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Orange Bank Africa appointed Ivorian executive Audrey Koffi Niamkey as chief executive officer to lead the bank’s next phase of growth in the WAEMU region.
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The digital bank has distributed more than CFA710 billion ($1.2 billion) in loans to over 3.3 million customers in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal since its launch in 2020.
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Audrey Koffi previously served as director of commercial development and strategy after joining the bank in 2020 as chief risk officer.
On Wednesday, May 6, Orange Bank Africa announced the appointment of Ivorian executive Audrey Koffi Niamkey as its new chief executive officer. She succeeds Jean-Louis Menann-Kouamé and will oversee the bank’s commercial strategy, strengthen operations in existing markets and lead expansion across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
“I am honored to take the leadership of Orange Bank Africa today. Over the past years, under the leadership of Jean-Louis Menann-Kouamé, the company has built a solid and relevant model aligned with the realities of our markets. We will continue this momentum with a clear ambition: accelerate access to simple, accessible and tailored financial solutions while strengthening our innovation capacity across the region,” Audrey Koffi said.
Orange Bank Africa emerged in July 2020 from a partnership between Orange Group and banking group NSIA. The institution operates as a fully digital bank across the UEMOA region and has positioned itself as a major financial inclusion player in West Africa. Since launching operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, the bank has distributed more than CFA710 billion (about $1.2 billion) in loans to over 3.3 million customers.
Audrey Koffi brings extensive institutional knowledge to the role. She joined the company in 2020 as chief risk officer and most recently served as director of commercial development and strategy before her appointment as CEO.
She graduated from the University of Abidjan in 2005 with a master’s degree in economics and business management. She began her professional career in 2008 at Standard Chartered Bank as a financial analyst. At the same time, she also worked as an auditor for Deloitte.
In 2009, she became head of internal control at financial company SOCOFIN, now known as Alios Finance. From 2010 to 2020, she served as head of risk and compliance at BGFIBank Congo.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Sentech Africa Tech Week 2026 will take place on May 12-13 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will bring together business leaders, government officials and innovators to discuss the development of Africa’s digital economy. The agenda includes artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and infrastructure. It will also feature a startup competition and an awards ceremony honoring achievements in the technology sector. Organizers say the event aims to help translate policy and strategy into concrete action.
African agricultural startups can now apply for the THRIVE Global Impact Challenge, a program seeking technology-driven innovations to promote sustainable farming. The grand prize winner will receive up to $1 million in investment and an opportunity to present their project in Silicon Valley. Applications close on May 25.
Carnegie Mellon University Africa has launched applications for its 2026/2027 incubation program in Kigali, Rwanda. The 12-month program will provide selected startups with $50,000 in funding, technical mentorship, and access to global investor networks. Applicants must already have a working prototype. The application deadline is May 20. The initiative aims to help transform innovative ideas into scalable and profitable businesses.
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Burundi introduced a digital platform for civil registration management and the production of a new biometric national identity card.
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Authorities said the reform required legal amendments to replace manual civil registration procedures with digital processes.
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Burundi still faces infrastructure constraints, including limited electricity and internet access, with internet penetration standing at 11.1% at the end of 2025.
Burundi has continued the modernization of its public administration through a broad digitalization program focused on civil registration and citizen identification systems. On Tuesday, May 6, the Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security presented a digital platform dedicated to managing administrative documents and producing a new biometric national identity card.
According to Valentin Nahimana, Director General in charge of administrative programs at the ministry, authorities had prepared the reform for several years. However, implementation required adjustments to the existing legal framework, particularly provisions in the family code that still mandated manual registration of civil records. Nahimana said the government needed these legal changes to integrate new technologies into the administrative system.
The future biometric identity card will include several security features designed to reduce the risks of forgery and identity theft. Authorities said the card’s unique identification number will also serve as a reference for other official documents, including passports and various administrative services.
The initiative forms part of Burundi’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernizing public services, strengthening data security and improving citizen identification systems. The project notably includes the digitization of civil registration records, which authorities have long managed manually, as well as the introduction of an identification system aligned with international standards.
