Public Management (422)
Broadband Internet service provider Starlink is currently pursuing its strategy to capture some 20 African markets. So far, the company has launched operations in Nigeria and is looking to do the same in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Tanzanian government has blocked the process that would allow Elon Musk (photo) and his company Starlink to provide Internet services in the country. On Wednesday, February 8, Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA)'s Director General Jabiri Bakari told the press that Starlink will have to complete essential documentation before the procedure can go ahead.
"You know, Starlink’s satellite internet involves much more issues than the way it is portrayed on social media platforms. It involves different particulars that need different requirements from the regulator in line with the type of license being applied for," Jabiri said.
On October 6, 2022, Starlink applied to provide its satellite internet services in Tanzania. After a meeting on January 27, 2023, some issues were still not resolved. The internet service provider blames the government for not communicating the documents required for the application. On Twitter, Elon Musk indicates that Starlink is ready and just waiting.
Starlink is slated to launch in Tanzania between January and April 2023, if the application is approved. The service will be available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Tanga, Tabora, and Mwanza. This will greatly boost the digital sector with the broadband internet connection provided.
Samira Njoya
In recent years, Benin has implemented a number of digital projects to facilitate access to basic services. This year, it intends to pursue its digital transformation.
Last Friday, Benenise Digital Minister Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou presented the 2023 agenda of the Ministry of Digital Economy. According to the official, "impact, resilience strengthening, and upscaling" will be the keywords in the digital sector in Bein this year.
Before the national assembly, Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou defended a 2023 budget of over XOF31 billion (US$49.2 million) for projects including the implementation of the newly-approved National Artificial Intelligence and Mega Data Strategy (SNIAM), the deployment of digital and e-service centers and the creation of a legal framework that will encompass the digital law, the digital broadcasting law, and the data protection law.
The agenda also includes the deployment of more mobile cell sites and the launch of 5G trials. Aurelie Adam Soule Zoumarou also announced two major reforms, namely the mutualization of efforts for the construction of passive infrastructures and the inclusion of basic digital training in conventional and certifying education programs.
The Ministry will also focus on pursuing the modernization of the state TV ORTB, launching the new state TV A+ Benin, establishing an organizational framework for the advertising industry, and the launch of digital terrestrial television with the marketing of TV decoders.
The 2023 agenda also plans for the extension of mobile coverage in rural zones and the deployment of digital community centers in eligible communities where the centers are not yet deployed.
Samira Njoya
Seventeen years after the 2006 population census, Nigeria wants to conduct its fifth census. For this edition, the country is betting on local tech firms for the supply of its digital equipment.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Population Commission (NPC), recently signed a groundbreaking US$184 million contract with Zinox Technologies, a local tech company based in Lagos. Under the contract, the local tech firm is to supply technology components and other accessories for the population scheduled for next March-April.
"It is a privilege for the Federal Government to consider us among many other companies in the world. They know we have the capacity. We are deploying all our resources to make sure it is successful," said Kelechi Okonta, CEO of Zinox Technologies.
Last February 4, Zinox supplied the NPC with about 100,000 of the PDAs needed for the census.
Between 2006 and 2010, the same company worked with the government for the voter registration process because the foreign tech companies hired by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were unable to deliver the equipment ordered in time.
At the time, it used its Z-Pad smart device (which INEC is still relying on) to lay the foundation for Nigeria's digital democracy. The successful execution of the US$200 million-plus INEC contract in 2010 positioned Zinex as a strong and skilled local firm.
Samira Njoya
The backbone, launched in 2019, is financed by the African Development Bank and the European Union to the tune of XAF22 billion.
Last Monday, the Central African Republic welcomed the CAR component of the Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone Project, which aims to provide broadband internet in the whole country.
According to President Faustin Touadera (photo, left), the efforts made by the government and its partners are aimed at creating an enabling environment in the field of telecommunications in the Central African Republic. "This new project, which is already operational, will first reduce internet costs and then create new jobs," he said.
The CAR component of the Central Africa Fibre-Optic Backbone Project, launched in 2019, is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union to the tune of XAF22 billion (US$36 million). It interconnects the Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, and Cameroon. The project includes 935 kilometers of optic fiber network and 11 relay stations that are being built in Bangui and some strategic towns in the North-West.
According to the Central African government's web portal, the newly deployed backbone will increase tax revenues, reduce the cost of economic and social transactions, reduce the digital isolation of rural areas, promote regional integration, and revitalize the social pact with new employment opportunities for the youth.
For François-Xavier Decopo, coordinator of the CAR component, the next stage is the sales of fiber optic capacity to operators. "In September, an operator will come... The government will sign a public-private partnership agreement with another operator who will manage the infrastructure and sell fiber optic capacities to mobile operators like Orange, Telecel, and Socatel," he said.
Samira Njoya
In Kenya, the digitization of public services is one of the key focuses of the current government, which launched several projects to establish the required framework.
Kenya will start issuing digital birth and death certificates, as of March 1, 2023, the Ministry of Interior announced last week.
According to Julius Bitok (photo), Kenya's Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizens Services, the launch of the e-service will coincide with the introduction of a unique personal identifier (UPI) that will act as a lifetime ID for newborns.
The certificates "will be accessed through e-citizen services, and people will be given what we call UPI. When you register, you will automatically receive the number that will become your birth certificate number," said Julius Bitok.
For several years now, getting administrative documents has proven difficult for Kenyans. To end the challenges they face, the government made public service digitalization one of its priorities.
The UPI is one of the results of that commitment. As its name suggests, it is a personal reference detail, similar to an ID card number. It will also serve as the death certificate number.
In addition to being used for birth and death registration, UPI will also serve as a school admission number as well as an index number for national examinations.
Samira Njoya
With its digital footprint growing over the years, Africa has to deal with cyber threats that could jeopardize the development of its digital economy. This is the reason why most countries on the continent are betting on increased collaboration, with both regional and international partners, to clean their cyberspaces.
Last Monday, at the opening of the TAIEX INTPA International Strategic Seminar on Cybersecurity organized by the European Union and Cabo Verde, Cabo Verdean deputy Pirmer Minister Olavo Correia (photo, left) announced his country's plan to establish a national cybersecurity center.
He also appealed to the European Union for assistance with the implementation of that tedious project. "We want, along with the European Union, to work so that we have an effective National Cybersecurity Centre, so that we have a more robust regulatory framework so that we can be aligned with the best practices in terms of security," he said.
According to the government official, the planned center will allow Cabo Verde to deal with cyber-attacks and invest in the development of cybersecurity talents, which will also benefit other countries, notably West African neighbors.
The European Union replied it was ready to assist the country in the project given their common interests in data protection. "This is an area to which Cabo Verde attaches great importance and it is also an area to which we, the European Union, attach importance, not least because of the passage through the country of the EllaLink undersea cable, through which European data circulates, and it is also of interest to us to ensure the security of that data," said Carla Grijó (photo, ambassador), EU ambassador to Cabo Verde.
Samira Njoya
By introducing multipurpose cards, the government plans to address the ongoing challenges faced by citizens who have no identity documents and improve access to essential services.
Last Monday, Sierra Leonan President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio (photo, left), officially launched the production and verification of secure, multi-purpose biometric identity cards in Sierra Leone.
The new multi-purpose smart cards are the result of a public-private partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Constrat Systems (SL) Ltd. They are designed to facilitate the identification of every citizen, reduce the cost of financial transactions, and increase financial inclusion, among other things.
"With the chip-based biometric ID, banks, forex bureaus, micro-finance institutions, mobile money providers, and other financial service providers, among others, can now easily and effectively carry out the electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) process to authenticate and verify their customers at far lower costs for trusted financial transactions across Sierra Leone," the President said.
The new biometric card can be issued to Sierra Leonans (National ID cards), ECOWAS nationals (ECOWAS ID cards), and other foreigners (non-national ID cards). It will offer holders the possibility of carrying out transactions anywhere and at any time while enjoying the dual advantage of verifying their identity and being able to easily access the various social facilities provided by the government.
Let's note that in January, the Sierra Leone Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) and the Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) signed a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of a national digital identification system.
Samira Njoya
DR Congo, which is confident that ICT tools can greatly contribute to emergence, is focused on building a unique digital ecosystem.
DR Congo is currently preparing for the upcoming launch of its intranet project in line with its strategy to digitize and modernize public services. The project was presented by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, last Thursday, after a meeting with various state institutions' representatives.
The national intranet will, among other things, interconnect public institutions in a single network and facilitate access and exchange of information between public services and citizens. It will also facilitate the delivery of public services by federal and local institutions, facilitate communications (email, IP phone, etc.), promote the smooth operation of ministries' and public administrations' websites, and boost the efficiency and effectiveness of the administration by pooling services.
According to Venceslas Katimba, advisor in charge of digital infrastructure and equipment, many things need to be done before the launch of that important digital infrastructure. They include upgrading government websites to required standards since only 21 of the 46 government websites have a web address and just 15 of those addresses use the "gouv.cd" top-level domain name.
Let's note that the various projects underway in the DRC are part of the National Digital Plan - Horizon 2025 which aims to leverage the digital industry for integration, good governance, economic growth, and social progress.
Samira Njoya
Like many African countries, Senegal is facing the thorny issue of electrical and electronic waste pollution. The situation recently worsened with the massive importation of electronic devices from other continents
The e-waste collection and dismantling center Senegal has been planning for years now will soon become effective, according to Cheikh Bakhoum, director general of state IT agency SENUM SA
" SENUM has decided to create a full-fledged entity that will be exclusively dedicated to this extremely important issue for our Environment and for our citizens. It will dismantle [...] electronic and electrical devices", said Cheikh Bakhoum.
"SENUM already has a section specifically dedicated to the management of electronic and electrical waste. It exclusively sorts them into green waste for recovery or red waste to be sent to a safe location for destruction," he added.
The e-waste (computers, phones, televisions, cables, batteries, etc.) issue is of great concern to the Senegalese government. In 2019, Senegal produced more than 4 million tons of e-waste according to the Solid Waste Coordination and Management Unit (UCG). Its average yearly e-waste production has surely risen due to population growth. From 16.3 million in 2019, Senegal's population was estimated at 17.3 million in 2022.
The dismantling center will significantly reduce the impact of electronic waste on the environment and health, improve income for informal collectors, and promote the creation of green jobs for the youth, among other things.
The country plans to recycle up to 90% of its e-waste by 2025. For that purpose, it is currently preparing a new legal framework for the activity.
Samira Njoya
Tunisia's digital transformation strategy provides, among other things, the creation of a regulatory framework and suitable governance and security environment. For that purpose, it is multiplying cooperations between national institutions.
Last Wednesday, in Tunis, the Tunisian Ministries of ICT and National Defense signed an agreement to complete the second phase of the Ministry of National Defense's National Public Key Infrastructure.
In the statement disclosing the agreement, Imed Memmich (photo, left), the Tunisian Minister of Defense, said that this agreement is in line with the national strategic ICT plan, "Tunisia Digital 2020", which aims to develop the administration by adopting digital technologies and promoting their use to ensure efficiency and transparency of policies and decisions.
To develop their National Public Key Infrastructure [which ensures the security of the digital networks of an administration or company by guaranteeing the confidentiality of communications as well as their integrity, authentication and non-repudiation], Tunisian Ministries are assisted by the Ministry of ICT and the National Agency for Electronic Certification (Tuntrust).
Samira Njoya
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Over the past few years, Côte d'Ivoire has made a number of investments to advance remote education. With the new platform, the country positions itself as a regional leader in the digitalization of education.
Last Tuesday, in Abidjan, the Ivorian Minister of National Education and Literacy, Mariatou Koné, inaugurated the platform "Mon école à la Maison," dedicated to remote education.
The new platform aims to support both students in and out of school in their daily learning. For Mariatou Kone, its launch carries several meanings.
"The first is that Côte d'Ivoire has been involved in distance learning initiatives for several years and the government intends to stay the course to develop this digital and innovative educational offer. Secondly, the Ivorian government offers free lessons, exercises, films, and even textbooks to students, parents, and teachers who will regularly visit the platform." "This is essentially educational but it is also a tool for interactive dialogue," she added.
For several years now, Côte d'Ivoire embarked in the digitization of its education sector. After the political and military crisis, which shook the country in 2004 and led to the closure of schools, the government started dematerializing education by launching several projects. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic accelerated the projects being implemented.
The "Mon école à la Maison" platform is one of the initiatives born from Covid-19. It is a directory of all the resources of the national education system. It has nearly 4,000 lesson sheets, 5,000 exercises and primary school textbooks, 624 educational clips of 15 minutes maximum, entire courses, 2,000 interactive exercises (Quizzes), and at least 150 practical worksheets.
According to Marc Vincent, UNICEF representative in Côte d'Ivoire, this platform will benefit more than 6 million children in preschool, school, and general secondary education. "This initiative is the first on the African continent. Côte d'Ivoire is now the leader in Africa in the use of technology," he added.
Samira Njoya
The digital component of Congo's 2022-2026 National Development strategy plans the construction of a number of tech infrastructures. To fulfill that ambition, the government is multiplying partnerships with key partners.
Last Friday, Congolese Digital Minister Leon Juste Ibombo welcomed a delegation of the Dubai-based consortium Presight ai Limited-G42.
During the audience, the parties discussed the finalization of a recent partnership aimed at funding several projects that will improve digitization and the construction of key tech infrastructures, which will benefit the population.
"Our partners came with documents that will allow us to reach out to the Ministry of Finance for the financing agreement before the implementation phase. With the negotiations concluded, we will move to finalize the project," Leon Juste Ibombo said.
The visit of the Emirati team is the result of a cooperation process that started a few months ago. Indeed, on March 28, 2022, in the United Arab Emirates, Congo signed a partnership agreement with Presight ai LimitedG42 to combine their digital transformation efforts and expertise.
The agreement is one of the partnerships sealed by Congo for the implementation of its 2022-2026 national development strategy for a strong and diversified economy. In recent months, the country has signed similar agreements with international firms including Indian ATDXT and Canadian Casimir Network. The agreement with Casimir Network provides for the training of local tech talents as well as the construction and operationalization of a data center that will host the country's blockchain services.
Samira Njoya
Rwanda has undergone a major digital transition in recent years. Several sectors are changing, including the land sector, where reform will now allow the online issuance of land titles.
Last Friday, Rwanda officially launched the issuance of the electronic certificate of land registration. The e-certificate, announced two days earlier by the National Land Authority (NLA), aims to replace the paper copies or physical land titles offered to citizens, reduce the cost and time needed to secure those certificates but also enhance security, therefore reducing fraud that has plagued land transactions in the country.
On Twitter Esperance Mukamana (photo), general director of the NLA, declared that with the e-certificat e of land registration Rwanda was, once again, leading the way.
“From now there will be no more issuance of land titles in paper/hardcopy format. It's an incredible milestone that takes boldness by government,” she added.
The electronic certificate is the result of a process that started a few years earlier. In July 2020, the In July 2020, the Rwanda Land Management and Use Authority rolled out a platform to streamline land buying and selling in the country. Using the platform, Rwandans can check the registered lands’ information.
With the new e-certificate system, land titles will be provided immediately after approval by the registrar. The owner will receive a notification with a link to download and register a digital copy of their land title. A simple and fast procedure widely welcomed by Rwandans.
According to the National Land Authority, the system will remedy title losses and damages and contribute to the achievement of the "zero travel, zero paper" goal in land transactions. It is part of a program that aims to digitalize land services, making it easy and faster for requesters to access the needed services.
Samira Njoya
Rwanda wants to leverage digital technologies to reduce poverty and accelerate growth. In its various programs in that regard, it is supported by several financial partners.
Last Monday, the Franch Development Agency announced a financing agreement to support digital transformation in Rwanda. The agreement concerns a EUR37 million loan and a EUR1.7 million grant.
The loan will support the Rwandan government's digitization efforts."The financing we just concluded today with AFD will support Government of Rwanda’s efforts to modernize the administrative network infrastructure, operationalize a Geospatial Center of Excellence and a Drone Operation Center with the objective of improving government’s efficiency and capacity to deliver services, unlocking drone private sector development, and supporting policy design, monitoring and evaluation across government. It will also support innovation and economic development based on geospatial and drone-generated databases," said Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Rwanda's Minister of Finance.
In recent years, Rwanda has undertaken a number of digital reforms, including the dematerialization of public services, the improvement of access to quality internet, and the improvement of digital adoption with a number of initiatives that focuses on digital access and inclusion. The said reforms are part of the National Strategic Plan (2018-2024).
For Arthur Germond, AFD Director in Rwanda, the financing “will enable the delivery of quality public services in key institutions across the country, this project will help reduce access gap between the capital and the rest of the country. It will also make the country more attractive and create economic opportunities in Huye district thanks to support for the drone industry.”
Samira Njoya