Public Management (500)
- Zimbabwe launches digital skills program with UAE support to train 1.5 million citizens
- The initiative focuses on programming, AI, data science, and Android development in Kotlin
- Part of Zimbabwe's digital transformation strategy through 2030, it aims to address ICT skill gaps
Zimbabwe's government, with support from the United Arab Emirates, launched a program on Thursday, April 10, to train 1.5 million citizens in programming, aiming to establish "the foundations for a future-focused Zimbabwean workforce skilled in cutting-edge technologies."
The "Zimbabwe Digital Skills Program" will equip participants with key competencies, including data science, programming, Android development in Kotlin, and artificial intelligence.
This initiative aligns with the Zimbabwean government's digital transformation strategy through 2030, which prioritizes skills development and digital capacity building as one of its three core pillars. The government identified a shortage of ICT skills and low digital literacy as significant obstacles to the information and communication technology sector.
"Zimbabwe has a high literacy level and should leverage on this to become a software and hardware development hub. The Government of Zimbabwe intends to increase innovation through promoting local content, heritage and culture applications development," according to the government's master plan.
In August 2024, the government established ties with LinkedIn, focusing on digital skills acquisition for civil servants and youth, particularly through the "LinkedIn Learning" platform.
These initiatives aim to address youth unemployment, a pressing issue for the country. According to the World Bank, approximately 61% of Zimbabwe's population is under 25. However, the country faces high levels of unemployment and underemployment, with a youth unemployment rate of 35% in 2021. The World Bank also estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Ghana is accelerating its economy-wide digital transformation. In December 2024, the government initiated a review of its education ICT policy to modernize it and address current sector challenges.
Ghana's Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized the necessity of digitizing land resource management for increased efficiency during an April 8 visit to the Lands Commission. The $165 million initiative seeks to overhaul a system deemed slow, complex, and vulnerable.
"With my interactions with management of the Commission earlier this morning, I was told that 90% of the Commission’s work is manual. The current system is too slow, cumbersome, and vulnerable. And I believe that digitising the system will speed up surveying and mapping processes, help in locating land quickly, reduce paperwork, and ultimately boost government revenue mobilisation efforts," Buah stated.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports this initiative, asserting that responsible digital transformation of land administration systems can yield substantial benefits. It could invigorate land markets, enhance government land-related revenue, and stimulate economic growth through innovation. It would also strengthen transparency and equity among stakeholders, thus mitigating corruption risks.
This land resource digitization aligns with the Ghanaian government's broader objective to leverage digital technologies for economic growth, public service modernization, and equitable access to digital tools. Digitalization projects are also underway in sectors like education.
However, the $165 million funding requirement poses a potential obstacle to the transformation's implementation. "The infrastructure can be largely invisible, taken for granted, or simply not understood by key decision-makers. To be sustainably maintained, LAS demand systematic, unified, and durable digital transformation plans, that align with each country’s priorities," notes the FAO's 2022 report, "Funding digital transformation of land administration."
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Benin approves digital public procurement system to streamline procedures and improve transparency
- System aims to simplify contract awarding, enhance fairness, and reduce opacity in bidding processes
Benin's government approved the implementation of a digital public procurement system in a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, April 9, aiming to streamline procedures, enhance contract awarding efficiency, and ensure greater transparency in public contract allocations. Revised public procurement regulations will support the new system, with relevant ministers tasked to guarantee its effective application.
"Beyond the irrefutable advantages of technological evolution, the digitalization of public procurement will generate significant gains and progress beneficial to both bidders and contracting authorities," the Council of Ministers stated.
The move aligns with Benin's broader digital transformation efforts. Since 2016, over 1,000 public services have been digitized, with 210 fully dematerialized, allowing citizens to complete administrative tasks online. The Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalization has allocated 29.03 billion CFA francs (approximately $48.6 million) for 2025, a 19.3% increase from 2024, to support these modernization initiatives. Further sector modernizations are expected in the coming months.
The digital procurement system is projected to strengthen transparency, simplify processes, and mitigate opaque practices. By automating procedures and centralizing data, it will facilitate bidder access to information, ensure equal treatment among candidates, and reduce ambiguity in bid evaluations. This approach may also shorten procurement timelines, improve decision traceability, and generate budgetary savings. Ultimately, it should enhance contracting authority accountability and foster an environment conducive to investment and competitiveness.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Despite Nigeria’s thriving tech scene, many skilled professionals struggle to secure jobs. The partnership aims to bridge this gap by connecting rigorously vetted Nigerian tech talents with global opportunities through Doballi’s AI-enabled remote work platform.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afrovision Technologies Limited (Doballi) to create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerian tech talents.
Doballi’s Country Director, Mrs. Nneoma Ijei, expressed confidence that the collaboration would drive economic advancement and professional growth. She highlighted Nigeria’s potential to lead Africa in the global tech industry, with Doballi positioned at the forefront of this transformation.
Under the agreement, NITDA will provide a steady pipeline of trained tech professionals, ensuring they meet employable standards before onboarding them onto the Doballi platform. Doballi, in turn, will connect these talents with international enterprises, facilitate cross-cultural training, and waive the usual $150 assessment fee for Nigerian applicants.
Additionally, a dedicated dashboard will be created for NITDA to monitor talents’ progress, employer feedback, and foreign currency-based payments into the Nigerian banking system.
NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized that the initiative will not only enhance digital job opportunities but also provide valuable data for policymakers.
Nigeria possesses a large and rapidly expanding talent pool with the potential to propel technological progress and digital transformation. A 2022 report by NITDA and ccHub, titled IT Talent Gap Assessment in Nigeria, estimates that about one-third of the population aged 15 to 35 represents a growing group of tech-savvy individuals eager to embrace emerging innovations.
With a significant portion of the youth population being tech-savvy, there is enormous potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the digital economy. However, without adequate job opportunities, training, and infrastructure, this potential could be underutilized, leading to high unemployment and brain drain.
The partnership between NITDA and Doballi is particularly crucial in this context, as it seeks to connect these skilled individuals with global job opportunities, ensuring that Nigeria’s digital workforce is fully integrated into the international tech economy.
By facilitating access to international job markets, the partnership has the potential to significantly reduce unemployment among tech professionals, contribute to economic growth, and position Nigeria as a leading exporter of tech talent on the global stage.
Hikmatu Bilali
- Uganda proposes three-year income tax exemption for startups
- Measure part of 2025 Income Tax Bill aims to boost entrepreneurship and innovation
- Builds on past state initiatives like the National ICT Support Program and Innovation Hub
Ugandan startups may soon receive a three-year income tax exemption aimed at accelerating the nation's startup ecosystem. The measure, part of proposed amendments to the 2025 Income Tax Bill announced last week, seeks to spur entrepreneurship, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and bolster innovation.
The government has previously launched initiatives to support startups, including the National ICT Initiatives Support Program, which helps Ugandan ICT innovators overcome hurdles to entering local and international markets. Additionally, the state established the National ICT Innovation Hub, providing stable internet connectivity and dedicated workspace for tech entrepreneurs.
Private sector efforts, including those by telecom operators and accelerators like Stanbic Business Incubator, Innovation Village, Hive Collab, and Outbox Hub, also contribute to the country’s entrepreneurial growth.
Uganda currently ranks third in East Africa and 95th globally, according to StartupBlink's 2024 "Global Startup Ecosystem Index." Kampala, the capital, holds the 368th position out of 1,000 cities worldwide, and is home to startups such as Tugende, SafeBoda, Numida, and Rocket Health.
StartupBlink, however, recommends diversifying Uganda’s startup ecosystem, which it deems too Kampala-centric. Developing regional hubs would accelerate sector growth, the organization said. It also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to prevent fragmentation that could limit the country’s potential. Furthermore, it advocated for a robust regulatory framework and incentives to attract more investment and stimulate startup growth. National ecosystem investment totaled $10.6 million in 2023, a 60.4% drop from the $26.8 million recorded in 2022.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Congo has allocated 800 million CFA francs (approx. USD 1.3 million) to National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI)
- Budget will support infrastructure deployment, staff recruitment, and development of cybersecurity strategies
The Republic of Congo has allocated 800 million CFA francs (approximately $1.3 million) to fund the National Cybersecurity Agency's (ANSSI) operations as it seeks to enhance its digital defenses.
Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Léon Juste Ibombo, announced the budget during a meeting last week with ANSSI's Director General, Oboulhas Tsahat Conrad Onésime, who was appointed in February.
The allocated funds will enable ANSSI to develop its infrastructure, hire skilled personnel, and formulate targeted cybersecurity strategies, aiming to enhance the protection of information systems against escalating cyber threats and foster data security and trust within the nation's digital ecosystem.
ANSSI, operating under the authority of the Presidency and overseen by the Ministry of the Digital Economy, is tasked with supervising and coordinating national cybersecurity, managing digital threats and incidents, responding to cyberattacks, and safeguarding the country's digital infrastructure.
The agency confronts several challenges, including the need for cybersecurity expert training, public and institutional awareness campaigns on cybersecurity issues, and improved coordination among key stakeholders.
According to the 2024 International Telecommunication Union's Global Cybersecurity Index, the Republic of Congo is classified in Tier 4, scoring 27.61 out of 100, underscoring the substantial efforts required to strengthen its cybersecurity framework.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
- Ghana’s Communications Minister met Meta VP Kojo Boakye to discuss digital inclusion, innovation, and cybersecurity
- Talks highlighted potential collaboration leveraging Meta’s AI expertise and popular platforms in Ghana
- No formal agreement or project announced; discussions remain at an early stage
Ghana is exploring potential partnerships with U.S. tech giant Meta Platforms (Meta) to bolster its digital sector following discussions last week between Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George and Meta's Vice President for Public Policy in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, Kojo Boakye.
The talks centered on how Meta could support Ghana's digital growth, specifically in areas such as digital inclusion, innovation, and cybersecurity. "Given Meta’s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and modern technologies and the popularity of Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in Ghana, the Minister explored opportunities for cooperation in these fields, similar to Meta’s collaborations with other countries," the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovation said in a statement released Friday.
The Meta meeting coincided with discussions with Ecobank Ghana, focused on promoting digital inclusion, financial technology, and innovation, underscoring the government's emphasis on collaborative efforts.
March alone saw Minister George engage in digital cooperation talks with Germany, Italy, Turkey, Israel, fiber company CSquared, Deloitte, the Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM), and UNESCO, among others.
Ghana scored 0.6316 out of 1 on the 2024 e-Government Development Index, ranking 108th globally out of 193 nations. While surpassing West African and African averages, Ghana remains below the global benchmark, indicating a need for enhanced development in human capital and online services, where it scored 0.5586 and 0.6084, respectively.
Despite the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) citing Ghana as a global cybersecurity model in its "Global Cybersecurity Index 2024," the nation recognizes the necessity for further progress, particularly in capacity development.
Meta has expressed openness to supporting Ghana's digital transformation goals. However, discussions remain preliminary, with no agreements signed or announced, and no specific projects yet defined.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Mauritania launches online criminal record service to simplify administration
• Citizens can access the service via Houwiyeti app and Khidmati portal, available on major app stores
• Government aims to improve transparency and efficiency in judicial processes
Mauritanian citizens can now obtain criminal records online, the government announced Friday, March 28, digitizing the process to streamline administrative procedures, expedite processing, and enhance judicial transparency.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization stated that the service is accessible through the Houwiyeti app and the Khidmati portal, both available on the Play Store and App Store. "The Khidmati portal enables citizens to securely access digitized public services and complete procedures online from any smartphone or computer available in the Mauritanian market," the ministry said.
This initiative aligns with the government's goal of bringing public administration closer to citizens through digital transformation. On March 27, the ministry launched a digital platform to facilitate the creation and management of political parties. The previous day, authorities engaged with insurance sector stakeholders to integrate their services into the developing national digital services platform.
To support this digital push, the government launched the "Digital-Y" project in January, a 4 million euro (approximately $4.3 million) initiative in partnership with German cooperation. The project aims to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, bolster transparency, and stimulate economic and social development.
However, the government's ambition faces potential challenges, including a lack of digital literacy and limited internet and device access. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that approximately 55.6% of Mauritania's 5 million citizens did not use the internet in 2023.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Tunisia and Sweden held ministerial meeting to explore digital sector cooperation
- Talks focused on telecom infrastructure, 5G, cybersecurity, and startup support
Tunisia wants to deepen its cooperation with Sweden in the digital sector. The topic was discussed on Wednesday, March 26, during a meeting between Sofiene Hemissi (photo, center), Minister of Communication Technologies, and Cécilia Wramsten Usher, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Tunisia. She was accompanied by Nader Ben Ammar, Managing Director of Ericsson Tunisia.
Key areas of cooperation under discussion include the development of telecom infrastructure, cybersecurity, the advancement of 5G applications, and support for startups and entrepreneurship.
This potential partnership could support the government's ambition for digital transformation, which it has made a cornerstone of its socioeconomic development. In 2024, Tunisia ranked 87th globally according to the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The country scored 0.6935 out of 1, outperforming both African and global averages, though it still needs to improve in areas such as online services and human capital.
In terms of cybersecurity, Tunisia was ranked in the third tier (Tier 3) out of five by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The country still has significant progress to make in organizational measures, capacity building, and cooperation.
Sweden, for its part, ranks 14th globally on the EGDI. In cybersecurity, the ITU considers the kingdom a model to follow. This means the country demonstrates “a strong commitment […] through coordinated, government-led actions that cover the assessment, establishment, and implementation of generally accepted cybersecurity measures.”
For now, discussions between the two parties are still in the early stages. The exact scope of the potential collaboration has not yet been defined, and no official agreement has been announced. The evolution of the talks will need to be monitored to learn more about future directions and possible implications.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and AQMAAR Space Technologies, an aviation and aerospace component manufacturer, have signed a cooperation protocol aimed at advancing satellite manufacturing in Egypt. The partnership, signed on March 24, will harness the agency’s infrastructure for satellite testing, operations, and frequency allocation, strengthening collaboration between research institutions and the private sector.
AQMAAR is spearheading the development of satellite swarms designed for IoT, communications, and Earth observation. The company’s business model adopts the use of CubeSats (a class of small satellites), offering lightweight, modular, and scalable solutions for scientific research, commercial applications, and planetary missions. Small satellites built to CubeSat specifications save significant resources, helping to eliminate barriers to space access and exploration.
According to the ‘Small Satellite Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report’ by Allied Market Research, the global small satellite market was valued $3,251.9 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $13,711.7 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.4%. Egypt, through AQMAAR’s private-sector involvement, is positioning itself to tap into this lucrative market by developing swarms of satellites for IoT, communications, and Earth observation applications.
The agreement is expected to accelerate Egypt’s space technology capabilities, open new opportunities for research and development, and contribute to the expansion of commercial satellite applications. As Egypt continues its ambitious space agenda, this collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing national self-sufficiency in satellite production and boosting the country’s presence in the international space sector.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Sonatel has been driving Senegal’s digital transformation for several years. Following a recent agreement between its foundation and the Ministry of National Education, the group is now partnering with another state institution.
Sénégal Numérique (SENUM SA) and Sonatel, the owner of telecom operator Orange, announced a partnership agreement on Tuesday, March 25, to support Senegal's digital transformation. The two entities will combine their resources and expertise to develop innovative digital services and improve connectivity nationwide.
"This collaboration aims to accelerate Senegal's digital transformation by focusing on four key areas: strengthening infrastructure for reliable connectivity, developing sovereign cloud and data center solutions, digitalizing public services, and supporting innovation and citizen training," the group stated.
According to details shared on national television (RTS), the agreement includes interconnecting the two entities’ submarine cables to enhance the resilience of digital infrastructure; reactivating the SENIX internet exchange point to improve data traffic management and bolster digital sovereignty; and interconnecting the Sénégal Services and Orange Digital Service hubs to improve access to both public and private digital services. It also includes the implementation of an e-certification system to ensure traceability and compliance in environmental initiatives.
The partnership is part of Senegal’s new digital strategy, which aims to modernize public administration, strengthen digital sovereignty, and promote digital inclusion. It seeks to address challenges related to connectivity and access to digital services, which are essential for economic and social development.
The success of the partnership will depend on the concrete implementation of the planned initiatives. Challenges remain, particularly regarding infrastructure, digital skills training, and network coverage in rural areas. Regulation and governance of this public-private partnership could also present issues.
In the long run, this collaboration could foster the emergence of a dynamic digital ecosystem in Senegal, attract investment, and boost the country’s competitiveness in the tech sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Digital payment systems increase transparency, reduce leakages, and provide real-time tracking, ensuring more tax revenue reaches the government. By digitizing tax payments, the collaboration modernizes government collections, improves efficiency, and builds taxpayer trust through greater transparency.
The Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has partnered with African payments technology company Flutterwave to enable digital tax collections. This was announced on March 20. It makes Flutterwave one of the few fintechs modernizing government payments.
Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, stated: "We are committed to leveraging technology to drive efficiency and economic growth. By simplifying tax payments, we are digitizing government collections and supporting national development in line with our mission."
Through this integration, businesses and individuals across Nigeria can now pay taxes, levies, and other obligations via Flutterwave’s secure and seamless payment infrastructure. The system offers real-time tracking, diverse digital payment options, offline payment capabilities, and enhanced transparency, ensuring a faster and more accessible tax payment experience.
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria's tax-to-GDP ratio stood at 10.86% as of 2021. The country’s fragmented tax system, which hinders revenue growth, is cited as one of the reasons for this low figure. By digitalizing payments and improving accessibility, the collaboration centralizes tax collection, reduces bottlenecks, encourages compliance, and helps boost government revenue.
This partnership aligns with FIRS’ modernization efforts, which include the adoption of technology for transparency and efficiency, offering Nigerians a streamlined way to fulfill their tax obligations.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital transformation is one of the priorities of the Ghanaian authorities, who are relying on international cooperation to achieve their goals.
Ghana and Germany discussed strengthening their collaboration in the digital sector during a meeting between Minister of Communication, Digital Technologies, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, and a German delegation on March 17.
The talks centered on promoting research and development in digital technologies, supporting information and communication technology (ICT) startups and entrepreneurs in Ghana, and accelerating the adoption of digital solutions.
This collaboration aligns with Ghana's ongoing digital transformation efforts. In late November 2024, the government launched a digital economy policy to leverage technology for growth, improve public services, and ensure equitable access. In October, a $5 million fund was announced to support technological innovation.
Ghana scored 0.6316 on the 2024 E-Government Development Index, ranking 108th out of 193 countries. The country surpasses West African and African averages but remains below the global average. Further efforts are needed in human capital development and online services, where Ghana scored 0.5586 and 0.6084, respectively.
In cybersecurity, Ghana is considered a global model by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in its "Global Cybersecurity Index 2024," though further capacity building is needed.
Germany, a global leader in digital transformation, ranked 12th, scored 0.9382 on the E-Government Development Index, well above the global average of 0.6382. On the ICT Development Index, Germany scored 87.8 out of 100.
A joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google predicts Africa's digital economy will be worth $712 billion by 2050, accounting for 8.5% of the continent's GDP. In 2022, Ghana's ICT sector contributed 21 billion cedis ($1.36 billion) to GDP, representing approximately 4% of the economy, up from 4.4 billion cedis in 2016.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Madagascar aims to accelerate its digital transformation, making it a key economic driver across all sectors, including healthcare.
The Malagasy government launched a hospital digitalization project, with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications (MDNPT) signing a partnership agreement on Friday, March 14.
The project aims to improve governance and transparency in public hospitals and increase access to healthcare.
"Several stages are planned in this project, but optimizing the patient journey and improving patient care have been identified as priorities, as they have a direct impact on the daily lives of the Malagasy population," the MDNPT said in a Facebook statement. Minister of Public Health Zely Arivelony Randriamanantany said digital tools and systems would improve patient management and financial transaction monitoring.
The initiative aligns with Madagascar's 2023-2028 Five-Year Strategic Digital Plan, which seeks to position the country as a key player in Africa's digital economy. In the healthcare sector, the government aims to invest in human capital, improve governance, increase access to care, and strengthen public confidence in the national health system.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the program could enhance healthcare services and optimize decision-making through real-time data collection, storage, and analysis. In its 2024 report, "Health Data Digitalization in Africa: Unlocking the Potential," the WHO stated, "This data-driven approach helps healthcare professionals choose appropriate treatments and supports policymakers in developing impactful health policies."
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji