Public Management (627)
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Senegal’s National Civil Status Agency (ANEC) and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) signed a partnership agreement on May 22 in Dakar to modernize and secure civil registry services through nationwide digitalization.
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Senegal had already digitized more than 19 million civil records by 2024 as part of its broader administrative modernization strategy.
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Authorities aim to strengthen public data management, improve citizens’ access to official documents and reduce document fraud through centralized databases and digital platforms.
Senegal has accelerated the digital transformation of its civil registry system as the government pushes forward with broader administrative modernization efforts.
The National Civil Status Agency (ANEC) and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) signed a partnership agreement in Dakar on Friday, May 22, to modernize and secure civil registry services through nationwide digitalization. Senegal had already digitized more than 19 million civil records by 2024.
The two institutions aim to strengthen administrative data management, improve citizens’ access to official documents and curb document fraud, which continues to affect several administrative procedures across the country.
The partnership includes the gradual digitalization of civil registry procedures, the protection of archives, the modernization of administrative centers and the deployment of digital management tools.
Authorities have already launched several projects, including the creation of a centralized database and the deployment of integrated management software in multiple civil registry centers. In addition, authorities continue to expand the “Sama État civil” platform, which already allows citizens to complete some administrative procedures remotely. The government expects the platform to reduce travel requirements for users and accelerate request processing times.
Meanwhile, the reform comes as several African countries seek to modernize identification systems and civil data management.
According to UNICEF, nearly 150 million children under the age of five worldwide still lack official birth registration, while sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the most affected regions.
In Senegal, challenges linked to birth registration, paper archive preservation and access to administrative documents continue to limit access to certain public services, particularly in rural areas.
Through the reform, Senegalese authorities also seek to improve the reliability of public data as digital administrative services expand.
The government considers civil registry modernization a key component of the country’s national digital strategy. Authorities expect the reform to improve citizen identification, facilitate access to public services and support future projects related to digital identity and broader administrative digitalization.
Samira Njoya
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Guinea launched the TELEMO digital platform on May 22 in Conakry to fully digitize public procurement procedures.
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Authorities developed the platform in partnership with Rwanda to improve transparency, reduce administrative delays and modernize public spending management.
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Public procurement represents between 11% and 15% of Guinea’s GDP, according to official figures, making the sector a major driver of the national economy.
Guinea officially launched the TELEMO platform in Conakry on Friday, May 22, as the government accelerated efforts to digitize public procurement procedures and modernize public administration.
Authorities developed the digital platform through cooperation with Rwanda. The government aims to modernize public procurement management, strengthen transparency and reduce administrative processing times.
“TELEMO’s vision is to establish a single, reliable and secure national system for managing public procurement. The system tracks every action and records every decision, which enables full transparency. We also target efficiency and inclusion because the platform remains open to all companies, both domestic and international,” TELEMO project manager Mouslihou Diallo said.
The platform now allows authorities to manage the entire public procurement cycle digitally, from tender planning to contract awards.
In addition, the system centralizes tender publication, bid submission and evaluation, procedural monitoring and secure data archiving. The project also seeks to improve small and medium-sized enterprises’ access to public contracts through an online platform.
Meanwhile, the launch forms part of a broader strategy to modernize Guinea’s public finances and digitize government administration.
According to official figures, public procurement accounts for between 11% and 15% of Guinea’s gross domestic product, which makes the sector a major lever of the national economy.
At the regional level, the World Bank estimates that public procurement represents around 11.5% of GDP across West African countries, with governments in the sub-region spending roughly $80 billion annually on goods, services and infrastructure works.
For Guinea, the reform extends beyond administrative modernization.
Authorities expect the digitization of public procurement to improve the efficiency of public spending, strengthen the country’s business climate and increase local companies’ participation in government contracts.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Djibouti launched a feasibility study for “Digital Houses” aimed at expanding digital inclusion and skills development across the country.
- The E-SKILLS program seeks to train at least 3,000 young people and women by 2029 with a budget of €7 million ($8.1 million).
- Djibouti faces severe labor market pressures, with youth unemployment reaching 76.32% in 2024, according to the World Bank.
As digital transformation reshapes labor markets, African countries are preparing citizens for future workforce demands. The World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Against this backdrop, the government of Djibouti launched a feasibility study for the creation of “Digital Houses” across the country’s five inland regions. The initiative forms part of the E-SKILLS program, which aims to strengthen digital competencies among the population.
In a statement published on Wednesday, May 13, the Ministry Delegate for the Digital Economy and Innovation said the study represented a key step in defining how the community-based centers would be deployed. Authorities designed the facilities to promote digital inclusion and reduce the digital divide.
“The future Digital Houses will strengthen access to digital skills, support citizens in their use of digital technologies, encourage local innovation and foster economic opportunities within the regions,” the ministry said in a statement shared on social media.
The planned centers will also bring the E-SKILLS program closer to local populations. The initiative aims to train at least 3,000 young people and women by 2029 at an estimated cost of €7 million, or about $8.1 million.
The project aligns with the country’s Vision Djibouti 2035 strategy, the Smart Nation roadmap and the National Development Plan 2025-2030, all of which aim to position Djibouti as a regional hub for digital skills.
Digital Skills and Employment Challenges
Governments increasingly view digital skills as a key driver of economic transformation. The issue carries particular importance in Africa, where youth unemployment remains a major challenge.
According to the International Labour Organization, 90% of jobs worldwide will require some level of digital competency by 2030. Over the same period, the World Bank expects 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa to depend on digital capabilities.
Djibouti faces especially acute labor market pressures. Youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 reached 76.32% in 2024, according to World Bank data, nearly five times the global average of 15.7%.
In the same year, only 23.7% of the working-age population held employment, one of the lowest levels among members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, according to the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries.
Beyond skills development, the Digital Houses could also help reduce connectivity disparities in a country where digital access remains unevenly distributed.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, 4G coverage reached 76% of the population in 2024, while internet penetration stood at 65.3%.
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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The University of Burundi has created a Digital Teaching Support Unit to strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes.
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Surveys show that only 19.69% of students regularly follow digital courses, while just one in five students owns a computer.
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Despite infrastructure and connectivity constraints, 85.04% of students and 96.1% of teachers support the expansion of digital learning.
The University of Burundi has established a Digital Teaching Support Unit. The university announced the initiative last week as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education in Burundi.
According to the rectoral decision establishing the unit, the structure will develop and strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes within the university. The unit will also initiate and support projects and programs aimed at integrating digital technologies to improve teaching quality. In addition, the structure will promote research, reflection and partnerships in educational technologies.
To support implementation, the university appointed focal points across all faculties and institutes. These representatives will assist lecturers in adopting digital teaching practices while identifying training and resource needs. They will also monitor emerging opportunities in educational technologies and help foster a digital culture within the higher education system.
Between Potential, Delays and Challenges
The initiative comes as Burundian authorities seek to digitize higher education in line with trends across several African countries. Policymakers view the integration of ICT into teaching and learning processes as a way to improve access to educational resources, modernize teaching methods and strengthen digital skills among students and teachers.
However, Burundi continues to lag behind in that area. Richard Ndayishimiye, dean of the Higher Institute of Commerce (ISCO) at the University of Burundi and an expert in higher education digital transformation, highlighted those challenges in January during the 8th AUPTIC conference in Lausanne, Switzerland.
He cited difficulties linked to the digital divide, limited access to connectivity and energy infrastructure, and the need to strengthen digital skills within the university community.
Survey data cited in the report showed that only 19.69% of students regularly participate in digital learning, while 49.32% of teachers said they organize digital courses. In addition, 82.7% of students expressed training needs, compared with 93.5% of teachers.
The survey also highlighted equipment shortages among students. Only one in five students owns a computer. Smartphones remain more widespread, but many devices remain incompatible with certain educational applications. Campuses also offer limited or no properly equipped workspaces.
Nevertheless, the university community has shown strong interest in digital learning. According to the survey, 85.04% of students support the expansion of digital technologies, while 96.1% of teachers favor further digital development in higher education.
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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Burkina Faso presented 12 flagship digital projects to the African Development Bank (AfDB) during talks in Ouagadougou.
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The government seeks funding and technical support for digital infrastructure, public service modernization, and emerging technology skills.
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The discussions form part of Burkina Faso’s broader strategy to diversify digital partnerships with Russia, the UAE, Niger, and Mali.
Burkina Faso stepped up efforts to expand partnerships in the digital sector as the government seeks to accelerate its digital transformation agenda. Against a backdrop of growing regional and international initiatives, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reaffirmed its interest in supporting the country’s strategic projects.
Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane met an AfDB delegation in Ouagadougou on Wednesday, May 6, during a working session focused on Burkina Faso’s digital priorities. The meeting reflected the authorities’ strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships around digital development, which the government considers a key driver of economic and social growth.
During the discussions, the minister presented the 12 flagship projects under her ministry, alongside the main progress achieved and ongoing initiatives. The projects notably target the expansion of digital infrastructure, the modernization of public services, and the strengthening of skills in emerging technologies. She also reaffirmed the government’s ambition to position digital technologies as a central engine for transforming the economy and public administration.
The talks identified several potential areas of cooperation. Both parties will now deepen technical discussions to determine which projects could receive AfDB support.
The African Development Bank, which already supports several digital transformation initiatives across Africa, welcomed the consistency of Burkina Faso’s strategic direction. The institution also reiterated its readiness to back major sector projects, particularly those related to infrastructure and digital skills development.
The discussions form part of the implementation of Burkina Faso’s Country Strategy Paper “DSP-i 2022-2025,” which the parties extended through 2026 and which frames AfDB interventions in the country. The strategy gives digital transformation an increasingly prominent role as a cross-cutting driver of competitiveness, inclusion, and modernization.
The meeting also came as Burkina Faso diversified its digital partnerships. In recent days, the country launched discussions with Russia on technological cooperation. Burkina Faso has also expanded regional collaborations with Niger and Mali, while developing digital-sector ties with the United Arab Emirates.
At the multilateral level, Burkina Faso already benefits from World Bank support through several flagship programs, including the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACTDIGITAL) and the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) initiative, which focuses on regional digital identification systems.
Samira Njoya
- 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
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- 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