Tech (561)
Social media is a daily staple, but it also poses complex ethical dilemmas. Balancing free speech with the fight against misinformation, hate speech, and harassment is a critical challenge.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun talks with a Chinese company to implement a social media surveillance system. The agreement was signed on Wednesday by Augustin Kibassa Maliba, the DRC’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum.
While details are limited on the specifics of that agreement, the government likely aims to regulate online content in response to disinformation, hate speech, and other harmful activities. The DRC's current sociopolitical climate, including armed conflict and tensions with Rwanda, has created fertile ground for misinformation.
According to an analysis by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), this “information war” is having severe impacts on national cohersion.
According to DataReportal, the DRC had 6.45 million active social media users as of January 2024, a growth of 37.2% from the previous year. Of these users, 37.2% were women and 62.8% were men. Facebook was the dominant platform, followed by TikTok (4.44 million users), Facebook Messenger (1.15 million), Instagram (670,000), LinkedIn (620,000), and X (formerly Twitter, 253,000). This growing user base has raised the stakes for managing the flow of information online in the DRC.
Digital transformation is rapidly reshaping Africa, affecting industries across the board. As the continent adopts innovative technologies to fuel its progress, preserving data has become a pressing concern.
Burkina Faso is gearing up to launch BurkinOS, a custom-built open-source operating system designed to meet the specific needs of its national public administration. In preparation for its rollout, the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications held a training session on Wednesday, September 4, for secretaries and office staff from various government departments.
"The participants received technical training on using and installing BurkinOS and the LibreOffice suite on their workstations. By opting for free and open-source solutions, Burkina Faso is strengthening its technological autonomy with more reliable, secure, and contemporary solutions," the General Directorate of Digital Transformation explained in a statement.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize public administration in Burkina Faso and increase the adoption of electronic services. The goal is to enhance administrative efficiency and responsiveness.
The BurkinOS system, which is expected to be deployed shortly, will offer several key benefits to public administration. In addition to providing complete control over administrative computers and ensuring data security, it will enable centralized management of updates and configurations, streamlining IT system administration. BurkinOS will also promote better interoperability with other national systems, improving the efficiency of information exchange and administrative processes.
Samira Njoya
African countries are increasingly modernizing their digital systems, adopting various technologies to enhance efficiency and transparency. However, the critical issue of digital security is often overlooked.
Ethiopia recently launched a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system to enhance the security of online transactions. The initiative, inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (photo) on Saturday, August 31, aims to bolster the country's digital transformation efforts.
"Securing virtual data complements the task of protecting national sovereignty. Today, we officially launched Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) with the Information Network Security Administration. This will facilitate reliable and secure digital data exchange," Prime Minister Abiy stated on X.
The PKI system is part of Ethiopia's broader cybersecurity strategy. Other initiatives include a training program for five million coders and the national digital identification program.
The PKI will be particularly beneficial for Ethiopian public organizations that provide electronic services, such as issuing driver's licenses, passports, and health insurance. It will also contribute to the growth of e-commerce in the country.
A PKI is a cryptographic solution used to secure electronic information transfer. It issues digital certificates that enable encryption and digital signatures, ensuring confidentiality, authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation during online transactions.
Samira Njoya
The Burkinabe government is firmly committed to modernizing the country through the introduction of new technologies. This initiative is being realized by the adoption of new services aimed at benefiting citizens.
Burkina Faso has officially launched a new electronic passport issuance system, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its identification infrastructure. The Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, inaugurated this "next-generation" tool on Tuesday, September 3, in Ouagadougou.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Security, these new electronic passports—whether ordinary, service, diplomatic, or for refugees—are made of polycarbonate and equipped with an electronic chip that offers enhanced storage capacity. "They reflect the Burkinabe government's commitment to strengthening national identity and providing citizens with documents that meet the highest international standards," the statement noted.
Developed by Chinese company Emptech, the passports are part of the latest generation recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They incorporate cutting-edge security features and are available within 24 hours at a cost of XOF50,000 FCFA (approximately €76), provided all required documents are submitted.
The introduction of this new system is part of a broader strategy to modernize identification systems in Burkina Faso. It coincides with the implementation of a law on the Unique Electronic Identifier of Persons, which aims to uniquely identify each individual through biometric and biographical data.
The new system is expected to enhance security, reduce the risks of fraud and identity theft, and enable real-time tracking of the passport production and issuance process. Additionally, it is designed to be interoperable with other national systems, facilitating secure and efficient data exchange, with flexible enrollment options available both online and offline.
Samira Njoya
Enhanced digital access in rural areas fosters economic opportunities by connecting communities to markets, information, and services that were previously out of reach. This can lead to improved agricultural practices through smart farming technologies, better education and healthcare services, and greater access to financial services.
The Government of Malawi has announced plans to launch a "Smart Village Initiative" in partnership with Huawei Technologies. This initiative aims to bring digital transformation to rural areas across the country.
President Lazarus Chakwera revealed the plan on September 3, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) being held from September 4-6 in Beijing. He emphasized that the initiative would include establishing technical training centers in rural areas to equip youth with essential digital skills, such as AI, cybersecurity, and smart agriculture solutions, which are vital for supporting large-scale farming initiatives.
The Smart Village Blueprint, conceived as a practical tool to improve Internet access in rural and remote areas, will be the foundation of this project. The Smart Villages project adopts a locally led, integrated approach to providing digital services to all rural citizens. By integrating digital technologies, the initiative aims to deliver equitable, high-quality, and efficient services related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all.
Huawei has been instrumental in transforming rural and urban areas across Africa through its smart village and city initiatives. In July, the company partnered with Zambia to launch a smart village in Namwala, enhancing connectivity and digital access in rural communities. Huawei also recently signed an agreement with Kaduna State, Nigeria, to develop a smart city project, integrating advanced technologies like AI and IoT to improve public safety and transportation.
This initiative aligns with the Malawi 2063 (MW2063) agenda, which envisions transforming Malawi into an industrialized upper-middle-income country by 2063. It builds on a series of successful collaborations between Malawi and Huawei, including the 2022 launch of the country’s first-ever National Data Center, a key milestone in advancing Malawi's digital infrastructure.
Hikmatu Bilali
Africa's cities are facing rapid population growth. Providing millions of people with an adequate living environment requires more targeted investment. The integration of ICTs into urban policies should no longer be overlooked.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Chris Lu, the CEO of Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Kaduna State Smart City Project. The ceremony which took place at Huawei’s office in Beijing, yesterday September 2, was attended by Nigeria’s President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Uba Sani explains that“ this project holds the key to a more secure and prosperous Kaduna State.” It will focus on several key areas, including the establishment of a State-Level Unified Command Center, which will centralize and improve security operations. It will also introduce advanced Intelligent Traffic Management systems to optimize transportation within the state. E-Government and Office Automation will streamline administrative processes, while Smart Education and Healthcare initiatives aim to elevate public services.
Additionally, the project will promote ICT Talent Development and integrate Renewable Energy solutions to support sustainable development. Public Transportation will also be enhanced through advanced technology. To ensure the project's success, Kaduna State and Huawei will establish a joint committee to finalize the implementation plan, funding arrangement, and technology deployment.
The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) reports that Nigeria is experiencing rapid urbanization, with more than half of its 213 million population now residing in urban areas. Currently, 53% of Nigerians live in cities, and this figure is expected to exceed 70% by 2050, presenting various challenges. Smart cities could provide effective solutions for managing this urban growth by optimizing resources and services.
Hikmatu Bilali
Artificial intelligence offers Africa a chance to tackle key challenges and drive economic growth. But to fully capitalize on AI, significant investments are needed.
Djibouti plans to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, according to Houssein Ahmed Assoweh (photo), the country's representative at the ICESCO regional workshop for the development of the Islamic World Charter on AI.
In an interview with the Djiboutian News Agency ADI, Houssein Ahmed Assoweh said: "We will continue to invest in AI education and training to strengthen national skills. Additionally, we plan to launch several pilot projects in identified priority areas. The goal is to position Djibouti as an AI innovation hub in the Horn of Africa. I am convinced that Djibouti has an important role to play in the global AI ecosystem.”
According to the AI expert, Djibouti is developing its national AI strategy, focusing on improving living conditions in a challenging environmental context. The strategy includes the application of AI in critical areas such as smart agriculture, healthcare, logistics and transportation, as well as education. These efforts are part of "Vision 2035," the Djiboutian government's development strategy aimed at equipping the country with world-class digital infrastructure.
By investing in AI, Djibouti aims to become a key player in technological innovation in Africa. AI could notably enable significant advances in smart agriculture, optimizing crop yields despite the country's climate challenges. In healthcare, AI could facilitate more accurate diagnoses and increased access to care, particularly in remote areas.
According to PwC's "Annual Global CEO Survey," AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $1.2 trillion potentially generated in Africa. This contribution could represent a 5.6% increase in the continent's GDP over that period, highlighting the enormous potential of AI to boost Africa's economic growth if properly harnessed.
Samira Njoya
In many African nations governance is riddled with a lack of transparency, which is critical for building public trust and ensuring that development initiatives are implemented effectively. The introduction of digital platforms streamlines public administration to increase transparency in government activities, addressing public concerns about unfulfilled promises and resource management.
The Kenyan government launched, yesterday September 2, two innovative digital platforms, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in public administration. The platforms, the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and the Foreign Travel Management Information System (FOTIMS), were officially introduced at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (MICDE).
“The Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and Foreign Travel Information Management System (FOTIMS) are a huge milestone in our quest to deal with obscurity in decisions undertaken as raised by Kenyans recently,” said Rigathi Gachagua in a tweet shared the same day.
This system tracks and manages directives from President William Ruto, ensuring efficient and transparent implementation. It is accessible only to high-level officials, centralizing all directives and eliminating the need for paper copies.
FOTIMS digitizes the approval process for foreign travel by senior officials, ensuring justifications are made and resources are used wisely. Access is limited to authorized personnel, enhancing oversight.
The launch of PDMIS and FOTIMS represents a key step in Kenya's digital transformation, aiming to set higher standards for accountability and efficiency in public administration.
This move aligns with the Kenyan government’s efforts to improve digital governance. In the 2022 UN E-Government Index ranking, which assesses the digital government landscape of UN member countries, the country rose from 116th to 113th out of 193 countries, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancing its digital government capabilities. Introducing these new digital platforms further underscores Kenya's progress in public administration, as they are likely to contribute to continued improvements in transparency, efficiency, and overall governance.
Hikmatu Bilali
African nations are increasingly forming partnerships to accelerate their digital progress. New initiatives are emerging rapidly, building momentum towards a digitally transformed continent.
A Sierra Leonean delegation visited Guinea last week to discuss the implementation of a fiber optic interconnection project between the two countries. The project aims to enhance internet connectivity and resilience in both nations.
According to Mohamed Kourouma, general manager of Guinea's National Backbone Management and Operations Company, the project is crucial as Guinea currently relies on a single submarine cable for international internet connectivity.
The working visit follows discussions initiated in early August between Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou, and her Sierra Leonean counterpart, Salima Manorma Bah. During the talks, they announced an ambitious project aimed at ensuring a permanent and reliable Internet supply in both countries.
The discussions among the various parties laid the groundwork for the signing of a framework agreement, which is expected to be signed after review by the competent authorities of both nations. This agreement will define the technical modalities for implementing this strategic partnership.
The partnership is seen as a way to significantly improve the quality and scope of connectivity services while reducing associated costs. Moreover, strengthening Internet access and sharing expertise will help accelerate the achievement of the two countries' shared ambitions for digital transformation, while also promoting digital inclusion for their respective populations.
Samira Njoya
Cocoa is a vital export for many African nations, yet production challenges limit the sector's potential. Leveraging technology can address these issues, leading to improved market access and higher prices for African cocoa.
Cameroon's cocoa sector has unveiled plans to launch a digital platform that will provide georeferencing data for cocoa plantations across the country. The Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council (CICC) formalized this initiative with an agreement signed on August 28. Supported by key industry players such as Atlantic Cocoa Corporation, Neo Industries, Ofi Cam, Sic Cacaos, Telcar Cocoa, and the Cocoa and Coffee Subsectors Development Fund, the platform aims to ensure that all cocoa beans produced in Cameroon can be accurately traced to their origin.
CICC Executive President Apollinaire Ngwe emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This marks a significant step forward in technological integration and inter-professional collaboration. The system will provide operators with immediate access to precise and up-to-date data, facilitating more efficient supply chain management.”
Georeferencing involves assigning precise geographical coordinates to cocoa plantations, enabling each location to be uniquely identified. This data-sharing system will centralize important information such as farmers’ locations, farm details, productivity, and sales, allowing cocoa exporters to quickly access coordinates for producers' farms.
This initiative is driven by the need to meet EU legislation set to take effect by the end of the year, which will prohibit the entry of goods produced on deforested or degraded land into the European market. The platform will be instrumental in maintaining Cameroon’s access to this crucial market where in 2020 the country exported 65% of the cocoa it produced, according to data from the EU sustainable cocoa program.
Cameroon is one of Africa’s top cocoa producers globally. WorldAtlas ranks the country as one of the top six cocoa-producing countries producing over 290,000 tons annually. The new platform will guarantee the international standard quality of its production.
Hikmatu Bilali
More...
Malaria remains one of Africa’s most pressing public health issues, accounting for over 90% of global malaria cases and deaths. Leveraging AI to enhance prevention, detection, and treatment can drastically reduce the disease’s burden, saving lives and improving health outcomes.
The University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Convergence Research Centre for Insect Vectors (CRCIV) of South Korea have signed an agreement to advance malaria research using artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership, signed on August 30, will establish a Research Center of Excellence at UNZA’s School of Engineering, focusing on preventing malaria outbreaks through AI technology.
For UNZA Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Bornface Namangala, the partnership marks the beginning of a transformative effort to tackle malaria, a leading cause of death in Zambia.
SMART Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, praised the collaboration, noting that the center could serve as a learning platform and help institutionalize AI in Zambia.
The initiative will leverage cutting-edge AI technology to identify mosquito species and combat malaria. An AI-powered system will be deployed to collect and accurately classify mosquito species, enhancing the precision of malaria prevention efforts. This project has garnered strong support from the government.
According to the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which aids sub-Saharan African countries in controlling and eliminating malaria, Zambia remains highly endemic, with the entire population at risk. In 2022, the National Malaria Elimination Centre (NMEC) reported over 8.4 million cases, an incidence rate of 428 per 1,000 people annually, and 1,337 malaria-related deaths, equating to 8 deaths per 100,000 people.
This initiative aligns with Zambia’s National Malaria Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan 2022-2026, which outlines a framework for tracking malaria program indicators, data sources, analysis, information flow, reporting, and feedback for informed decision-making. It directly supports the plan’s goal of improving data-driven decision-making and achieving better health outcomes.
Hikmatu Bilali
To advance information and communication technologies, the International Telecommunication Union is forming strategic partnerships
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) announced on Monday a partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to accelerate digital skills development among policymakers and ICT professionals across Africa.
As part of the collaboration, Wits’ LINK Centre will join the ITU Academy’s network of training centers.
“This significant milestone will complement the postgraduate degree programs and the professional certificates offered by the LINK Centre. The Centre is poised to contribute substantially to the critical skills required for the economic and social advancement of South Africa and beyond, promoting a globally connected and digitally proficient society,” Wits said in a statement.
The ITU established its academy in 2012 to meet the growing demand for training, education, and research in the ICT sector. Over the years, various entities have joined the program, benefiting from the specialized knowledge and tools provided by the UN agency to navigate the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
Wits is one of the top universities in South Africa and the continent. According to the 2023 QS Ranking, it ranks as the second-best university in Africa, behind the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in global technological advancements, including in Africa. International partnerships are being explored to foster AI growth on the continent and maximize its potential benefits.
Azerbaijan is looking to bolster its cooperation with Ethiopia in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). A high-level Azerbaijani government delegation, led by Mohammad Ali Kudaverdev, visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute on Wednesday, August 28, to explore potential collaborations.
The visit, reported by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), is part of ongoing efforts by both countries to identify areas for AI expertise exchange. It follows a similar visit by Russian officials on August 21, underscoring Ethiopia's growing interest in AI.
Ethiopia has recently accelerated its AI initiatives, focusing on sectors like healthcare and agriculture. The country passed legislation in 2023 to regulate AI and established the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute three years ago. Azerbaijan is also developing its national AI strategy.
The collaboration aims to foster knowledge sharing, develop innovative AI solutions, and capitalize on the economic opportunities offered by AI. According to PwC's "Annual Global CEO Survey," AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, including $1.2 trillion in Africa, representing a 5.6% increase in the continent's GDP.
Samira Njoya
According to a report by consulting firm McKinsey & Company, the e-commerce market in Africa is rapidly expanding and is expected to reach $180 billion by 2024. This outlook is drawing increasing interest from international companies.
Chinese e-commerce firm AliExpress has made its debut in Ethiopia, partnering with local firm MKTY IT Services Plc. The partnership culminated in the opening of the continent’s first AliExpress showroom on Thursday, August 22.
The showroom, located in Addis Ababa, is designed to offer Ethiopian consumers a more interactive shopping experience, allowing Visitors to explore a wide range of products from around the world.
According to Yeshurun Alemayehu (photo), Ethiopia’s State Minister for Innovation and Technology, AliExpress’s entry into the Ethiopian market presents a significant opportunity for local businesses to engage in global trade.
The move aligns with Ethiopia’s efforts to attract foreign investment and boost its economy. Online commerce has been gaining traction in the country, with the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration issuing approximately 45 e-commerce licenses by December 2023. However, the sector is still dominated by small, often fragile startups.
In that context, AliExpress’s presence is expected to create jobs, stimulate innovation among local startups, and provide a platform for Ethiopian products to reach international markets.
Samira Njoya