Public Management (611)
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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
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Authorities plan to digitize services under the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour, including administrative processes and portals.
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The initiative remains at the discussion stage, with no implementation timeline announced.
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Youth unemployment remains high, with 47% of Mauritanians aged 18–35 actively seeking jobs.
Mauritania is accelerating the digitalization of public services. The latest step involves the dematerialization of the driver’s license application process. Authorities are also working to digitize services linked to the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour. The initiative aims to modernize the administration, simplify procedures, and improve citizens’ access to public services.
The project formed the focus of a meeting earlier this week between Mariem Boidiel Houmeid and Ahmed Salem Ould Bede.
During the meeting, the minister stated that the objective was to present the sector’s needs in terms of IT systems and service digitalization in order to identify appropriate solutions.
Authorities proposed several projects. These include the creation of a public service portal integrated into the “Khidmati” system, the launch of an administrative decision management service linked to the human resources system, and the digitalization of activities within the Directorate General of Labour and regional offices.
Ahmed Salem Ould Bede reaffirmed his department’s commitment to support the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour in implementing these priorities. He stated that his ministry would provide the necessary technical solutions and ensure interoperability between information systems. He also called for teamwork and rigorous coordination to accelerate the execution of proposed projects, which he said would directly improve service quality.
This initiative forms part of Mauritania’s broader digital transformation strategy. Authorities aim to leverage information and communication technologies to support development across all sectors of the economy. In public administration, the government prioritizes process and service digitalization to enhance transparency, productivity, and access for citizens.
Improving productivity and efficiency within the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour could support better service delivery and strengthen the labor market. According to Afrobarometer data published in 2024, 47% of Mauritanians aged 18 to 35 are unemployed and actively seeking work. This figure slightly exceeds the national average of 44%. The report also states that 26% of young people remain unemployed and do not seek work.
However, the digitalization process remains at the discussion stage. Authorities have not announced any timeline. Therefore, stakeholders will need to await further developments to assess implementation progress and potential impacts.
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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Kenya launched an automated traffic management system that detects violations and sends fines to drivers via SMS.
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Authorities introduced the system to improve transparency, reduce corruption risks and curb rising road accidents.
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Motorists groups raised concerns about appeals procedures, oversight and delays in issuing vehicle license plates.
Kenya has taken another step in digitizing road enforcement as authorities deploy automated systems to detect traffic violations and issue instant fines by text message.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced on Monday, March 9 that it had activated an automated road-traffic management system that relies on intelligent cameras to identify violations. The system sends SMS notifications directly to offenders, removing the need for direct human intervention. Authorities said the reform aims to strengthen transparency, improve enforcement efficiency and enhance road safety. The government launched the strategy in 2020 as part of a broader push to reduce road accidents, which increased between 2024 and 2025.
On Tuesday, March 10, the NTSA published a list of 35 traffic violations and the corresponding instant fines. The penalty scale ranges from warnings for minor speeding to fines of 10,000 Kenyan shillings ($77.37) for more serious offenses. Authorities classified serious violations to include speeding, obstructive parking, failure to install mandatory speed limiters on public transport and commercial vehicles, and driving without a valid roadworthiness certificate.
The system also targets other infractions such as running red lights, driving on sidewalks or pedestrian crossings, and failing to wear a seatbelt. Offenders must pay the fine within seven days. Otherwise authorities apply interest and may block access to NTSA services.
A series of technological investments
The automated enforcement system builds on several technological reforms that the Kenyan government introduced since 2020. Kenyan law now provides for smart driver’s licenses embedded with electronic chips. The chip stores driver identification data, fingerprints, photographs, signatures and biometric information.
Authorities introduced second-generation license plates in 2022. Kenyan officials often describe these plates as “digital” or secure plates because they incorporate advanced security features and allow digital traceability of vehicle ownership.
The government added speed cameras and video surveillance to its road-safety strategy in 2024. Authorities deployed the cameras in pilot phases in 2024 and plan to expand the network in 2026 by installing additional units across six major cities. President William Ruto requested the expansion.
In practice, authorities link biometric licenses, secure license plates and camera systems to identify vehicles that commit violations more quickly. The system also connects offenses to specific drivers or owners and creates a digital driving record for administrative use.
Concerns persist
The automated traffic management system with instant fines has already triggered criticism from motorists.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) publicly asked the NTSA to provide urgent clarifications about the system. The group argued that the new system leaves several fundamental questions unanswered. It asked what procedure drivers can follow to contest fines and what safeguards can prevent an automated system from acting simultaneously as investigator, judge and enforcer. The association also asked who certifies and regularly verifies the quality of cameras and detection equipment. It further asked which public account will receive the collected fines and what public consultations preceded the system’s rollout.
The MAK also warned that the credibility of fully digital enforcement depends on the availability of vehicle identification documents. The association said production delays had left more than 70,000 license plates pending since February 2026, raising questions about how authorities used funds already collected from motorists for their manufacture.
“For the MAK, digitizing road control and sanctions is not enough,” the association said. “The entire administrative chain — plates, licenses, traceability and appeals — must function without delay or opacity.”
By placing roads under the watch of intelligent cameras and replacing paper tickets with SMS notifications, Kenya has signaled a clear ambition: reduce traffic violations, limit corruption-prone roadside interactions and modernize road safety.
Authorities hope the system will help reduce accidents, which reached 5,009 cases in 2025 compared with 4,748 in 2024, according to data from the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ).
This article was initially published in French by Muriel EDJO
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Mauritania plans to digitize the entire driver’s license application process, including registration, examination and secure digital issuance.
- Authorities reviewed the project during a meeting between Digital Transformation Minister Ahmed Salem Bede and Transport Minister Ely Ould Veirek.
- The initiative forms part of a broader e-government strategy that already includes 800 administrative procedures listed on the national “Khdamati” digital platform.
Mauritanian authorities are now working on the dematerialization of driver’s license procedures. The initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and improve access to services for the population.
The project formed the core of a working meeting on the digitalization of transport services held on Tuesday, March 10.
The meeting brought together Ahmed Salem Bede, minister of digital transformation and administrative modernization, and Ely Ould Veirek, minister of equipment and transport.
During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed a detailed technical demonstration of a new digital system currently under deployment. The system aims to transform the entire process for obtaining a driver’s license.
The platform will digitize every step of the procedure. Applicants will complete registration remotely, take the driving examination through the digital system and receive a secure digital driver’s license once authorities approve the application. Authorities expect the system to reduce human intervention and strengthen the reliability and security of issued documents.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization said the project reflects the government’s broader administrative reform agenda. “This project reflects the guidance of the high authorities regarding the modernization of public administration and the simplification of administrative procedures,” the ministry said in a statement published on social media.
The ministry added: “It places users at the center of an administration that is progressing, for public services that meet citizens’ expectations.”
The initiative follows the launch of a government platform listing 800 administrative procedures to help citizens access public service information. Authorities plan to gradually integrate these procedures into the national digital services platform “Khdamati.”
The platform already offers several services. Users can register students at the University of Nouakchott, access the Digital Road Traffic System (SNTR), register companies, apply for investment code approvals and request criminal record certificates.
Citizens can also apply for vehicle registration certificates and request loss certificates for official documents through the platform.
Authorities have not yet announced a precise timeline for launching the digital driver’s license system. However, questions remain regarding user adoption. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 2G network coverage reached 97% of Mauritania’s population in 2023. Meanwhile, 3G and 4G networks covered 43.9% and 34.7% of the population respectively in 2022.
DataReportal estimates that Mauritania counted around 2 million internet users by December 2025, representing an internet penetration rate of 37.4%.
Network coverage and service quality represent only part of the adoption challenge. Access to compatible devices also influences the use of digital services. The World Bank estimates that 56.61% of Mauritanians aged over 15 owned a smartphone at the end of 2024.
Other factors may also influence the effective use of dematerialized services, including the population’s level of digital skills and the affordability of internet services.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Somalia launched the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT) to coordinate the prevention, detection and response to cybersecurity incidents.
- The initiative follows the Cybersecurity Law approved by parliament in January 2026, which mandates the creation of the response center.
- Somalia continues to expand its cyber regulatory framework and international cooperation while ranking Tier 4 out of 5 in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index.
The Somali government launched the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT) on Saturday, March 7. The center coordinates the prevention, detection and response to cybersecurity incidents across the country.
Many African countries continue to strengthen national cyber defenses as digital services expand. Somalia has recently intensified efforts in this area and adopted new legislation to strengthen cybersecurity governance.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 –𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐂𝐈𝐑𝐓
— NCA Somalia (@SomaliaNCA) March 7, 2026
Mogadishu, Somalia – 7 March 2026 — The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, today inaugurated the Somalia Computer… pic.twitter.com/LDAsGfznLW
According to the National Communications Authority, the center supports incident reporting and issues cybersecurity alerts and warnings.
The authority states that the center coordinates responses to cyber threats and promotes cybersecurity awareness across institutions.
The initiative also strengthens cooperation between government institutions, private-sector actors and international partners to improve protection of Somalia’s critical digital infrastructure.
Mohamed Hassan Mohamed emphasized the importance of stronger cyber defenses as digital services expand.
“As digital services continue to grow across Somalia, strengthening cybersecurity systems is essential to protect government institutions, telecommunications infrastructure and other critical sectors. SOMCIRT will play a key role in ensuring that our digital ecosystem remains secure and resilient,” he said.
Parliament approved the Cybersecurity Law in January 2026 and mandated the creation of SOMCIRT under that legislation.
The launch adds to several initiatives that Somalia has implemented in recent months to strengthen national capabilities against cyber threats and improve protection of digital infrastructure.
The Somali government has introduced several regulatory reforms in recent years to strengthen the country’s digital governance framework.
Authorities approved a cybercrime bill in August 2025. The government had already enacted a data protection law in March 2023, which led to the creation of the Agence de protection des données to oversee its enforcement.
Somalia has also expanded international cooperation in digital policy and cybersecurity. The country signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey on February 10, 2026 covering several areas of digital cooperation, including cybersecurity.
Somalia has also strengthened ties with Malaysia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on cyber-related initiatives. These efforts take place as governments increasingly view cybersecurity as a prerequisite for benefiting fully from digital technologies.
The International Telecommunication Union ranked Somalia in Tier 4 out of 5 in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024. The country recorded an overall score of 37.39 out of 100, which indicates that Somalia must intensify efforts in technical measures, legal frameworks and capacity development.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Malawi seeks a bilateral agreement with Ghana to replicate its digital transformation model.
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Ghana plans to lead a delegation of 15–20 tech firms to Malawi to deploy ID, fintech and e-government solutions.
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Malawi ranks 163rd on the UN E-Government Development Index, while Ghana ranks 108th and leads Africa in cybersecurity tier classification.
Malawi is seeking to leverage Ghana’s expertise to fast-track its digital transformation. Officials expressed this interest on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress 2026, which took place in Barcelona from March 2 to March 5 and gathered government delegations and global digital industry players.
Malawi’s Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Shadric Namalomba, invited Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to conclude a bilateral agreement aimed at replicating Ghana’s digital innovation successes in Malawi.
In an exclusive interview with Techfocus24 following the meeting, which his ministry relayed, Sam George said Malawi had requested support across several areas. He said Malawi sought assistance in fintech, digital identification systems, last-mile connectivity, energy solutions for rural connectivity, e-government, smart workplaces, agritech, edutech, healthtech and artificial intelligence-integrated systems.
He added that he would soon lead a delegation of 15 to 20 Ghanaian technology companies to Malawi to help deploy national identification solutions, fintech services and e-government portals, among other systems. “To begin with, I will share a copy of our revised legislations with them so that they can draw inspiration from them and adapt them to their needs. I will also share our AI strategy with them so that they can build on it,” he said.
This rapprochement comes as Malawi aims, like many African countries, to position digital technology as a driver of inclusive socio-economic development. For example, the Digital Malawi project, which the World Bank supports, seeks to lay the foundations for a digitally enabled economy, society and public administration to expand access to services and improve citizens’ quality of life.
“Beyond investments in broadband infrastructure and other digital enablers, it is equally essential to invest in complementary non-digital factors such as digital leadership, an enabling regulatory framework, accountable institutions, as well as the development of appropriate digital skills,” the government website states.
However, Malawi continues to face structural gaps. The country ranks 163rd on the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI) with a score of 0.3753 in 2024, below the averages for Southern Africa, Africa and the world. Malawi also scored 35 out of 100 on the 2025 ICT Development Index of the International Telecommunication Union, including an estimated internet penetration rate of 18%.
In cybersecurity, the ITU places Malawi in Tier 3 out of five on its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. The country performs relatively well in regulatory frameworks and organizational measures but needs to strengthen technical measures, capacity building and cooperation.
By contrast, Ghana ranks in Tier 1, which includes countries considered cybersecurity role models. On the EGDI, Ghana ranks 108th globally with a score of 0.6317 out of 1, above the averages for West Africa and the continent but slightly below the global average. Before Malawi, Zambia also expressed interest in Ghana’s digital transformation expertise.
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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South Africa and the Netherlands signed a memorandum of understanding on March 3 to deepen digital cooperation.
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South Africa ranked 40th globally and 1st in Africa in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index with a score of 0.8616.
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The Netherlands ranked 10th globally in the same index with a score of 0.9538 and achieved top-tier status in cybersecurity under the International Telecommunication Union index.
South Africa is exploring cooperation with the Netherlands across several digital fields to stimulate innovation and strengthen the protection of online spaces. Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding on March 3.
Officials formalized the initiative during a bilateral meeting between Mondli Gungubele, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and a delegation from the Embassy of the Netherlands in South Africa. Participants discussed digital skills development, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and online child protection.
This rapprochement forms part of broader efforts by African countries to accelerate digital transformation. Governments are integrating digital technologies across all sectors of the economy to support socio-economic development.
South Africa remains one of Africa’s leaders in digital transformation, particularly in public administration. The country scored 0.8616 out of 1 in the 2024 E-Government Development Index published by the United Nations. The ranking placed South Africa first among 54 African countries and 40th out of 193 countries worldwide, above the global average of 0.6382.
In cybersecurity, the International Telecommunication Union placed South Africa in the second performance tier out of five. The country achieved the maximum score of 20 in two pillars covering technical, legal, and cooperation measures. However, the organization highlighted the need to strengthen capacity-building and organizational measures.
The Netherlands ranked 10th globally in the 2024 E-Government Development Index with a score of 0.9538 out of 1. In cybersecurity, the International Telecommunication Union classified the country in the top performance tier, which represents a model to follow. The Netherlands achieved the maximum score in four of the five ITU pillars—legal, technical, organizational, and cooperation—and scored 19.22 out of 20 in capacity development.
These indicators illustrate the Netherlands’ potential expertise in supporting South Africa’s digital ambitions. However, both parties have so far signed only a memorandum of understanding. The agreement formalizes their intent to cooperate but does not yet guarantee the implementation of funded projects with a defined timeline. Observers will need to monitor the next steps to assess the partnership’s concrete impact.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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President Félix Tshisekedi instructed the government to strengthen regulation of social media platforms during a Feb. 27 cabinet meeting in Kinshasa.
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Internet users in the Democratic Republic of Congo rose 64.1% to 34.7 million between 2021 and early 2026, while social media users climbed to 10.4 million, according to DataReportal.
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The government will promote enforcement of the country’s Digital Code and require biweekly progress reports from relevant ministers.
President Félix Tshisekedi has instructed the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to tighten oversight of social media platforms in order to curb abuses. He issued the directive during the 80th ordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Friday, Feb. 27, in Kinshasa.
The president tasked the Minister of State for Justice and Keeper of the Seals, along with the Minister of the Digital Economy, with proposing and implementing measures in coordination with relevant services to promote responsible, ethical and rational use of social media. The measures could include, where appropriate,“proportionate and lawful restrictive measures, while respecting fundamental freedoms,” according to the statement read by Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of the Digital Economy.
The directive comes amid rapid growth in social media adoption alongside expanding telecommunications services, particularly internet access. DataReportal data show that the number of internet users increased from 21.14 million in 2021 to 34.7 million in early 2026, representing a 64.1% rise and an estimated penetration rate of 30.5%. Over the same period, the number of social media users rose from 4 million to 10.4 million.
Congolese authorities argue that “Far from serving exclusively positive purposes, social media increasingly constitute vectors of misinformation, public disorder, hate speech, manipulation of opinion, and incitement to division among Congolese people, thereby undermining national cohesion, public order, and social stability.”
The decision also follows persistent security challenges in several provinces. Social media platforms have become key arenas for debate on security issues.
Promoting and Enforcing the Digital Code
The presidential communication emphasized the need to promote and enforce the Digital Code, which lawmakers adopted to regulate digital platform use in the DRC. The president stated that the legal instrument already provides mechanisms to prevent, regulate and punish online abuses. However, he said authorities and the public have not sufficiently understood or applied the provisions.
The government will not limit awareness efforts to citizens. The Minister of Communication and Media will work with public and private operators to conduct ongoing public awareness campaigns. Authorities will also target magistrates under the coordination of the High Council of the Judiciary to ensure coherent and deterrent application of the law.
Beyond regulatory measures, the executive branch will invest in education. The Ministries of National Education and Higher Education will gradually integrate training modules and awareness programs on responsible digital use into school curricula. Authorities will incorporate issues related to social media and artificial intelligence into youth education.
The president has required relevant ministers to submit a detailed report every two weeks outlining actions taken, results achieved and any difficulties encountered to ensure monitoring and evaluation. However, authorities have not yet disclosed the precise implementation measures.
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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Senegal’s National Police held talks with Meta Platforms to strengthen operational cooperation on online security.
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Authorities plan technical training for specialized cybercrime units, including the division dedicated to cybercrime.
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The International Telecommunication Union ranked Senegal Tier 3 in its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 with a score of 67.17/100.
Abdoul Wahabou Sall, deputy director general of Senegal’s National Police, met last week with a delegation from Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram. The meeting aimed to explore new avenues of cooperation on online security.
Discussions focused on protecting young people and minors on social media platforms and strengthening operational collaboration mechanisms between law enforcement and the U.S. company. “In this regard, Meta representatives reaffirmed their willingness to support the National Police through capacity-building initiatives,” the Senegalese Police said.
Authorities expect the partnership to translate into capacity-building initiatives for specialized units, particularly the cybercrime division. Meta will organize technical training sessions on its tools and dedicated law enforcement portal to improve the handling of judicial requests and the processing of flagged content.
This initiative forms part of a broader trend across Africa, where governments have expanded partnerships with digital players to address the rapid growth of online activity. Senegalese authorities have sought to adapt investigative methods to a digital environment that now lies at the core of criminal activity, as cyber fraud, online harassment and illicit content dissemination increase.
Public institutions have also faced attacks in recent months. Hackers breached the national tax platform in October. A cyberattack then targeted the Department of File Automation (DAF) in early February. The agency manages the issuance of national identity cards, passports and biometric data. The attack forced authorities to temporarily suspend the production of national identity cards.
Cooperation with digital platforms provides a critical lever to identify perpetrators and accelerate the processing of reports. This cooperation reflects a broader shift in the role of security forces, which must now operate in cyberspace as actively as they operate on the ground.
Does Senegal Have the Means to Respond?
In its “Global Cybersecurity Index 2024” report, the International Telecommunication Union assigned Senegal a score of 67.17 out of 100. The score placed the country in Tier 3, which groups countries “having scored at least 55/100 and demonstrating an initial commitment to cybersecurity. This category corresponds to countries that have taken action—assessment, adoption, or implementation of recognized measures—in a moderate number of areas or indicators.”
Since that assessment, Senegalese authorities have announced the New Deal Technologique, a $1.7 billion program designed to turn the country into a technology hub by 2034. During the program’s launch in February 2025, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said: "We are committed to building a sovereign digital space by strengthening our cyber resilience, securing infrastructure, protecting our critical data, and gradually reducing our dependence on foreign solutions."
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Ghana has finalized and government-approved its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, with an official launch expected in the coming weeks by President John Dramani Mahama.
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The strategy rests on four pillars, including data protection and exploitation, digital infrastructure development, skills training through the “One Million Coders” program, and ethical governance.
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The United Nations warns that AI deployment carries risks, including data bias, ethical concerns and digital divides, particularly in lower-income countries.
Ghanaian authorities have finalized the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which the government recently approved. Authorities expect President John Dramani Mahama to officially launch the roadmap in the coming weeks.
Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, disclosed the information during his address at the National Data Protection Conference 2026 held on Thursday, February 26.
Ghana’s National AI Strategy rests on four key priorities. Authorities aim to harness and protect national data, including African genomic data, as a strategic asset. Authorities also plan to develop robust digital infrastructure and adequate computing power to support innovation and large-scale data processing. In addition, authorities intend to strengthen skills development through initiatives such as the “One Million Coders” program to build a qualified workforce in AI and cybersecurity. Finally, the strategy commits to transparent and ethical governance, supported by concrete use cases that aim to generate tangible value for all citizens.
The roadmap reflects the government’s ambition to position digital technologies as a central driver of national development. Authorities emphasize AI’s transformative potential across multiple sectors. During the launch of the Stakeholder Consultation Forum on the National AI Strategy in May 2025, Samuel Nartey George cited specific applications, including crop health forecasting in agriculture, faster diagnostics in healthcare, personalized learning in education, enhanced transport safety and strengthened surveillance for defense and border security.
The United Nations has endorsed this strategic direction. In its “E-Government Survey 2024,” the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs states that artificial intelligence can optimize public sector operations. The report explains that automation of administrative tasks can increase efficiency and eliminate delays and redundancies. The report also states that AI can detect anomalies, classify data and generate precise recommendations.
However, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs highlights several potential risks. The report identifies data bias as a concern because bias can misrepresent certain groups. The report also underscores ethical, security and social concerns. In addition, the report identifies the digital divide as a major challenge for AI implementation in the public sector, particularly in middle-income, low-income and least developed countries.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Kenya detected 12.5 billion cyber incidents in 2025, up 247% year-on-year.
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Kenya explores cybersecurity cooperation with Safetech Innovations under an existing bilateral framework with Romania.
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Kenya launched the Kenya Cyber Resilience project worth 454 million Kenyan shillings ($3.5 million).
The Kenyan government explores cybersecurity cooperation with Safetech Innovations, a Bucharest-based cybersecurity firm.
William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, received a delegation from the company. Gentiana Serbu accompanied the delegation.
Kenya welcomes structured cooperation that strengthens our national cybersecurity posture and safeguards our digital transformation gains.
— H.E William Kabogo Gitau, E.G.H (@honkabogo) February 24, 2026
This morning at the Ministry Headquarters, I hosted a courtesy call from the delegation of Safetech Innovations, and Romanian Ambassador to… pic.twitter.com/7UhO2liwTs
On Tuesday, February 24, the minister published a statement on X. He wrote: “Our discussion focused on cybersecurity as a critical priority for Kenya, especially as we accelerate digitization across government. We discussed the protection of critical infrastructure, strengthening institutional capacity, and the need to build strong and sustainable cyber resilience frameworks.”
He added that discussions also covered research and development collaboration. He emphasized partnerships with Kenyan higher education institutions to promote knowledge transfer and experience sharing.
Kabogo stated that the engagement forms part of bilateral cooperation between Kenya and Romania under an existing memorandum of understanding. The framework promotes collaboration in key sectors such as ICT and innovation.
The talks followed the launch of the Kenya Cyber Resilience (KCR) project approximately one month earlier. Kenya implements the project in partnership with the European Union. The initiative aims to strengthen the security, resilience, and reliability of Kenya’s expanding digital ecosystem. Authorities estimate the total cost at approximately 454 million Kenyan shillings ($3.5 million).
Kenya has also strengthened cybersecurity cooperation with the United States, the United Nations, and Huawei.
In addition to regional and international partnerships, Kenya strengthens its domestic cybersecurity framework. Authorities are advancing plans to establish a National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) to complement existing institutions.
Kenya enforces a Data Protection Act, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, and a National Cybersecurity Strategy covering 2022–2027.
In its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, the International Telecommunication Union ranked Kenya 21st globally and third in Africa.
The country achieved maximum scores in cooperation, capacity development, and organizational measures. However, the ITU indicated that Kenya must further strengthen its regulatory framework and technical measures.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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The government launched a subsidized sale of 664,000 digital devices, including 400,000 reserved for women and girls.
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Authorities financed the scheme under the $24 million DECIM fund to expand affordable access to digital equipment.
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Only 18.7% of the population used the Internet in 2024, highlighting a wide digital gap.
Officials officially launched on February 21 a national program to sell 664,000 subsidized digital devices. The program allocates 400,000 units to women and girls. The initiative seeks to expand access to digital terminals, reduce the digital divide, and strengthen sustainable digital inclusion, particularly for women and youth.
The government has structured the program around a network of nine contracted official distributors to ensure process transparency, equipment accessibility and gradual nationwide coverage, including rural areas. Authorities have integrated the initiative into the “Affordable Digital Equipment” subcomponent of the $24 million Digital and Energy Connectivity for Inclusion in Madagascar (DECIM) fund.
Authorities first unveiled the program in April 2025 as part of a broader strategy to support socio-economic development through digital transformation. The Digitization Strategic Plan (PSN) 2023–2028 frames this strategy and sets a roadmap to position Madagascar as a leading player in Africa’s digital economy. The plan emphasizes telecommunications development, e-government and digital inclusion. Authorities expect the digital sector to contribute 6% to GDP by 2028, compared with 1.5% in 2019.
However, Madagascar continues to face a pronounced digital divide. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 18.7% of the population used the Internet in 2024. The World Bank estimates the population at 32.9 million. The GSMA notes that smartphone affordability remains a major barrier to Internet adoption, even in areas already covered by networks, despite devices now retailing for under $100.
At the same time, the scale of the initiative remains modest relative to the population still excluded from digital services. Authorities have not announced subsequent phases or a precise timeline for expansion.
Access to smartphones alone does not guarantee adoption and effective use of digital services. Network coverage also constrains inclusion. ITU data show that 2G and 3G networks covered 88.5% and 69.2% of the population respectively at end-2023. Meanwhile, 4G coverage reached 34.6% in 2024, and 5G covered only 6.12%. High Internet costs, limited digital skills, security concerns, connectivity quality and the perceived relevance of digital services for some communities further limit uptake.
Digital infrastructure can unlock productivity gains, but hardware subsidies represent only one piece of a broader structural equation that includes connectivity, affordability and trust in digital ecosystems.
Isaac K. Kassouwi