Tech (1168)
-
Orange Botswana and Special Economic Zones Authority signed a strategic agreement to modernize digital infrastructure in special economic zones.
-
The partnership will deploy IoT-based services, smart security systems and advanced connectivity solutions.
-
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
-
Angola has launched the ANGEO-1 Earth observation satellite project with an estimated cost of $259 million.
-
Airbus Defence and Space is developing the satellite in partnership with Angolan authorities.
-
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
-
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.
-
The initiative supports implementation of Ordinance-Law No. 23/010 (Digital Code) adopted three years ago to regulate personal data processing.
-
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
-
Rwanda launched Innovate Rwanda, a national digital platform designed to centralize the country’s innovation ecosystem.
-
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
- Zimbabwe launched a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030to support socio-economic development.
- The strategy focuses on talent development, infrastructure sovereignty, AI adoption and ethical governance.
- Zimbabwe ranks 149th out of 193 countries in the UN 2024 E-Government Development Index, highlighting major digital gaps.
The Zimbabwean government launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030on Friday, March 13. The roadmap outlines how Zimbabwe intends to deploy AI to support socio-economic development over the next five years.
President Emmerson Mnangagwaemphasized the government’s commitment to responsible technology use.
“We commit to ensuring that the use of artificial intelligence remains human-centred, transparent and free from bias. The protection of our national interests as well as the dignity of all Zimbabweans remain at the heart of the legal frameworks we are putting in place,” Mnangagwa said in his speech.
The strategy rests on four pillars: talent and capacity development, infrastructure sovereignty, AI adoption and ethical governance.
Authorities plan to integrate AI into strategic sectors such as agriculture, mining, healthcare and education. The government expects these applications to improve productivity, efficiency and service quality.
In addition, the roadmap introduces incentives for companies and innovators that adopt AI technologies. Policymakers aim to stimulate a dynamic digital economy and encourage local technological development.
The strategy also emphasizes the design of ethical and human-centred AI systems that respect fundamental rights while supporting inclusive growth.
The AI roadmap forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader digital transformation ambitions.
Through the Smart Zimbabwe 2030 Master Plan, the government plans to integrate information and communication technologies across society and throughout the economy in order to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development.
The plan cites a study by the International Telecommunication Unionshowing that a 10% increase in a country’s digitalization score raises GDP per capita by about 0.75%.
However, Zimbabwe still faces significant digital development challenges. The country ranked 149th out of 193 countriesin the 2024 E-Government Development Indexpublished by the United Nations, with a score of 0.4481 out of 1, below the global average of 0.6382.
Challenges to address
Like any emerging technology, artificial intelligence carries risks.
President Mnangagwa urged policymakers to strengthen legislation and regulatory frameworks to protect children and citizens in digital spaces as AI technologies expand.
The UNESCO, which helped design the strategy, also assessed Zimbabwe’s readiness for artificial intelligence. In a report published in July 2025, the organization said the strategy should include measures to address the main risks associated with AI.
These risks include foreign technological dominance, loss of human autonomy, and constraints related to financing, technical infrastructure and research capacity. The report noted that the emigration of highly qualified professionals further compounds these challenges.
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairsalso highlighted AI’s potential to support socio-economic development in its E-Government Survey 2024report. However, the department warned about risks such as biased datasets that may misrepresent certain groups, along with broader ethical, security and social concerns.
The agency also identified the persistent digital divide as a major obstacle to AI deployment in the public sector, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
In Zimbabwe, 58.4% of the population did not use the Internet in 2024, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union. Limited telecom network coverage, the high cost or scarcity of compatible devices such as computers and smartphones, and low levels of digital skills help explain the gap.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Université de la Formation Continue (UFC) in Algeria created a commission to steer its transition toward the “University 4.0” digital education model.
- The institution has already trained more than 800 teachers in digital technologiesand developed 683 online courses.
- Algeria counted 1.53 million students in the 2024–2025 academic year, highlighting the need to modernize higher education.
Public distance-learning institution Université de la Formation Continue (UFC)has established a commission tasked with guiding its transition toward the so-called fourth-generation university model, or “University 4.0.”
According to Algérie Presse Service, which reported the development on March 12, the initiative reflects the Algerian higher-education sector’s effort to adapt to global technological changes and strengthen the university’s role in innovation.
The institution said the move represents “a step toward building a smart and innovative university capable of addressing future challenges and contributing effectively to national development and the knowledge economy.”
The new commission builds on a digital foundation that the university has already developed. During the National Digital Education Week in September 2025, UFC Rector Yahia Djaafri said the institution had trained more than 800 teachers in information and communication technologies. He added that the university had completed 683 online courses, including 120 in English, and had deployed 68 digital platforms dedicated to students.
The creation of the commission now provides an institutional framework to expand these initiatives. The initiative also forms part of a wider effort to modernize Algeria’s higher education system.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research reported 1,530,230 students enrolled during the 2024–2025 academic year, including 938,673 women, representing 63% of the total. These figures illustrate both the expansion of the system and the urgency of updating academic content and training methods.
Meanwhile, Algeria has improved its visibility in international university rankings. The QS Arab Region University Rankingslisted 46 Algerian institutions in its 2026 edition, compared with 17 in 2025 and 14 in 2024.
This growth places Algeria first in the Maghreb and the Arab worldby number of ranked universities. However, policymakers still face a central challenge: translating this academic momentum into stronger graduate employability, a key objective of the University 4.0 model.
This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Ghana launched iCOLMS-GH, a digital system to regulate courier and delivery operators.
- The platform introduces fully digital licensingfor courier firms and independent riders operating in the e-commerce supply chain.
- Authorities aim to secure a fast-growing market expected to reach $2.64 billion by 2030, according to Statista.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations officially introduced iCOLMS-GH on March 12 as a fully digital system to supervise the activities of courier and delivery services. The ministry said the sector has experienced strong growth in recent years as online commerce platforms and home-delivery services reshape consumer behavior in major cities.
The new platform introduces a fully digital licensing processfor courier companies and independent delivery workers. The system allows operators to register online, renew licenses and verify regulatory compliance through the platform.
Moreover, the platform integrates with existing national digital infrastructure, enabling connections with public databases and improving transparency and traceability across the sector.
The initiative comes as e-commerce platforms and home-delivery services expand rapidly in the country. This expansion has exposed several regulatory challenges, including the presence of unregistered operators and difficulties in administrative oversight. Authorities said the new digital system aims to modernize the regulatory framework while strengthening consumer protection and transaction security.
For consumers, the system focuses on transparency. The platform allows users to verify the regulatory status of a delivery provider in real time before completing a transaction, thereby strengthening trust in online commerce.
For regulators, the platform provides a monitoring tool capable of tracking the evolution of a market expected to reach $2.64 billion by 2030, according to Statista.
By digitizing oversight of the last-mile logistics sector, the government in Accraaims to secure a critical link in the country’s digital value chain. Authorities have opened a transitional phase that allows operators to regularize their status before the government begins stricter nationwide enforcement checks.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Gabon seeks financing in the United States to add 200 MW of electricity capacityto support industrial and digital projects.
- Libreville faces an estimated 220 MW power deficit, which constrains the expansion of energy-intensive digital infrastructure.
- The initiative supports a strategic partnership with U.S. tech firm Cybastionto build a next-generation AI data center in the capital.
Gabon concluded an economic mission in Washington on Wednesday, March 11, aimed at securing the energy foundation for its future digital ecosystem.
Philippe Tonangoye, Minister of Universal Access to Water and Energy, and Clotaire Kondja, Minister of Petroleum and Gas, led the delegation. The officials met U.S. investors and institutions to explore financing solutions that would increase the country’s electricity generation capacity. U.S. technology company Cybastion coordinated the mission. The discussions focused on mobilizing an additional 200 megawatts (MW)of electricity generation to support ongoing industrial and digital projects.
During a roundtable organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Gabonese officials presented investment opportunities in the country’s energy infrastructure to American companies. They estimate that the Libreville region faces an electricity deficit of about 220 MW. This shortage limits the expansion of energy-intensive digital infrastructure. The government therefore views the development of new electricity sources as a prerequisite for the country’s planned national data center dedicated to artificial intelligence.
The facility will host and process public and private data locally. Authorities expect the infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign data systems and strengthen Gabon’s digital sovereignty. The project forms part of a strategic partnership that the Gabonese government signed with Cybastion in January to develop national digital infrastructure.
The agreement includes the construction of a next-generation data center in Libreville. The facility will host and process public and private data locally, enabling the country to manage critical data flows domestically.
The partnership also includes a skills development component. Through the Africa DigiEmpowerprogram, implemented with the Cisco Networking Academy, the initiative plans to train around 1,000 young Gabonese in digital technologies and cybersecurity.
Officials expect the program to support the development of a local workforce capable of sustaining the country’s expanding digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
Microsoft and Education Plus launched Empower+, a free digital platform offering AI and digital skills training across 21 African countries.
-
The program targets adolescent girls and young womento reduce gender gaps in technology education.
-
Sub-Saharan Africa could require 230 million digital jobs by 2030, according to the World Bank.
Microsoft and the Education Plus initiative, supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), launched a new digital platform designed to strengthen artificial intelligence and digital skills among young people in Africa.
The partners announced on March 10 the rollout of Empower+, an online platform that provides free access to digital training programs. The initiative primarily targets adolescent girls and young women in 21 African countries and aims to reduce inequalities in access to technological education.
The platform, also accessible via mobile devices, offers modules covering basic digital literacy, emerging artificial intelligence skills, and the use of technology in the workplace. In addition, the modules combine digital training with awareness and prevention content related to HIV, a major public health issue affecting young women in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tiara Pathon, Director of Artificial Intelligence Skills at Microsoft Elevate, said the initiative aims to equip learners with the capabilities required in a digital economy. “Access to education and skills is one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity. With Empower+, we want to enable learners to gain the knowledge to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world,” she said.
This launch comes as demand for skilled digital professionals continues to rise across the region. According to the World Bank, nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
However, gender disparities remain significant. UNESCO reports that women and girls are 25% less likely than men to use digital tools for basic purposes, four times less likely to know how to program, and thirteen times less likely to file patents in information and communication technologies (ICT).
Against this backdrop, expanding access to digital skills training represents a key lever to reduce inequality and support economic inclusion. Online training initiatives could help create more professional opportunities for young women in a technology sector that remains largely male-dominated.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Platform links universities with industry for research and innovation
- Initiative supports Morocco Digital 2030 strategy and AI-driven growth
Three Moroccan government ministries signed an agreement Tuesday in Fez to establish the JAZARI Industry X.0 Institute, a new platform aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the country’s industrial sector.
The agreement was signed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It brings together several universities to support research, innovation and technology transfer to Moroccan industry.
The partnership includes Euromed University of Fez, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Moulay Ismail University and Al Akhawayn University. The institute will focus on Industry 4.0 technologies, including the Internet of Things, advanced robotics and industrial data analytics, with the aim of linking scientific research more closely to the needs of businesses.
From academia to industry
Authorities say the institute will work to turn academic research into practical technological solutions for industry. Priority areas include improving productivity, predictive maintenance, manufacturing quality and the development of applications for sectors such as smart agriculture and healthcare.
The initiative also seeks to support the creation of technology startups and to train specialists in industrial data and cybersecurity.
The project is part of a broader national push to develop an artificial intelligence ecosystem. Moroccan authorities have recently launched a network of institutes under the “Jazari” label to establish regional centers of excellence dedicated to innovation and the industrial use of digital technologies.
The initiative aligns with the goals of the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy, which places artificial intelligence at the core of the country’s economic modernization.
Authorities estimate that the structured rollout of AI could generate around 100 billion dirhams ($11 billion) in additional GDP. Official projections also point to the creation of 50,000 jobs and the training of 200,000 skilled graduates, strengthening Morocco’s technological and industrial competitiveness.
Samira Njoya
More...
- Orange Guinea relaunched the 2026 edition of the “Hello Women” program to encourage women to pursue careers in technology and digital sectors.
- The initiative offers training, mentorship, technical site visits and a women-focused hackathon through the Orange Digital Center.
- The program addresses a persistent gender gap in tech as women represent about 30% of researchers in Africa and less than 15% in engineering and technology in some regions.
Orange’s Guinean subsidiary announced the launch of the 2026 edition of its “Hello Women” program, an initiative that aims to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology and digital industries.
Orange presented the program on Monday, March 9 and said it aims to strengthen Guinean women’s access to digital skills while supporting their entry into a sector that men still largely dominate.
The program includes several activities designed to introduce participants to technology careers and practical skills. Organizers will run awareness sessions on technology professions, facilitate meetings with female professionals in the sector and organize visits to the company’s technical sites.
Participants will also attend short training courses at the Orange Digital Center. The courses will cover topics such as software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analysis.
The initiative will also host a women-focused hackathon to stimulate innovation and encourage participants to develop technological solutions that address local challenges.
Orange Guinea said the program will support women at multiple stages of their professional journey. Ousmane Boly Traoré, chief executive officer of Orange Guinea, said the initiative aims to guide women whether they want to discover digital professions, shift into technical careers or gain their first professional experience.
The company said it wants to expand women’s participation in scientific and technological sectors where female representation remains limited.
The initiative comes at a time when women still play a limited role in the digital sector across Africa. According to UNESCO, women account for about 30% of scientific researchers in Africa, but their presence in information technology fields remains significantly lower.
In parts of West and Central Africa, women represent less than 15% of researchers in engineering and technology, a gap that limits their participation in the digital economy. Technology companies and telecom operators have launched multiple initiatives to reduce this imbalance. Within the Orange Group, women represent about 25.4% of employees in technical and digital professions.
Orange said it hopes that training and support initiatives such as “Hello Women” will expand the pool of female talent and promote greater diversity in technology careers.
Beyond equality goals, policymakers and companies increasingly view female participation in science and technology as a driver of economic development. Africa’s digital transformation continues to create growing demand for skills in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data analytics.
The World Bank estimates that sub-Saharan Africa could generate up to 230 million digital-related jobs by 2030 as digital services expand rapidly across the region. This outlook increases the urgency to train more talent, including women, to meet the continent’s growing demand for digital skills.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Gebeya and InterNetX signed a strategic partnership to allow African entrepreneurs to register and manage web domains using local payment methods.
- The partnership integrates InterNetX’s AutoDNS platform into Gebeya’s ecosystem, including Jitume AI and Dala AI.
- The initiative aims to remove barriers linked to international payments and strengthen digital inclusion for African SMEs.
Pan-African digital platform Gebeya and European domain registrar InterNetX, a subsidiary of IONOS Group, signed a strategic partnership to simplify access to domain registration services across Africa.
The companies announced the agreement on March 9. The partnership will allow African entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses to register and manage web domains directly through the Gebeya platform while using local payment methods.
This initiative aims to address persistent technical and financial barriers that limit access to online business tools across the continent.
Gebeya’s leadership says the partnership responds to a growing need for accessible digital infrastructure. “Possessing a web domain has become essential for any company or professional seeking to grow in the African digital market,” said Amadou Daffe, Chief Executive Officer of Gebeya.
“This partnership with InterNetX simplifies this crucial step and removes obstacles related to international credit cards and currency restrictions,” he added.
Many African entrepreneurs face difficulties when they attempt to purchase domain services because international payment systems often restrict transactions or require foreign currency cards.
The partnership will integrate InterNetX’s AutoDNS platform into Gebeya’s digital ecosystem. This integration will connect the technology with Gebeya’s solutions, including Jitume AI, its digital talent marketplace, and Dala AI, its digital services studio.
Users will be able to purchase domains, configure SSL certificates and launch websites within minutes through the platform.
The system will support payments in local currencies, which allows entrepreneurs to bypass common constraints associated with cross-border transactions.
The initiative comes at a time when Africa’s digital economy continues to expand rapidly. Data from We Are Social and Meltwater show that Africa counted about 670 million internet users at the beginning of 2025. Start-ups and small businesses across the continent increasingly seek to strengthen their online presence in order to reach customers and scale their operations.
The partnership aims to deliver broader benefits beyond domain acquisition. Simplified access to domain management tools and SSL security certificates will help businesses secure their websites and expand digital commerce. The initiative also supports digital sovereignty and online entrepreneurship in Africa by reducing technical and financial barriers.
By enabling easier access to essential digital infrastructure, the collaboration seeks to accelerate SME growth and deepen digital inclusion across the continent.
Samira Njoya
- Egypt launched Wa3i.net, a digital awareness platform under the national Digital Citizenship and Online Protection initiative.
- Authorities aim to strengthen cybersecurity awareness among nearly 98 million internet users, representing about 72.2% of the population.
- Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky reported that 27.4% of Egyptian internet users faced online threats in 2024, while phishing and social engineering attacks rose 44% across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region.
Egypt has chosen to strengthen public awareness of digital safety practices in order to reduce user vulnerability to cyber risks.
The Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced on Friday, March 6, the launch of a national initiative called “Digital Citizenship and Online Protection.” The program places the Wa3i.net platform at its core.
Authorities designed the platform to raise awareness of digital best practices and reduce citizens’ exposure to cyber threats.
The Wa3i.net platform operates as a knowledge hub dedicated to digital security. The platform provides Arabic-language educational content, practical guides and training resources. The platform targets several audiences, including children, teenagers, parents and teachers. Authorities aim to promote best practices in personal data protection, safe internet browsing and responsible technology use. The program follows the principle that awareness represents the first line of defense against cyberattacks.
Authorities believe that stronger digital literacy will reduce citizens’ vulnerability to threats such as phishing attacks, cyberbullying, online fraud and the spread of misinformation. Consequently, the government intends to build a stronger cybersecurity culture across society.
The initiative comes as internet usage expands rapidly in Egypt. Data from DataReportal shows that Egypt had nearly 98 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 72.2% of the population.
However, the growth of digital services, social media platforms and online payment systems has also increased exposure to cybercrime. These risks affect individuals, businesses and public institutions alike.
Industry data confirms the scale of the challenge. Cybersecurity company Kaspersky reported that 27.4% of internet users in Egypt encountered online threats in 2024, including malicious websites or malware distributed through the web.
The company also reported that phishing and social engineering attacks increased by 44% across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa region, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal methods.
The Egyptian government plans to address these challenges through a collaborative approach. The program includes partnerships with public institutions, international organizations and private sector companies.
Authorities expect these partnerships to facilitate knowledge sharing, promote best practices and strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities.
Samira Njoya
- The AfCFTA Secretariat, Quest Ghana Limited, and the Seychelles government signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the archipelago as a digital trade hub.
- The initiative aims to integrate Seychellois companies, particularly MSMEs, into Africa’s digital value chains and cross-border e-commerce ecosystem.
- The Seychelles benefits from strong digital readiness, with internet penetration at 87.4%, while its e-commerce market could reach $46.41 million by 2027, according to Statista.
The African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat formalized a memorandum of understanding on March 5 with Quest Ghana Limited and the Government of Seychelles.
The partners designed the agreement to transform the Indian Ocean archipelago into a competitive hub for digital trade and cross-border commerce across Africa. The initiative focuses on integrating Seychellois businesses into Africa’s digital value chains.
Stakeholders said the project aims to enable local operators to participate more actively in dematerialized trade flows. The program will rely on trade facilitation mechanisms established under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Consequently, authorities expect the initiative to expand the role of Seychelles-based companies in the continent’s growing digital marketplace. The partnership plans to introduce a technical framework that will secure cross-border digital transactions.
The agreement emphasizes system interoperability, which partners consider essential for simplifying payments and commercial exchanges between companies operating under different jurisdictions. This technical alignment aims to reduce friction in cross-border digital trade and accelerate regional integration.
Today, the #AfCFTA Secretariat, Quest Ghana Limited and the government of the Republic of Seychelles signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Seychelles’ digital economy, and digital trade under the AfCFTA.
— AfCFTA Secretariat Official (@AfCFTA) March 5, 2026
The collaboration aims to position Seychelles as a… pic.twitter.com/M4xsA9bnZZ
The initiative places particular emphasis on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Partners aim to improve MSMEs’ access to digital infrastructure in order to remove barriers that limit participation in intra-African trade. They expect stronger digital access to allow local companies to join Africa’s expanding digital commerce ecosystem.
The Seychelles supports this diversification strategy with a relatively advanced digital environment. Data from DataReportal shows that internet penetration in the country reached 87.4% of the population in early 2025.
At the same time, e-commerce continues to expand. Estimates from Statista indicate that the Seychelles’ online retail market could grow at an average annual rate of 14.35% between 2023 and 2027, reaching $46.41 million by 2027.
At the continental level, the project aligns with the AfCFTA’s ambition to build a single market of 1.3 billion consumers. Policymakers view e-commerce and digital services as key drivers for achieving a combined African GDP of $3.4 trillion. Officials expect digital trade to reduce transaction costs and accelerate the circulation of goods and services across African markets.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum