Public Management (622)
- Zambia plans to connect 2,500 more schools to the internet by end-2026.
- Only 5,487 schools currently have internet access for teaching, out of 13,987 nationwide.
- The initiative relies on public-private partnerships and digital learning platforms backed by UNESCO, UNICEF, and Microsoft.
The government of Zambia plans to connect 2,500 additional schools to the internet by the end of 2026. It frames the initiative as part of a wider strategy to digitalize the education system.
In this context, telecommunications companies and financial institutions in Zambia committed last week to support the Ministry of Education in expanding school connectivity. They made this commitment during a stakeholder meeting focused on school internet access.
Noriana Muneku, Permanent Secretary for Administration at the Ministry of Education, stated that the collaboration transformed learning conditions in the country. She said that classrooms once limited in resources now introduce students to digital tools, while teachers expand their teaching methods and students access knowledge beyond their immediate environment.
The initiative aligns with Zambia’s broader strategy to use technology as a driver of socio-economic development across sectors. The government implements the education component in partnership with private sector actors and international organizations.
The Ministry of Education stated that schools can use a wide range of ICT tools to communicate, create, store, and manage information more efficiently. It added that information and communication technologies provide learners with access to digital textbooks, e-books, and specialized educational software available anytime and anywhere.
The ministry further stated in its “Education Statistics Bulletin 2025” that ICT integration enables students to learn at their own pace and schedule. It said this flexibility allows learners to balance studies with personal or professional commitments, unlike traditional teaching methods.
In parallel, the government launched the “Digital Learning Passport” platform in collaboration with UNESCO, UNICEF, and Microsoft. The platform offers interactive lessons, audio and video content, and digitized curriculum-aligned resources. In 2024, more than 300,000 students used the platform to study subjects including English, mathematics, science, and social studies.
According to Ministry of Education data, 8,239 schools out of 13,987 had internet access for administrative purposes by end-2025. However, only 5,487 schools had connectivity for teaching and learning, while 3,276 schools had what authorities classified as reliable connections.
The initiative faces several challenges. These include the scale of connectivity rollout, network reliability, availability of ICT equipment, and the digital skills of teachers and students. Electricity access also remains a major constraint, as 5,812 schools lacked power supply in 2025.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Equity Bank plans a financing scheme to enable smartphone purchases through installment payments.
- About 92% of the population did not own a smartphone in 2024, according to GSMA.
- Entry-level smartphones cost around $30, exceeding half of monthly income per capita.
Equity Bank proposed a smartphone financing program in the DRC, as it aims to enable subscribers to acquire devices at lower upfront cost through installment payments. The initiative seeks to accelerate smartphone adoption and expand access to digital services across the country.
The bank presented the project last week to Digital Economy Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba during a ministerial roundtable in Washington focused on payment digitalization and domestic revenue mobilization. The proposal aligns with Equity Bank’s strategy to establish a strategic partnership with the ministry to support the country’s digital transformation.
Willy Mulamba, Chief Executive Officer of Equity BCDC, the Congolese subsidiary of Equity Group, said, “Imagine offering the Congolese people low-cost financed phones, with affordable internet access, enabling them to open bank accounts or access public services and government programs more easily,” without providing further details.
This initiative comes as affordability remains a key barrier to internet adoption in Africa. GSMA data shows that only 8% of the Congolese population owned a smartphone in 2024, while mobile internet penetration reached 13%.
In its report “Accelerating Smartphone Adoption in Africa,” published in December 2025, GSMA said the median price of an entry-level smartphone stands at about $30, which exceeds half of the monthly income per capita in the DRC. For households in the bottom 20% to 40% income bracket, the cost exceeds total monthly income, making upfront purchases nearly impossible without financing solutions.
Mobile operators and ecosystem players have already introduced financing options in the DRC. KaiOS Technologies, in partnership with Mobihive Lab, offers a 4G smartphone financing solution targeting new users and those upgrading from 2G. Telecom operators Vodacom, Airtel, and Africell also provide bundled offers that include installment payments, along with airtime credit and/or initial data packages.
However, despite the availability of such offers, most consumers still rely on upfront payments to purchase smartphones. GSMA attributes this trend to limited awareness of financing solutions and concerns about default risks, which could lead to device repossession and loss of prior payments.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Gabon requires all social media users to provide verified personal identification, ending online anonymity.
- Authorities impose stricter liability rules on users, group administrators, and platforms.
- The law introduces fines of up to CFA50 million ($89,415) and prison terms for serious violations.
Gabon strengthened its digital regulatory framework, as authorities adopted stricter rules governing social media and online platforms.
Gabon enacted Ordinance No. 0011/PR/2026 dated February 26, 2026, and authorities published the text on April 8. The ordinance includes 55 articles across 11 chapters, and it fundamentally redefines the rules governing social media and digital platform usage in the country.
End of anonymity and enhanced user traceability
The ordinance requires all users to disclose their identity, as it mandates individuals to provide their name, address, and Personal Identification Number (NIP) to access digital platforms. Service providers must verify the identity of users residing in Gabon, thereby establishing a reinforced system for tracking online activity.
The law also tightens user accountability, as it makes individuals fully responsible for the content they publish. It introduces “joint liability” for the mass dissemination or sharing of content deemed illegal. Social media group administrators must moderate content and report abuses within their communities.
Regulation of artificial intelligence and protection of vulnerable users
The ordinance establishes rules governing artificial intelligence, as it requires transparency for content generated by automated systems. It bans deepfakes when they undermine human dignity or enable manipulation, and it classifies identity theft via AI tools as an aggravating circumstance.
The law sets the digital age of consent at 16, as it requires parental authorization for younger users to access social media platforms. Platforms must implement age verification systems and filter sensitive content, including violent or pornographic material.
Authorities also introduced an expedited regulatory procedure, as courts can order content removal or account suspension within 24 hours. The law mandates a right of reply within 48 hours in cases of public allegations.
The ordinance strengthens enforcement measures, as it imposes fines of up to CFA50 million ($89,415) on non-compliant operators and introduces prison sentences for severe cybersecurity or illegal content violations. However, authorities grant digital players a 12-month transition period to comply with the new requirements.
Reform amid broader tightening of digital regulation
This legal overhaul forms part of broader reforms targeting digital governance and regulation of online public space. Authorities have suspended access to social media platforms for nearly two months, following restrictive measures imposed by the High Authority of Communication.
In this context of increased digital control, the ordinance aims to formalize and structure the legal framework. However, it raises several challenges.
Its implementation requires significant technical resources from platforms and operators, particularly for identity verification and automated moderation systems. It also raises concerns about personal data protection and privacy, as authorities mandate centralized digital identity systems.
Another challenge concerns the ability of digital stakeholders to comply within the required timeframe, especially as several global platforms operate under standards that may prove difficult to adapt to country-specific regulations.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Mozambique’s parliament adopted new cybersecurity and cybercrime laws to strengthen legal protection of digital space.
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The legislation introduces enforcement tools, criminal provisions, and international cooperation mechanisms.
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Mozambique ranks mid-tier in global cybersecurity readiness, highlighting both progress and remaining gaps.
The Assembly of the Republic adopted laws on cybersecurity and cybercrime on Thursday, April 16. The move reflects the government’s push to secure digital infrastructure and regulate online activities more effectively.
In a statement, the National Institute of ICT (INTIC) said the cybersecurity law aims to equip the state with effective tools to address the challenges of the information society. The law will ensure the protection of the state, institutions, and citizens, while also defending information systems and critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, the law will help prevent risks, coordinate responses to cyber incidents, and improve the resilience of public and private entities that rely on digital platforms.
Meanwhile, the cybercrime law establishes substantive and procedural criminal provisions, including mechanisms for international cooperation. The law regulates investigations into cyber offenses and governs the collection of electronic evidence.
The legislation applies to all individuals and legal entities, whether public or private, that use data communication networks and information systems.
“The adoption of these two texts marks a decisive step in consolidating the country’s digital transformation and strengthens the confidence of citizens, businesses, and institutions in the use of information and communication technologies,” INTIC said in a statement published on Facebook.
The adoption follows a recent partnership announcement with the European Union aimed at developing national cybersecurity capabilities. Mozambique has also strengthened cooperation with the United States and Togo in the same area.
In parallel, the country participates in several international instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo, 2014), and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001).
Authorities view these efforts as part of a broader strategy to position ICT as a driver of socio-economic development. The government is currently drafting a national digital transformation strategy.
However, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said countries must strengthen cybersecurity levels to fully leverage ICT opportunities.
Mozambique currently ranks at the third level out of five in the ITU’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, with a score of 66.05 out of 100. The ITU considers the country’s performance relatively strong in organizational measures and cooperation. Nevertheless, challenges persist in legal, technical, and capacity-building areas.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Mauritania, IsDB negotiate $50 million digital transformation financing
- Program targets infrastructure, cybersecurity, skills, system modernization
- Country seeks growth despite low digital, cybersecurity rankings
Mauritanian authorities are negotiating a $50 million financing deal with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to support the country’s digital transformation. The two parties signed a principle agreement on Tuesday, April 14.
The program covers four areas: digital infrastructure and equipment, cybersecurity, interoperability and system modernization, and the development of digital skills, connectivity, and innovation.
In January 2025, the government launched the Digital-Y project, backed by €4 million and implemented with German development cooperation. It aims to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, improve transparency, and support economic and social development.
Mauritania is also working with the World Bank and the European Union. The EU is supporting several initiatives, including the construction of a data center in Nouakchott and the country’s connection to a new submarine fiber optic cable. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €25 million ($29.4 million) for the project, while the World Bank is contributing $10 million.
The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to make digital technology and innovation key drivers of administrative modernization, social inclusion and competitiveness. Under its 2022–2025 plan, Mauritania targets digital sector value added of $700 million by 2025, or 8% of GDP, up from $350 million and 4.5% in 2020. It also aims to create 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, compared with 5,000 in 2020.
Mauritania currently ranks 165th out of 193 countries on the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.3491, below both the African average (0.4247) and the global average (0.6382), highlighting persistent gaps in public service digitalization.
In cybersecurity, the country is placed in the fourth (second-lowest) tier of the International Telecommunication Union’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, with weaknesses in organizational, technical, capacity-building and cooperation areas.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Mozambique collaborates with the European Union under the TAIEX program to boost cybersecurity capacity.
- Five INTIC cyber incident response technicians undergo training in Portugal.
- Country ranks mid-tier in global cybersecurity index despite progress in cooperation and organization.
African countries are intensifying efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, as governments increasingly view it as essential to fully capture the benefits of digital transformation.
Mozambican authorities are relying on European expertise to reinforce cybersecurity. The government is advancing efforts to protect its national cyberspace against rising threats linked to accelerated digital transformation.
The Instituto Nacional de Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (INTIC) disclosed the initiative on Monday, April 13. The program forms part of the European Commission’s TAIEX instrument, which provides technical assistance and information exchange to share European Union best practices and support institutional and legal reforms in partner countries.
Under the initiative, a team of five technicians from INTIC’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is currently in Lisbon. The team is conducting a study visit and intensive training with Portugal’s National Cybersecurity Centre (CNCS), with a particular focus on exchanges with CERT.PT. The mission aims to strengthen technical skills, enhance incident response capacity and promote international best practices.
The partnership also includes a second phase. European experts will travel to Mozambique to continue capacity-building activities on site and ensure knowledge transfer adapts to local conditions. In addition, the cooperation will support the development of public policies aligned with international standards, particularly in combating digital fraud and online identity theft.
Through this partnership, Mozambique is expanding its reliance on international expertise to secure its national cyberspace. The country strengthened ties with the United States in February, which the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers a global benchmark in cybersecurity. In November 2025, Maputo signed a memorandum of understanding with Togo covering technical and operational capacity building for both countries’ CSIRTs, information sharing on emerging threats and the exchange of best practices.
Mozambique also participates in several international frameworks that provide a basis for cooperation. These include the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo Convention) and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. The partnership with the European Union is expected to facilitate Mozambique’s access to the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), a global association of cybersecurity incident response teams.
For now, Mozambique ranks in the third tier out of five in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index in 2024, with a score of 66.05 out of 100. While the country shows relatively strong performance in organizational measures and cooperation, challenges remain in legal frameworks, technical capabilities and capacity development.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
In Casablanca, Orange unveiled the ambitions for its Max it super app, which it aims to make one of its main growth drivers in Africa and the Middle East. With already 23 million monthly active users, the platform is looking to scale up significantly by 2028.
Orange is stepping up its transformation under a new 2026–2030 strategy, “Trust the Future,” unveiled to international media on April 8 in Casablanca. Long seen as a traditional telecom operator, the French group is now pivoting toward digital services to drive its next phase of growth, with Africa and the Middle East at the core.
A central pillar of that shift is Max it, a super-app developed in Casablanca that Orange sees as a key driver of new revenue beyond its core telecom business. “By 2028, we aim to add 50 million monthly active users on Max it. The app will also support Orange Money in adding 20 million active users in the region, as well as one million new customers for Orange Energies,” said Yvan Delègue, head of the Max it program.
The targets underline Orange’s ambition to position Max it as a single gateway for everyday services, including mobile account management, payments, digital content, service purchases and access to an integrated marketplace.
A broad ecosystem of services
Now deployed in 16 countries, the app has 23 million monthly active users. Of these, 8 million use its financial services via Orange Money, which has 47 million active users across the region. Max it also integrates Orange Energies, available in 13 countries, allowing nearly one million customers to buy and top up electricity directly through the app.
Orange’s strategy is straightforward: bring multiple services into one platform. Users can manage their accounts, make payments, access entertainment — including video on demand, live sports, gaming and TV series — and purchase services without leaving the Orange ecosystem. The approach streamlines the user experience and strengthens customer retention.
Delègue said the app also supports bundled offers combining connectivity and content. For example, Orange can pair a data plan with sports streaming to boost usage while reducing concerns over data consumption.
This shift comes as the Africa–Middle East region becomes Orange’s main growth engine. In 2025, the group generated 8.4 billion euros in revenue there, up 12.2%, making it the largest contributor to overall growth. The strategy is underpinned by strong demographic trends: Africa’s population could reach 2.5 billion by 2050, offering significant potential for digital services.
AI and ecosystem expansion
Beyond commercial goals, Orange aims to turn Max it into an open platform for both global partners and local businesses. The objective is to expand the range of services while giving companies access to a large and growing user base. In this model, the app acts as a hub for payments, content and essential services.
To meet its 2028 targets, Orange is focusing on two levers: expanding partnerships and integrating artificial intelligence more deeply. The group plans to use AI to tailor services to individual users and deliver more relevant offers in real time. It is also developing voice interfaces in local languages to lower barriers to digital adoption in several African markets.
With Max it, Orange is moving beyond connectivity. The group is positioning itself at the intersection of telecoms, digital finance, energy and merchant services, aiming to capture a larger share of the continent’s digital economy.
Muriel EDJO
- Nigeria plans a national cybersecurity coordination council to strengthen resilience.
- Cybercrime costs the country over $500 million annually.
- Africa recorded more than $3 billion in cyber-related losses between 2019 and 2025.
Interpol estimates that cybersecurity incidents across Africa caused financial losses exceeding $3 billion between 2019 and 2025, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing governments and businesses.
The Nigerian government aims to strengthen collective resilience and improve coordinated responses to evolving cyber threats across both public and private sectors.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NIGERIA'S NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY COORDINATION COUNCIL TO STRENGTHEN CYBER RESILIENCE
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) April 1, 2026
The Federal Government has signalled its intention to work collaboratively with the private sector and key stakeholders toward the establishment of a Cybersecurity Coordination… pic.twitter.com/BSqEJIyj9h
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the initiative in a statement released on April 1. He said the proposed council would operate as a non-statutory, multi-stakeholder coordination platform.
The council will bring together key actors to strengthen partnerships, facilitate the sharing of reliable information, and ensure sustained cooperation among institutions responsible for cybersecurity.
Tijani said recent cybersecurity incidents have posed significant risks to customers and disrupted operations across major private institutions, public systems, and Nigeria’s service industry.
“These incidents highlight the increasingly coordinated and sophisticated nature of cyber threats, orchestrated by organized actors and malicious networks seeking to undermine trust in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem,” the statement said.
Nigeria, like many African countries, faces an acceleration in cyber threats as digital adoption expands.
A January 2026 report by Deloitte stated that organizations across sectors experienced a notable increase in attacks in 2025, ranging from AI-driven scams and ransomware incidents to identity theft affecting everyday users.
“Over the course of the year, a clear trend emerged: attackers became more sophisticated and more agile […]” Deloitte said, adding that threat actors are expected to rely even more on automation and AI-driven tools in 2026.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reported that Nigeria loses more than $500 million annually to cybercrime, underscoring the economic stakes.
This trend threatens the government’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy.
Speaking at a conference in January, Tijani stressed that achieving this goal depends as much on trust as on physical infrastructure, given the growing importance of digital systems.
“If we lose trust in this sector, citizens will be discouraged from using tools capable of transforming our economy. If we maintain that trust, citizens will believe in these tools, and they will help make Nigeria prosperous,” he said.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- System enables online access to government services and document processing
- Initiative supports digital transformation under “Digital Ethiopia 2030”
Ethiopia has introduced an electronic signature system to streamline access to government services, as part of its broader digital transformation strategy.
Called teleSign, the platform was developed by state-owned telecom operator Ethio Telecom and officially unveiled on Tuesday, Jan. 31. It enables citizens to complete administrative procedures online securely, without having to visit government offices.
attorney licensing.
— Ethio telecom (@ethiotelecom) March 31, 2026
teleSign enables both the diaspora and domestic citizens to legally grant or revoke Power of Attorney (PoA) digitally, eliminating the need for physical presence at embassies, consulates, or government offices.
Furthermore, the platform incorporates 2/6 pic.twitter.com/l27Lw8WhiZ
Users can sign official documents, verify their identity digitally, request certificates, certify documents and grant power of attorney from anywhere at any time.
“The launch of teleSign marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey, introducing secure digital identity verification, legally recognized digital signatures, and fully digitized government workflows that reduce bureaucracy, increase accessibility, and promote national digital inclusion,” Ethio Telecom said in a statement.
The World Bank says electronic signatures can help accelerate digital transformation. In a 2024 report, it noted that as transactions move online, the systems that ensure their security must also adapt.
Without reliable, legally recognised tools to authenticate digital exchanges, handwritten signatures remain necessary, requiring citizens and businesses to appear in person and slowing digitisation.
“When transactions are digitised, new security challenges emerge, as the ease with which digital data can be duplicated or altered creates vulnerabilities absent in paper-based systems,” the report, titled Electronic Signatures: Enabling Trustworthy Digital Transformation, said.
Ethiopia is relying on digital transformation to accelerate its socio-economic development under its “Digital Ethiopia 2030” strategy. The country ranks 169th on the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI). In 2024, it scored 0.3111 out of 1, below sub-regional, continental and global averages.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Nigeria commits 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national digital economy research program.
- The initiative supports a broader $2 billion plan to deploy 90,000 km of fiber optic infrastructure.
- Authorities target ICT contribution of 22% of GDP by 2027.
Nigerian authorities plan to allocate 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national research program on the digital economy. The program aims to strengthen institutions and ensure that the digital transition benefits the entire society by relying on scientific evidence rather than short-term decision-making.
The program, called the National Digital Economy Research Clusters (NDERC), forms part of the BRIDGE project, a national initiative that plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure across the country to improve connectivity and support the development of a modern digital economy. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced a call for expressions of interest on Sunday, March 29.
Today my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters— a ₦12 billion research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) March 28, 2026
This… pic.twitter.com/UfDrbPVHUX
“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage , thoughtful evidence based approaches are required to be deployed in society to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment. Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long-term thinking,” the minister said in a statement published on his social media channels.
The NDERC plans to establish six research clusters covering strategic areas, including connectivity, digital public infrastructure, digital skills and education, digital economy and employment, security and consumer protection, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The program will mobilize 36 professors from 36 Nigerian universities in collaboration with international academic partners. It will also involve more than 200 researchers to produce rigorous scientific work that policymakers can directly use.
The program aligns with the Nigerian government’s ambition to use digital technology as a driver of socio-economic development. The government expects information and communication technologies to contribute 22% of gross domestic product by 2027.
Meanwhile, authorities expect the BRIDGE project to create new employment opportunities, including up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, while also stimulating innovation. The project should increase GDP per capita by 1.5% and raise the country’s GDP from $472.62 billion to about $502 billion within four years.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Angola launches an innovation lab (i.Lab) to test and scale digital solutions in public finance.
- Authorities introduce digital signatures into internal document systems to enhance security and efficiency.
- The initiative aligns with a broader national strategy to modernize public administration through ICT.
Angolan authorities announced on March 27 the launch of an Innovation Laboratory for Public Finance (i.Lab). The Public Finance ICT Service (SETIC-FP), which operates under the Ministry of Finance, established the platform.
The lab allows authorities to test solutions, measure their impact, and deploy those that effectively improve public services.
During the launch ceremony, officials presented a proof of concept focused on integrating qualified digital signatures into the Integrated Document Management System (SIGD). SETIC-FP developed this platform internally to digitize document management processes within the ministry.
The solution aims to strengthen the authenticity and integrity of electronic documents. Moreover, it seeks to reduce manual validations and increase trust in digital processes.
Authorities said the creation of i.Lab forms part of broader efforts to accelerate the digital transformation of public finances, primarily driven by SETIC-FP.
SETIC-FP has already developed several tools. These include the Public Debt Management Unit Portal, a dedicated application for the Ministry of Finance, the Integrated Public Investment Program Management System (SIGPIP), and the Fiscal Council Management System (CGCF).
At the same time, SETIC-FP is expanding international cooperation and exploring new partnerships. In early March, Angola signed an agreement with Cape Verde to implement innovative technology solutions, provide technical training, and strengthen digital governance aligned with international best practices.
In addition, Angola has strengthened ties with Brazil to support its digital transformation agenda.
The public finance digitization process forms part of Angola’s wider national digital transformation strategy. The government aims to integrate ICT across all sectors to support socio-economic development.
In public administration, authorities view digitization as a key driver of modernization. They also see it as a tool to improve financial management efficiency, transparency, and results-based governance.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Mozambique appoints Adilson dos Santos Cousin Gomes to lead new digital transformation agency (ATDI)
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Government launches parallel AI and digital coordination bodies and drafts national strategy
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Authorities target 80% mobile penetration and 95% territorial coverage amid low global rankings
Mozambique advances the rollout of its Digital Transformation and Innovation Agency (ATDI), which authorities created earlier this month. The government announced at the start of the week the appointment of Adilson dos Santos Cousin Gomes as chairman of the agency’s board.
The executive strengthens its digital agenda as it continues to develop a national digital transformation strategy launched in February.
Adilson dos Santos Cousin Gomes will coordinate ATDI activities across the public sector. The agency will deliver services and support the implementation of digital transformation initiatives.
Specifically, ATDI will harmonize and ensure interoperability of state digital platforms. It will also manage and integrate data centers, streamline procurement procedures for technological solutions, and develop digital systems for citizen services.
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Transformation explained the context of this appointment. The ministry stated that the move “comes at a time when Mozambique intensifies its efforts to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity and promote interoperability of state systems, factors considered decisive for the efficiency of public services and economic development.”
In addition to ATDI, the government established new governance structures earlier this month. On March 10, authorities created by decree a National Commission for Artificial Intelligence (CNIA) and a multisectoral technical commission for coordinating and implementing digital transformation (CTD).
Meanwhile, the government officially launched in February the process to design its National Digital Transformation Strategy. Once completed, this roadmap will leverage public digital infrastructure to support inclusive development and strengthen economic resilience.
Maputo has intensified efforts in recent months to expand nationwide internet access. The government aims to reach 80% mobile penetration and cover 95% of the national territory. It also targets 99% network availability.
In terms of performance, authorities aim to deliver connection speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps for 5G and from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps for 4G. To achieve these targets, the government relies on satellite technology, telecom network expansion and modernization, and the extension of fiber optic infrastructure.
Mozambique continues to face structural challenges in digital development. The United Nations ranked the country 177th out of 193 economies in the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.2848 out of 1, below sub-regional, African and global averages.
In cybersecurity, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) placed Mozambique at the third tier of its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, highlighting gaps in legal, technical and capacity-building areas.
The ITU also estimated internet penetration at 20.5%, underscoring the scale of investment required to close the digital divide.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted by English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Ethiopia inaugurates a smart police station in Addis Ababa to digitize public services.
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The system uses AI and centralized data to reduce processing time and human error.
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Authorities plan to scale the pilot model to other cities.
Ethiopia inaugurates a smart police station in its capital Addis Ababa and targets simplified, faster and continuous access to public services. The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reports the announcement on Sunday, March 22.
Users interact directly with self-service digital kiosks in this next-generation police station. They use interactive screens and remote video assistance to file complaints, submit documents and pay fines without visiting a traditional counter.
Moreover, the system operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It removes time constraints that typically affect public administration services.
“This innovation improves significantly the quality of service offered to citizens and strengthens the judicial system and police services,” says Andnet Sisay, head of the technology department at the Ethiopian Federal Police.
The system relies on technologies such as artificial intelligence and centralized data management. It reduces processing times significantly and limits human errors linked to manual procedures.
This transformation reshapes the relationship between users and public administration. It reduces physical interactions and limits informal practices, thereby strengthening service transparency.
The station operates with reduced on-site staff while officers provide remote support and ensure continuous case monitoring. Authorities design the project as a pilot and consider expansion to other cities across the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Algeria launched a national call for projects to develop tech-driven solutions for water management.
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Authorities target innovation in desalination, smart irrigation, and AI-based water systems.
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The initiative aims to address growing water stress linked to climate change and resource constraints.
Algeria is turning to digital technologies to tackle structural challenges, particularly in water access. Authorities are exploring local technological solutions to strengthen water security and address climate-related risks.
The Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises launched a national call for projects to support this effort, according to a statement published on Wednesday, March 18.
The initiative targets innovators, start-ups, scale-ups, micro-enterprises, incubators, accelerators, researchers from universities and research centers, as well as economic experts and Algerian talent based abroad. Authorities aim to build a national innovation ecosystem in the water sector, develop domestic technological solutions, launch pilot projects, and foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
The program focuses on several priority areas. Authorities are prioritizing solutions to reduce water leaks and waste, improve energy efficiency in desalination, expand water reuse, and promote smart irrigation and sustainable agriculture.
The initiative also supports the use of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in water management, as well as technologies that enhance climate change adaptation.
This approach aligns with Algeria’s national digital transformation strategy, which promotes the integration of information and communication technologies across sectors to support socio-economic development.
Algeria faces increasing water stress due to its geographic and climatic conditions. The country lies in arid to semi-arid zones, where water resources remain limited and depend heavily on irregular rainfall and overexploited groundwater reserves.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development states that new technologies can significantly improve water resource management. The organization highlights that drone-based early warning systems and Earth observation technologies can enhance disaster prediction and mitigation.
Moreover, solutions such as smart meters, which provide real-time data and user feedback, can improve the efficiency of existing water supply and sanitation systems.
However, experts stress that Algeria’s water challenges extend beyond technology. Abdesselam Malek, a hydrogeology expert, highlighted structural inefficiencies in water management in an interview with the daily Horizons.
“In our country, especially in the South, our oases have endured thanks to resilience in the face of highly irregular rainfall, with diversion dams toward storage areas and ingenious sharing systems. Our wadis in the North lose too quickly flows amounting to hundreds of millions of cubic meters that reach the sea within a few days, sometimes within a few hours,” he said.
Isaac K. Kassouwi