Tech (1284)
- DR Congo will officially launch RDC-PASS, its national digital identity platform, on June 13 as part of the “DRC 2030 Digital Nation” strategy.
- The government values the project at $97.1 million under a 20-year public-private partnership with Singapore-based Trident Digital Tech Holdings.
- The system will support biometric SIM registration, e-government access, automated e-KYC services and secure digital identities.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preparing to launch RDC-PASS, a national digital identity system that authorities view as a cornerstone of the country's digital transformation agenda. The government plans to officially unveil the platform on June 13 in Kinshasa under the patronage of President Félix Tshisekedi as part of the “DRC 2030 Digital Nation” strategy.
Authorities have presented RDC-PASS as a unique, secure and free digital identifier. The system aims to provide every citizen with an interoperable digital identity that can support access to administrative, financial and social services.
The government expects the platform to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, curb document fraud and improve access to public services in a country where identification systems remain fragmented and unevenly accessible.
A Strategic Project Valued at $97.1 Million
The Ministry of Planning estimates the cost of developing RDC-PASS at $97.1 million. The government launched the project through a public-private partnership signed in June 2025 with Trident Digital Tech DRC Africa SAS, a subsidiary of Singapore-based Trident Digital Tech Holdings.
The agreement grants the company exclusive rights to provide electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) services for 20 years. The system relies on Web 3.0 technologies and advanced digital verification mechanisms.
Trident Digital Tech Holdings has also announced that it raised $2.6 million to support the project's initial deployment phase and the commercialization of the system in the Congolese market.
Several African countries have already implemented comparable initiatives. Nigeria has enrolled tens of millions of citizens through its National Identification Number (NIN) system, while Kenya has expanded digital identity adoption through integrated e-government services.
An Architecture Built Around Secure Identification and Integrated Services
RDC-PASS will support four primary use cases. The platform will enable biometric authentication of SIM cards to reduce fraudulent mobile phone registrations. The system will also provide unified access to e-government platforms through a single digital identifier.
In addition, the platform will integrate automated e-KYC capabilities for financial services providers. It will also issue secure digital identities that complement existing physical identification documents. The architecture positions the digital identifier as a central gateway to both public and private services. The framework promotes interoperability among government agencies, telecommunications operators and financial institutions.
Phased Deployment and Digital Sovereignty Challenges
Authorities plan to deploy the system in stages. The rollout will include technical audits, pilot testing and a gradual scale-up following the official launch. However, the project raises issues that extend beyond technology implementation.
Questions surrounding data sovereignty, data storage and data management remain central to discussions about the initiative. Stakeholders continue to examine the implications of entrusting a foreign private-sector partner with managing key components of the system under a 20-year agreement.
A Cornerstone of Congo’s Digital Strategy
RDC-PASS forms part of a broader government plan to invest $1 billion in digital development between 2026 and 2030. The government considers digital identity a foundational infrastructure layer alongside connectivity networks and e-government platforms. However, the project's long-term success will depend on its ability to achieve mass adoption and integrate seamlessly across public and private sector services throughout the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Rwanda’s Cabinet approved the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Agency on June 8 to accelerate AI development, adoption, investment and governance.
- The agency will coordinate public and private AI initiatives and support deployment across sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture and public administration.
- Rwanda continues to expand its AI ecosystem through initiatives such as the Rwanda AI Scaling Hub, which has secured about 25 billion Rwandan francs ($17 million) in funding.
Rwanda has expanded its institutional framework for artificial intelligence. The Cabinet approved the creation of the National Artificial Intelligence Agency on Monday, June 8. The new agency will accelerate AI development, adoption, investment and governance in support of the country's digital transformation and economic growth objectives.
The agency will become Rwanda’s first institution fully dedicated to artificial intelligence. The organization will coordinate public and private sector initiatives, promote the development of AI-based solutions and strengthen the governance framework required to deploy the technology across sectors including public administration, healthcare, education and agriculture.
The decision follows the implementation of Rwanda’s national artificial intelligence policy adopted in 2023. Through that roadmap, Kigali aims to position itself as one of Africa’s leading AI hubs by investing in skills development, research, data infrastructure, private-sector investment and responsible innovation.
At the same time, Rwanda continues to accelerate investment across its technology ecosystem. The Rwanda AI Scaling Hub program, supported by several international partners, has secured approximately 25 billion Rwandan francs ($17 million) in funding to promote the adoption of artificial intelligence solutions across the economy and public services.
Beyond the creation of a new government institution, Kigali aims to consolidate its lead in a continent where many countries remain at the strategic planning stage of AI development.
In 2023, Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said that nearly 70% of Rwanda’s national AI policy focused on skills development. She identified talent development as the primary driver for building a local industry capable of producing solutions tailored to African realities.
This strategy also responds to broader economic objectives. According to the UNESCO, Rwanda continues to face challenges related to the availability of specialized talent, access to training data and research capacity.
However, the country maintains significant advantages. Rwanda benefits from a regulatory environment that supports digital innovation, while government policy continues to prioritize emerging technologies as a driver of long-term economic development.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Algeria inaugurated its first national center dedicated to technologies and innovation in virtual education systems near Algiers on June 8.
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The facility aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence, digital learning tools and remote education technologies across universities and research institutions.
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The project supports Algeria’s broader goal of building a knowledge-based economy and increasing the number of startups in the country to 20,000 by 2029.
Algeria continues to implement its higher education digitalization strategy. On Monday, June 8, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research inaugurated the country's first national center dedicated to technologies and innovation in virtual education systems in Sidi Abdellah, near Algiers. The initiative seeks to deepen the integration of artificial intelligence and digital tools into teaching practices and scientific research.
The center serves as a platform for developing and testing new learning methods. The facility provides digital infrastructure, distance-learning platforms and specialized resources that support the digitalization of academic programs and research activities.
Authorities expect the center to improve educational quality, encourage pedagogical innovation and prepare students for careers increasingly shaped by emerging technologies.
The initiative forms part of a broader national ambition to build an economy driven by knowledge and innovation. Authorities have set a target of increasing the number of startups in Algeria to 20,000 by 2029. The government intends to leverage universities as key sources of talent, entrepreneurship and technological innovation to achieve that objective.
The project also aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education’s strategy to create a "fourth-generation university" model based on digitalized services, intelligent learning systems and advanced technologies.
Within that framework, Algeria has introduced new academic programs focused on artificial intelligence. The country has also expanded the use of digital tools for student guidance and strengthened AI computing infrastructure at the National Higher School of Artificial Intelligence.
For policymakers, the initiative extends beyond the academic sphere. Authorities increasingly view the development of a national artificial intelligence ecosystem as a driver of economic competitiveness and digital sovereignty. By strengthening education, research and innovation capabilities, Algeria aims to develop the skills required to support the digital transformation of productive sectors and reduce dependence on technologies developed abroad.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Kenya plans to create a national marketplace for anonymized public-sector data under a draft National Data Governance Policy published in late May by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
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The proposal would establish a National Council on Data Governance and Emerging Technologies and make at least 1,000 datasets available through a dedicated national platform over the next five years.
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Officials say the initiative aims to support innovation and generate new state revenue while excluding directly identifiable personal information in line with Kenya’s data-protection law.
Kenya continues to expand its digital-economy strategy. The government plans to create a national marketplace for anonymized public data that would be accessible to companies, researchers, non-governmental organizations and innovators.
The initiative appears in the draft National Data Governance Policy that the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy published in late May. The draft policy calls for the creation of a National Council on Data Governance and Emerging Technologies. The council would centralize information produced by public administrations and supervise the release of eligible datasets.
Authorities aim to make at least 1,000 datasets available over the next five years through a dedicated national platform.eCitizen as a Primary Data SourceMuch of the data would come from eCitizen, which supports a wide range of administrative services. The proposed datasets would include aggregated statistics on business registrations, passport applications, land transactions, vehicle registrations and selected agricultural and demographic indicators.
Direct identifiers such as names, telephone numbers, addresses and identity-document details would remain excluded from the marketplace in accordance with Kenya’s data-protection legislation.Data as a Strategic Asset. The proposal reflects a broader policy shift in Nairobi, where authorities increasingly treat data as a strategic economic asset. Government preparatory documents argue that public institutions hold large volumes of underused data because systems remain fragmented, standards differ across agencies and information sharing between institutions remains limited.
Innovation and Revenue GoalsOfficials say the marketplace would pursue goals beyond direct revenue generation. Structured access to public datasets could support new digital services, analytics tools, artificial-intelligence applications and financial products tailored to different sectors of the economy.
The government identifies agriculture, transport, healthcare and urban planning as among the sectors that could benefit most from broader access to standardized public data.Privacy Concerns and Reidentification Risks. The proposal has already raised questions about confidentiality safeguards and the risk that supposedly anonymized data could be reidentified once commercialized.
Those concerns are fueling public debate in Kenya, where some observers are calling for stronger oversight mechanisms before any national data market becomes operational.A Potential First in Africa. If implemented, the initiative would place Kenya among the first African countries to build a structured national marketplace for public-sector data.
The move would underscore a broader shift in digital policy across the continent, where governments increasingly view data as an economic resource in its own right.
Samira Njoya
- Mauritius plans to introduce an identity verification mechanism for social media users to combat rising cyber fraud, impersonation and illegal online content.
- Authorities recorded more than 2,300 online harm cases since the start of 2026, while the country logged 6,073 cyber incidents in 2025.
- The government will consult stakeholders on the system’s technical design, data protection safeguards and integration with global digital platforms.
Mauritius plans to strengthen oversight of online activities through a proposed identity verification mechanism for social media users as authorities confront a rise in digital fraud, identity theft and harmful online content.
The Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation will launch consultations with stakeholders to design a framework for verifying the identities of users on digital platforms. The government announced the initiative following the Cabinet meeting held on Friday, June 5.
Authorities said the proposal responds to a growing number of online abuses. The government specifically targets fake accounts, identity theft, misinformation, hate speech, defamatory content, digital fraud and content linked to child sexual exploitation.
According to Information Technology Minister Avinash Ramtohul, authorities have already received more than 2,300 reports of online harm since the beginning of 2026.
Officials identified social engineering scams as one of the most pressing threats. Fraudsters use these schemes to deceive victims into disclosing verification codes or personal information, which enables criminals to take control of messaging or social media accounts.
The initiative comes as Mauritian authorities face mounting pressure to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. Data presented by the Mauritian Computer Emergency Response Team, CERT-MU, showed that the country recorded 6,073 cyber incidents in 2025. Those incidents included 913 cases involving digital fraud and online scams.
Meanwhile, agencies responsible for combating cybercrime reported a sustained increase in investigations. Authorities handled more than 930 cases linked to online scams and fraud between January 2023 and January 2026. Those investigations resulted in 130 arrests.
Beyond fraud prevention, the proposal has raised questions about privacy protection and freedom of expression. Several African countries have already introduced measures to strengthen online user identification.
In Gabon, for example, an ordinance published in April 2026 ended anonymity on digital platforms. The measure requires users to provide identifying information, including their name, residential address and personal identification number, as part of efforts to combat disinformation, illegal content and online abuse.
For Mauritius, policymakers now face the challenge of balancing digital security objectives with the protection of individual rights. The planned consultations will determine the system’s technical requirements, its interaction with international digital platforms and the safeguards that will protect personal data.
At the same time, authorities aim to strengthen trust in the digital ecosystem as cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, while preserving the fundamental rights of internet users.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Egypt launched digital skills programme targeting 10,000 students
- Training covers AI, cybersecurity, software, data science, and cloud computing
- Initiative supports outsourcing growth and digital economy ambitions
Egypt's Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) announced on Thursday the launch of its largest-ever digital skills summer programme, aimed at training 10,000 university students in the most in-demand technology fields as global demand for digital talent continues to grow.
Implemented in partnership with the National Telecommunications Institute (NTI), the programme is open to students from both technical and non-technical disciplines. Training tracks include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, data science, cloud computing, digital marketing, electronics and digital design. Alongside classroom instruction, participants will complete practical projects and professional development modules designed to improve their employability.
The initiative forms part of Egypt's broader strategy to strengthen its position as a regional hub for digital services and outsourcing. The country is attracting a growing number of international technology companies, shared services centres and business process outsourcing firms, supported by a large pool of graduates from a population of more than 110 million and its location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The programme comes as Egypt seeks to expand the digital skills of its workforce. Authorities plan to train around 800,000 people in information and communications technology (ICT) in 2026 through a range of public initiatives. The country also produces nearly 750,000 university graduates each year, many of them in science, technology and engineering disciplines, making it one of the largest talent pools in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
That investment in skills supports the ambitions of Egypt's digital economy. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is targeting outsourcing service exports of $6 billion in 2026, up from about $5.2 billion in 2025. As global markets continue to face shortages of qualified professionals in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and software engineering, Egypt is seeking to translate its demographic advantage into economic gains and strengthen its appeal to multinational companies looking for digital talent.
Samira Njoya
- DRC launches pilot digital system for health supply chains
- LOGIMEV tracks medicine and vaccine stocks in real time
- Pilot begins in Kinshasa and Maniema before nationwide rollout
The Democratic Republic of Congo launched the pilot phase of LOGIMEV in Kinshasa last week. The digital system is designed to modernize the management of health supply chains.
Developed on the OpenLMIS platform with support from several international partners, the solution aims to improve the monitoring of drug and vaccine stocks and strengthen supply chain data flows across the Congolese health system.
"This event marks a decisive step for the supply chain of health products within the Ministry of Health. Through this initiative, we will progressively have an integrated system capable of providing reliable, real-time logistics data to support decision-making at every level of our health system," said Dr. Body Ilonga, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Health.
The project is led by the Ministry of Public Health and implemented with support from partners including Gavi, UNICEF, VillageReach and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Authorities describe the initiative as part of efforts to digitize the national health system, with the goal of centralizing logistics data and making it available in real time to improve decision-making.
The system is designed to track 154 products across 14 national programs, including the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The pilot phase will be rolled out in the provinces of Kinshasa and Maniema before a gradual nationwide expansion. The project is part of the National Health Development Plan 2024-2033, which calls for the modernization of management tools and infrastructure in the sector.
The initiative comes as several African countries accelerate efforts to digitize their health systems to improve the availability of medicines and the management of vaccination campaigns. Stock shortages and supply chain weaknesses remain among the main barriers to healthcare access on the continent, according to the World Health Organization. Digital logistics management platforms are increasingly being deployed to improve supply chain visibility and reduce losses of health products.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where logistical challenges remain significant because of the country's size and the difficulty of reaching some areas, authorities hope digitization will improve the availability of vaccines and medicines at health facilities. In the longer term, LOGIMEV could also improve interoperability between health programs and strengthen the resilience of the Congolese health system.
Samira Njoya
- Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and the National Police signed a framework agreement to modernize citizen reception services across police facilities.
- The partnership will deploy pilot projects and digital infrastructure before expanding reforms nationwide.
- The initiative builds on the DGSN’s broader digital transformation strategy, including the launch of the E-Police platform in 2024.
The Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) signed a framework agreement in Rabat on Wednesday, June 3, to enhance citizen reception services across police stations and security facilities nationwide.
Minister Delegate for Digital Transition Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and DGSN Director General Abdellatif Hammouchi signed the agreement.
The agreement provides for the implementation of pilot programs and the development of digital and physical infrastructure aimed at modernizing reception conditions within police stations and security services.
The two institutions will test new service models before extending them progressively across the country. Authorities expect the pilot phase to evaluate operational effectiveness and support a broader national rollout.
Beyond infrastructure modernization, the agreement seeks to strengthen institutional cooperation between the two entities.
The partnership aims to support the modernization of police public services while integrating security administration more closely into Morocco’s broader public-sector digital transformation program.
The initiative forms part of a wider modernization effort that Morocco’s national police have pursued for several years.
In late 2024, the DGSN launched the E-Police platform, which allows citizens to complete several administrative procedures online. The platform enables users to request police documents, schedule appointments and track selected procedures remotely.
The institution has also developed a digital ecosystem based on digital identity solutions and the gradual dematerialization of administrative services.
According to the DGSN, this strategy aims to reduce in-person visits, accelerate request processing and strengthen personal data protection.
The agreement signed in Rabat also supports Morocco’s broader objective of extending service-quality standards across public administrations.
The framework includes an experimentation phase through pilot projects. Authorities will use the results of those projects as the basis for wider deployment across DGSN structures nationwide.
Samira Njoya
- Gabon will invest CFA5 billion ($8.9 million) to modernize digital skills training through a partnership between ARCEP and INPTIC.
- The two-year renewable program will upgrade infrastructure, create specialized laboratories, and expand training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, and telecommunications.
- Authorities aim to reduce dependence on foreign expertise and position INPTIC as a regional digital training hub for Central Africa.
The country's telecommunications regulator, the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), and the National Institute of Post, Information and Communication Technologies (INPTIC) signed a CFA5 billion ($8.9 million) subsidy agreement in Libreville on June 1 to modernize training for digital professions.
The agreement took place in the presence of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation Minister Mark Alexandre Doumba and Higher Education Minister Charles Edgar Mombo.
The partners structured the agreement as a renewable two-year program. The initiative will rehabilitate the institution's educational infrastructure, acquire new technological equipment, and develop specialized laboratories.
In addition, the funding will support the launch or strengthening of academic programs in strategic fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data management, cloud computing, networks and telecommunications, as well as digital entrepreneurship.
Through the project, Gabonese authorities aim to align training programs more closely with economic needs.
Officials said the agreement includes reforms to INPTIC's governance and management mechanisms. The partnership will also provide the institute with access to ARCEP's sector data and market analyses, enabling it to anticipate changes in digital professions and evolving skills demands from businesses.
The investment forms part of Gabon's national digitalization strategy, particularly the component dedicated to human capital development.
Authorities now view the availability of local digital talent as a critical requirement for supporting the digital transformation of government administration, businesses, and public services.
The challenge has become increasingly urgent as demand for digital professionals continues to grow across Africa.
According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. Organizations in both the public and private sectors are actively seeking specialists in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data management, and cloud computing.
By strengthening INPTIC's capabilities, Libreville aims to reduce the country's dependence on external expertise. At the same time, authorities want to position the institution as a leading regional center for digital skills training in Central Africa.
Samira Njoya
- Burkina Faso has issued more than 600,000 criminal record certificates and nearly 70,000 nationality certificates through digital platforms.
- Authorities have expanded online justice services to include business registry documents and digital filing and tracking of criminal complaints.
- A persistent digital divide continues to limit adoption, with internet access reaching 72% in urban areas but only 27% in rural regions.
Burkina Faso is continuing the modernization of its judicial system through digital technologies. Platforms deployed by the Ministry of Justice have enabled the issuance of more than 600,000 criminal record certificates and nearly 70,000 nationality certificates, highlighting the acceleration of digital public services for citizens. Authorities disclosed these figures during the National Forum on the Digitalization of Justice, which took place in Ouagadougou from June 2 to June 3. These results reflect progress achieved in recent years through the online delivery of administrative procedures.
In addition to platforms dedicated to criminal records and nationality certificates, the country launched a digital service in February for documents derived from the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM). The service has already enabled the issuance of approximately 2,000 documents.
Moreover, authorities have implemented a system that allows citizens to file and track criminal complaints online. Despite these advances, access to digital judicial services continues to face a major obstacle: the digital divide.
Data presented during the National Forum on the Digitalization of Justice showed that internet access reaches about 72% in urban areas, compared with only 27% in rural areas. The figures highlight significant inequalities in access to digital technologies across the country.
World Bank data for 2024 showed that only 37.24% of the population owned a smartphone. Meanwhile, DataReportal estimated that Burkina Faso had 5.42 million internet users at the end of 2025. As a result, the digital divide remains a major challenge for the government's administrative transformation agenda.
While online services reduce processing times and eliminate unnecessary travel for users, a large share of the population still lacks the devices or connectivity required to access those services. Consequently, the overall impact of digitalization remains constrained.
In response, authorities are considering additional support measures to broaden access. Officials have discussed integrating national languages into digital platforms, developing solutions for citizens with limited literacy skills, and expanding connectivity infrastructure in rural areas.
Furthermore, these measures will complement existing initiatives already underway.
Authorities are currently deploying telecommunications infrastructure in underserved areas and establishing digital community centers. These facilities will serve as local access points that allow citizens to connect to the internet and use a range of digitized public services.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Benin’s National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN) says unauthorized AI-generated, modified, or distributed images of individuals can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of CFA25 million ($44,400).
- Authorities link the warning to the growing use of generative AI and deepfake technologies that can facilitate fraud, defamation, identity theft, and disinformation.
- Cybercrime cases in Benin increased from 347 in 2022 to 415 in 2023 and reached 576 cases by Sept. 17, 2024, according to the special prosecutor of the CRIET.
Benin’s National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN) has reminded the public of the penalties associated with using artificial intelligence to modify, generate, or distribute a person’s image without authorization, as authorities intensify efforts to curb cybercrime and digital identity fraud.
The agency said on Friday, Aug. 29, that such practices violate image rights and may trigger legal action under Article 576 of Benin’s Digital Code. Offenders face a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of CFA25 million, equivalent to about $44,400.
The warning comes as generative artificial intelligence tools capable of producing increasingly realistic images, videos, and audiovisual content become more widely accessible.
Deepfake technologies can replace a person’s face, alter their statements, or create fabricated scenes that criminals may use for manipulation, defamation, fraud, identity theft, or reputational damage. Researchers have warned for several years that distinguishing authentic content from AI-generated material is becoming increasingly difficult.
A Growing Threat for Authorities
The CNIN’s statement forms part of a broader effort by Beninese authorities to strengthen the fight against cybercrime. According to figures released by the special prosecutor of the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) in October 2024, cybercrime-related cases increased from 347 in 2022 to 415 in 2023. Authorities recorded 576 cases as of Sept. 17, 2024.
Meanwhile, Beninese authorities have expanded operations targeting online fraud networks and identity theft schemes operating on social media platforms.
In 2024, the CNIN announced the deactivation of approximately 600 fake accounts that criminals used for romance scams and fraudulent schemes linked to spiritual or marabout-related services.
Issues Extend Beyond Deepfakes
The rise of deepfakes reflects a broader set of cybersecurity risks that increasingly concern African governments. According to Interpol, online scams, digital fraud, ransomware attacks, and identity theft rank among the continent’s most significant cyber threats. Financial losses linked to cybercrime in Africa exceeded an estimated $3 billion between 2019 and 2025.
Against this backdrop, Beninese authorities seek to prevent the misuse of emerging artificial intelligence tools before they become an additional channel for fraud and disinformation.
Regulators now face the challenge of balancing the rapid growth of generative AI technologies with the protection of citizens’ rights in the digital space.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Senegal appointed Samba Diouf as Minister of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy as part of a government reshuffle announced on June 1.
- Authorities separated the digital economy portfolio from communications, underscoring the strategic importance of technology and digital sovereignty.
- Diouf takes charge of implementing Senegal’s New Technological Deal, a CFA1.1 trillion ($1.95 billion) program scheduled for 2025–2034.
The composition of Senegal’s new government was unveiled on Monday, June 1. Among the appointments announced by the administration led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, the nomination of Samba Diouf as Minister of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy has drawn particular attention.
Diouf succeeds Alioune Sall at the head of the ministry. Meanwhile, authorities have reconfigured the institution by separating the digital economy portfolio from the communications portfolio.
The restructuring reflects the increasing importance that Senegal places on digital transformation within its public policy framework. As a result, Diouf assumes responsibility for a sector that sits at the center of the government’s economic development and technological sovereignty agenda.
A Specialist in Digital Transformation
Before joining the government, Samba Diouf served as Minister-Counselor for Digital Affairs to the President of the Republic. Diouf built most of his professional career in digital transformation, telecommunications, and financial services. He held positions within several international technology groups, including Huawei Technologies, IBM, Oracle, Atos, and Ericsson.
Throughout his career, he led digital transformation projects for public administrations, telecommunications operators, and financial institutions.
His profile combines technical and managerial expertise. He holds a master’s degree in physics, a master’s degree in information and communication systems engineering, an Executive MBA in corporate strategy, and an MBA in finance. His qualifications provide expertise across technology, governance, and business development.
Strategic Projects to Advance
Diouf assumes office two months after the first anniversary of the New Technological Deal and the launch of its flagship projects.
Authorities launched the program last year around 12 priority projects and allocated nearly CFA1.1 trillion ($1.95 billion) in investment between 2025 and 2034. The initiative aims to strengthen connectivity, expand digital public services, support the digital economy, and enhance the country’s technological sovereignty.
However, significant challenges remain. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, Senegal ranked among Africa’s 15 most advanced countries for digital services in 2025. Nevertheless, gaps in internet access persist, particularly between urban and rural areas.
Cybersecurity, digital identity, artificial intelligence development, and support for technology startups also remain among the sector’s top priorities.
As head of a ministry now fully dedicated to telecommunications and digital development, Diouf must translate the government’s ambitions into measurable outcomes. His mandate comes at a time when digital technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in Senegal’s economic competitiveness and the modernization of public administration.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Lire aussi:
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Côte d’Ivoire plans to establish a public university dedicated to artificial intelligence under its National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030.
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The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen digital sovereignty, develop local technology talent and support economic transformation.
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The government has allocated more than CFA114.8 trillion ($204 billion) to the PND, including major investments in digital infrastructure, higher education and public-sector digitalization.
Côte d’Ivoire is placing artificial intelligence at the center of its development agenda as the country seeks to address an urgent shortage of digital skills and strengthen its technological sovereignty.
The government plans to establish a public university dedicated to artificial intelligence under its National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030, recently presented by Souleymane Diarrassouba.
The initiative aims to align the education system with the needs of an economy increasingly driven by data, automation and emerging technologies.
The proposed AI university forms part of a broader higher education expansion program.
Ivorian authorities plan to build new universities in Abengourou, Daoukro and Dabou. Authorities also plan to establish several university technology institutes.
The government pursues two objectives. First, it seeks to increase enrollment capacity. Second, it aims to direct more academic programs toward sectors considered critical for growth, including digital technology, agro-industry, mining, healthcare and services.
Beyond expanding the university system, the initiative supports the implementation of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy through 2030.
Authorities launched the framework last year and positioned artificial intelligence as a driver of digital sovereignty and economic competitiveness.
The strategy also provides for the creation of AI-focused centers of excellence within universities and technical institutions. These centers will support advanced training, applied research and technological innovation.
The planned curriculum will cover several key disciplines, including data science, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and intelligent systems.
Authorities aim to build a skills pipeline that reflects market demand at a time when demand for specialized technology professionals significantly exceeds available supply.
Consequently, the university could play a critical role in narrowing the country’s digital talent gap and supporting the growth of a domestic technology ecosystem.
The PND 2026–2030 allocates more than CFA114.8 trillion, equivalent to approximately $204 billion, to support the country’s long-term development agenda.
The plan also includes major investments in digital infrastructure.
Authorities intend to expand fiber-optic networks, develop data centers and deploy resilient technology solutions. At the same time, the government plans to accelerate the digitalization of public administration.
Within this broader framework, the artificial intelligence university represents a foundational component of an ecosystem that remains under construction.
The institution should strengthen links between academic training and productive sectors while enhancing research capabilities and encouraging the development of locally designed technological solutions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Chad held talks with major U.S. technology companies, including Starlink, InterSystems, Cybastion, Vertiv and 19Labs, to attract expertise and investment.
- Authorities discussed projects covering connectivity, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-government services and digital healthcare.
- Chad raised concerns with Starlink over service quality and pricing while seeking broader improvements in internet access and digital inclusion.
Chad intensified its efforts to establish partnerships with leading global technology companies during a mission to Washington from May 23 to May 31.
Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization Minister Haliki Choua Mahamat led the delegation, which held discussions with several U.S. stakeholders operating in technology, infrastructure and digital healthcare.
The government sought to attract expertise and investment capable of accelerating the country's digital transformation and supporting broader economic modernization.
During the visit, Chadian officials met representatives from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce and several major technology companies, including InterSystems, Starlink, Cybastion, Vertiv and 19Labs.
Participants discussed a range of strategic projects focused on connectivity, digital infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity, public-service digitalization and digital health development.
One of the most sensitive issues involved Starlink's satellite internet services. Chadian officials raised concerns with representatives of the SpaceX subsidiary regarding service quality in Chad and pricing levels that authorities consider higher than those charged in several other African markets.
N'Djamena views improved internet access as a critical priority because existing telecommunications infrastructure remains insufficient to meet growing demand from government agencies, businesses and households.
The diplomatic outreach comes as Chad seeks to position the digital sector as a key driver of economic diversification.
Although the country has recorded progress in recent years, Chad still ranks among the least advanced African nations in terms of connectivity and digital development.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, internet penetration remains below the African average, while access to digital services remains particularly limited in rural areas.
The government also views digital technologies as a tool for modernizing the healthcare system. Discussions with specialized U.S. institutions focused on plans to digitalize the country's five university hospitals, 23 regional hospitals and more than 1,000 health centers.
Authorities aim to improve medical data management, strengthen patient monitoring and expand access to healthcare services through digital technologies.
Beyond infrastructure investments, Chad aims to strengthen domestic technological capabilities. Talks with U.S. partners included training initiatives and technology-transfer programs designed to develop national expertise in digital technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The government considers those capabilities essential for reducing technological dependence and building a digital ecosystem capable of supporting its long-term economic modernization strategy.
Through this outreach mission, Chad seeks to secure a place within the global technology partnership landscape. The next challenge for policymakers will involve converting discussions held in Washington into concrete projects capable of delivering lasting improvements in connectivity, public services and national economic competitiveness.
Samira Njoya