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Morocco plans to launch its “Maroc IA 2030” strategy to modernize public services, enhance digital interoperability, and strengthen economic competitiveness.
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The government will establish Al‑Jazari Institutes, a national network of AI centers of excellence linking research, innovation, and regional economic actors.
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The initiative complements Digital Morocco 2030, targeting 240,000 digital jobs and $10 billion contribution to GDP by 2030, while improving Morocco’s AI readiness ranking in MENA and globally.
Morocco prepares to unveil “Maroc IA 2030,” a strategic framework to structure the country’s AI ecosystem. The initiative aims to exploit artificial intelligence to modernize public services, improve digital system interoperability, and enhance national competitiveness, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni said ahead of the “AI Made in Morocco” event in Rabat on January 12.
The roadmap focuses on five priorities: ensure technological independence, build trust in AI usage, develop national skills, support local innovation, and provide balanced coverage across the territory. Central to the plan is the creation of Al‑Jazari Institutes, a network of AI centers of excellence tasked with connecting academic research, technological innovation, and regional economic needs.
The plan builds on the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, launched in September 2024, which places AI at the core of the country’s digital transformation. Authorities expect the strategy to generate 240,000 digital jobs by 2030 and contribute roughly $10 billion to GDP. Morocco improved 14 points in the AI government readiness index in 2025, ranking 87th globally and 8th in the Middle East and North Africa.
Concrete measures include the creation of a General Directorate for AI and Emerging Technologies to oversee public policy and the establishment of an Arab-African regional digital hub in partnership with the UNDP, aimed at fostering sustainable digital innovation.
Other African countries, including Egypt, Rwanda, and Kenya, have launched national AI strategies or strengthened institutional frameworks to accelerate AI adoption in the economy and public services. These efforts include centers of excellence, training programs, and regulatory frameworks to support responsible innovation.
If fully implemented, Maroc IA 2030 could enhance Morocco’s economic competitiveness, create skilled jobs, improve public service efficiency through intelligent systems, and strengthen the country’s position in the continental and global tech landscape.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Izichange connects mobile money accounts with cryptocurrencies and digital assets without banks.
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The platform operates in more than 12 African countries and reports over 600,000 users.
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Founder Edouard Kougblenou targets individuals, crypto investors, traders, and cross-border merchants.
Edouard Kougblenou is a Beninese entrepreneur specializing in digital finance. He serves as chief executive officer of Izichange. He co-founded the company with Marius Okouin, who manages operations.
Izichange launched in 2018 as a digital platform designed to act as a bridge between mobile money accounts and multiple forms of digital currency. The platform connects users to cryptocurrencies and selected online balances. Izichange aims to allow users to buy and sell digital assets without using traditional banking networks.
The platform allows users to buy digital currencies and cryptocurrencies using mobile money accounts. Users can then sell these assets and receive funds in local currency through mobile money. Izichange also centralizes multiple payment methods within a single interface. The platform integrates mobile money services and bank cards such as Visa.
Izichange positions itself as a pan-African platform. The company operates in more than twelve countries. The platform reports more than 600,000 users. Izichange primarily targets individuals, cryptocurrency investors, traders, and e-commerce merchants who receive payments from abroad. The company also offers a dedicated mobile application. The application facilitates the buying and selling of more than 17 cryptocurrencies.
The startup has received multiple industry distinctions for its performance. In 2021, industry bodies named Izichange best digital company at the DSI Awards. In 2022, PayDunya awarded Kougblenou the “Best Leader” prize. In the same year, InTouch ranked Izichange among its “Top 20 Performer.” Also in 2022, the Next Fintech Forum in Abidjan named Izichange best company in the Blockchain and Crypto category.
Alongside his entrepreneurial activities, Edouard Kougblenou serves on the board of Youth Sport Education. The Beninese association uses sport and education as development tools for youth in Benin and across Africa. Kougblenou graduated from the University of Abomey-Calavi in 2017. He earned a master’s degree in logistics, materials management, and supply chain management.
Before launching his entrepreneurial career, he worked from 2011 to 2019 as an operations assistant at A.P. Moller–Maersk in Benin. The company operates as a global transport and logistics group.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Nigerian entrepreneur Eseoghene Benjamin Onomor co-founded and leads fintech platform Roqqu.
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Roqqu centralizes payments, savings, transfers, and digital currencies in one application.
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The platform targets individuals and businesses seeking simple domestic and international money management.
Eseoghene Benjamin Onomor is a Nigerian entrepreneur based in Lagos. He co-founded and leads Roqqu as chief executive officer. Roqqu operates as an online platform designed to help individuals and businesses manage money more efficiently.
Roqqu launched in 2022 with the objective of expanding access to financial freedom. The platform simplifies everyday financial operations. Roqqu enables fast transactions through mobile phones and computers. The platform integrates digital currencies as tools for daily payments and savings. Roqqu combines fund management, money transfers, and digital currency purchases within one system.
Roqqu primarily operates through a mobile application available on major app stores. The application centralizes users’ money and digital assets in a single interface. The design targets non-specialist users through a clear and intuitive layout. Users buy or sell digital currencies by entering an amount and a local currency. The platform removes the need for advanced knowledge of market mechanisms.
The platform also allows users to send and receive money, including across borders. This functionality supports family remittances and payments to partners located in other countries.
Alongside Roqqu, Eseoghene Benjamin Onomor serves as chief executive officer of EN1 Technologies. The company operates in Africa’s automotive technology sector. He graduated from the University of Port Harcourt in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering. He earned a finance diploma from London Business School in 2024.
Before focusing fully on entrepreneurship, he worked at Nigerian technology company IONS TECH from 2014 to 2022. He held roles as chief operating officer and lead user-interface developer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Tunisian startup Tuniform launched in 2023 to help content creators generate online revenue.
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Founder Yacine Aridhi positioned the platform as a regional alternative to global creator networks.
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Tuniform allows creators to keep all earnings while targeting local currencies, regulations, and payment realities.
Tuniform operates as a digital solution developed by a Tunisian startup. The platform connects content creators with their communities while offering monetization tools tailored to local talent. The startup operates from the city of Tabarka. Yacine Aridhi founded the company in 2023.
“The platform addresses the lack of accessible and user-friendly solutions for creators in the region by offering a smooth and culturally relevant experience,” the startup said. It added, “With the ambition to become the leading monetization platform for creators in Tunisia, the MENA region and Africa, Tuniform is building the digital infrastructure of the next generation of the creator economy in emerging markets.”
Tuniform positions itself as a regional alternative to major global networks. The platform emphasizes creativity, engagement, and creator autonomy. Users register easily through a secure interface using a Google account or an email address. Creators then build personalized spaces to share content with subscribers.
Direct support between fans and creators forms the core of Tuniform’s model. Users subscribe to their preferred creators to unlock exclusive content. Creators offer posts, guides, e-books, and other digital formats. This structure strengthens direct and meaningful relationships between creators and audiences.
“Existing social networks focus on content distribution and visibility but make monetization inaccessible or indirect,” Aridhi said. “Global monetization platforms exist, but they are not designed for local currencies, local markets, local regulations or local payment realities.”
On Tuniform, creators retain all their earnings without hidden fees or significant intermediary commissions. The platform reflects the culture and aspirations of Generation Z in Tunisia and the MENA region. Tuniform combines content discovery, community engagement, and creator revenue. The platform builds a social ecosystem adapted to current digital challenges.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Nigerian fintech startup Clea launched in 2024 to simplify cross-border payments for African businesses.
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Founder Sheriff Adedokun positioned Clea as a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional banking channels.
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Clea targeted importers, exporters, and logistics providers amid growing African trade integration.
African companies continue to face structural barriers when paying foreign suppliers. Clea positioned itself as a simplified cross-border payment solution designed for importers operating across international markets.
Clea operates as a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup. The platform allows businesses to pay international suppliers directly and transparently. The company removes delays and high costs associated with traditional banking channels. Sheriff Adedokun founded the startup in 2024.
“We simplify international payments for importers, exporters and logistics providers by offering fast, compliant and cost-effective transactions to global suppliers,” the startup said. “Our mission is to energize African trade through modern financial infrastructure by eliminating friction related to foreign exchange, settlement and compliance.”
Clea provides a mobile application available on iOS and Android. The platform operates as a technology-driven financial intermediary. The system connects African businesses to overseas suppliers by facilitating foreign-currency transfers, including U.S. dollar payments.
The platform allows users to fund a digital wallet and execute international transfers in a few steps. The system offers competitive foreign exchange rates. Clea designed the user experience to reduce operational friction. The platform requires users to complete registration and verification only once. Businesses then initiate payments quickly based on operational needs.
African economic integration continues to accelerate, particularly through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Solutions such as Clea address a major friction point in international trade for small and medium-sized enterprises and importers. The platform enables secure, fast and cost-efficient cross-border payments. Clea strengthens the African fintech ecosystem. The company helps businesses reduce operational costs. The platform enhances corporate competitiveness in global markets.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
The Freshmango Accelerator program is accepting applications to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn ideas or prototypes into investment-ready startups. The program is run online, is equity-free, and offers one-on-one mentorship, AI-powered tools and tailored support. Applications can be submitted online.
The Accelerate Africa program is launching its fourth cohort, set to begin in March in Lagos. Targeting African startups, the initiative aims to help businesses reach $1 million in revenue within two years, supported by mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs across the continent. Applications close on Saturday, Jan. 31.
- Morocco digitizes 68 of 76 fish markets to improve tracking, governance, and data collection.
- Satellite monitoring and RFID tracking now cover all vessels in Moroccan waters to combat illegal fishing.
- Digital tools support scientific research, fisheries management, and market oversight amid declining catches and revenues.
Morocco faces a 15% decline in coastal and artisanal fish landings and a 4% drop in sector revenues through November 2025, according to the National Office of Fisheries.
The government sees digitalization as a tool to address these challenges.
During a parliamentary session on Monday, January 5, 2026, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries Zakia Driouich said that 68 of the country’s 76 first-sale fish markets now operate with digital systems.
The digital deployment allows the government to access precise data and strengthen oversight of commercial transactions.
Digital registration enables tracking of sales and production of actionable data, reducing opacity in exchanges.
The system also enhances control and audit capabilities, a key lever to improve governance and industry practices.
Digitalization extends beyond markets to fishing zones.
Driouich said all vessels operating in Moroccan waters are now monitored via satellite.
The government also uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) to trace authorized vessels, reinforcing controls and combating illegal fishing.
Officials apply these tools to scientific research, fisheries management, production methods, and commercialization.
The approach aims to improve data collection, planning, and sustainable resource management.
The initiatives build on Morocco’s long-standing strategy.
The Halieutis strategy, launched in 2009, initiated gradual modernization, including replacing paper documentation with electronic data processing for exports.
With the digitalization of first-sale markets and enhanced maritime monitoring, Morocco takes a new step toward a more traceable, regulated, and data-driven fisheries sector.
- Senegal adopts a draft law to replace the CNRA with a new National Media Regulation Council.
- The reform extends regulation to digital platforms and online content creators.
- The government aims to curb disinformation while preserving freedom of expression.
New media platforms, including social networks, blogs, and video-sharing sites, now dominate information consumption among young people in Africa and elsewhere.
Governments face rising challenges from disinformation, hate speech, and other abuses on digital channels that regulators previously overlooked.
Against this backdrop, regulation has become an urgent priority.
At a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Senegalese government adopted a draft law establishing the National Media Regulation Council, known by its French acronym CNRM.
The new institution will replace the National Audiovisual Regulation Council, or CNRA, which the government created in 2006.
This reform marks a major overhaul of the legal framework to address digital transformation and evolving information practices.
According to Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs Alioune Sall, the reform aims to “adapt regulation to technological change, protect rights, strengthen accountability among stakeholders, and consolidate democracy.”
The minister said the legal framework will align “with international best practices in media and digital communication regulation, while taking into account recommendations from regional and international bodies.”
Over the past two decades, digitalization, the rise of social platforms, and the growth of independent content creators have transformed Africa’s media landscape, particularly in Senegal.
The reform seeks to extend regulation to a hybrid public space where traditional and digital media increasingly overlap.
Under the new framework, the CNRM will supervise digital platforms and content creators who disseminate information to the public.
This approach aligns with a global trend in which governments attempt to balance the protection of freedoms with digital accountability.
States increasingly target fake news and online opinion manipulation while preserving democratic principles.
“When they participate in the public information space, they must comply with principles of responsibility, just like traditional media,” said Habibou Dia, director of communication at the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs.
The policy aims to establish a level regulatory playing field, promote shared ethical standards, and combat disinformation while safeguarding freedom of expression.
The cabinet’s adoption of the draft law represents an initial step in the legislative process.
The government will soon submit the bill to the National Assembly for review and final approval.
Implementation of the law would mark Senegal’s transition to a new phase of media regulation based on an integrated and digital-economy-oriented model.
- Guinea launched Univ Connect to interconnect higher education institutions through a national fiber-optic network.
- Authorities connected 13 university sites, with 9 fully operational and 4 under activation, and plan to reach 17 institutions.
- The project targets nearly 80,000 students, researchers, and lecturers under the Simandou 2040 digital strategy.
Under the leadership of Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Guinea officially launched “Univ Connect” in late December 2025. The National Agency for Universal Telecommunications and Digital Services (ANSUTEN) leads the fiber-optic interconnection project, which aims to equip higher education institutions with faster, more stable, and more secure Internet infrastructure.
“This initiative marks a decisive step in supporting the digital transformation of Guinea’s education sector and will enable our institutions to deliver academic services that meet international standards,” ANSUTEN said.
On the operational front, authorities have already connected 13 sites to the national fiber network, according to information released at the launch. Nine sites now operate fully, while four sites remain under commissioning. In addition, authorities announced four more sites in the deployment phase. Ultimately, the program plans to connect and interconnect 17 higher education institutions to form a nationwide high-speed and secure academic network.
According to ANSUTEN, the project aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation drive under the Simandou 2040 sustainable socio-economic development program. Authorities aim to strengthen access to modern and reliable digital infrastructure for public and private universities across Guinea.
Beyond Internet access, the government seeks to create a full “academic network” that enables institutions to share resources and modernize services. Univ Connect will expand access to digital libraries, online learning platforms, and research tools while improving exchanges among nearly 80,000 teachers, researchers, and students.
The interconnection will also enable more intensive uses, including videoconferencing, hybrid courses, inter-university collaboration, access to scientific databases, and hosting of educational applications. Over the medium term, this digital backbone could support national research and innovation platforms.
However, sustainability remains a key challenge. The network’s long-term impact will depend on equipment maintenance, the resilience of internal campus networks, energy availability, and the implementation of cybersecurity standards. In other words, fiber infrastructure forms only the foundation, and durable governance will determine whether Guinea reaches its targeted international standards.
This article was initially published in French by Muriel EDJO
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for expanded local production of telecom equipment and development of data centers and cloud services.
- Egypt’s telecommunications sector accounts for about 6% of GDP and posts annual growth of 14%–16% for the seventh consecutive year.
- Egypt has attracted nearly $200 million in telecom manufacturing investments and aims to raise mobile phone output to 15 million units per year.
Since launching its “Vision 2030” development strategy in 2016, Egypt has positioned digital transformation as a central pillar of economic growth. The country has relied on the expansion of ICT infrastructure and the promotion of digital inclusion as key drivers of this strategy.
On Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized the need to open new horizons for the telecommunications and digital industries. He instructed officials to study opportunities to develop data centers and cloud computing services, expand local production of telecommunications equipment, and establish effective mechanisms to support and promote locally manufactured products.
Officials discussed these issues during a meeting that included Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, and National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) Executive President Mohamed Shamroukh.
Amr Talaat said the telecommunications sector now contributes about 6% of Egypt’s gross domestic product and records annual growth ranging between 14% and 16% for the seventh consecutive year. He also reported that digital services exports have risen to $7.4 billion, compared with $3.3 billion seven years earlier.
By investing in the development of data centers, Egypt strengthens the security of strategic state data and data from key domestic market sectors. At the same time, the country attracts international companies by building infrastructure credibility, which supports its ambition to position itself as a regional hub for high-performance digital services.
Telecommunications currently represent one of the pillars of Africa’s digital economy, particularly in Egypt. Strengthening local equipment manufacturing reduces network transformation costs for telecom operators and supports further investment. Locally produced mobile phones, offered at more affordable prices, are expected to improve accessibility and expand the use of value-added digital services among a larger share of the population.
According to Amr Talaat, Egypt has increased mobile phone production capacity from 3.3 million units in 2018 to 10 million units in 2025, with local value added estimated at around 40%. The government aims to raise annual production capacity to 15 million units. Through industrial localization efforts launched in 2016, supported by several incentive schemes, Egypt has already attracted 15 international brands, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Nokia, as well as nearly $200 million in investment.
Muriel EDJO
- Zimbabwe plans ZIMSAT-3 satellite under 2026-2030 development strategy
- Satellite to boost broadband, digital services in rural and urban areas
- Plan expands fibre, mobile networks, infrastructure sharing to cut costs
Zimbabwe plans to deploy a third national satellite, ZIMSAT-3, to improve connectivity, according to its National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) for 2026-2030.
The satellite is expected to support broadband expansion and improve access to digital services in both rural and urban areas, the strategy document says.
The plan forms part of broader efforts to expand internet access nationwide. In March 2024, the government said it was exploring partnerships with several satellite service providers to extend coverage and lower costs.
NDS2 also sets out measures to expand digital infrastructure, including wider high-speed fibre-optic coverage in urban, peri-urban and rural areas, broader mobile broadband access, and the installation of solar-powered digital kiosks in off-grid and underserved communities.
The strategy calls for infrastructure-sharing agreements among telecommunications operators to speed up network deployment and reduce the cost of internet and digital services.
The move reflects the growing role of satellite technology in narrowing the digital divide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where challenging terrain complicates the rollout of terrestrial networks, according to the GSMA.
Zimbabwe had 6.45 million internet users at the start of 2025, representing a penetration rate of 38.4%, DataReportal data show. The International Telecommunication Union estimates that 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G networks covered 93.9%, 87.9%, 51.6% and 15.9% of the country respectively in 2024.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Operating in a healthcare system often marked by complexity, the Egyptian entrepreneur has turned to digital solutions to simplify how patients and doctors connect.
Mina Shawky is an Egyptian entrepreneur and trained pharmacist. He is the co-founder and chief executive of CliniDo, a digital healthcare platform connecting patients with medical professionals.
Founded in 2020, CliniDo operates as a digital health companion available through a mobile application and web platform. It aims to simplify access to healthcare services by bringing together physician discovery, appointment booking and medical follow-up within a single interface.
Through the platform, patients can identify healthcare professionals, schedule consultations and access a range of medical services in one place. These include remote video and audio consultations, laboratory test bookings and home medical visits, depending on patient needs.
CliniDo also targets healthcare providers, helping doctors expand their digital visibility and reach a broader patient base through detailed professional profiles and patient reviews. The platform provides digital tools to manage appointments, medical practices and service offerings, supporting more efficient organization and improved continuity of care.
Shawky graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Cairo University, earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 2010. He later obtained a master’s degree in marketing in 2017 from ESLSCA Business School Paris.
He began his career in 2011 as a production pharmacist at the Egyptian Armed Forces pharmaceutical plant. In 2012, he joined EVA Pharma as a medical representative before moving the same year to Novartis, where he worked as an associate product manager in diabetes care. In 2017, he was appointed product innovation lead at Vezeeta.com, a Dubai-based healthtech company. Between 2018 and 2021, he served as a product manager at Egyptian fintech firm Aman E-Payments.
Melchior Koba
Founded in 2024, the platform helps merchants create structured online storefronts while centralising sales, inventory and performance tracking tools.
Ali Mokrani is an Algerian business intelligence specialist and technology entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Ayor AI, an online platform that enables users to build structured e-commerce storefronts quickly.
Founded in 2024, Ayor AI allows merchants to create sales pages organized around clear, streamlined customer journeys, guiding visitors from product discovery to payment. The platform includes conversion tools designed to turn visitors into customers, support cross-selling and upselling, and increase average order value.
Ayor AI offers centralized management of products, inventory, and orders, with real-time sales tracking to help prevent stock-outs. It also integrates performance-monitoring tools that allow merchants to evaluate what works and adjust offers and marketing campaigns accordingly. Connections with services such as Google Tag Manager and analytics dashboards enable more granular analysis of orders and user behavior.
The platform connects with a wide range of external services to simplify day-to-day operations, including order tracking, delivery management, and order confirmations. It also integrates with other e-commerce platforms, spreadsheet tools, and partner applications to import product catalogs, monitor abandoned carts, and improve transaction security.
Before launching Ayor AI, Mokrani co-founded digital marketing agency Meanbot in 2018. He holds a bachelor’s degree in technical English, obtained in 2012 from the University of Continuous Studies, and a master’s degree in business intelligence from El Bachir El Ibrahimi University in Bordj Bou Arreridj.
He began his career in 2012 at electronics manufacturer Condor Algerie as a software engineer. In 2013, he became IT manager at construction firm TRAVOCOVIA. He returned to Condor Algerie the following year, where he held several roles, including application development assistant, ICT director, and application development manager. Between 2023 and 2024, he headed the Maystro-shop division at Maystro Delivery, an Algerian logistics company serving e-commerce merchants.
Melchior Koba