Public Management (547)
• Cameroon launches digitalization program to modernize local governance
• 240 of 374 municipalities signed on; key challenges remain
• Goal: boost transparency, online services, and investment appeal
The United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (UCCC) unveiled its "Program for the Digitalization of Councils and Cities" (PDCV) in Yaoundé on Thursday, September 11. The initiative aims to modernize local governance by providing municipalities with shared digital tools and online services for citizens.
The PDCV is structured around four main pillars: a shared digital platform for municipalities and the UCCC, the creation of an integrated suite of digital services, enhanced digital skills for municipal staff, and program coordination and monitoring. The stated goal is to make local governments more transparent, efficient, and better connected with their constituents.
The project is part of Cameroon’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes the gradual dematerialization of administrative procedures and the interconnection of public services. As part of this effort, 374 municipal websites have already been developed. However, for these sites to become fully operational, each municipality must sign a memorandum of understanding with the UCCC. So far, 240 municipalities have taken this step, while 134 have not yet signed, according to the association.
Ultimately, the PDCV is expected to increase the visibility of local governments, facilitate citizens' access to online administrative services, and make regions more attractive to investors. However, several challenges remain, including inadequate ICT infrastructure, a limited internet penetration rate of 41.9% as per DataReportal, a lack of skilled personnel, energy instability, and insufficient municipal financial resources. The program's success also hinges on the effective implementation of the General Code of Decentralized Territorial Collectivities, which allocates 15% of state revenues to decentralization.
Cameroon faces significant challenges in digital governance. According to the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index, the country ranks 155th out of 193, with an index score of 0.4294, well below the global average of 0.6382. This program represents a strategic opportunity to bridge this gap and firmly establish Cameroonian administration in the era of smart digital governance.
Samira Njoya
- Burkina Faso advances digital education through PACTDIGITAL initiative
- Plans include online platform, updated curricula, ICT equipment in schools
- Challenges remain: poor connectivity, limited training, equipment shortages
Burkina Faso is pushing forward with the integration of digital technology into its education system. The Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACTDIGITAL), led by the Ministry of Digital Economy, outlined its support for the Ministry of Secondary Education and Technical and Vocational Training on Wednesday, September 10.
The project's key initiatives include updating telecommunications and ICT curricula to better align with job market demands, launching an online learning platform, strengthening local skills in creating educational multimedia content, and providing digital equipment to scientific high schools in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.
According to Haoua Ouattara/Dama, the project coordinator, these actions aim to digitize core ministerial processes, modernize teaching practices, and pave the way for new digital-related careers. Boubacar Savadogo, the Minister of Secondary Education, stated that the support will help improve the quality of training and increase the number of skilled digital professionals.
The initiative is part of the Burkinabè government's broader digital transformation goals, which aim to leverage technology for key sectors, including education. For example, a project to develop 95 educational mobile applications was announced in February 2024. UNESCO believes that digital learning has the potential to expand access to education, improve learning outcomes, and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle 21st-century challenges.
However, the integration of ICT into Burkina Faso's education system faces several obstacles. A 2023 government assessment highlighted structural and technical challenges, including insufficient coordination among different stakeholders, a lack of widespread public awareness, and limited and expensive internet connectivity. The report also pointed to issues with cloud service functionality, low fiber optic coverage in educational institutions, a lack of adequate training, and a shortage of computer equipment and logistical materials.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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South Africa’s IT agency SITA is testing a government super-app to ease access to public services.
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The “Citizen Super-App” will allow service requests, digital payments, identity verification, and real-time updates.
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The project is still in pilot phase and faces hurdles, with 24% of the population offline in 2023.
South Africa’s State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has begun testing a government super-application designed to make public services easier to access. The platform, called the “Citizen Super-App,” was introduced by acting SITA chief executive Gopal Reddy during the 16th GovTech conference, held from September 8 to 10, according to local media.
Reddy explained that the app will let citizens access government services, track their requests, receive real-time updates and notifications, and interact with departments through self-service tools. It will also simplify identity verification, digitize administrative forms, integrate digital payment options, and enable smoother data sharing.
The project is part of South Africa’s broader digital transformation drive. In its 2025–2030 strategy, SITA highlights the modernization of government through technology as a central pillar, aiming for greater efficiency and transparency.
The strategy notes that this includes large-scale digital innovation, the use of artificial intelligence, and the rollout of new digital products such as the Citizen Super-App. Other priorities include modernizing government systems, expanding national connectivity, growing cloud and data center capacity, and improving cybersecurity through a centralized Cybersecurity Center (CSC).
The Citizen Super-App is still in its pilot phase, and officials have not disclosed when it will be fully launched. Its success will also depend on internet access and device availability, particularly in rural areas. According to the International Telecommunication Union, about 24% of South Africans were still offline in 2023.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Nigeria launches 1Gov Cloud to enable paperless governance by 2025
- Platform integrates secure tools for workflows, communication, and assets
- ICT sector seen reaching 21% of GDP by 2027
The Nigerian government has launched its 1Government Cloud (1Gov Cloud) platform to create a paperless administration across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This initiative is part of the country’s digital transformation goals, which aim for a fully digital government by the end of December 2025.
The 1Gov Cloud platform centralizes several digital tools to modernize governance. It includes GovDrive for secure, sovereign cloud-based file management and encryption; GovECMS to automate workflows and inter-agency interactions; GovMail for secure, government-only communication; GovE-Sign for legally recognized electronic signatures; and GovConference for encrypted video and audio conferencing. Other features include GovOTP for secure one-time password authentication, GovAsset Management for a unified registry of government assets, and GovCollaboration Tools for chat, document sharing, and inter-agency coordination.
"The paperless governance initiative will eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks by streamlining approvals and inter-agency communication," said Wumi Oghoetuoma, the 1Gov Cloud Program Director, in comments reported by Nairametrics. "It will significantly cut costs associated with printing, storage, and distribution of physical files, while enhancing transparency and accountability in public service delivery."
Digital Economy Growth
This initiative underscores the Nigerian government's commitment to making digital technology a cornerstone of socioeconomic development, with the ICT sector's contribution to GDP projected to reach 21% by 2027. In recent months, the government has stepped up efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, train citizens and civil servants in digital tools, and expand digital infrastructure.
According to a joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google, Africa’s digital economy is expected to reach at least $712 billion by 2050, representing 8.5% of the continent's GDP. The GSMA, a global association of mobile operators, projects that e-government could also generate an additional 814 billion naira in tax revenue for Nigeria by 2028.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
• Chad to invest $1.5bn by 2030 in digital transformation and e-government.
• ARCEP, ITU push to train civil servants, young professionals in digital skills.
• 2,000 youths trained in AI as Chad seeks to boost startups, jobs, innovation.
Chad plans to invest $1.5 billion through 2030 to accelerate its digital transformation, focusing on digitizing public services. However, the government faces challenges in ensuring public employees can effectively use the new digital platforms.
The Chadian government wants to enhance cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to develop digital skills among its young cadres. This objective emerged during the 2025 Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25), held from August 31 to September 3 in Saudi Arabia.
At this event, Haliki Choua Mahamat, Director General of Chad’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP), met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General. Both emphasized investing in training young professionals, especially in regulatory roles, to support digital transformation and manage strategic infrastructure effectively.
This initiative builds on recent efforts by Chad to strengthen local digital capacities. In late July, the Agency for Development of Information and Communication Technologies (ADETIC) signed a framework agreement with the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE) based in Ouagadougou. The agreement includes training Chadian cadres in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Additionally, the National School of ICT (ENASTIC) and 2iE signed a separate protocol to facilitate academic exchanges and joint program development.
Between August 4 and 14, Chad organized free AI training for 2,000 young people aged 15 to 35, with partners including UNESCO and the World Bank. Authorities present this program as a gateway to employment, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship through startup creation. This comes amid projections by the World Bank that approximately 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stresses the need to invest in public officials’ skill development, as digital technologies can transform administration by enabling more accessible and efficient service delivery.
The February 2024 OECD report Developing Skills for Digital Government: A Review of Good Practices across OECD Governments stresses that building a digital government—where technology shapes processes, policies and services tailored to citizens’ needs—requires public administrations to adopt new working methods and skills, while also fostering the abilities, attitudes and knowledge that allow civil servants to thrive in a digital environment and generate public value.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Ghana, Code Raccoon discuss €4M digital training for 350,000 youth
- Program covers coding, AI, cybersecurity; aims for global accreditation
- Builds on “One Million Coders” initiative launched in April 2025
Ghana is exploring a partnership with private firm Code Raccoon to train 350,000 young people in digital skills, according to a government statement.
Communications Minister Samuel George met with a Code Raccoon delegation on Thursday, September 4, to discuss a three-month training program valued at 4 million euros ($4.7 million). The initiative will be supplemented by an annual software development course.
The curriculum, which has been piloted in Germany, will focus on high-demand skills such as Python and JavaScript programming, along with modules on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The government aims for the program to be accredited by both the state and major global technology companies.
"This initiative aligns with our national vision of creating a digital workforce ready for the opportunities of the AI-driven economy. With the right partnerships, we can empower our young people with the skills to thrive locally and internationally," the minister said.
The move builds on Ghana's "One Million Coders" program, a four-year initiative launched in April to provide essential digital training to one million Ghanaians. The government had previously engaged in discussions with local tech company TECHAiDE, which offers an offline learning management system called Asanka.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Zimbabwe, Huawei discuss expanding ICT talent development cooperation
- Plans include digital training center aligned with 2030 strategy
- No formal deal signed; talks follow prior LinkedIn, UAE partnerships
The Zimbabwean government is looking to deepen its cooperation with Huawei to develop digital talent, a key topic during discussions on Monday, September 1, between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and senior officials from the Chinese technology company during an official visit to China.
The proposed collaboration includes expanding investments in ICT talent and establishing a digital training center. This initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s national digital transformation strategy for 2030, where one of the three main pillars is the development of digital skills and capacity building. The government has previously identified the lack of ICT skills and low digital literacy as major challenges to the country's digital transformation.
In response, Zimbabwe has sought out multiple partnerships. In August 2024, the government signed an exploratory agreement with LinkedIn to develop the digital skills of civil servants and young people through the "LinkedIn Learning" platform. In April 2025, a program to train 1.5 million citizens in programming and artificial intelligence was launched with support from the United Arab Emirates as part of the “Zimbabwe Digital Skills Program.”
During that program's launch, authorities said they wanted to lay “the foundations for a future-oriented workforce proficient in cutting-edge technologies.” The World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. Zimbabwe faces high rates of unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people, with the unemployment rate estimated at 35% in 2021.
While Huawei has stated it “remains committed to playing a central role in Zimbabwe’s digitalization agenda,” no new formal agreement has been signed or announced at this time.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Mauritius ranks top in Africa for AI readiness and ICT infrastructure.
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National Digital Mauritius 2030 plan drives inclusive, next-gen digital economy.
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Strategic international partnerships boost innovation, start-ups, and tech adoption.
Mauritius is positioning itself as a digital hub at the crossroads of Africa and the Indian Ocean, leveraging strategic vision, innovation, and international collaboration to become a model of digital transformation.
The island nation has advanced rapidly in recent years through coherent strategies, heavy infrastructure investments, and continuous support for innovation. These efforts place Mauritius among Africa’s best-prepared countries for a digital economy transition.
International Rankings Highlight Progress
The United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index ranks Mauritius 76th globally, underlining its leadership in East Africa with a score of 0.7506. Meanwhile, the AI Readiness Index 2024, which assesses governance, technological capabilities, and data availability, ranks Mauritius 69th worldwide—second in Africa and first in Sub-Saharan Africa—outperforming South Africa, Rwanda, Morocco, and Senegal.
Mauritius also ranks third in Africa on the ITU’s 2025 ICT Development Index with a score of 86.3, reflecting robust digital infrastructure and a thriving tech ecosystem.
Ambitious Vision: Digital Mauritius 2030
The country’s Digital Mauritius 2030 plan aims to build an inclusive, sustainable digital economy, structured around five pillars: digital governance, ICT infrastructure, innovation, talent management, and cybersecurity.
Mauritius has rolled out a national fiber-optic network, expanded 4G LTE coverage, and initiated 5G deployment. Tier-4 data centers and upcoming 5G Advanced trials are expected to accelerate IoT adoption and next-generation digital services.
Inclusive initiatives, such as free mobile internet for citizens aged 18–25 and digital skills training programs, reinforce talent development. Internet penetration reached 79.5% at the start of 2025, up from 75.5% in January 2024, according to DataReportal.
International Partnerships Drive Innovation
Strategic collaborations with India, the EU, and UNDP have fostered digital literacy programs, start-up support, and technology transfer. These partnerships enhance access to financing and advanced technologies, accelerating Mauritius’ 2030 digital vision.
By combining strategic planning, strong infrastructure, and global collaboration, Mauritius is not only a regional leader but also aims to compete with emerging digital economies worldwide, creating a model of inclusive, sustainable growth for Africa.
Samira Njoya
- Morocco, India deepen digital cooperation under “Digital Morocco 2030”
- Aim to boost investment, skills, AI, cloud, and 5G rollout
- Morocco targets $11B digital sector, stronger global innovation ranking
Morocco is strengthening its cooperation with India on digital transformation, a topic discussed on Wednesday, August 27, in a meeting between Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition, Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, and Indian Ambassador Sanjay Rana. The initiative is part of Moroccan authorities' efforts to achieve the goals set in the nation’s "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy.
According to a ministry statement on its Facebook page, the discussions highlighted the two countries’ desire to deepen their partnership in technology and digital transition to attract more investment. Morocco aims to "turn the country into a digital hub to accelerate social and economic development" and increase the digital sector's economic contribution to 100 billion dirhams ($11 billion). Since launching the strategy in September 2024, the country has explored international partnerships with entities and nations including the UNDP, CEMAC, Japan, the World Bank, Estonia, the United States, the European Union, Finland, China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nokia, Onepoint, and Portugal.
India's Digital Expertise
The partnership comes as India is ranked 39th out of 133 countries on the 2024 Global Innovation Index, making it first in Southeast Asia and among lower-middle-income countries. Morocco ranks 66th. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), both nations are also considered global examples in cybersecurity, although Morocco still needs to improve its technical measures and capacity building.
On the UN's e-Government Development Index (EGDI), Morocco is six spots ahead of India, ranking 90th in 2024 with a score of 0.6841 out of 1, compared to India's 0.6678. However, the Asian nation is a world leader in the Online Services Sub-Index (OSI) with a score of 0.8144 out of 1, far ahead of Morocco's 0.5754, which is below the global average. Morocco aims to enter the global top 50 in this category by 2030, a significant jump from its 113th position in 2022.
The two countries are closely matched in human capital, with neither reaching the global average. However, Morocco leads in telecommunications infrastructure with a score of 0.8827 against India's 0.5700, despite India having 806 million internet subscribers, according to DataReportal.
India also boasts the world's largest biometric identification system, Aadhaar, which has been widely praised by international institutions. In its "E-Government Survey 2024," the UN noted that the program is voluntary, yet a majority of India's 1.33 billion citizens have joined over the past decade. The government estimates the system has generated more than $1.2 billion in savings, largely through direct benefit payments. It has also inspired innovations like DigiLocker, an application that stores official documents online and is used by over 100 million people to hold more than 5 billion files.
Opportunities for Indian Companies
Morocco's efforts to accelerate its digital ecosystem create numerous opportunities for international technology companies, including those from India.
The country has made broadband a priority. The rollout of 4G is ongoing, and fiber optic coverage is set to increase from 1.5 million households in 2022 to 5.6 million by 2030. The launch of 5G is also planned, with licenses already awarded and a target of 70% national coverage by 2030, supported by an estimated $9 billion investment. These projects offer opportunities for service providers, equipment manufacturers, and satellite operators in a country where, despite a 91% internet penetration rate, according to the ITU, some underserved areas still exist.
The kingdom is also focused on digital skills training to ensure the availability of a qualified talent pool. The country plans to train 20,000 new talents starting in 2026, rising to 45,000 by 2030. For reskilling, the targets are 26,000 from 2026 and 50,000 from 2030. Morocco also aims to attract foreign talent, with a goal of 4,000 per year starting in 2026 and 6,000 by 2030.
Morocco is working to boost its appeal to major international digital players. The country wants to host "hyperscalers" specializing in cloud and data centers and is banking on the development of artificial intelligence to accelerate the digitization of public and private services. The stated goal is to attract new AI investors and cement Morocco's position as a regional innovation hub.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Nigeria to launch Data Exchange Platform by end of 2025
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NGDX to centralize secure data sharing across government, businesses
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Part of digital drive aiming ICT to reach 22% of GDP by 2027
The Nigerian government is preparing to launch the Nigerian Data Exchange Platform (NGDX), a digital infrastructure designed to centralize and secure data sharing between government agencies and businesses. The platform is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
The initiative was discussed on Monday, August 25, at a workshop in Abuja that brought together stakeholders and international partners, including the European Union, Finland, and Estonia. In a post on X, Minister of Digital Economy Bosun Tijani explained that the NGDX will facilitate secure data sharing, stimulate innovation and inclusive growth, and offer citizens faster, more reliable services while ensuring privacy and data security.
The platform is part of the Nigerian government's digital transformation efforts to simplify administrative procedures, reduce inefficiencies, and boost innovation in sectors like health, agriculture, fintech, and education. Once operational, it will, for example, prevent citizens from having to repeatedly enter the same personal information for different government services.
"We've seen how interoperability transformed financial services through NIBSS. NGDX will extend that power across our entire economy," Tijani said, referring to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System. Nigerian authorities are aiming for information and communication technologies (ICT) to contribute 22% to the country's GDP by 2027.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Cape Verde launches BOOST.CV to support 150 young digital entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, and incubation.
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The government offers extensive support including scholarships, funding, tech event participation, and a $24 million Morabeza Fund.
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Despite ranking 75th globally and 2nd in West Africa, Cape Verde faces challenges from infrastructure gaps, investment shortages, and a cautious population favoring public jobs.
Cape Verde aims to make digital technology a core part of its socio-economic growth. The government targets increasing the digital sector’s share of GDP from about 5% in the near future.
On July 28, the Cape Verdean government launched the BOOST.CV programme. It intends to back 150 young entrepreneurs in the digital sector by offering training, mentoring, and project incubation.
Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Correia said, “This is not just a technological tool, but a public policy instrument designed to generate real impact. We firmly believe that Cape Verdean talent, both on the islands and in the diaspora, is our greatest resource. And it is our responsibility as a State to create the conditions for this talent to flourish and innovate.”
BOOST.CV complements earlier measures. In May, Pedro Lopes, Secretary of State for the Digital Economy, told Agence Ecofin that the “Cape Verde Digital” programme is a flagship initiative. “Through digital.cv, you can explore our ecosystem. We support 200 young people annually via scholarships and fund around 100 start-ups with two co-founders receiving six minimum salaries, plus logistical and marketing assistance. The Go Global programme finances participation in international tech events.”
Other programmes include "Reinvent Cape Verde," where start-ups solve challenges set by public and private institutions via hackathons, and the Morabeza Fund, a $24 million fund geared toward growing tech start-ups led by youth and women.
Lopes also highlighted regulatory progress, noting a dedicated start-up law with tax benefits, a special technology economic zone, and modern laws on data protection and digital transactions. The government has simplified business registration, launched visas for digital nomads, and opened a technology park.
Cape Verde’s start-up ecosystem ranks 75th worldwide and 2nd in West Africa, according to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025. The report notes that start-ups face challenges from poor physical infrastructure and a weak investment climate. Additionally, many citizens prefer stable public sector jobs and view entrepreneurship as risky.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Gabon is deepening international partnerships to fast-track its digital transformation. After recent discussions with Botswana, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has now turned to Turkey for support.
On July 29, Mark Alexandre Doumba, Gabon's Minister of the Digital Economy, met with Can İncesu, Turkey's Ambassador to Gabon, to discuss expanding digital cooperation.
During the meeting, Doumba presented Gabon’s digital roadmap. He emphasized four key priorities: modernizing public administration, expanding digital infrastructure, ensuring data governance and technological sovereignty, and training young digital talent.
Ambassador İncesu expressed Turkey’s interest in supporting Gabon’s efforts. He highlighted potential cooperation in e-government systems, electronic signatures, remote payment solutions for public services, and telecom infrastructure development in underserved areas.
Turkey ranks 27th out of 193 countries on the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.8913, well above the global average of 0.6382. It scores 0.9225 in online services, 0.9192 in human capital, and 0.8322 in telecom infrastructure.
In 2024, Turkey reported 87.3% internet penetration and 96% mobile coverage, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). On the 2025 ICT Development Index, Turkey scored 88.5 out of 100.
Gabon currently ranks 121st globally on the EGDI, with a score of 0.5741. The country performs strongly in telecom infrastructure (0.8263) but lags in online services (0.3188) and human capital (0.5772).
Despite these gaps, Gabon aims to boost the digital sector’s share of GDP to 10–12% by end-2025, up from around 5%. The government also wants to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on extractive industries by investing in digital tools and services.
While both sides expressed strong intent, the partnership remains at an early stage. So far, no official agreement has been signed. The two parties agreed to continue technical discussions to identify high-impact projects for Gabonese citizens.
The road to a full partnership still needs building. Future meetings will determine the real scope and effectiveness of this cooperation.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Liberia launches mobile tax payment system via *144#, in partnership with Orange Money and Ecobank.
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Covers 18 government agencies; no internet needed; users get SMS confirmation.
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Aims to boost inclusion, transparency, and revenue through digital access.
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) finalized an agreement on Wednesday, July 23, with Orange Money Liberia and Ecobank for a new digital system. This system will allow citizens to pay taxes and public fees directly via their mobile phones.
“In just five quick steps, a taxpayer can complete a transaction, receive confirmation, and move on with their day,” said Maxwell Dodd, CEO of Orange Money Liberia. “We are excited to partner with the LRA and Ecobank to help modernize Liberia's tax system.”
Taxpayers can now make payments by dialing the USSD code *144#, without needing an internet connection. By entering their Tax Identification Number (TIN), the amount due, and the type of payment, they instantly receive an SMS confirmation. The service already covers 18 ministries and government agencies. Public officials have been trained to ensure its effective rollout.
The initiative aims to simplify tax payments, especially for populations living far from urban centers. It also enhances the transparency and traceability of public revenue. It promotes financial inclusion by being accessible to anyone with a mobile phone.
In the medium term, this platform could help broaden the tax base, increase state revenue, and improve administrative efficiency. Liberia is aligning with a regional trend where mobile finance is becoming a tool for transforming public services. In the longer term, this public-private partnership model could inspire other West African countries as they transition toward more digital, inclusive, and locally adapted governance.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
• Gabon plans to restore IAI as a leading African tech training center.
• Reforms target curriculum, governance, and member state coordination.
• Move addresses aims continent-wide digital skills shortage.
The Gabonese government aims to restore the Libreville-based African Institute of Computer Science (IAI), founded in 1971, to its former status as a leading center for training high-level computer engineers on the continent. This initiative is part of the administration's broader effort to revitalize the pan-African institution.
Mark Alexandre Doumba, Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation, met on Tuesday, July 22, with the IAI leadership to conduct a full review of the current situation. He reaffirmed his commitment to continuing a deep overhaul of the Institute, aligning with a pledge made by his predecessor.
“While the IAI long embodied excellence and innovation in the digital field in Africa, structural and organizational difficulties in recent years have slowed its development and influence,” the ministry stated in a press release published on Facebook.
Among the priorities discussed were modernizing training programs, implementing a new educational and managerial approach, overhauling governance, and developing a comprehensive recovery plan. The minister also announced the upcoming convening of an extraordinary board meeting with member states to approve a coordinated relaunch.
The government’s commitment comes amid a digital transformation marked by a growing demand for digital skills. According to the World Bank, 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital competencies by 2030, with a strong concentration in digital services. These opportunities will demand profiles equipped with intermediate or advanced skills.
However, a study by Talentum, a fintech specializing in human resources, indicates that most African countries still train fewer than 5,000 computer engineers per year, while demand is often ten times higher. This shortage of technical skills significantly slows the progress of digital transformation on the continent.
For now, the revival of the IAI remains a strong political will that still needs to be implemented. Questions remain about the sustainability of reform financing, the institution’s capacity to keep pace with rapid technological changes, and the effective commitment of all member states. These include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Niger, Senegal, Chad, Togo, and Congo.
Isaac K. Kassouwi