone offering physical or digital services to gain visibility, manage assignments, and connect with clients within a few clicks.
The platform offers a mobile application available on iOS and Android, where it has already surpassed 10,000 downloads, according to Play Store data. Service providers can create a professional profile within minutes, describe their skills, pricing, and experience, and manage bookings and customer reviews in one place. Meanwhile, clients can search for providers by category or location and communicate directly before confirming a service.
For digital services, Uptooyoo integrates a secure payment system that holds client funds until the customer validates the completed work. This mechanism provides financial protection for both parties. By contrast, for physical services, the platform focuses on matchmaking and coordination, while payment usually takes place off-platform after service delivery.
Uptooyoo targets a broad range of profiles, from traditional trades such as plumbers, gardeners, and hairdressers to digital freelancers offering design, web writing, web development, or marketing services. The platform’s added value lies in its ability to centralize and formalize activities that previously relied largely on informal channels such as social media, word of mouth, and community groups.
“We created Uptooyoo to connect talent with opportunities. South Africans should not have to rely solely on social media, community groups, or word of mouth to find work. With Uptooyoo, you can formalize your activity, expand your client base, and easily create your own professional website, all from the app,” said Courtney Wilson, head of business development.
By positioning itself within Africa’s expanding gig economy, Uptooyoo addresses growing demand for formalization and access to economic opportunities for independent workers. At the same time, the platform offers consumers a reliable, structured, and local way to find qualified service providers.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Zambian tech entrepreneur Chanda Phiri co-founded CareHive, a digital platform that links households with vetted domestic workers and caregivers.
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Founded in 2025, CareHive targets easier and safer access to home maintenance and daily care services.
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The platform applies a simplified digital matching process to professionalise domestic services.
Chanda Phiri (photo) works as a Zambian technology entrepreneur and a business growth and marketing strategist. He co-founded and leads CareHive Maid and Homecare Limited, a home services platform that connects families with qualified domestic workers.
Founded in 2025, CareHive seeks to simplify access to reliable professionals for home maintenance and daily living assistance. The company offers a vetted domestic staffing service that allows users to choose between two main categories based on household needs: maids and caregivers.
The platform relies on a simple and intuitive online form. Users specify the type of assistance they need, including housekeeping or in-home care, before accessing a curated selection of matching profiles.
This streamlined process aims to make home assistance more accessible while ensuring worker reliability and user security.
Alongside his role at CareHive, Chanda Phiri serves as a technology and team development advisor at Mighty Fin Solutions, a company specialising in tailored digital financial services.
Between 2024 and 2025, he worked as product and growth associate at Zonka Farms, a digital platform that connects farmers with buyers and restaurants.
Phiri holds a certificate in digital transformation from the India School of Business. He has also completed several certified courses on Coursera in business strategy, technological innovation, leadership, marketing and social collaboration.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM
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Djibouti launched its Mobile ID platform to enable secure digital identification and access to public and private services.
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The government positioned Mobile ID as a core pillar of administrative modernisation and digital economy development.
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Authorities pledged to store biometric data exclusively at the Interior Ministry to address privacy and data sovereignty concerns.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh officially launched the Mobile ID platform on Monday, February 9. The launch took place alongside the closing session of the National Digital Identity Forum held at the People’s Palace under presidential patronage.
The government designed Mobile ID to simplify and secure citizen access to public and private services. The platform enables electronic authentication through smartphones or a unique digital identifier. Authorities aim to reduce administrative procedures, strengthen transparency in state interactions and anchor Djibouti in a modern digital economy.
Priority use cases include access to civil registry services, tax procedures, bank account opening and electronic signature of official documents.
Beyond administrative simplification, the government plans to use Mobile ID as a data interoperability tool. Authorities expect the platform to integrate documents such as driving licences and selected health information around a single citizen identifier.
The Interior Minister illustrated this objective by citing emergency medical care. He said a doctor could quickly access essential patient health data through a biometric identifier during urgent treatment.
The project forms part of a broader public administration modernisation strategy. Authorities aligned the initiative with programmes such as “Djibouti, Foundation of Digital,” a five-year plan that aims to expand broadband infrastructure, promote digital skills and strengthen mobile and internet coverage nationwide.
The launch comes as connectivity gradually improves. DataReportal data showed Djibouti recorded 616,000 active mobile cellular connections at the end of 2025, representing 51.9% of the population. The data also showed 772,000 internet users, corresponding to a penetration rate of 65%.
However, project success depends largely on data security. The government addressed privacy concerns by stating that the Interior Ministry will store citizens’ biometric data exclusively.
Authorities said other institutions will access information only through a secure system that exchanges encrypted requests and responses between servers. The government said the architecture will preserve data sovereignty and confidentiality.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM