Tech (1178)
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Kenya launched a real-time digital system to track births under the 2026–2028 “Every Mother, Every Newborn Everywhere” initiative.
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Authorities aim to use real-time data to detect complications and allocate healthcare resources more efficiently.
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The system supports broader health digitalization and universal health coverage, with over 30 million people already registered.
Kenya is accelerating the digitalization of its healthcare system to improve maternal and neonatal care. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, announced on Monday, March 23, the launch of a real-time birth tracking system.
The government introduced the system on the sidelines of an international conference on maternal health. Authorities deployed the initiative under the “Every Mother, Every Newborn Everywhere” program covering the 2026–2028 period.
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) March 23, 2026
The system integrates digital tools to monitor women during childbirth and newborns during their first days of life, which represent a critical phase. Authorities aim to detect complications quickly and direct interventions where needs are most urgent.
The system forms part of the national digital health strategy known as Digital Health Superhighway, which seeks to strengthen data-driven decision-making in healthcare.
Authorities can now access real-time information on births, healthcare facilities, and the causes of complications or deaths.
“We can now say, in real time, how many mothers have delivered, which facilities handled them and, in case of complications, identify the cause and context. This level of precision allows us to respond immediately and allocate resources where they are most needed,” the minister said.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with broader public service digitalization efforts in Kenya. The country recently launched a digital birth registry that allows hospitals to register children at birth, improving data reliability and access to essential services.
The rollout of these tools coincides with expanding health coverage in Kenya. More than 30 million people are currently registered with the Social Health Authority, which provides access to primary healthcare services.
This expansion is improving access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. Early trends show increased use of prenatal services and assisted deliveries, along with reduced financial barriers for low-income households.
Authorities are also implementing targeted, high-impact interventions, particularly in managing obstetric emergencies, postpartum hemorrhage, and critical neonatal care.
However, maternal and neonatal mortality remain major challenges in Kenya, as in many countries. The introduction of digital monitoring aims to reduce preventable deaths by improving the quality and speed of care delivery.
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 launches a digital platform to track import programs for resale activities.
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Authorities aim to curb foreign currency outflows and improve market supply management.
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The reform supports a broader strategy to reduce imports and boost non-hydrocarbon exports to $29 billion by 2030.
Algeria is accelerating the digitalization of trade procedures as part of a broader state reform agenda. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion announced the launch of a digital platform open from Sunday, March 22 to April 30. The platform will allow operators engaged in import-for-resale activities to submit their forecast programs.
Authorities said the system will centralize purchasing intentions of economic operators (activity No. 4). As a result, it will help align supply with domestic market needs while limiting foreign currency outflows. Operators must submit their forecasts via the official portal in line with reforms aimed at modernizing trade governance.
A strategy to compress the import bill
The dematerialization comes as Algeria seeks to rationalize external spending. Authorities have already reduced the goods import bill to below $45 billion in recent years, compared with more than $58 billion in 2014.
The government is now relying on more precise digital data to prevent shortages while protecting local production. Consequently, the new mechanism strengthens state control over trade flows and improves resource allocation.
The platform aligns with a national digital registry project for locally produced goods and services, unveiled last week. Authorities aim to identify import substitution opportunities and support the growth of non-hydrocarbon exports.
The government is targeting $29 billion in non-hydrocarbon exports by 2030. Therefore, it is using digital tools to guide industrial policy and trade strategy.
By deploying these digital systems, authorities aim to reduce informal activity and improve traceability of financial flows. At the same time, the system offers operators a simplified and more transparent process to obtain compliance certificates.
Samira Njoya
- Cameroon implements an electronic system to collect import duties on mobile phones, tablets, and other digital devices.
- Customs revenue from mobile devices fell from CFA2 billion ($3.5 million) monthly in the 2000s to CFA100 million in 2025.
- The digital platform CAMCIS strengthens traceability, reduces fraud, and enforces compliance with telecommunications access rules.
Cameroon accelerates the modernization of its customs administration with a fully electronic mechanism for collecting import duties on mobile phones, tablets, and other digital terminals. Authorities aim to improve traceability and curb revenue losses linked to fraud.
Fongod Edwin Nuvaga, Director-General of Customs, presented the system on Thursday, March 19, in Douala. He explained that the system forms part of reforms under the 2023 finance law and relies on CAMCIS, the country’s digital customs platform.
Customs revenue from mobile devices has declined sharply. Data from the administration show monthly collections fell from approximately CFA2 billion ($3.5 million) in the 2000s to CFA100 million in 2025. Authorities attribute the drop to fraud, smuggling, tax non-compliance, and the proliferation of informal entry points.
The new digital system seeks to restore tax fairness, enhance public revenue collection, and strengthen operational transparency.
Importers must declare devices through the digital platform and make payments electronically, improving the traceability of financial flows. Customs will control network access: only properly cleared devices, roaming units, or equipment benefiting from fiscal amnesty may connect to telecommunications networks.
The reform does not introduce new taxes and should not increase device prices. It focuses on securing existing revenue and cleaning up the market.
Authorities implemented transitional measures. Devices already in circulation are considered regularized, and distributors have a grace period to comply with the new rules. Small quantities of undeclared devices may undergo simplified clearance procedures.
The reform involves multiple public institutions, including the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency, and the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies, alongside private partners. Authorities aim to leverage digital tools to strengthen fiscal governance and market integrity.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- The International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (ICCA) launched in Kigali to strengthen regional cybersecurity capabilities.
- ICCA aims to train 1 million cybersecurity specialists by 2030, up from 300,000 currently.
- The initiative introduces Umurinzi Cyber Threat Intelligence and practical Capture-the-Flag simulations to enhance expertise.
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 138 million cyberattacks in the first half of 2025, according to Kaspersky. Organizations faced an average of 1,848 attacks per week, highlighting an urgent need to expand cybersecurity capacity.
In response, the International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (ICCA), a pan-African platform, launched on Friday, March 20, in Kigali. ICCA aims to unify continental experts and strengthen regional operational capabilities.
The International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (ICCA) officially launched in Kigali on 20 March 2026.
— International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (@icca_afrika) March 21, 2026
More than just an organization, ICCA is a movement focused on building a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem across Africa through collaboration, capacity… pic.twitter.com/hq7fUm09dz
ICCA serves as a cooperative framework for information sharing on digital risks, skill development, and talent enhancement. Its founders set an ambitious goal: to train 1 million cybersecurity specialists by 2030. The current workforce totals only 300,000, while demand continues to grow.
The platform also intends to expand to around 15 African countries by 2027. It plans to launch certification programs and an African Cyber Resilience Index to benchmark national preparedness against cyber threats.
The initiative introduced two key tools. Umurinzi Cyber Threat Intelligence detects compromised credentials on the dark web and alerts targeted organizations. A practical Capture-the-Flag (CTF) system provides simulated attacks to build technical expertise at controlled costs in environments tailored to local realities.
These tools aim to accelerate skills acquisition while improving the operational readiness of African organizations.
Rwandan authorities and international partners back ICCA. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to develop human capital and protect critical infrastructure. Its organizers hope to create an integrated digital ecosystem capable of managing risks arising from rapid digital transformation.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Côte d’Ivoire launches EMY 101, an AI-powered chatbot, to facilitate citizen access to government services via WhatsApp and Messenger.
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EMY 101 provides real-time information on civil registration, taxation, and ministerial services while reducing the need for physical visits.
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The initiative aims to strengthen participatory governance and improve public sector efficiency in the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.
The Ivorian government accelerated public service digitalization this week by launching EMY 101, an AI conversational assistant accessible through WhatsApp and Messenger. The tool aims to streamline citizens’ access to administrative information and enhance interaction with government institutions.
#CeQuiChangeiCI | 𝐄𝐌𝐘 𝟏𝟎𝟏, 𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐀 𝐝𝐮 𝐆𝐨𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
— Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (@Gouvciofficiel) March 18, 2026
𝐃𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐢 𝐬'𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭-𝐢𝐥 ?
Le Gouvernement ivoirien lance EMY 101, un assistant conversationnel intelligent, accessible directement sur WhatsApp et Messenger.
Ce chatbot permet aux… pic.twitter.com/g6uXiQ6xhR
Developed as part of public administration modernization, EMY 101 enables users to quickly obtain reliable information on government initiatives and administrative procedures, including civil status, taxation, and ministerial services. Officials said the tool reduces the need for physical visits and improves government-citizen engagement efficiency.
EMY 101 functions as a continuous digital service desk. Users can report concerns, submit alerts, and identify relevant public service contacts. The tool supports participatory governance by facilitating upward information flow from citizens to the administration.
Authorities said EMY 101 promotes closer citizen-administration relations, better public information access, higher citizen participation, and faster request processing. The service leverages widespread use of instant messaging apps in Côte d’Ivoire. Citizens register a dedicated WhatsApp number and send the keyword “Emy 101” to access features; Messenger access and a toll-free number (101) complement the platform.
The launch forms part of a broader national push to modernize public services, enhance accessibility, and create a more transparent, responsive, and citizen-focused administration.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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The government identified five priorities, including internet expansion, e-revenue collection and cybersecurity strengthening.
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The 2026 digital budget rises to CFA83.2 billion ($145.5 million) from CFA68.6 billion in 2025.
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Internet penetration reached about 40.7% in 2025, highlighting significant room for expansion.
Côte d’Ivoire aims to accelerate its digital transformation in 2026 by focusing on five strategic priorities: expanding internet access, digitizing public revenue collection, developing digital skills and inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity, and promoting technological innovation.
Djibril Ouattara presented these priorities on March 17, in Abidjan during the budget session of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation.
Rentrée budgétaire 2026 :Budget : 83,275 milliards FCFA (+37 %)
— MTNIT (@MTNIT_CI) March 18, 2026
5 axes stratégiques :
📌Accès à Internet
📌Recettes de l'État
📌Inclusion numérique
📌Cybersécurité
📌Innovation technologique
Djibril Ouattara : La « juste dépense » comme boussole#TransitionNumérique pic.twitter.com/DJRAnJkwwf
The ministry allocated CFA83.2 billion ($145.5 million) for 2026. It increased the budget from CFA68.6 billion in 2025. The government intends to position digital technology as a central lever for economic modernization and public service improvement. In particular, authorities plan to expand electronic payments to optimize state revenue collection while supporting the emergence of an innovative and inclusive ecosystem.
These priorities reflect increasing digital adoption across the country. According to DataReportal, internet penetration in Ivory Coast reached about 40.7% at the end of 2025. However, this level still indicates significant growth potential, especially in rural areas that remain underserved. At the same time, the expansion of digital services increases exposure to cyber risks. Cyberattacks targeting governments and businesses continue to rise across the African continent.
In this context, authorities consider cybersecurity a strategic priority to build trust in the digital economy. Therefore, the government seeks to establish a secure framework that supports the development of online services, strengthens investment attractiveness, and sustains the growth of digital usage.
Despite these ambitions, the effectiveness of implementation will determine the success of the strategy. Execution will depend on efficient budget management and strong coordination between public and private stakeholders. Moreover, progress will rely on addressing persistent challenges related to inclusion, skills development, and digital trust.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Gabon will deploy a digital data hub to track timber from forest to export.
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Authorities aim to address major inconsistencies in production and revenue data within the forestry sector.
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The forestry industry employs about 15,000 people and remains Gabon’s largest private-sector employer.
The government of Gabon has announced the creation of a digital data hub to ensure full traceability of logs from forest sites to export ports. Maurice Ntossui Allogo announced the initiative on Thursday, March 12 during a presentation on modernizing the timber sector and improving natural resource monitoring.
According to the World Bank, the forestry sector represents the largest private employer in Gabon, with about 15,000 jobs. Therefore, authorities aim to strengthen governance in this strategic industry through digital tools.
The system will rely on the digitalization and centralization of forestry data. Authorities will track each tree from the planning stage using GPS geolocation before logging operations begin. They will also record timber volumes after extraction and monitor quantities sent to processing plants, transformed, and exported.
At the same time, the platform will harmonize data across government agencies, including forestry services and customs authorities. As a result, authorities expect to improve coordination and oversight across the timber value chain.
The initiative follows significant discrepancies in sector statistics. Government data shows that 1.5 million cubic meters of logs generated more than CFA42 billion ($73.5 million) in 2024. However, more than 3 million cubic meters generated only CFA31 billion in 2025. Therefore, authorities consider these gaps difficult to explain and indicative of weaknesses in the current monitoring and control system.
By deploying the digital hub, authorities aim to improve transparency and strengthen the reliability of sector data. They also seek to reduce fraud risks and reinforce forest governance sovereignty. Ultimately, the system should enhance control over the entire value chain, from production to export. In addition, authorities expect the initiative to support more efficient and sustainable management of natural resources.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Algeria plans a national digital registry to catalog all locally produced goods and services.
- Authorities aim to improve export diversification as hydrocarbons still account for nearly 90% of export revenues.
- The platform will centralize fragmented data to better target international markets and support competitiveness.
Algeria is planning to establish a comprehensive national digital registry to catalog all locally produced goods and services in order to better structure its export offering. Authorities discussed the project during a coordination meeting held on Tuesday, March 17 in Algiers. Kamel Rezig chaired the meeting in his capacity as Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion.
#Commerce_extérieur
— Algérie Presse Service وكالة الأنباء الجزائرية (@Algerie_aps) March 17, 2026
Vers la création d’un fichier numérique des services et produits fabriqués en #Algérie
🔗https://t.co/P1BG0KZTZj pic.twitter.com/nc3L8uxHdg
The planned system will create a centralized and continuously updated database. Authorities will use the platform to better direct Algerian products toward international markets and improve their visibility.
At the same time, the registry will help identify national production capacities. Currently, multiple administrations hold fragmented data, which limits coordination and efficiency. As a result, the initiative seeks to streamline information flows and strengthen policy alignment.
The project forms part of Algeria’s broader economic diversification strategy. Hydrocarbons still generate nearly 90% of the country’s export revenues. Therefore, authorities consider the structuring and promotion of local production essential to expanding non-hydrocarbon exports.
In this context, the registry will help sectors identify their needs in goods and services more precisely. Consequently, policymakers expect to improve coordination across public policies and industrial strategies.
Authorities expect the digital registry to support a more targeted export strategy. They also aim to enhance the competitiveness of local companies in global markets. Ultimately, the tool should strengthen Algeria’s ability to position its products internationally and reduce reliance on energy exports.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kenya introduced a loan guarantee mechanism to improve bank lending to startups.
- The scheme involves United Nations Capital Development Fund and Co-operative Bank of Kenya under the DigiKen program.
- Authorities aim to address persistent financing constraints despite a fast-growing startup ecosystem.
Kenya has introduced a credit guarantee mechanism to strengthen financing for its technology ecosystem by addressing constraints in local bank lending. United Nations Capital Development Fund and Co-operative Bank of Kenya formalized the initiative on Tuesday, March 17 in Nairobi.
They integrated the mechanism into the DigiKen program to reduce the perceived risk associated with early-stage and scaling digital companies. Therefore, the initiative aims to encourage banks to extend credit to startups that typically struggle to secure financing.
𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬
— Ministry of Info, Comms & The Digital Economy KE (@MoICTKenya) March 17, 2026
Nairobi, Kenya – 17th March, 2026
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy today… pic.twitter.com/rWoBshALxJ
A Structured and Growing Digital Ecosystem
The mechanism comes amid strong growth in Kenya’s digital economy. Kenya has established itself as a leading technology hub in Africa, supported by a dynamic startup ecosystem across fintech, digital services, and e-commerce. International rankings confirm this trend.
According to the StartupBlink index published in March 2026, Kenya hosts 612 startups, reinforcing its position as a regional innovation hub. At the same time, public investment in infrastructure has supported this expansion.
Authorities report that more than 40,000 kilometers of fiber optic networks have been deployed nationwide. They also state that the eCitizen platform has more than 16 million users and records around 500,000 daily logins.
Addressing Startup Financing Constraints
Despite these advances, startups continue to face significant barriers to accessing financing. Banks often consider these companies high-risk due to emerging business models and uncertain revenue streams.
Therefore, the new mechanism relies on risk-sharing to reduce financial institutions’ exposure. As a result, stakeholders aim to correct this market failure by mobilizing public and private partners around an innovative financing model. They expect the scheme to stimulate lending and support the scaling of local startups.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- System to enable tree-level traceability from forest to export
- Reform targets data gaps, fraud risks, and weak sector oversight
Gabon's government announced Thursday the creation of a national digital data center to ensure end-to-end traceability of logs from forest to export.
The announcement was made by Water and Forests Minister Maurice Ntossui Allogo during a briefing on efforts to modernize the timber sector and strengthen monitoring of natural resources.
The system will be based on digitizing and centralizing forestry data. It will allow authorities to track individual trees from the forest management stage, including GPS tagging before felling, measurement of harvested volumes, and monitoring of timber sent to processing plants, processed and exported. It will also standardize data across government agencies, including Water and Forests services and Customs.
The initiative comes amid inconsistencies in sector data. Ministry data show that 1.5 million cubic meters of logs generated more than 42 billion CFA francs ($73.5 million) in 2024, compared with more than 3 million cubic meters in 2025 that generated only 31 billion CFA francs. Authorities said the gaps were hard to explain and pointed to weaknesses in the current monitoring system.
Officials said the digital center will improve transparency, strengthen data reliability, reduce fraud risks and reinforce state control over forest resources. Over time, it is expected to improve oversight of the value chain from production to export and support more sustainable resource management.
Samira Njoya
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Orange Botswana and Special Economic Zones Authority signed a strategic agreement to modernize digital infrastructure in special economic zones.
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The partnership will deploy IoT-based services, smart security systems and advanced connectivity solutions.
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Botswana aims to boost investment attractiveness and diversify its economy beyond mining through digitally enabled zones.
Orange Botswana and the Special Economic Zones Authority have signed a strategic partnership to modernize digital infrastructure across the country’s investment hubs. The parties formalized the agreement on Friday, March 13 through a memorandum of understanding that defines a framework for technical innovation and the deployment of tailored connected solutions.
This initiative comes as Botswana seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of its special economic zones in a broader push to diversify its economy. Nene Maiga emphasized the role of connectivity in economic performance. “Digital connectivity is now a key driver of economic competitiveness. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen ICT and telecommunications capabilities in these zones so that businesses operating there can benefit from modern digital solutions,” she said.
Therefore, the partnership positions digital infrastructure as a central pillar of investment attractiveness. The agreement focuses on integrating advanced technologies within special economic zones. Orange Botswana plans to deploy Internet of Things (IoT) services to support public utility management. The company will also implement smart security systems and advanced connectivity solutions.
These technologies aim to transform the zones into smart ecosystems capable of meeting the productivity requirements of international investors. The partnership aligns with Botswana’s broader economic diversification strategy. The government seeks to reduce reliance on the mining sector by promoting industrialization and attracting foreign investment.
Special economic zones play a central role in this policy framework. Authorities use these zones to offer regulatory and fiscal incentives designed to attract industrial, logistics and service companies.
As digital transformation accelerates, the competitiveness of these zones increasingly depends on the quality of technological infrastructure, including connectivity, digital platforms and smart services.
Samira Njoya
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Angola has launched the ANGEO-1 Earth observation satellite project with an estimated cost of $259 million.
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Airbus Defence and Space is developing the satellite in partnership with Angolan authorities.
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The satellite will deliver more than 1,000 high-resolution images per day to support economic planning, resource management and security.
The government of Angola has officially launched the construction and deployment of its first Earth observation satellite, ANGEO-1.
Authorities initiated the project on Monday, March 16, with an estimated cost of €225 million ($259 million). Airbus Defence and Space is developing the satellite under a partnership agreement.
Officials launched the works at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Toulouse. Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira said the satellite will strengthen Angola’s sovereign access to critical data.
The satellite will provide more than 1,000 high-resolution images per day, according to a statement from the GGPEN, which participated in the delegation.
“This capacity will be essential to support economic development, sustainable management of natural resources and national security, strengthening the country’s ability to design public policies and make strategic decisions based on concrete data,” the statement said.
The project forms part of Angola’s broader National Space Program. Authorities aim to transform Angola from a user of space services into a producer and operator of space technologies. They also aim to secure technological independence in the sector.
In addition to telecommunications, the program includes an Earth observation component focused on environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, natural resource management and disaster prevention.
João Lourenço announced the creation of the Angolan Space Agency in October 2025 to support these ambitions.
The government also outlined plans in its “ICT White Paper 2023–2027” to establish a space studies center, train national experts and develop infrastructure in communications, navigation and meteorology.
Angola has already expanded its presence in the space sector. The country operates AngoSat-2, which supports telecommunications coverage across the national territory. Authorities now aim to complement this capability with Earth observation infrastructure to broaden the country’s space-based services.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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The Democratic Republic of Congo launched a National Network of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) on March 12 in Kinshasa to standardize personal data management practices.
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The initiative supports implementation of Ordinance-Law No. 23/010 (Digital Code) adopted three years ago to regulate personal data processing.
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Authorities view stronger data governance and cybersecurity frameworks as tools to attract investment in the digital economy.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has accelerated the rollout of its national data governance framework as digital services expand across the country. The Ministry of Digital Economy officially launched the National Network of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) on March 12 in Kinshasa. Authorities said the initiative aims to standardize personal data management practices and support compliance across public and private sectors.
The network brings together specialists responsible for ensuring that organizations respect data protection standards and regulations. The initiative follows the adoption of Ordinance-Law No. 23/010, which established the Digital Code three years ago.
The legislation introduced principles governing the lawful, transparent, and secure processing of personal data. Within this framework, Data Protection Officers play a central role. DPOs monitor compliance with legal and technical standards inside organizations and safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens whose personal data institutions process.
Protection des données : Augustin Kibassa Maliba lance le Réseau des Data Protection Officershttps://t.co/UY0SMMekDR
— Ministère de l'Économie Numérique - RDC (@econonumerique) March 13, 2026
The program received support from RUDI International and Droit-Numérique.cd, two organizations involved in promoting digital governance and cybersecurity practices in the country.
Minister of Digital Economy Augustin Kibassa Maliba said authorities consider the creation of the network a preparatory step toward establishing a National Data Protection Authority. He said the government aims to structure a pool of qualified experts before launching the future regulatory body responsible for overseeing data protection in the country.
Beyond regulatory considerations, Kinshasa views stronger data security frameworks as an economic priority. Authorities believe that robust data governance increases confidence among international partners and encourages investment in high-value digital and technology services.
The initiative also aligns with the country’s commitments under the Malabo Convention. By professionalizing the DPO function, the Democratic Republic of Congo seeks to align its regulatory practices with cybersecurity and data protection standards promoted by the African Union.
Authorities consider data a strategic resource and aim to transform it into a secure engine of economic growth. At the same time, policymakers want to strengthen protections against rising risks linked to cybercrime and the illicit exploitation of personal information.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Rwanda launched Innovate Rwanda, a national digital platform designed to centralize the country’s innovation ecosystem.
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The platform connects startups, investors, incubators and institutionsto improve access to funding and partnerships.
Rwanda is centralizing its technology ecosystem as the government seeks to streamline fragmented support initiatives for startups.
The government officially launched Innovate Rwanda on March 12. Authorities designed the national digital platform to centralize the country’s innovation ecosystem and connect startups, investors, incubators and public institutions.
The initiative aims to strengthen coordination in a technology sector that has become a pillar of Rwanda’s growth strategy in East Africa. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation Rwandadeveloped the platform as a single digital gateway to funding programs and support mechanisms.
Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s minister of ICT and Innovation, outlined the government’s objective during the launch.
“We want to create an environment where innovators can easily access the resources, funding and partners needed to transform their ideas into concrete solutions,” she said.
A growing startup ecosystem
The launch of Innovate Rwanda comes as the country’s technology ecosystem continues to expand. Rwanda now hosts more than 76 active startups, according to estimates from ecosystem stakeholders and innovation tracking platforms in East Africa. The country also hosts several incubators and technology hubs supported through public and private partnerships.
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025published by StartupBlink, Rwanda ranks 96th globally, gaining two places compared with the previous year.
Within East Africa, Rwanda holds third place, positioning itself as a strategic innovation hub behind Uganda and ahead of Somalia.
Innovate Rwanda provides investors with greater visibility into local startups by offering verified company profiles and performance indicators.
The platform centralizes data that was previously scattered across different institutions and programs. As a result, it aims to streamline due diligence processes and strengthen investor confidence in Rwanda’s startup pipeline.
Addressing coordination challenges
Beyond improving visibility, the platform addresses a structural challenge within the ecosystem: limited coordination among innovation support programs.
Officials at the ministry said that the centralized system should reduce duplication among incubators, identify gaps in the market and direct funding more efficiently toward high-potential projects.
By improving coordination and transparency, the government expects the platform to accelerate innovation development and strengthen Rwanda’s position as a regional technology hub.
Samira Njoya