Public Management (435)
Fake diplomas are becoming increasingly prevalent in Africa. To address this issue, governments are turning to digital solutions that offer effective and long-lasting solutions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plans to launch a digital system to combat fake diplomas and certificates, education officials said on Thursday. National Education Minister Raissa Malu and Higher Education Minister Mukuna Marie Therese announced the initiative after a joint meeting. The system, called "Optsolution," will verify state diplomas and certificates in real time.
"Graduates applying to university will only need a 14-digit code. The Higher Education Ministry's system will then access the National Education database for applicant information," said Rodrigue Iyembo, a National Education Ministry expert.
DRC's system aims to cut verification times from 4-5 months to instant checks. Future plans include extending the platform to private sector diplomas.
The platform is part of DRC's National Digital Plan, aiming to digitize key sectors by 2025, with education as a priority.
This move comes as African countries struggle with a rise in fake diplomas. Ethiopia, after finding nearly 1,000 counterfeit certificates among 18,000 reviewed in 2023, contracted Swiss firm SICPA to certify diplomas using blockchain and QR codes.
Samira Njoya
Despite facing challenges, African nations are investing more in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) across different industries. In the field of education, Uganda is aiming to make significant advancements.
Ugandan authorities on Friday inaugurated the steering committee for an Augmented Virtual Reality (AVR) project at the Uganda Information Communication Technology (UICT) university. The project aims to introduce AVR into classrooms.
Fredrick E. Kitoogo, UICT's director, announced that “1,267 staff and students from UICT have been enrolled on the AVR platform, with 1,370 total logins recorded. 5000 educator licenses with 1267 already issued to UICT staff and students; and 750 enterprise licenses are yet to be distributed.”
The project is part of the Ugandan government's broader efforts to improve education quality through the use of new technologies. Authorities believe that virtual reality and augmented reality can create immersive and interactive learning environments, enhancing student engagement and motivation.
Uganda has also allowed smartphones, tablets, and computers in schools. “We are mindful of the fact that IT devices are expensive. So government has come up with projects like furnishing school computer labs. With time, government is coming up with measures to ensure that the cost of these devices is brought down so that they are as affordable as possible,” said Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In 2023, Ethiopia launched a new artificial intelligence policy. To fully leverage the potential of this technology, the country is seeking strategic partnerships.
A delegation of Russian artificial intelligence (AI) experts, headed by Russia's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute on Wednesday, August 21. They were welcomed by Taye Girma, the Institute's Deputy Director General.
The visit is part of the two countries' growing cooperation in the technology sector. As generative AI and large language models continue to advance, AI has become a key area of focus for their partnership.
Ethiopia adopted its national AI policy in July 2023. The policy outlines the country's strategy for leveraging AI to drive development, covering areas such as data management, human capital development, research and development, infrastructure, legal and ethical considerations, and international cooperation.
A partnership with Russia in AI could offer Ethiopia several benefits. It could facilitate technology and skills transfers, help develop AI applications tailored to local needs, and attract Russian investment in Ethiopia's tech sector, boosting innovation and job creation. For Russian companies, the cooperation could provide an opportunity to expand their influence in the AI domain in Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the multiplication of digital transformation across Africa, cybersecurity has become a top priority for countries across the continent. To protect themselves and their institutions from potential threats, they are taking steps to strengthen their cyber defense.
Chinese tech company Huawei launched a cybersecurity training program for Zimbabwean government officials in Harare on Monday, aiming to strengthen their defenses against online threats.
The four-day course brings together 100 officials from various ministries. The curriculum covers global cybersecurity trends and data security governance.
"Huawei takes cybersecurity seriously, and we have made it a top priority in all of our operations and product development. Huawei invests heavily in research and development to ensure our technologies are secure and resilient against evolving cyber threats," said Yang Shengwan, managing director of Huawei Zimbabwe.
This initiative comes as digital transformation accelerates across Africa. Zimbabwe ranked 24th with a score of 47.7 out of 100 in the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Information and Communication Technology Development Index in 2024, up from 42.7 in 2023. In the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index, Harare placed 17th in 2020 with a score of 36.49.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Algerian authorities want to equip the population with digital skills. One of their strategies to achieve that goal is to provide primary schools with dedicated tools.
Algeria is set to equip an additional 1,700 primary schools with digital tablets, as announced by Abdelhakim Belaabed (photo), the country's Minister of National Education, on Thursday, August 8. This announcement was made during a national conference focused on implementing the operational plan for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year in Mostaganem.
"This year, 1,700 primary schools will receive digital tablets, increasing the total number of schools equipped with such technology to 5,000 nationwide," Belaabed stated.
Since taking office in 2019, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has prioritized digital technology as a key component of Algeria's development strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the nation’s digital transformation efforts. According to the "Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024" report released by the International Telecommunication Union in June, Algeria's ICT Development Index is 80.9 out of 100, placing it sixth in Africa.
This initiative aims to provide the population, especially primary school students, with essential digital skills. The introduction of digital tablets is expected to enhance students' digital competencies, promote inclusive education for those with special needs, and enable real-time tracking of students' progress, facilitating continuous assessment and the adaptation of teaching methods.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In 2023, Ghana officially recorded 11,694 road accidents. To reduce that number, authorities are turning to advanced technologies.
On July 30, the Ghanaian Ministry of Roads and Highways announced the launch of a mobile application called "Maintain My Road." This app will allow citizens to report road issues, aiming to enhance road safety and infrastructure.
The pilot phase, spanning five months, targets major roads in four key cities: Accra-Tema, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale. "The accessibility provided by a well-maintained road system enhances tourism by connecting visitors to key attractions, generating revenue, and creating jobs in the hospitality sector," stated Francis Asenso-Boakye, Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways.
Between January and October 2023, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) recorded 11,694 road accidents in the country. In response, authorities have implemented advanced technology using cameras and sensors to detect and penalize traffic violations such as speeding and running red lights. The launch of "Maintain My Road" is part of this broader initiative.
Additionally, a call center has been established with the same objective. It operates Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, with customer service representatives fluent in several local languages, including Twi, Ga, and soon Hausa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Gabon is currently one of the African leaders in the development of information and communication technologies (ICT). With the support of strategic partners, the country is undertaking the digitization of its judicial sector.
Gabon has obtained a ¥331 million (about $2.2 million) grant from Japan to modernize its judicial sector through digital technology. According to a release, dated Junly 29, from the justice ministry, the project will be carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“This is a process we began with a symposium last November. The signing of this aid agreement will allow us to achieve our goals for the justice system in our country,” Justice Minister Paul-Marie Gondjout (photo, center) said.
The initiative aligns with Gabon’s “Gabon Digital” strategy, which aims to establish the country as a Central African hub for the digital economy. In June, the government approved a €56.2 million ($61 million) loan from the World Bank to finance the broader strategy.
Gabon ranked 10th among African countries with a score of 74.7 out of 100 in the 2024 ICT Development Index published in the "Measuring Digital Development: The ICT Development Index 2023" report by the International Telecommunication Union. This score improved from 72.9 in the 2023 edition of the report.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, the Algerian government has prioritized accelerating the digitization process. To guide this transformation, the country is developing a comprehensive roadmap.
Algeria is set to implement a new digital transformation strategy, High Commissioner for Digitization Meriem Benmouloud said on Monday. The final draft was submitted to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for approval in June.
The strategy, a first for the North African nation since independence, aims to shift from paper-based to digital management, increase transparency, reduce bureaucracy, broaden access to information, and boost economic performance while maintaining service quality.
The five-year plan, ending in 2029, is built on two pillars: a forthcoming digitization law and information and cybersecurity. The law will establish a regulatory framework for the digital sphere, streamline bureaucracy, and address technological gaps. The government will partner with the Ministry of National Defense to strengthen information and cybersecurity.
Tebboune has championed the digital transformation project as a driver of sustainable local development. Launched in 2019, the initiative has made significant progress in the past two years to overcome resource constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and sector complexities.
Algeria's ICT development has accelerated, according to the latest International Telecommunication Union report. The country jumped 14 places in the ICT Development Index, ranking 88th out of 169 nations. Its score of 77.8 points surpassed African (47.4), Arab (74.5), and middle-income country (62) averages.
Samira Njoya
In the face of the digital revolution, African nations are ramping up initiatives to equip their populations, particularly young people, with essential digital skills. Mastering these competencies is becoming increasingly indispensable in today's world.
On Tuesday, July 23, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (photo, center) launched the "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" program. Supported by the United Arab Emirates, this initiative aims to provide digital training to 5 million young Ethiopians, including 50% women, by 2026.
The training program focuses on areas such as programming, Android app development, data science, and fundamental digital skills in artificial intelligence. It will last between 6 and 7 weeks and will culminate in certification for participants.
"Ethiopia has hope through a forward-thinking youth population. The 5 Million Ethiopian Coders Initiative we launch today is a great opportunity and I call upon everyone to encourage the youth to register for the program, gain skills, and acquire international certification," wrote Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on X (Formerly Twitter).
This initiative is an adapted version of the "One Million Arab Coders" program conducted in Dubai and initiated at the 2017 World Economic Forum by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The Ethiopian version of the program is part of the "Digital Ethiopia 2025" plan, aimed at leveraging digital opportunities to propel the country towards a knowledge and innovation-based economy.
With over 128 million inhabitants, a significant portion of whom are young, Ethiopia faces a digital divide that prevents its population from reaping the benefits of digital growth. In the era of the technological revolution, the country must equip this young generation with the necessary skills for future jobs.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Information and communication technologies (ICT) are now an essential part of modern education systems. An international organization headquartered in Tunisia is backing government initiatives to further integrate ICT into schools.
The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced on Friday the donation of 2,000 tablets and 20 computers to Tunisia. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in education by equipping students and teachers from low- and middle-income communities with internet-connected devices.
The breakdown of the donation allocates 1,500 tablets and 15 laptops to the Ministry of National Education, while the Ministry of Family, Women, Children, and the Elderly will receive 500 tablets and 5 laptops.
Mohamed El Jemni, ALECSO's Director of the ICT Department and project coordinator, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to fostering digital solidarity. He emphasized ALECSO's commitment to ensuring equal access to learning opportunities and supporting countries in navigating the current global challenges and significant digital transformations.
This donation aligns with the growing importance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. Stakeholders across the educational spectrum are increasingly embracing these tools to enhance the quality of learning. Tunisian authorities are also actively pursuing similar initiatives, including the implementation of a digital strategy within the Ministry of National Education.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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African countries fully recognize the benefits that digitization can bring to their economies. They are now committed to seizing these opportunities with determination to maximize the advantages.
Last Friday, July 19th, Colonel Assimi Goïta (photo), President of the Malian Transition, launched the first phase of a program that allows citizens to pay for certain services using their mobile phones.
This initiative, unveiled in President Goïta's speech on June 22nd, 2024, in Sikasso, marks a turning point in Mali's administrative landscape. Initially deployed in the capital city of Bamako, the program will eventually expand to encompass all regions and diplomatic missions. Additionally, the scope of services covered will progressively include taxes and public procurement.
"This initial phase represents a cornerstone. It will be gradually extended to all regions of Mali and diplomatic representations, while progressively integrating all public services, including taxes and public procurement," indicates a presidential statement.
The mobile payment system aligns with a broader vision for Mali's development and modernization, where technological innovation takes center stage. The program aims to streamline administrative procedures, expedite processing times, and optimize the collection of public revenue. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance citizen trust in public institutions by fostering a more transparent and efficient management system.
Mali has historically lagged behind in digitizing public services. In 2022, the United Nations' E-Government Development Index ranked the country at 178th globally. This new initiative, therefore, represents a critical step towards closing the gap and ushering in a more modern administrative system.
Samira Njoya
Ethiopian authorities are aiming to capitalize on their agricultural sector by modernizing it. To achieve this, they are implementing projects to digitize the sector.
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) on Tuesday launched two digital initiatives in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to enhance agricultural input and output market systems.
The first project involves the creation of a digital platform that will connect smallholder farmers with potential buyers. "This initiative modernizes the agricultural market system, improving price discovery, risk management, and transaction transparency. It ensures a consistent supply of quality products, promotes traceability, matches supply with demand, and stabilizes market prices," explained the ATI.
The second project focuses on automating the input voucher system. The ATI is introducing eVoucher 2.0, electronic vouchers with a digital code that can be used to purchase goods or services online or in stores. The adoption of this system is expected to enhance the distribution of agricultural inputs and combat fraud.
These projects are part of a broader effort by Ethiopian authorities to modernize the agricultural sector. They have signed various partnerships to achieve this goal, confirming their intention to leverage technology for agricultural advancement. In June, the ATI partnered with Digital Green, a U.S.-based organization promoting the digitization of agriculture, to develop a knowledge-sharing platform.
The launched projects will help ensure a sustainable market, improve the supply of inputs to farmers, and strengthen the connections between farmers and agricultural product consumers.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, Morocco has embarked on a digital transformation, marked by the modernization of various sectors, including higher education. With the support of partners, these advancements are becoming increasingly tangible.
Morocco secured a €120 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to digitize its universities, according to a financing agreement signed in Rabat on Tuesday, July 16.
The agreement was signed by Achraf Hassan Tarsim, AfDB's country manager for Morocco, and Nizar Baraka, Morocco's Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation.
The funds will be used to develop and implement new university training programs in digital fields. These programs will be tailored to meet job market needs and the expectations of national and international investors. Additionally, universities will be equipped with new computer hardware and their services will be digitized.
This €120 million loan is part of a larger €604 million AfDB financing package for Morocco. The other allocations include €200 million for the Territorial Competitiveness Improvement Program, €200 million for the construction of the 104-kilometer Guercif-Nador highway and €84 million for the Integrated and Sustainable Development Support Project for Forest Areas.
The Moroccan government views this investment in university transformation as key to achieving the goals of its Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of the Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Ecosystem (ESRI 2030). Launched in 2020, ESRI 2030 aims to create a high-performing and attractive higher education system aligned with the country's needs. It emphasizes incorporating entrepreneurship into curricula and promoting excellence and innovation.
Morocco has set ambitious targets: graduating 22,500 students annually by 2027 and increasing the number of graduates with digital specializations or competencies across all disciplines and levels to 50,000 by 2035.
Samira Njoya
As part of the digitalization of various sectors, Algerian authorities have made significant strides in human resources management.
The Algerian Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Territorial Planning has completed the digitalization of administrative documents related to human resources management at both central and local levels. The announcement was made in a statement released on Saturday, July 13.
"This initiative has resulted in the digitalization of 25,792,410 documents, including those of senior executives, employees, contract agents in service, and retirees. These documents are organized into 735,926 electronic files, each containing 35 digitized documents," the statement reads.
Additionally, the ministry developed a decision-support system for human resources management, called "system power BI." This system utilizes data from the integrated and comprehensive Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to provide precise and real-time data analysis, as well as a forward-looking perspective in decision-making related to human resources management.
The acceleration of digital transformation in Algeria aligns with the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Aiming for full digitalization of the country by 2034, the authorities are undertaking numerous actions across various sectors as part of the 2024-2029 digital transformation strategy.
The initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and productivity of human resources services in state entities by reducing human errors and document processing delays, improving transparency and accountability within organizations and the government, eliminating phantom employees, and facilitating citizen access to services such as social benefit applications, payroll information consultation, and leave requests.
Adoni Conrad Quenum