Public Management (547)
- Galaxy Backbone seeks collaboration with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to support digital transformation, focusing on secure cloud storage, data protection, and high-speed connectivity.
- No agreement signed yet but further developments expected as discussions continue.
Galaxy Backbone is continuing its push to broaden its clientele among Nigerian federal entities. The state-owned technology firm recently engaged with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja to discuss potential technological collaborations as part of the customs agency's ongoing digital overhaul.
"We understand that Customs is undergoing a significant transformation with the Trade Modernization Project (TMP). As the Federal Government's ICT backbone, we are here to explore how our proficiency in cloud storage, secure connectivity, data backup, and cybersecurity can bolster your evolving operational requirements," stated Ifeatu Anafulu, Marketing and Business Intelligence Manager at Galaxy Backbone.
This outreach aligns with Galaxy Backbone's objective to serve as the primary provider of shared ICT infrastructure, applications, and services for all ministries and federal government institutions amid an accelerating digital transformation landscape. For instance, in November 2024, the company inked a deal to fortify the digital infrastructure of Bauchi State. Prior to that, in July 2024, it had pledged its support for the digital transformation of Enugu State. Galaxy Backbone was also tasked with connecting local government secretariats to the internet.
Should this potential collaboration come to fruition, Galaxy Backbone's support could expedite the Nigerian Customs' digital transformation journey. Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Customs Controller, affirmed that "partnerships with organizations such as Galaxy Backbone are crucial to ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of Customs' digital infrastructure." He also voiced optimism regarding potential collaboration, particularly in areas like secure data storage, platform hosting, and high-speed connectivity for the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN).
As of now, no formal agreement has been signed or announced by either party. Further developments will be necessary to gain a clearer understanding of the prospects and potential ramifications of this engagement.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- The National Geoportal centralizes 800+ geospatial data layers, improving policy coordination, accountability, and innovation.
- Accessible through two portals, it supports data-driven decision-making in key sectors.
Togo has launched a National Geoportal, going beyond a simple map catalog to establish a foundation for data-driven governance. Unveiled on Tuesday, May 6, the digital platform centralizes over 800 layers of geospatial information, aiming to reshape how public actions are managed, governmental transparency is ensured, and citizen involvement is facilitated.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, the platform is among the most comprehensive of its kind in West Africa. It is the result of collaboration across 23 ministries and 550 local communities, and it currently lists 1.2 million assets and more than 75,000 kilometers of mapped networks.
According to Cina Lawson, the Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, the platform offers three primary benefits: improved coordination of public policies, enhanced accountability through better information access, and the promotion of innovation by making data available to a wider audience.
The system is structured around two distinct portals: geoportail.gouv.tg for institutional users and geodata.gouv.tg for the general public. These interfaces allow for the examination of regional disparities, informing investment decisions, and fostering a management culture based on factual analysis. The data available covers key sectors including health, education, agriculture, and energy. This range of information is intended to provide a tool for decision-makers to target needs, mitigate risks, and allocate resources more effectively.
This new platform positions Togo as a regional frontrunner in open data initiatives and the modernization of its governance. Beyond administrative improvements, the initiative also seeks to bolster the country's appeal to technical and financial partners.
Senegal also launched its own national geoportal, GéoSénégal, in April as part of its National Geomatics Plan, indicating a growing trend in West Africa where advanced mapping is becoming central to public sector operations.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Madagascar plans to partner with Pakistan’s Beaj Education to train underqualified “FRAM teachers” using AI-supported 20-minute WhatsApp modules.
- A pilot program with content in Malagasy and French is planned, but no timeline has been announced.
The Malagasy government is exploring a partnership with Pakistani educational technology firm Beaj Education to enhance the skills of its "FRAM teachers" – community-based educators often lacking formal professional training.
The groundwork for this collaboration was established last week during a meeting in the United States at the Harvard Kennedy School. Representatives from Madagascar's Ministries of Digital Development and National Education met with Zainab Qureshi, the founder of Beaj.
The proposed project features an innovative training program built around concise, 20-minute modules delivered via WhatsApp. This program would be supported by multilingual artificial intelligence tools, including ChatGPT and Gemini. A pilot phase is in the works, with content tailored to the local context in both Malagasy and French languages. However, a specific timeline for implementation has not yet been announced.
This initiative reflects the Malagasy government's intent to harness digital technology to tackle the issue of inadequate training among "FRAM teachers." These educators are a vital component of the national education system, particularly in rural regions. A UNICEF report issued in November 2024 indicated that 64% of teachers in Madagascar's rural areas fall into this category.
"FRAM teachers tend to have lower academic qualifications [...], often holding only a lower secondary school certificate. Although the official minimum qualification required to become a teacher in Madagascar is the completion of upper secondary education, such candidates are not always available, which forces parent-teacher associations to hire underqualified candidates," the U.N. agency explained.
While AI-powered training could bolster the skills of "FRAM teachers" and elevate the quality of education, the chosen delivery method could present accessibility challenges. Accessing training via WhatsApp necessitates a smartphone and internet connectivity – resources that remain limited for a significant portion of Madagascar's population. According to the International Telecommunication Union, nearly 80% of Malagasy citizens lack internet access.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodjiv
- Nigeria signs cybercrime cooperation deal with UK, aiming to boost judicial efficiency and tackle cross-border digital threats.
- Joint teams and early collaboration between investigators and prosecutors are key to the new approach, alongside capacity building.
- Cybercrime causes Nigeria $500 million in annual losses; 751 suspects were arrested in 2024, including 130 in a major Interpol-led operation.
Nigeria is looking to deepen its collaboration with the United Kingdom in the battle against cybercrime. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi signed a memorandum of understanding with a British delegation on Tuesday, April 29th, to formalize this intent.
Both nations have pledged to streamline Nigeria's judicial system by cutting through bureaucratic red tape. This will involve closer collaboration among key players: investigators and prosecutors will now work in tandem from the initial stages of a case, aligning their strategies, pooling resources, and enhancing their skills to jointly achieve desired outcomes. The partnership also extends to transnational crimes, with a joint team established to tackle these issues.
"Cybercrime is complex and constantly evolving, while we have a national legal framework for combating it, it is important to note that laws alone cannot win battles. It is the people who interpret, enforce, and apply these laws that must be equipped, united, and empowered to act—swiftly, cohesively, and effectively," Fagbemi stated.
This partnership is part of the Nigerian government's broader efforts to control the increasing rate of cybercrime, which is accelerating alongside digital transformation. In November 2024, an Interpol-coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of 306 cybercriminals across several African nations, including 130 in Nigeria. Over the course of the year, Nigerian police reported the apprehension of 751 individuals involved in cybercriminal activities. This problem inflicts significant economic damage. According to data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2022, cybercrime costs Nigeria $500 million annually.
If this cooperative effort proves successful, the Nigerian government aims to establish a strong system to safeguard its citizens, uphold their rights, and bring cybercriminals to justice. However, it is important to note that the two parties have, to date, only signed a memorandum of understanding. No specific timeline has been announced for the finalization of a definitive agreement or its implementation. Tangible progress will be necessary before any conclusions can be drawn about its potential and actual impact.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Tanzania and Estonia are exploring a deeper digital partnership, focusing on e-governance, ICT, cybersecurity, digital education, and agri-tech.
- The discussions build on the EU-funded Digital4Tanzania project, launched in 2023 with €2 million to support e-government and connectivity reforms.
- No formal agreement has been signed yet, as talks remain at a preliminary stage with no confirmed implementation timeline.
The Tanzanian government is seeking to deepen its collaboration with Estonia in the realm of digital transformation. This was the main focus of discussions held on Monday, April 28th, during a visit by an Estonian delegation to Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Talks between the two sides specifically addressed strengthening e-governance, information and communication technologies, cybersecurity, digital education and training, and agricultural technology. Stimulating innovation among Tanzanian entrepreneurs was also a point of discussion.
This move towards closer ties aligns with the Tanzanian government's ambition to accelerate the nation's digital transformation, positioning it as a key driver of socio-economic development in the years ahead. Estonia already has an ongoing partnership with Tanzania through the Digital4Tanzania (D4T) project, launched in October 2023 with €2 million (approximately $22.3 million) in funding from the European Union. This project aims to support Tanzania's digital transformation by collaborating on e-government reform and connectivity.
Currently, Tanzania holds the 153rd position in the United Nations E-Government Development Index with a score of 0.4327, falling below the global average. While the International Telecommunication Union recognizes Tanzania as a cybersecurity model, the country still needs to enhance its technical measures and capacity development. In contrast, Estonia ranks second globally in e-government development, boasting a score of 0.9727 out of 1. The organization also considers the Baltic nation a global leader in cybersecurity.
"Despite being a small developing country, Estonia has gained global recognition for its digital innovation, particularly in e-governance, digital services, and cybersecurity. Through its partnership with Tanzania, it has strengthened digital governance and promoted economic diplomacy via digital platforms, thereby contributing to societal development," stated Krist Karelsohn, Director of the Asia, Pacific, Middle East and Africa Department in Estonia.
However, it's crucial to note that the projects discussed as part of this potential enhanced cooperation between Tanzania and Estonia are still in the preliminary stages of discussion. No agreement has been signed or officially announced at this point, and no implementation timeline has been provided. Therefore, it is prudent to await the actualization of this partnership before evaluating its prospects and potential impact.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Algeria targets tablet distribution to half of primary schools by September 2025
- About 10,000 out of 20,000 primary schools to be equipped; currently, 3,270 schools have tablets
- Tablets are intended for learning, research, communication, and school management, enhancing academic performance
Algeria aims to equip half of its primary schools with electronic tablets before the start of the academic year in September 2025, according to Amara Ghalem, Director of Information Systems at the Ministry of National Education. Ghalem announced the project on Saturday, April 26, on the sidelines of a national conference evaluating the digital transition in the education sector.
The initiative targets approximately 10,000 of Algeria's roughly 20,000 primary schools. To date, 3,270 schools nationwide have already received electronic tablets, Ghalem said.
The distribution of digital tablets in schools is part of a broader digitization effort within the education sector, aligning with the government's ambition to develop an "information society" through infrastructure, telecommunications, and the widespread adoption of ICT across all economic sectors. The government aims to transform Algerian schools into models of modernization and innovation through digital tools. Digital platforms have already been deployed for teachers, parents, learning assessment, and appointment booking for diploma authentication.
The tablets are also envisioned for use in school administration. They will enable primary school students and teachers to access online educational resources, conduct research, learn, and communicate, potentially improving the quality of education and academic performance nationwide.
However, challenges remain in meeting the ambitious timeline for tablet distribution. For the current 2024-2025 school year, the government had planned to equip 1,700 primary schools, aiming to reach a total of 5,000 equipped schools. The current coverage stands at 3,270 schools. Additionally, some schools have yet to be included in the program, and the provision of a single tablet per institution may not adequately meet educational needs. The initiative's success also hinges on the availability of reliable internet connectivity in schools and the digital literacy of teachers and students to effectively utilize these tools.
Furthermore, the national conference on the evaluation of the digital transition in education highlighted several challenges. Participants emphasized the need to increase "awareness of cybersecurity risks to ensure a safe digital environment within educational institutions and to develop a new version of the sector's information system in line with the requirements of the country's digital transformation and the aspirations of the educational community," Algérie Presse Service (APS) reported.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Congo’s ARPCE and ANSSI sign cybersecurity cooperation pact
- Protocol includes secure threat data sharing, joint response coordination, and creation of a permanent consultative committee
- Focus on building incident response capacity and developing shared technical protocols
The Congolese Regulatory Agency for Posts and Electronic Communications (ARPCE) and the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, April 25, signaling their intent to collaborate on strengthening the security of national networks and cyberspace.
The agreement aims to improve the handling of cybersecurity incidents and foster information sharing between the two organizations. Specifically, it encompasses the secure exchange of information regarding incidents and emerging threats, the coordination of responses to incidents impacting telecom operators, the establishment of a joint committee for continuous consultation, and the enhancement of technical capabilities alongside the development of joint response protocols.
“This partnership aligns with a larger vision: that of a digital, resilient, and sovereign Congo. It underscores our mutual dedication to building a trustworthy digital space, a prerequisite for the growth of our digital economy,” said Louis-Marc Sakala (photo, right), the Director General of the ARPCE. Underscoring this commitment, the government has allocated $1.3 million to ANSSI’s operations for 2025. In October 2024, the government also conducted a cybersecurity training seminar for judicial and law enforcement agencies.
Currently, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index classifies Congo as a Tier 4 country in terms of cybersecurity. Tier 4 includes “countries with an overall score of at least 20 out of 100, indicating a basic level of commitment to cybersecurity.” The nation demonstrates strengths in its legislative framework and cooperation efforts. However, it needs to bolster its technical measures, organization, and capacity development, with respective scores of 0.3 out of 20, 3.9 out of 20, and 0.72 out of 20.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Dans un contexte où la méconnaissance du droit freine souvent l’accès à la justice, cette solution numérique se veut un pont entre les citoyens et le système judiciaire, offrant des contenus fiables, accessibles et actualisés. Elle se positionne comme un outil d’inclusion juridique.
Beninese authorities unveiled a mobile application, dubbed "Justice.bj," designed to ease access to justice services this week. The initiative aims to simplify administrative processes and bolster the availability of legal information for citizens.
The application is now available for download on both iOS and Android platforms. According to the Google Play Store, it has already garnered over a thousand downloads. "Justice.bj" offers a range of features, including a comprehensive legal database encompassing laws, decrees, codes, and procedures currently in effect in Benin. Users can also access a directory of the nation's courts and find practical guidance on various administrative and judicial procedures. Notably, the app incorporates a scanning tool that allows users to verify the authenticity of official documents through QR codes.
"Justice.bj" is intended for a broad audience, including the general public, legal professionals, law students, and those working within the justice sector. Its interface allows users to consult legal codes, understand their rights, and identify the appropriate court for a legal matter without immediate external assistance. The application also prioritizes legal education for the public by providing explanatory articles that aim to demystify legal terminology.
However, the effectiveness of the application hinges on the regular updating of its legal texts and guides. Failure to do so could lead to the dissemination of outdated or inaccurate information. Furthermore, while efforts have been made to simplify legal language, the inherent technical nature of law means that some content may still prove challenging for individuals without legal training, potentially limiting their independent understanding of their rights.
Moreover, while "Justice.bj" seeks to democratize access to the law, its utility is contingent upon owning a smartphone and having internet connectivity. This could exclude a segment of the Beninese population, particularly those in rural areas or older individuals. DataReportal figures indicate that at the beginning of 2025, Benin had 4.71 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 32.2%.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- Augustin Kibassa Maliba began an official visit on April 22 to strengthen digital ties with Tunisia
- Key meetings include sessions with Tunisia’s Ministry of Communication Technologies, ICT Federation (UTICA), and the African Business Council (TABC)
- Discussions center on digital transformation, postal modernization, and entrepreneurship collaboration
Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, began an official visit to Tunis on Tuesday, April 22, as part of an ambitious initiative to bolster bilateral digital cooperation between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tunisia.
During his stay, Minister Kibassa Maliba is scheduled for several key meetings, including a bilateral ministerial session at the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies. He will also attend a presentation on the Ecom@Africa platform and postal services, and engage in discussions with the Tunisian ICT Federation (UTICA) and the Tunisian African Business Council (TABC).
The visit includes an immersive experience within the Smart Tunisian Technoparks (S2T) ecosystem, recognized for its programs supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, its research and training initiatives, as well as its internationalization strategies and networking of technological ecosystems.
A central focus of the discussions will be the proposed creation of a Technopark in Kinshasa, with the aim that exchanges with Tunisian digital stakeholders will lay the groundwork for enhanced technical collaboration. This mission aligns with a broader strategy by the Congolese government to structure an effective digital ecosystem, support local tech entrepreneurship, and connect the DRC to regional innovation hubs.
Tunisia has established itself as a significant technological player in Africa. According to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) “Measuring Digital Development – Facts and Figures 2024” report, 92.8% of the Tunisian population uses the internet, a figure considerably higher than the global average of 70.5%. The country’s ICT Development Index (IDI) score is 77.2 out of 100, reflecting continuous progress.
In e-governance, the United Nations’ “UN E-Government Survey 2024: The Future of Digital Government” ranks Tunisia 87th globally (EGDI score: 0.6935), placing it third in Africa behind South Africa (0.8616) and Mauritius (0.7506).
Should these partnerships materialize, the DRC stands to gain from Tunisia’s expertise in digital governance, modernization of postal services, development of technological ecosystems, and support for entrepreneurial innovation. This collaboration would facilitate the transfer of skills in strategic sectors and expedite the digitization of postal services. It would also foster the implementation of joint projects, the sharing of best practices in integrating online public services, and the enhancement of the Congolese ecosystem’s connection to African digital and logistics networks.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Senegal plans national e-learning platform to train civil servants in digital skills
- Initiative discussed in April 18 meeting between Ministries of Digital Affairs and Civil Service
- Aims to enhance digital literacy, modernize tools, and integrate AI in public administration
The Senegalese government is exploring the creation of a national e-learning platform to provide continuous digital skills training for civil servants. Officials believe the initiative will help accelerate the country’s digital transformation—a central pillar of its socioeconomic development strategy in the coming years.
The platform’s development was among the key projects discussed during a joint meeting between the Ministry of Digital Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Service and Public Service Reform on April 18.
“This strengthened collaboration between our two ministries marks a crucial step in implementing the Technological New Deal and the President’s Vision 2050, which seeks to build an agile, inclusive, and user-focused administration—fully aligned with the Ministry of Civil Service’s reform priorities,” the Ministry of Digital Affairs said in a statement.
Improving civil servants’ digital literacy is a core objective of Senegal’s digital transformation policy. The government aims to bolster basic and intermediate skills to promote digital awareness and cultivate a proactive, sustainable digital culture within the public sector. Additional goals include modernizing tools through high-performance digital solutions, integrating artificial intelligence into administrative workflows, and establishing a structured system for monitoring, evaluating, and continuously upgrading skills.
This strategy aligns with recommendations from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In its report Developing Skills for Digital Government: A Review of Good Practices Across OECD Governments, the OECD stresses that countries must invest in civil servants’ digital competencies to support the shift toward digital governance. The push comes as the World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. Senegal currently employs around 130,000 civil servants.
However, the OECD cautions that the success of such training initiatives depends on their design, delivery, and execution.
“Governments must first pinpoint the essential digital and complementary skills, then evaluate existing staff capabilities to identify gaps,” the organization advises. “This allows for targeted training programs that maximize available resources. Finally, they must assess the impact of these efforts to refine future initiatives.”
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Moroccan authorities consider digital technology a key driver of socioeconomic development. This priority spans all sectors, including entrepreneurship.
The Moroccan government and Swedish technology firm Ericsson have announced plans to collaborate on equipping Moroccan entrepreneurs with crucial digital skills. This vision was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the third edition of Gitex Africa, held in Marrakech from Monday, April 14, to Wednesday, April 16.
Under the MoU, the two entities will explore various ways for Moroccan entrepreneurs and small businesses to leverage Ericsson’s global educational initiatives. A key resource is the Ericsson Educate platform, which offers extensive online learning content covering vital areas such as 5G technology, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, cloud computing, and general telecommunications principles.
The overarching goal for the Moroccan government is to furnish entrepreneurs with the “skills in demand for Morocco’s growing digital economy.” This initiative has the potential to align with Axis 2 of the "Morocco Digital 2030" digital transformation strategy, which aims to digitize the nation's economic structure to enhance productivity. Government plans include establishing a foundation for business digitalization, supporting the growth of Moroccan tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and aiding micro and small businesses in their own digital transformations. Through widespread digitalization, the government anticipates adding 100 billion dirhams (approximately $10.8 billion) to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.
However, the article notes that beyond skills acquisition, Moroccan companies may face several hurdles in their digital transition. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has highlighted challenges such as limited internal resources, financial constraints, and restricted access to reliable, fast, and affordable digital infrastructure. The OECD points out that “access to fast broadband, which is essential for businesses to fully leverage digital transformation and harness the potential of advanced applications, remains uneven between urban, rural, and remote areas.”
It is crucial to note that the agreement between the Moroccan government and Ericsson is currently a non-binding memorandum of understanding. This document signifies an intention to collaborate, with specific terms and conditions to be determined through future discussions. The signing of a definitive partnership agreement and the subsequent implementation of planned actions will provide a clearer picture of the potential outcomes and impact of this collaboration.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As the digital economy takes on a more prominent role in global commerce, African nations are working to improve the regulation of digital activity. Senegal is viewing digital taxation as a key tool for asserting its sovereignty and boosting its resources in an era dominated by major online companies.
Senegal collected over one billion CFA francs, equivalent to more than $1.7 million, in 2024 from its recently introduced value-added tax (VAT) on digital services, the country's tax authority announced. Jean Koné, the Director General of Taxes and Domains (DGID), revealed the results on Tuesday, April 15, during the international conference on digital economy taxation in Africa, held in Dakar.
Encouraged by these initial returns, the tax administration intends to intensify its efforts to collect even greater resources in the coming years. "We will implement strategies and innovate to ensure everyone pays the digital VAT. It is also about adapting our system to make it more inclusive and efficient," Koné said. Over the medium term, the government is targeting revenues between 3 and 5 billion CFA francs, with projections reaching as high as 10 billion.
Implemented on July 1, 2024, the tax applies to services provided by both domestic companies and foreign digital platforms operating within Senegal. Unlike a flat tax, the taxable base is calculated from the actual turnover of non-resident providers, based on compensation received or owed. This method more accurately reflects the revenue generated within the Senegalese market.
Senegal's standard VAT rate is set at 18%, with a specific 10% reduced rate for sectors facing difficulties, such as hospitality and restaurants, which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tax specifically targets streaming services, software subscriptions (SaaS), cloud computing, online advertising, downloadable games, and paid mobile applications.
While the measure increases state revenues, it also carries implications for consumers. By taxing platforms based on their actual income, the prices of certain digital services could increase, potentially excluding the most vulnerable populations. The key challenge for authorities will be to balance tax efficiency with digital accessibility, ensuring that digital transformation does not come at the cost of inclusion.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Congo signs MoU with Russia's Higher School of Economics to boost digital skills training
- Agreement announced at Gitex Africa, focuses on training youth to support nationwide digitization
The Congolese government has secured an agreement for Russian expertise to enhance the digital skills of its population. A memorandum of understanding was signed on Tuesday with Moscow's Higher School of Economics (EHESE) on the sidelines of the third Gitex Africa exhibition, which concludes on Wednesday.
"To train in the digital field, you need access to digital expertise. The purpose of this memorandum is to facilitate the exchange and advancement of expertise to train young Congolese, because the goal is to digitize all spheres of our administration. And when we talk about digitization, if you don’t have the necessary skills, it’s very difficult," Léon Juste Ibombo, Congo's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, told RT television.
The Congolese government has identified digital skills as a cornerstone of its digital transformation strategy, alongside innovation and entrepreneurship. This priority has already led to initiatives such as the establishment of the African Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA), with support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). In March, Congo also began discussions to join the Give1Project program, an initiative backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Microsoft, and France, which aims to train 25,000 young Africans in digital skills. Furthermore, a partnership has been forged with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, among others.
By prioritizing digital skills training, the Congolese government aims to empower its citizens to actively participate in the burgeoning digital economy and cultivate a skilled workforce capable of addressing both national and regional demands. The World Bank, for instance, projects that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The Bretton Woods institution estimates Congo's youth unemployment rate at approximately 42%, in a nation where nearly half of the population is under the age of 18.
However, it is important to note that the agreement signed in Marrakech is currently a memorandum of understanding, and the specific terms and a timeline for a formal agreement have not been disclosed. Several key details remain unclear, including the number of beneficiaries, the targeted age groups, the selection criteria for participants, and the precise digital skills that will be taught. Further developments will be necessary to fully evaluate the potential impact and concrete prospects of this nascent partnership.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Benin and Mali sign data protection cooperation agreement
- Pact aims to enhance best practice sharing, joint complaint handling, and compliance checks
- Countries to develop shared regulatory standards via technical committees
Benin's Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP) said on Tuesday it signed a cooperation agreement with its counterpart in Mali, seeking closer ties as digital sovereignty issues gain traction in West Africa.
The initiative will foster regular exchanges of best practices and the sharing of operational tools between the two data protection agencies, the APDP announced. The agreement also allows for the joint handling of specific complaints or compliance checks.
Furthermore, Benin and Mali will work towards developing common regulatory standards through dedicated technical committees. They plan to hold joint commissions every two years and organize shared training sessions to enhance the skills of their respective staff.
This collaboration aligns with a broader continental movement spearheaded by the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP), which promotes the harmonization of digital regulation across the continent. The move comes as the protection of personal data increasingly becomes a strategic priority for African nations.
According to Africa Cybersecurity Magazine, 37 of the continent's 54 countries now have national laws addressing personal data protection, including both Benin and Mali. However, the effective enforcement of these laws remains a hurdle in several nations.
Through this agreement, Benin and Mali aim to forge a unified approach to the escalating complexities of digital regulation. In a landscape characterized by the cross-border movement of data, the compatibility of legal frameworks is increasingly vital. This partnership could facilitate a more coordinated response to potential threats and help establish a strong foundation of digital trust within West Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji