Public Management (547)
Highlights:
- Somalia and UNDP signed an MoU to support digital governance and public service innovation.
- The deal aims to boost human capital, e-government infrastructure, and digital inclusion.
- Somalia ranks near bottom in global digital and cybersecurity indices.
Somalia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate its national digital transformation agenda. The agreement was inked on Wednesday, July 16, in Mogadishu and aims to enhance cooperation in digital governance, innovation, public service delivery, and human capital development.
Lionel Laurens, UNDP’s resident representative in Somalia, said the MoU would serve as a framework for strengthening Somalia’s digital infrastructure and inclusion strategy, particularly in areas such as e-governance and capacity building.
The move is part of a broader international outreach by the Somali government to close its digital gap and promote socio-economic development. Earlier this month, Somali officials reiterated their commitment to international collaboration during a high-level meeting in Switzerland, holding talks with representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti.
Topics under discussion included youth digital skills development, telecommunications infrastructure, governance, cybersecurity, and investment in emerging technologies.
Somalia remains one of the world’s least digitally developed countries. According to the UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index, Somalia ranks 191 out of 193, with a score of just 0.1468—far below the African average of 0.4247. In the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the ITU, Somalia is placed at level 4 out of 5 with a score of 37.38 out of 100, underscoring the country’s significant technical and regulatory challenges.
Laurens reaffirmed UNDP’s support for the Somali federal government and emphasized the role of the Ministry of Telecommunications as a key driver of the nation’s digital transition. However, he noted that this is only an initial framework agreement, and its practical outcomes will depend on subsequent implementation steps.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi.
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho.
• My Afro Origins platform is dedicated for Afro-descendants seeking citizenship under a new return law recognizing descendants of enslaved Africans.
• Move aligns with global diaspora initiatives like Ghana’s “Year of Return” and Guinea-Bissau’s citizenship program.
• Platform offers application tools with a $100 fee, aiming to strengthen diaspora ties and development.
Benin officially launched My Afro Origins, a digital platform designed to accept applications for Beninese nationality from Afro-descendants. The portal went live on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The platform supports the implementation of Law No. 2024-31, passed on September 2, 2024, which for the first time guarantees the right of return and citizenship to descendants of sub-Saharan Africans who were deported during the slave trade and the transatlantic triangle trade.
“Our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, forcibly uprooted during the dark hours of the transatlantic slave trade, must reclaim their place within the African community,” said Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari. “It is time to heal these wounds and recreate that sacred bond with those who, though physically distant, carry Africa in their hearts.”
The announcement comes as many Afro-descendants, especially African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans, seek to return to Africa, reconnect with their heritage, and contribute to the continent’s development. It also aligns with the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent from 2015 to 2024, which promotes human rights, justice, and development for people of African heritage living outside the continent.
Benin has launched several initiatives to encourage the return of Afro-descendants and strengthen ties with its global diaspora. The Vodun Days festival has become a major event for the African diaspora, attracting visitors from Haiti, the United States, Brazil, and increasingly from Guadeloupe, all seeking to reconnect with their roots.
This initiative follows similar efforts in other countries, such as Ghana’s Year of Return in 2019 and Guinea-Bissau’s recent decision to grant citizenship and issue national passports to an initial group of people of African descent.
Beyond granting Beninese nationality to Afro-descendants, the program offers opportunities for economic, cultural, and educational development.
The My Afro Origins platform allows users to access information, prepare their application, and pay the $100 processing fee.
Lydie Mobio
- Somali officials held talks with international leaders during the WSIS+20 meeting in Geneva
- Discussions focused on digital inclusion, youth training, e-governance, and cybersecurity
- Somalia ranks low on global digital development indexes but is taking early steps to improve
Somalia is aiming to boost international cooperation in digital development, according to government statements made on the sidelines of the WSIS+20 review held in Geneva from July 7 to 11. The event marked 20 years since the launch of the World Summit on the Information Society.
Mohamed Adan Macallin, Somalia’s Minister of Telecommunications and Technology, met with Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. He also held talks with his counterparts from Malaysia and Djibouti, Fahmi Fadzil and Ridwaan Abdulaahi Bahdoon.
Discussions covered key areas such as digital inclusion, training in digital skills for youth and civil servants, digital governance, and cybersecurity.
These efforts are part of Somalia’s broader push to promote technological progress and digital access as drivers of social and economic development. However, the country still faces significant challenges. In the United Nations 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), Somalia ranked 191st out of 193 countries, with a score of 0.1468 out of 1—well below the African average of 0.4247 and the global average of 0.6382.
In terms of cybersecurity, Somalia was placed in category 4 out of 5 in the ITU’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, indicating only a basic level of commitment. The country scored 37.38 out of 100, highlighting the need to improve technical measures, legal frameworks, and capacity building.
For now, the talks in Geneva remain at the discussion stage, with no formal agreements signed. However, in May, Somalia took a first concrete step by signing a memorandum of understanding with Malaysia’s national cybersecurity agency, a country widely recognized for its leadership in this field.
• Cape Verde is exploring digital cooperation with South Korea after a recent technical mission
• Talks focus on data governance, public service digitization, and cybersecurity
• No agreement yet, but South Korea is seen as a key potential partner
Cape Verde's government is exploring a partnership with South Korea in digital transformation. To advance this initiative, a delegation led by the Directorate General of Telecommunications and Digital Economy recently completed a technical mission to South Korea.
In a statement released Monday, July 7, the Ministry of Digital Economy explained that discussions focused on how integrated data governance, the digitization of public services, and cybersecurity can strengthen citizens' trust, boost the digital economy, and improve state efficiency.
This initiative aligns with Cape Verdean authorities' ambition to make digital technology a cornerstone of socio-economic development in the coming years. In a recent interview with the economic news agency Ecofin Agency, Pedro Lopes, Secretary of State for Digital Economy, explained that digital technology can accelerate economic transformation despite limited natural resources. He stated, "We are also modernizing tourism, the blue economy, and agriculture through digital solutions, and we are supporting our youth to create globally competitive startups."
South Korea appears to be a strong ally in achieving these goals. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers South Korea a global model in cybersecurity. Regarding digital transformation, it ranked fourth worldwide in the United Nations' 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.9679 out of 1.
In the same EGDI index, Cape Verde ranks 111th globally, with a score of 0.6238 out of 1. This result is above the West African average but slightly below the global average, which stands at 0.6382. In cybersecurity, Cape Verde falls into the fourth of five categories, according to the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index. While it performs well on regulatory aspects, the country still needs to strengthen its technical and organizational frameworks, improve international cooperation, and invest in developing human skills.
It is worth noting, however, that talks between South Korea and Cape Verde are still in the early stages. Although Cape Verdean authorities say they have identified concrete opportunities for future collaboration, no formal agreement has yet been signed or announced. Further developments will be needed to assess whether this rapprochement will lead to a genuine partnership and to measure its potential impact.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
• Burkina Faso and the U.S. discussed digital cooperation, focusing on cybersecurity and infrastructure
• 2025 plans include data centers, network expansion, digital IDs, and a $150M transformation project
• Talks are early-stage; U.S. firms like Starlink and AWS may benefit as Burkina Faso seeks to close its digital gap
The Burkinabe government is exploring stronger digital cooperation with the United States. This was a key topic last week during a meeting between Aminata Zerbo/Sabane (photo, right), Minister of Digital Transition, and Joann Lockard (photo, left), the U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso.
"The government of Burkina Faso is undertaking many initiatives to support digital transition," Ambassador Lockard stated. "The American experience can be of great help in making this transition a success, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity and data control to protect citizens." She expressed confidence in the potential of American companies in the digital sector to support Burkinabe authorities' projects.
Among the major projects announced for 2025 are the completion of data centers, already 70 percent finished, and extending network coverage to at least 500 additional underserved localities. The ministry also plans to digitize more administrative services, carry out a large-scale population enrollment for electronic unique identification, and launch the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project, estimated at $150 million.
While no specific companies have been named yet in connection with this outreach, these projects could offer tangible opportunities for several U.S. firms already active in Africa. For instance, American Tower, a telecom infrastructure provider, and Starlink, for satellite internet access, might be considered for expanding network coverage. Other companies specializing in digital transformation, such as Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cybastion, or Cisco, could also fit into this dynamic.
Furthermore, the United States is among the most advanced countries in digital governance. The United Nations ranks it 19th globally in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.9195 out of 1. In cybersecurity, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers the U.S. a benchmark in its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. The U.S. scores 97.4 out of 100 on the ICT Development Index for 2025.
In contrast, Burkina Faso ranks 175th in the EGDI with a score of 0.2895, well below the global average of 0.6382. For cybersecurity, the country falls into the third of five categories, indicating that further efforts are needed, particularly to strengthen technical capacity and develop human capital.
Discussions between the two parties remain at a preliminary stage. No agreement has been signed or officially announced yet. The progression of these talks will need to be monitored to assess concrete partnership prospects and the actual involvement of American companies in Burkina Faso’s digital transformation.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
-
Algeria urged to update cybercrime and AI laws, says parliament speaker.
-
National strategy, school, and global partnerships underway.
-
Gaps remain in tech capacity and training despite strong legal base.
Algeria must modernize its regulatory framework to keep pace with technological developments and strengthen the fight against cybercrime. This message came from Brahim Boughali, Speaker of the National People's Assembly (APN), on Monday, June 30. He spoke during a parliamentary session focused on legal accountability in cybercrime and artificial intelligence.
According to Boughali, the rapid evolution of cyberspace demands a serious overhaul of legislative mechanisms to effectively confront emerging digital threats. He emphasized the importance of balancing citizens' rights and freedoms with the need for a robust approach to cybercrime prevention. He also highlighted the urgent need for a flexible legal framework that can anticipate future challenges related to artificial intelligence while remaining aligned with constitutional principles and international standards on data protection and digital sovereignty.
This legislative push complements the executive branch's efforts to bolster national cybersecurity. Algeria is looking to deepen cooperation with South Korea, which the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers a model in cybersecurity. It has also strengthened ties with Russia to advance in this field. A national cybersecurity strategy is currently being developed. In 2024, the country established a dedicated cybersecurity school, and the topic has been integrated into youth ICT (Information and Communication Technology) training programs, particularly through the nationwide "Skills Centers."
Despite these efforts, the ITU notes that Algeria already has a solid legal foundation, awarding it a score of 19.18 out of 20 in the legal framework category of the Global Cybersecurity Index. However, the country still faces challenges in expanding technical capabilities, building institutional capacity, training talent, and forging essential partnerships for effective cybersecurity. Algeria received an overall score of 65.87 out of 100, placing it in the third tier out of five on the global scale.
Written in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Translated and adapted into English by Mouka Mezonlin
-
Cybastion to invest $25 million in Angola’s first phase of cybersecurity program
-
Full $170 million plan includes national cybersecurity agency and workforce training
-
Angola still ranks low on global cybersecurity index, with major gaps to address
The Angolan government has partnered with US technology company Cybastion to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity capabilities, with the firm committing to an initial $25 million investment.
The deal marks the first phase of a broader $170 million investment program announced last week in collaboration with state-owned operator Angola Telecom. The plan includes establishing a national cybersecurity agency and training new experts in partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy.
This effort aligns with Angola’s national digital transformation strategy, which aims to position information and communication technologies (ICT) as a driver of social and economic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity a key factor for ensuring sustainable digital growth.
In 2024, Angola was ranked in Tier 4 of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index, the second-lowest level on a five-tier scale. The ranking reflects limited engagement, with some progress in regulations and international cooperation, but significant work remains to strengthen technical capabilities, improve incident response mechanisms, and expand training and awareness efforts.
Angola has partnered with American technology company Cybastion to improve its cybersecurity. The government signed a deal with Cybastion, which pledged to invest $25 million to strengthen Angola’s digital defenses.
This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding the two parties signed in March during the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. The partnership is part of Cybastion’s “Digital Fast Track initiative.”
Officials said this first investment marks the initial phase of a broader $170 million program launched with Angola Telecom. The full program includes creating a national cybersecurity agency and training a new generation of cybersecurity professionals. Angola will collaborate with the Cisco Networking Academy to deliver these training programs.
These moves support Angola’s national digital transformation strategy. The government wants to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to drive socio-economic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity essential for any successful digital transformation.
In 2024, the ITU ranked Angola in “Tier 4” on its global cybersecurity index, the second-lowest level on a five-point scale. This score shows Angola has made some progress with regulations and international cooperation. However, the country still needs to strengthen technical tools for detection and incident response, improve organizational processes, and boost training and awareness for all stakeholders.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
-
Zimbabwe to launch $3M e-records system by year-end.
-
Pilot covers three ministries, targets 2030 development goals.
-
Challenges include skills, infrastructure, and data security.
Zimbabwe is set to launch an Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) valued at an estimated $3 million by the end of the year. Brenda Mamvura, Director General of the National Archives of Zimbabwe (NAZ), made the announcement Tuesday, June 17, during an interview with Herald Online. The interview took place on the sidelines of the 28th East and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ESARBICA) conference, held in Victoria Falls from June 16 to 20.
Mamvura revealed that a company has already won the contract, and 60% of the procurement process is complete. The Ministries of Finance, Public Service, and the Office of the President and Cabinet have been selected to pilot the system before its nationwide rollout.
This initiative is part of the government’s broader ambition to elevate Zimbabwe to upper-middle-income status by 2030, with digital transformation serving as a key driver. Authorities aim to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) across society and economic sectors to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development. In public administration, the objective is to enhance service delivery, ensure more efficient and responsive governance, improve public resource management, and foster greater citizen engagement.
"The benefits of an EDRMS are clear," Mamvura said. "First, the integration of systems allows for smooth coordination across departments. Then, there’s improved efficiency. Public institutions and state-owned enterprises will be able to serve clients more quickly and effectively."
However, the system remains in its pilot phase, with implementation limited to three ministries for now. The digitization effort also raises several questions, particularly regarding the digital skills of public sector employees, the robustness of Zimbabwe’s technology infrastructure, the availability of adequate computer equipment, reliable internet access, and the protection of sensitive data.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Algerian authorities are mobilizing for blood donation campaigns. They have decided to turn to technology to implement an innovative system in order to better manage these activities.
Algeria's Ministry of Health has launched a new digital platform to facilitate blood donations nationwide. Accessible via the Ministry's official website, the tool aims to enhance coordination between donors and blood transfusion centers while centralizing data on national blood needs.
Specifically, the platform allows citizens to register as donors, receive real-time updates on blood drives, and locate the nearest donation centers. In turn, center administrators can better plan collection campaigns and update their stock levels based on identified needs. This digital system is part of a broader strategy to modernize Algeria's blood collection network.
The initiative comes amid a steady increase in demand for blood products. It follows the second edition of the "Bank of Life" operation, which Algerian Radio launched in October 2024. Concurrently, the National Association of Algerian Pharmacists began a blood donation awareness campaign in June 2025, utilizing pharmacies as information hubs.
In the first half of 2024, over 354,000 units of blood were collected from 256 blood transfusion centers across the country. This represents a 5.49% increase compared to the same period in 2023. By combining a digital approach with citizen engagement, authorities hope to sustain collection efforts throughout the year, moving beyond the typical peaks of solidarity seen during specific times.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
More...
According to authorities, digital transformation is a key driver of Liberia’s socioeconomic development. It spans several areas of public governance, including tax administration.
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is intensifying its digital transformation strategy to modernize the nation's tax administration. Last week, the agency completed a thorough review of its Domestic Tax Department's standard operating procedures (SOPs) to align them with current operational realities, particularly in light of technological advancements. This review is a key component of a broader national initiative to digitize tax processes.
"We are moving toward automation. Our processes and SOPs must align accordingly. It is critical that we invest more in IT to reduce waste and eliminate redundant processes, including manual auditing. Countries like Zambia are already reaping the benefits of digitization, and we must follow suit,” said James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the LRA.
In May, the LRA introduced a new intelligent revenue monitoring system, developed by international tech firm N-Soft, designed to boost transparency and efficiency in tax collection. The same month, the LRA also expanded its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on three strategic areas: domestic resource mobilization, digital transformation, and institutional capacity building. Additionally, the Automated Performance Management System (APMS), introduced in September 2024, is slated for live operation in 2025.
Central to this transformation is the Liberia Integrated Tax System (LITAS), an integrated digital platform that streamlines tax management. LITAS offers a range of services, including online payments via bank transfer or Visa card, digital tools for tax calculation and verification, and the issuance of tax identification numbers and compliance certificates.
This digital push aligns with recommendations from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which emphasizes that the primary goal of digital tax administration is to simplify and reduce the cost of tax compliance. The OECD highlights, "If paying taxes is burdensome, it results in higher time and financial costs for individuals and businesses. When scaled across the economy, these inefficiencies can represent significant losses in both direct costs and productivity."
Despite these advancements, Liberia's digital tax infrastructure remains under development. To ensure its effectiveness, several crucial prerequisites must be addressed: reliable internet access, appropriate digital equipment, a stable electricity supply, and comprehensive training for tax officials to develop the necessary digital skills for optimal system utilization.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation has disrupted every sector, including the labor market. By 2030, more than 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills.
The Togolese government has unveiled a plan to train 15,000 students from public universities in computer programming and artificial intelligence (AI) this year. This initiative is part of a broader program launched earlier this month in partnership with U.S.-based startup Kira Learning, which aims to eventually train 50,000 students annually. The program's ultimate goal is to boost youth employability.
In addition to teaching Python programming and AI fundamentals, the curriculum includes practical training in English. The course is entirely free and accessible online, combining interactive lessons, instructional videos, and hands-on exercises. It is supported by an AI-powered virtual tutor capable of delivering personalized guidance to learners.
“This training opens the door to real job opportunities, even for students outside of scientific disciplines. In just three months, a humanities or literature student could qualify for roles such as IT support technician, digital project assistant, junior webmaster, content moderator, or data annotator for AI,” the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation explained in a statement.
The initiative comes amid a continent-wide shift driven by digital transformation. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital competencies.
In Togo, public universities in Lomé and Kara enroll around 100,000 students. The country also has a notably young population: according to the World Bank, 60% of its 8 million citizens are under the age of 25. While the official unemployment rate stands at just 1.7%, widespread underemployment continues to undermine household financial stability. The World Bank notes that visible underemployment—jobs with fewer than 35 hours per week—affects 60% of the workforce.
Despite its promise, the program has limitations. By targeting only public university students, it excludes thousands from private institutions. Moreover, while the program is free, access can still be hindered by practical barriers such as internet costs and a lack of essential devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones.
Nonetheless, the initiative represents a significant step toward equipping Togo’s youth with the digital skills increasingly demanded by today's job market.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Ghana’s digital economy is growing rapidly, with increasing reliance on fintech, e-commerce, and digital transactions. Strong legal frameworks are essential to protect businesses and consumers from cyber threats and ensure compliance with international data protection standards.
Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations (MoCDTI) has announced plans to introduce 15 new digital laws aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, data protection, and digital economy regulation. The announcement was made on June 8 during a two-day workshop with Parliament’s Select Committee on Information and Communications, where the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and collaboration in shaping the country’s digital future.
The proposed laws will focus on several critical areas, including cybersecurity regulations, data protection, and digital economy governance. As cyber threats continue to evolve, Ghana needs a robust legal framework to safeguard businesses and individuals from digital risks. The cybersecurity laws will enhance protections against cyberattacks, ensuring compliance with global security standards and reinforcing national resilience against digital threats. Additionally, the data protection laws will strengthen privacy rights, regulating how personal and corporate data is collected, stored, and used. With the increasing reliance on digital transactions, these measures will provide citizens with greater control over their information while ensuring businesses adhere to ethical data practices.
Another key aspect of the legislative agenda is the governance of Ghana’s digital economy. As fintech, e-commerce, and digital transactions become more prevalent, clear policies are needed to regulate these sectors effectively. The new laws will establish guidelines for digital financial services, ensuring consumer protection and fostering innovation.
Institutional reforms are also a major focus of the proposed legislation. One of the most significant changes discussed at the workshop is the transformation of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) into a purely regulatory body. Currently, NITA operates both as a regulator and a service provider, which can create conflicts in governance. Under the new framework, its service-provider functions and government IT assets will be transferred to a separate entity, ensuring a clearer distinction between regulation and service delivery. This transition is expected to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance oversight of Ghana’s digital infrastructure.
With Ghana’s digital economy expanding rapidly, these laws are essential for protecting citizens and businesses from cyber risks, encouraging investment in technology, and ensuring compliance with international data protection standards. The Ministry’s proactive approach signals a strong commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining security and accountability in the digital space.
The proposed laws will be rolled out in phases for parliamentary review, allowing for thorough discussions and stakeholder engagement. As Ghana positions itself as a regional digital leader, these legislative reforms will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s tech-driven future, ensuring that policies and infrastructure developments support sustainable growth and innovation.
Ghana has been actively developing laws to regulate and strengthen its digital economy. These laws aim to enhance consumer protection, regulate digital transactions, and ensure compliance with international standards. The country has existing digital laws such as the Electronic Transactions Act (2008), which grants legal recognition for electronic records, and the Payment Systems and Services Act (2019), which regulates digital financial services. The Cybersecurity Act (2020) established the Cybersecurity Authority, ensuring national security against cyber threats.
Hikmatu Bilali
In fifteen years, technological advances have reshaped the telecom and digital markets in Africa, creating both opportunities and challenges. However, the inadequacy of regulations hinders harmonious growth, limiting the sector’s full potential and its economic impact.
In 2024, ten African countries reached the highest level of regulatory maturity in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital governance. Among them, Burkina Faso and Senegal joined the G3 category, alongside several countries from Europe, America, and Asia. This level corresponds to a regulatory ecosystem conducive to investment, innovation, and universal access. On its platform https://app.gen5.digital/, consulted on June 3, 2024, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reveals that they are now just a few points away from the G4 level, the highest, which characterizes integrated regulation aligned with economic and social development goals.
Top 10 African countries with the best ICT regulatory ecosystem
|
No. |
Country |
Points 2024 |
Level 2024 |
Points 2023 |
Level 2023 |
|
1 |
Kenya |
93 |
G4 |
71.91 |
G3 |
|
2 |
Nigeria |
92 |
G4 |
64.81 |
G2 |
|
3 |
South Africa |
88 |
G4 |
69.29 |
G2 |
|
4 |
Malawi |
87.50 |
G4 |
59.57 |
G2 |
|
5 |
Egypt |
87 |
G4 |
69.29 |
G2 |
|
6 |
Rwanda |
85.67 |
G4 |
63.58 |
G2 |
|
7 |
Morocco |
85.50 |
G4 |
58.49 |
G2 |
|
8 |
Uganda |
85 |
G4 |
55.56 |
G2 |
|
9 |
Burkina Faso |
84 |
G3 |
48.77 |
G2 |
|
10 |
Senegal |
82.67 |
G3 |
50 |
G2 |
Source: ITU
In its G5 framework, the ITU ranks 193 countries according to four levels of regulatory maturity, assessed through 70 indicators grouped into four pillars: national collaborative governance; policy design principles; digital development tools; political agenda for the digital economy. The index, scored out of 100 points, distinguishes four levels of regulatory maturity:
- G1 (limited): 0–40 points – Monopolistic markets, authoritarian approach
- G2 (intermediate): 40–70 points – Partial liberalization and privatization
- G3 (advanced): 70–85 points – Environment conducive to innovation and competition
- G4 (leader): 85–100 points – Harmonized regulation, driver of digital transformation
Progress, but not enough
Between 2023 and 2024, African countries made significant progress in their ICT regulation. The Covid-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, revealing as early as 2020 the urgency of digital transformation but also the regulatory gaps to be filled, particularly in spectrum management reform and digital services taxation.
The results are visible today. Most African countries ranked G1 and G2 in 2023 have moved up to G3. Only three countries still show a very low level of regulatory maturity, a sign of positive momentum.
Although this evolution is commendable, it still falls short of the targets set by the ITU: achieving G4 level for the majority, to ensure a digital economy that serves the continent's socio-economic development. To achieve this, it is imperative to invest in institutional capacities, strengthen regional cooperation, and adopt inclusive policies so that digital benefits everyone.
By Muriel EDJO,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Ranking of African countries
|
No. |
Country |
Points 2024 |
Level 2024 |
Points 2023 |
Level 2023 |
|
11 |
Liberia |
82.33 |
G3 |
41.82 |
G2 |
|
12 |
Botswana |
82 |
G3 |
55.09 |
G2 |
|
13 |
Tanzania |
81.67 |
G3 |
55.25 |
G2 |
|
14 |
Ghana |
81 |
G3 |
64.20 |
G2 |
|
15 |
Mauritius |
80.50 |
G3 |
62.81 |
G2 |
|
16 |
Seychelles |
79.50 |
G3 |
20.37 |
G1 |
|
17 |
Eswatini |
79 |
G3 |
48.92 |
G2 |
|
18 |
Zambia |
78.33 |
G3 |
49.07 |
G2 |
|
19 |
Guinea |
76.33 |
G3 |
33.80 |
G1 |
|
20 |
Tunisia |
75.83 |
G3 |
39.35 |
G1 |
|
21 |
Angola |
75.67 |
G3 |
28.55 |
G1 |
|
22 |
Cameroon |
75.67 |
G3 |
38.27 |
G1 |
|
23 |
Sudan |
75.50 |
G3 |
59.10 |
G2 |
|
24 |
Comoros |
74.17 |
G3 |
30.56 |
G1 |
|
25 |
Cape Verde |
74 |
G3 |
50 |
G2 |
|
26 |
Côte d'Ivoire |
74 |
G3 |
50 |
G2 |
|
27 |
Gambia |
72.67 |
G3 |
41.36 |
G2 |
|
28 |
São Tomé and Príncipe |
72.67 |
G3 |
27.62 |
G1 |
|
29 |
Togo |
71.67 |
G3 |
43.83 |
G2 |
|
30 |
Lesotho |
70.50 |
G3 |
28.86 |
G1 |
|
31 |
Mozambique |
70.50 |
G3 |
22.22 |
G1 |
|
32 |
Zimbabwe |
70.33 |
G3 |
56.94 |
G2 |
|
33 |
Benin |
70 |
G3 |
67.59 |
G2 |
|
34 |
DR Congo |
70 |
G3 |
41.82 |
G2 |
|
35 |
Namibia |
68.67 |
G2 |
34.88 |
G1 |
|
36 |
Niger |
68 |
G2 |
40.59 |
G2 |
|
37 |
Mali |
67 |
G2 |
44.91 |
G2 |
|
38 |
Algeria |
66 |
G2 |
50.93 |
G2 |
|
39 |
Mauritania |
66 |
G2 |
44.29 |
G2 |
|
40 |
Gabon |
64 |
G2 |
29.78 |
G1 |
|
41 |
Sierra Leone |
61.17 |
G2 |
38.27 |
G1 |
|
42 |
Burundi |
60.67 |
G2 |
26.70 |
G1 |
|
43 |
Chad |
58.67 |
G2 |
41.36 |
G2 |
|
44 |
Central African Rep. |
53.50 |
G2 |
26.54 |
G1 |
|
45 |
South Sudan |
53.17 |
G2 |
||
|
46 |
Ethiopia |
52 |
G2 |
50.62 |
G2 |
|
47 |
Somalia |
50.50 |
G2 |
22.22 |
G1 |
|
48 |
Guinea-Bissau |
50.33 |
G2 |
26.85 |
G1 |
|
49 |
Equatorial Guinea |
50 |
G2 |
17.59 |
G1 |
|
50 |
Eritrea |
14 |
G1 |
8.33 |
G1 |
|
51 |
Libya |
12.67 |
G1 |
3.70 |
G1 |
|
52 |
Djibouti |
4.50 |
G1 |
23.15 |
G1 |
Source: ITU
Regulatory Maturity Categories (ITU G5 Framework):
- G1 (limited): 0–40 points
- G2 (intermediate): 40–70 points
- G3 (advanced): 70–85 points
- G4 (leader): 85–100 points