On the technical side, authorities said they have nearly completed the required infrastructure and now await the adoption of a decree that will formally govern the system’s use. However, several challenges remain, including limited access to electricity and internet connectivity in some rural areas. According to the latest DataReportal figures, Burundi’s internet penetration rate reached 11.1% at the end of 2025, one of the lowest levels in sub-Saharan Africa.
Beyond the issuance of a national identity document, the project marks a new stage in Burundi’s digital transformation agenda. Authorities expect the initiative to strengthen administrative governance, facilitate access to public services and establish the foundations of a more modern and interconnected digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Burkina Faso presented 12 flagship digital projects to the African Development Bank (AfDB) during talks in Ouagadougou.
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The government seeks funding and technical support for digital infrastructure, public service modernization, and emerging technology skills.
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The discussions form part of Burkina Faso’s broader strategy to diversify digital partnerships with Russia, the UAE, Niger, and Mali.
Burkina Faso stepped up efforts to expand partnerships in the digital sector as the government seeks to accelerate its digital transformation agenda. Against a backdrop of growing regional and international initiatives, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reaffirmed its interest in supporting the country’s strategic projects.
Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane met an AfDB delegation in Ouagadougou on Wednesday, May 6, during a working session focused on Burkina Faso’s digital priorities. The meeting reflected the authorities’ strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships around digital development, which the government considers a key driver of economic and social growth.
During the discussions, the minister presented the 12 flagship projects under her ministry, alongside the main progress achieved and ongoing initiatives. The projects notably target the expansion of digital infrastructure, the modernization of public services, and the strengthening of skills in emerging technologies. She also reaffirmed the government’s ambition to position digital technologies as a central engine for transforming the economy and public administration.
The talks identified several potential areas of cooperation. Both parties will now deepen technical discussions to determine which projects could receive AfDB support.
The African Development Bank, which already supports several digital transformation initiatives across Africa, welcomed the consistency of Burkina Faso’s strategic direction. The institution also reiterated its readiness to back major sector projects, particularly those related to infrastructure and digital skills development.
The discussions form part of the implementation of Burkina Faso’s Country Strategy Paper “DSP-i 2022-2025,” which the parties extended through 2026 and which frames AfDB interventions in the country. The strategy gives digital transformation an increasingly prominent role as a cross-cutting driver of competitiveness, inclusion, and modernization.
The meeting also came as Burkina Faso diversified its digital partnerships. In recent days, the country launched discussions with Russia on technological cooperation. Burkina Faso has also expanded regional collaborations with Niger and Mali, while developing digital-sector ties with the United Arab Emirates.
At the multilateral level, Burkina Faso already benefits from World Bank support through several flagship programs, including the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACTDIGITAL) and the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) initiative, which focuses on regional digital identification systems.
Samira Njoya
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Tunisia’s central bank launched the national “TUNPAY” label to unify and strengthen the country’s mobile payment ecosystem.
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Mobile transactions in Tunisia rose 81% in 2025 to 8.4 million operations worth 1.769 billion dinars ($616 million).
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Banks, payment institutions, and Tunisia’s postal service must integrate the TUNPAY visual identity into their digital and physical payment channels.
The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) advanced its digital payments strategy through the launch of “TUNPAY,” a national label designed to unify and strengthen the country’s mobile payment ecosystem. In a note published on Monday, May 5, the institution said it developed the initiative in partnership with Société Monétique Tunisie (SMT).
The initiative aims to harmonize the identification of mobile payment services for the general public. Authorities want to make payment solutions more visible and easier for users to recognize.
Under the framework, banks, payment institutions, and Tunisia’s postal service, which operate electronic wallet services, must integrate the TUNPAY visual identity into their applications, digital interfaces, and physical acceptance points. Merchants, agencies, and agent networks using mobile payment services will also display the label.
Through the initiative, the central bank seeks to strengthen user confidence and accelerate the adoption of digital payments in a market that remains in a development phase. Authorities also want to improve service interoperability and simplify the user experience as financial technology offerings continue to diversify.
The move comes as mobile payments record sustained growth in Tunisia. According to BCT data, the number of mobile phone transactions increased by 81% in 2025 to 8.4 million operations. In value terms, the transactions reached 1.769 billion dinars ($616 million) during the year.
Despite the momentum, Tunisia’s market still trails several African countries where contactless payments and near-field communication (NFC) technologies are expanding rapidly. In Tunisia, many mobile transactions still rely on SMS-based validation systems.
Tunisian authorities nevertheless continue to roll out initiatives aimed at accelerating the digitization of financial services. The strategy reflects a broader trend across North Africa and the continent, where central banks seek to modernize payment infrastructure to promote financial inclusion and reduce cash usage.
With TUNPAY, Tunisia aims to lay the foundations for a payment environment that is more structured, more recognizable, and better aligned with the rapid expansion of digital financial services.
Samira Njoya
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Kenyan fintech entrepreneur Agosta Liko leads Pesapal, a payments platform that centralizes multiple payment methods for African businesses.
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Pesapal combines mobile money, bank card and contactless payments within a single system and payment terminal.
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The company also integrates payment services with hospitality and restaurant management software to streamline business operations.
Agosta Liko founded and leads Pesapal, a payment services platform that facilitates transactions for businesses and consumers.
Founded in 2009, Pesapal provides solutions that enable businesses to accept mobile money and bank card payments both online and through a unified payment terminal. The platform aims to simplify business operations by centralizing multiple payment methods within a single system while accelerating transaction processing.
Among its products, the startup developed a payment terminal that processes collections directly at points of sale. The device accepts both mobile payments and bank cards, including Visa and Mastercard, which gives customers greater flexibility during checkout. The solution also supports contactless payments through selected mobile devices, including Google Pay and connected watches.
In addition, the platform integrates with merchants’ existing cash register systems, allowing businesses to centralize sales and payment management within one tool. Pesapal also offers dedicated integrations for the hospitality and restaurant sectors through specialized software connections. These integrations allow businesses to combine payments, online reservations and operational monitoring through a single interface.
Before founding Pesapal, Agosta Liko launched Verviant in 2006, a U.S.-based IT consulting company. The company provides web design and development, programming, marketing, software development and technical support services.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Agosta Liko worked as a web administrator at litigation-focused law firm Shook, Hardy & Bacon between 2002 and 2003. He later served as a database systems engineer at First Citizens Bank from 2003 to 2008.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Luke Romyn launched Adebt Debt Recovery in January 2026 to help companies recover debts unpaid for more than 90 days.
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The South African startup uses a technology-driven four-step process and works with certified debt recovery specialists.
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Romyn previously held roles at crypto exchange Blockkoin and financial crime technology firm Flagright.
South African finance expert and technology entrepreneur Luke Romyn is betting on digital tools to tackle one of the most persistent challenges facing businesses: the recovery of long-overdue debts.
Romyn co-founded and now leads Adebt Debt Recovery, a company specializing in the collection of receivables that businesses often classify as unrecoverable.
Founded in January 2026, Adebt Debt Recovery focuses on difficult claims, particularly invoices that have remained unpaid for more than 90 days. The company aims to help businesses convert “forgotten” receivables into cash that can return to their balance sheets and improve liquidity.
Adebt structures its service around a four-step process designed to reduce administrative complexity and accelerate recovery timelines.
First, clients upload unpaid invoices and company information directly onto the Adebt platform without completing lengthy forms or navigating complex procedures.
The company then analyzes each claim to assess the level of recovery difficulty, particularly according to the age of the debt. Based on this assessment, Adebt determines a performance-based fee structure that only applies if the company successfully recovers the funds.
After validation, Adebt assigns the files to debt recovery professionals across South Africa drawn from its network of certified specialists. The experts use their experience to locate debtors, open negotiations, and agree repayment terms.
Once the process begins, the client company no longer manages follow-ups or negotiations. Debtors make repayments in installments, while Adebt automatically transfers recovered funds to the client as collections occur.
Romyn graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics.
After completing his studies, he worked as head of the trading desk at cryptocurrency exchange Blockkoin between 2022 and 2024. From August 2025 to January 2026, he also served as a risk analyst at Flagright, a company that develops financial crime prevention technologies for financial institutions.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Nigerian fintech firm Fincra has received approval from the Bank of Ghana to operate in the country, allowing merchants to collect local payments and process transfers through mobile money and bank channels. The company said the move would help facilitate cross-border transactions between international businesses and African markets.
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The African Union Development Agency has launched a call for applications to support early-stage startups using digital technology to strengthen healthcare systems or address climate change in Africa. Selected companies will receive practical support to expand their operations and strengthen long-term resilience. Applications are open until May 19, 2026, with the program focused on African-led solutions.
Bellatrix on Wednesday launched the “Ndjaba Seed” fund to support innovative early-stage companies across Southern Africa. Backed by $10 million in committed funding, the program plans to invest in 35 to 50 ventures in sectors including fintech, agritech, healthtech, education, clean energy, e-commerce and enterprise software. The initiative aims to help address the shortage of local funding and support entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.
- Huawei, Moroccan authorities, and Dott Medical signed an agreement to deploy telemedicine solutions and upgrade primary healthcare facilities.
- The partnership will combine digital infrastructure, medical equipment, and remote consultation platforms, starting with a pilot phase.
- The initiative supports Morocco’s broader healthcare reform and aims to reduce regional disparities in access to care.
On the sidelines of GITEX Future Health Africa, Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Morocco and Dott Medical on May 4 in Casablanca. The agreement aims to structure the deployment of telemedicine solutions and modernize primary healthcare facilities.
Amine Tehraoui oversaw the signing of the agreement. The initiative aligns with Morocco’s ongoing healthcare reform, which includes the gradual expansion of universal health coverage and efforts to reduce disparities in access to care.
The partnership will develop an integrated solution that combines digital infrastructure, medical equipment, and remote consultation platforms. The stakeholders aim to improve patient care, optimize the use of medical resources, and streamline care pathways, particularly in underserved regions.
Huawei will provide connectivity and digital infrastructure, while Dott Medical will supply specialized medical equipment tailored to healthcare facilities.
At the same time, the partners will ensure compliance with national health data protection requirements, which remain critical to building a sovereign digital health ecosystem.
Before scaling deployment, the partners will launch a pilot project to assess the technical, clinical, and organizational viability of the system. In addition, they will implement training programs to help healthcare professionals adopt and use these tools effectively.
This initiative comes as e-health gains momentum across Africa, where governments are leveraging digital tools to address demographic pressures and infrastructure constraints. In Morocco, authorities are betting on these technologies to improve system efficiency, as the country has about seven doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, a ratio that remains below some emerging market standards.
Beyond healthcare modernization, Morocco aims to capture economic and strategic value from digital health. The country seeks to build a local ecosystem, stimulate innovation, attract investment, and position itself as a regional hub in the sector.
Authorities reaffirmed this ambition during the launch of the first edition of GITEX Future Health Africa Morocco, which brought together public and private stakeholders in Casablanca to advance healthcare system transformation.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Outalma offers an integrated e-logistics platform covering the full delivery chain from international purchase to final delivery.
- The startup addresses last-mile challenges in Africa through a dedicated delivery fleet and real-time tracking tools.
- The solution targets inefficiencies in African e-commerce logistics, including high costs, long delays, and limited transparency.
Outalma positions itself as a digital solution that aims to streamline logistics flows between Africa, Europe, and Asia. The company focuses on simplifying a segment often characterized by long delivery times, high costs, and complex procedures.
The platform operates as an integrated e-logistics system that manages the entire delivery chain, from international purchasing to final delivery to customers. The startup operates in several cities across Africa and Europe, and Alioune Mbengue launched it in 2019.
The solution allows individuals and businesses to purchase goods abroad, route them to partner warehouses, and ship them to multiple African countries via air or sea freight.
The model relies heavily on its ability to manage last-mile delivery, which remains one of the most significant logistical challenges in Africa. Outalma deploys a dedicated fleet, including vans and scooters, to handle final delivery and reduce constraints linked to local distribution.
The platform enables users to track parcels in real time, obtain quotes, and manage shipments end-to-end. This visibility addresses a critical need for transparency in a sector that still faces traceability gaps.
In addition, Outalma offers complementary services such as secure warehousing, customs management, and logistics flow optimization. These services position the company as a full-service player across the supply chain.
By addressing logistics bottlenecks, Outalma aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s e-commerce infrastructure. Over time, such solutions could play a key role in accelerating trade flows and integrating the continent into global supply chains.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum