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UNESCO has already supported the digitization of education in several African countries since 2015 through this program. These include Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Ghana.
The Namibian government has partnered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to integrate digital technologies into the national education system, officials announced Wednesday.
The initiative, launched March 12, is part of the third phase of the "ICT Transforming Education in Africa – Phase III" program, initiated in 2015 by UNESCO in partnership with the Korean Funds-in-Trust (KFIT). The program aims to leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) for educational development in sub-Saharan Africa.
In Namibia, the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) will implement the project. It includes the creation of a national digital platform with curriculum-aligned content, digital skills training for teachers and learners, and the development of a comprehensive policy on ICT use in education.
The Namibian government considers ICT a key driver for transforming education, as outlined in the 2023-2030 charter project stemming from the 2022 National Education Conference. A needs assessment conducted between June and August 2024 identified challenges including access to digital learning resources, teachers’ digital skills, and the regulatory framework governing ICT use in schools.
"[...]The dynamic nature of technology necessitates continuous adaptation and innovation. If we are to fully harness the potential of ICT fully for enhanced teaching and learning, we must build upon our achievements and address the existing gaps. This project presents us with a remarkable opportunity to further our efforts in the digital transformation of education," said Anna Nghipondoka, Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture.
The digitization of education depends on widespread internet access in schools and homes. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 62.2% of Namibia’s estimated 2.9 million population has internet access, and 63.2% of households are connected. However, the household figure may include households where only one member has a subscription, including mobile access.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
To accelerate its digital transformation, the Cameroonian government is actively seeking investment. A key initiative is the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project, launched in 2023 and supported by a $100 million World Bank grant.
The European Union has invested 1.93 million euros ($2.09 million) in 12 micro-projects in Cameroon over four years through the Promotion of Research, Innovation, and Digital Culture in Central Africa (PRICNAC) project, officials said during a workshop this week.
The project’s capitalization workshop, held in Douala from March 10 to 14, 2025, aimed to evaluate the initiative and develop a sustainability plan for future similar projects, according to Investir au Cameroun.
"This initiative aims to evaluate the project both quantitatively and qualitatively in order to develop a sustainability plan that will allow similar initiatives to endure," said Alain Kiyindou, Regional Director of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) for Central Africa and the Great Lakes.
PRICNAC, which ran from January 2021 to January 2025, has an overall budget of approximately 5 million euros for 17 mini-projects across eight Central African countries. The project is funded 15% by the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and 85% by the EU through the ACP Innovation Fund and its research and innovation program.
The project aims to strengthen research and innovation capacities in Central African countries, consolidate innovation ecosystems, and create synergies between entrepreneurship, digital technology, and innovation policies to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty.
Cameroon accounted for 70% of PRICNAC’s 17 mini-projects and absorbed 60.48% of its budget.
Among the funded projects is Synerime, led by Cameroonian engineer Flavien Kouatcha, which aims to create employment opportunities for young people by fostering collaboration between research ecosystems, innovation, and businesses.
Funded with 150,000 euros, Synerime was implemented in Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon. "We have trained young entrepreneurs and student innovators on how to register a patent, propose solutions to businesses, and draft contracts with private companies so that these companies can adopt their solutions," Kouatcha said.
Frédéric Nonos
To modernize its operations, the Algerian state has focused on rapid digitization. A fully digital tax system is being developed to simplify and enhance the security of tax processes.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has directed the rapid implementation of a project to digitally link national tax data with the country's central digital database, signaling a push to eliminate manual tax data management and enhance transparency.
The directive, issued during a Council of Ministers meeting on Sunday, March 9, underscores the government's commitment to modernizing its tax system, according to a statement released by the council.
"This directive aims to facilitate procedures for investors while ensuring transparency in tax collection, monitoring, and regularization through a fully digitized process," the statement reads.
The digital interconnection seeks to streamline tax procedures for taxpayers, particularly investors, by providing faster access to tax services. It also aims to strengthen transparency and traceability in tax transactions, reducing the risk of fraud, tax evasion, and non-compliance. The digitization is expected to optimize tax revenue collection and improve property valuation.
The project is part of a broader initiative to modernize Algeria's tax administration and digitize public services. Since early 2023, sectors including Customs and State Property have undergone digital transformations.
The tax administration has deployed digital platforms, such as "Djibayatic" and "Moussahamatic," across tax structures nationwide, enabling taxpayers to conduct online procedures, file declarations, and make digital payments.
However, full implementation requires interoperability between tax platforms and those of other government agencies and economic sectors. Nine key interfaces are to be established, including connections with the Ministry of the Interior, Customs, State Property, the National Trade Register Center (CNRC), and the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI). These interconnections will refine taxpayer identification and simplify procedures.
The project aims to modernize the tax administration and optimize revenue collection. Success hinges on deploying infrastructure, training tax agents in digital tools, and educating taxpayers on the benefits of digital taxation.
Algeria's move reflects a commitment to building a modern, transparent, and efficient tax administration.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Moroccan authorities are prioritizing the development of citizens' digital skills. As part of this effort, they signed an agreement in late February to establish a specialized coding school in the Fès-Meknès region.
The Moroccan government will train children in digital skills and artificial intelligence as part of a national strategy to enhance its digital workforce.
An agreement was signed for that purpose on Saturday, March 8, between several stakeholders, under the supervision of Amal El Fallah-Seghrouchni, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.
The partnership also includes the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
"This national program aims to introduce children to digital technologies and artificial intelligence through training workshops while instilling in them a responsible and secure use of digital tools," the ministry said in a press release published on social media. "Adopting an inclusive approach, this initiative seeks to support young digital talents across the Kingdom to integrate them into the country's digital transformation dynamic."
The initiative aligns with Morocco's ambition to "develop a pool of high-quality digital talent," as outlined in the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy. The Kingdom also aims to move up the value chain and strengthen its position in the outsourcing and digital export sectors.
In late February, an agreement was signed to establish a specialized school for programming and coding in the Fès-Meknès region.
The program could prepare Moroccan children for a rapidly evolving job market driven by accelerated digital transformation. According to the World Bank estimates, by 2030, nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills. While Morocco is not part of Sub-Saharan Africa, the projection underscores the strategic importance of digital skills training in supporting the digital transition of African countries.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The work on the Chadian component of the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone was launched in May 2023. The project, assigned to the CGPS/LORYNE consortium, was initially scheduled to last ten months.
The Chadian government is urging the companies involved to speed up work on the Chadian component of the DTS project while ensuring that the quality of the installations is not compromised. According to authorities, the infrastructure is significantly behind schedule, with only 32% of the work completed.
Boukar Michel, Minister of Telecommunications, assessed the progress of the project on Thursday, March 6, during a field visit. He was accompanied by his colleagues and officials from entities under his ministry's supervision, including the Agency for ICT Development (ADETIC) and the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP).
This call comes after an intervention by Boukar Michel in May 2024, when he expressed concern over the slow progress and announced that a “drastic decision” would be taken. During another visit in October, the minister, accompanied by representatives from the European Union (EU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), acknowledged some progress, albeit moderate, while stating that the work would be completed by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
The Chadian component of the DTS is a key element of Chad’s digital connectivity strategy. Lacking direct access to the sea and submarine cables, the country relies on its neighbors, particularly Cameroon and Sudan, for its connection to the international Internet. This infrastructure is also expected to facilitate interconnection with countries such as Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Mauritania, and Algeria. Official discussions with Egypt were also initiated in December 2024, paving the way for further collaborations.
"For dynamic electronic communication, a highway is needed for digital data traffic, and today, the most suitable highway is fiber optics. This is why the government, with the support of its partners, is committed to developing information and communication technologies (ICTs),” the Ministry of Telecommunications stated in a press release published on its Facebook page.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Nigerian authorities are leveraging digital technology to enhance public service quality, with a goal of digitizing 75% of those services by 2027.
The Nigerian government plans to streamline citizen access to public digital services with a newly unveiled digital public infrastructure framework. The framework, designed to support citizens throughout their lives, will create a platform ensuring interoperability across all public services.
"[The framework] will also ensure that technology applications in government are designed and operated without silos, while recognizing the responsibilities and mandates of various ministries, departments, and agencies of government across all tiers of government in Nigeria," said Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, March 4. He added that this integrated government approach will leverage private sector capabilities to develop services for the public.
This initiative is expected to accelerate Nigeria's digital transformation. According to the World Bank, digital public infrastructure (DPI), encompassing digital identity, digital payments, and data sharing, serves as an intermediary between physical infrastructure and sectoral applications. The World Bank believes countries with robust DPI can sustain public services, commerce, hospitals, schools, and other activities through online channels.
The framework's development aligns with the government's goal to digitize 75% of public services by 2027. Meanwhile, the United Nations ranked Nigeria 144th out of 193 countries in the 2024 e-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.4815 out of 1. While Nigeria's score exceeds the West African average of 0.3957 and the African average of 0.4247, it remains below the global average. In the online services category, Nigeria scored 0.5372.
However, the Nigerian government has not yet specified a timeline for implementing the DPI framework. Its successful implementation will depend significantly on the country's existing digital infrastructure, including internet connectivity, devices, servers, data centers, cloud services, and routers. In the EGDI's "telecommunications infrastructure" component, Nigeria scored 0.4836 out of 1.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In its bid to grow its digital sector, Tunisia, like other African nations, is pursuing international partnerships, recently strengthening ties with India and France.
Tunisia and Italy discussed enhancing their information and communication technology (ICT) cooperation during a meeting on Monday, March 3, between Tunisian Minister of Communication Technologies Sofiene Hemissi (photo, right) and Italian Ambassador to Tunisia Alessandro Prunas (photo, right).
During the discussions, both parties emphasized areas related to promoting innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and developing startups.
This potential cooperation could bolster the Tunisian government's digital transformation ambitions, a key pillar of its socioeconomic development strategy. In 2024, Tunisia ranked 87th globally in the United Nations' E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.6935 out of 1, surpassing both African and global averages. In cybersecurity, Tunisia was classified in the third category out of five by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The country acknowledges the need for further efforts in organizational measures, capacity building, and cooperation.
Italy, meanwhile, is recognized as a leader in cybersecurity. According to the ITU, this reflects a strong commitment to cybersecurity through coordinated and government-led actions. This includes the assessment, establishment, and implementation of generally accepted cybersecurity measures across all five pillars or up to all indicators. Italy also has an EGDI of 0.8355 out of 1, ranking 51st globally.
The discussions are in their early stages. The exact scope of the potential collaboration remains undefined, and no official agreement has been announced. The progress of negotiations will be monitored to provide further insight into the direction and potential implications.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is a key priority for the Congolese government, which intends to bolster the nation's telecommunications infrastructure to support its objectives.
The Republic of Congo's new national data center is expected to be inaugurated next November, according to the government. Construction of the facility, which began in early 2024, is already 80% complete.
Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, announced this on Thursday, Feb. 28, during a site visit. He was accompanied by Solomane Koné, Deputy Director General for Central Africa at the African Development Bank (AfDB), which is financing the project with a $13 million investment.
The specific features and technical details of the data center have not been disclosed to the public. However, it is known that it will be housed in a three-story expandable building with a basement. The facility will include dedicated rooms for servers, monitoring, and supervision, as well as meeting and conference spaces. Separate areas will be reserved for power supply and cooling equipment to ensure the data center operates efficiently.
As the Congolese government seeks to accelerate its digital transformation and make it a pillar of socioeconomic development, the data center’s commissioning could help strengthen the country’s national telecommunications infrastructure. In 2024, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) gave Congo a telecommunications infrastructure index score of 0.2776 out of 1, part of the E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The country ranked 166th out of 193 globally, with its score falling below the averages for Central Africa (0.3354), Africa (0.4247), and the world (0.6382).
The facility is also expected to contribute to Congo’s digital sovereignty, according to officials. “All data generated in Congo must be stored somewhere. Currently, this data is stored abroad, which is why many of our domain names end in ‘.fr’ or ‘.com’ instead of ‘.cg.’ From now on, we will be able to host all public data within the data center, as well as data from telecommunications operators, banks, insurance companies, and other private firms that wish to store their information here—including backups of their primary storage sites,” said Michel Ngakala, Coordinator of the Central African Backbone (CAB) project, during the launch of construction in 2024.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Niger is looking to digital transformation as a key driver for its socioeconomic growth. To achieve this, the government is committed to modernizing and strengthening its national telecommunications infrastructure.
Construction of Niger's national data center has reached 13% completion and is on track for completion by September 30. The nine billion CFA Francs (approximately $14.3 million) project, was discussed last week by the Minister of Communication, Posts, and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, during a televised address reviewing his ministry’s work.
While the minister did not disclose specific details about the facility's capacity and technical features, he confirmed the data center will be Tier 3, based on Uptime Institute standards. This classification ensures multiple power and cooling pathways, minimizing downtime to 1.6 hours per year. The facility will store and secure public data in Niger.
The data center is expected to strengthen Niger's digital infrastructure, a key step in the country's digital transformation efforts.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Niger scores 0.1578 out of 1 on the telecom infrastructure index, a component of the E-Government Development Index (EGDI). Niger's overall EGDI score is 0.2116, ranking 187th out of 193 countries. This is below the averages for West Africa (0.3957), Africa (0.4247), and the global average (0.6382).
In addition to the data center, Niger must expand telecom coverage and increase adoption of digital technologies. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates 3G and 4G networks cover 24% and 17.5% of the population, respectively, compared to 92% for 2G. DataReportal figures show Niger had 4.69 million internet subscribers at the beginning of 2024, with a penetration rate of 16.9%. Mobile phone penetration was 59.4%.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
To accelerate its digital transformation, the Djiboutian government has been seeking partnerships with key international players, including India, Qatar, the European Union, and the ITU.
Djibouti's Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation has launched a program to improve the digital skills of government officials, the ministry announced Sunday, February, 23. The program includes cloud infrastructure training in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Oracle University, and the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP).
The training covers key areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data management. Participants from various government departments can access the courses through Oracle University’s MyLearn platform. According to the ministry, this initiative is "a key step in equipping government officials with cutting-edge technological tools to improve public services and accelerate digital innovation."
Through this effort, the Djiboutian government aims to provide officials with the expertise needed to support the country’s digital transformation. The World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. However, Djibouti still lags in digital infrastructure. The United Nations gives the country a score of 0.2800 out of 1 on its telecom infrastructure index—part of the broader e-government development index—placing it below the African (0.4247) and global (0.6382) averages.
This initiative builds on Djibouti’s Digital Foundation Project, launched in 2022 with World Bank funding. The government aims to establish a strong and inclusive digital economy by 2035, leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth. The strategy focuses on developing the ICT sector and digital economy to contribute to GDP growth through added value.
Beyond training government officials, there is a broader need for digital skills across the population. According to the GSMA, a lack of digital literacy is one of the main barriers to internet adoption and, by extension, digital services. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates Djibouti’s internet penetration rate at 65%, compared to 74.4% for mobile telephony.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Horizon Industries officially began operations in Burkina Faso in April 2022. The company is 35% state-owned through the Burkinabè Economic and Social Development Fund FBDES, reflecting the government's stake in the venture.
The Burkinabe government plans to procure IT equipment from local company Horizon Industries to support public administration. Authorities approved the signing of a framework agreement for this purpose during the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, February 19.
The official statement did not specify the type or quantity of equipment to be acquired. However, Horizon Industries specializes in assembling laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and household appliances, suggesting that the deal could involve a range of digital devices.
This initiative aligns with the government's broader digital transformation strategy. Burkina Faso aims to position itself as a leader in integrating ICT into key sectors such as public administration, education, healthcare, commerce, and agriculture. As part of this effort, the government launched the rehabilitation of the National Administration Computer Network (RESINA) in 2024. By August 2023, RESINA was already connecting around 2,800 administrative buildings, with an additional 130 sites announced for integration by December 2024.
Despite these ambitions, Burkina Faso currently ranks 175th out of 193 countries in the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.2895 out of 1—below the regional averages for West Africa (0.3957), Africa (0.4247), and the world (0.6382).
For the IT initiative to be effective, civil servants will require digital skills to use the new equipment efficiently. Additionally, since many administrative tasks may depend on internet access, ensuring high-speed connectivity across government offices will be crucial.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Like many African countries, Tunisia is relying on international cooperation to develop its rapidly growing digital sector. It recently strengthened its ties with India.
Tunisia and France discussed potential digital cooperation, including artificial intelligence, during the AI Action Summit held in Paris from February 10-11, according to the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies.
On the sidelines of the summit, Tunisian Minister of Communication Technologies Sofiene Hemissi met with Clara Chappaz (photo, right), France’s Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs.
“On this occasion, the minister expressed Tunisia’s ambition to actively contribute to the implementation of the orientations and initiatives discussed at the summit, aiming to harness artificial intelligence technologies for the benefit of humanity in a responsible and inclusive manner,” the Tunisian ministry said in a press release.
The potential partnership could support Tunisia’s broader digital transformation strategy, which the government considers a key driver of socio-economic development.
France ranks 34th globally in the United Nations e-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.8744 out of 1, exceeding the global average of 0.6382. Tunisia’s score is 0.6935.
In cybersecurity, France is recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a global leader. Tunisia is categorized in Tier 3 out of 5, indicating potential for improvement, particularly in organizational measures, capacity building, and international cooperation.
Regarding ICT development, the ITU gives France a score of 89.8 out of 100, while Tunisia scores 77.2, ranking 8th in Africa out of 47 countries.
Discussions between the two countries are in preliminary stages. The specific framework for potential collaboration remains undefined, and no official agreement has been signed or announced. The future of negotiations will determine the specific direction and implications of any partnership.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is a key priority for the Algerian government. On February 9, during a Council of Ministers meeting, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune called for measures to speed up the digitization process.
Algeria officially launched electronic signatures and certification on Sunday, January 16, as part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts. The launch ceremony was attended by Sid Ali Zerrouki, Minister of Post and Telecommunications.
According to a statement from the ministry, the Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE) has been designated as the national electronic certification authority. It will oversee and regulate service providers offering electronic signature and certification services to the public.
"Electronic certification, also known as digital certification or electronic certificates, is a process that ensures the authenticity, integrity, and security of electronically transmitted or stored information. It relies on cryptographic keys (public and private) to secure data and online transactions," the ministry explained on its website. The World Bank defines an electronic signature as "a signature generated by electronic means to authenticate an electronic transaction."
This launch comes about a month after the signing of a framework agreement between the National People’s Assembly (APN) and the Governmental Electronic Certification Authority (AGCE) to integrate electronic certification and signature services. It aligns with Algeria’s ambition to accelerate digital transformation, a pillar of its socioeconomic development strategy. The government aims to build a true information society by expanding the use of ICT across all economic sectors.
The World Bank has emphasized the importance of transitioning to electronic signatures as digital transactions become more prevalent. "The lack of trusted and legally-recognized means of authenticating electronic transactions has forced a continued reliance on in-person handwritten signatures, undermining digitalization efforts by necessitating recourse to in-person interaction to complete a transaction," the institution noted in its report "Electronic Signatures – Enabling Trusted Digital Transformation," published in September 2024.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Chadian authorities are looking to position digital technology as a key driver of the country’s socioeconomic development. To achieve this, N’Djamena is relying on international cooperation.
The Chadian government is exploring a partnership with India to bolster its digital economy. Discussions focused on this potential collaboration took place Friday between Chad’s Minister of Communications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization, Boukar Michel, and India’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Central and East Africa, Sevela Naik Mude.
The talks centered on three key areas: training Chadian engineers in artificial intelligence (AI), supporting the National School of Information and Communication Technologies (ENASTIC) with specialized training for students and faculty, and accelerating the digitization of postal services, including a proposed postal bank.
Chadian officials see India as a global leader in digital technology. India ranks 97th out of 193 countries on the UN’s e-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.6678 out of 1, surpassing the global average of 0.6382. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) also recognizes India for its cybersecurity expertise.
Chad hopes to leverage India’s experience to make digital technology a driver of socioeconomic development. In December 2024, the government launched the $122.3 million (76.45 billion CFA francs) World Bank-funded Digital Transformation Support Project (PATN). Chad’s current EGDI score of 0.1785 lags behind the Central African regional average (0.3354), the African continent (0.4247), and the global benchmark. The country’s cybersecurity classification is Tier 4 out of five.
Discussions between Chad and India are in their early stages, and no firm commitments have been made. However, both sides expressed interest in formalizing the partnership through a memorandum of understanding. No timeline has been announced.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji