Tech (1221)
- Botswana Tech Fund launched a £50 million ($67.5 million) investment vehicle on April 21, 2026, targeting technology start-ups across Southern Africa.
- The fund, backed by Pula Investments and Stephen Lansdown’s family office, will invest from pre-seed to scale-up stages, including secondary market transactions.
- The initiative aims to strengthen a structurally underfunded Southern African venture capital ecosystem amid broader market normalization in Africa.
The Botswana Tech Fund has launched a £50 million (approximately $67.5 million) investment vehicle to support technology start-ups across Southern Africa, as the region seeks to close a persistent funding gap in venture capital.
The fund, based in Gaborone, announced its launch on Tuesday, April 21. Pula Investments, the family office of Stephen Lansdown, cofounder of UK financial services group Hargreaves Lansdown, backed the vehicle.
The Botswana Tech Fund structured its investment strategy to cover multiple stages of company development. It targeted early-stage start-ups at pre-seed level as well as more advanced scale-ups. It planned to deploy capital through seed investments and growth-stage equity stakes, while it also included secondary market transactions to improve liquidity for investors and founders.
The initiative came as Southern Africa continued to develop its venture capital ecosystem, which remained constrained by structural funding shortages, particularly in application technologies and digital infrastructure. The region still relied heavily on foreign capital despite the gradual emergence of local investment initiatives.
The fund positioned Botswana as a strategic entry point for technology investment, citing an internet penetration rate of approximately 80% and a relatively stable governance environment. It also highlighted the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) market, which represented a population of more than 370 million people.
Market data from Partech Africa and Briter Bridges showed that African start-ups raised between $3 billion and $4 billion in 2025, down from a peak above $6 billion in 2022. The data indicated a normalization of venture capital flows, characterized by stricter investor selection and concentration of funding in more mature markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt.
The Botswana Tech Fund stated that it aimed to reposition Southern Africa within the African venture capital landscape by structuring more tailored financing solutions and improving access to capital for founders.
Samira Njoya
- Burkina Faso received a delegation of Italian investors on April 22, 2026, to explore opportunities in digital health, drones, agriculture, and energy.
- Authorities prioritized public-private partnerships that ensure technology transfer, local training, and digital sovereignty.
- The government targeted universal digital coverage by 2030, with a focus on eliminating rural connectivity gaps through solar-powered infrastructure.
Burkina Faso has opened discussions with foreign investors as it accelerates its digital transformation agenda and seeks to attract capital into strategic technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and drone applications.
The Ministry of Digital Transition hosted an Italian investor delegation on Wednesday, April 22, led by Burkina Faso’s ambassador to Italy, Cyrille Ganou/Badolo, and received by Secretary General Borlli Michel Some. The meeting marked a step in the country’s strategy to connect public administration systems and eliminate remaining “white zones” in digital coverage.
The delegation presented several technology proposals tailored to local needs. It proposed drone-based solutions to improve healthcare delivery and vaccination campaigns in rural areas. It also introduced digital medical data management systems designed to strengthen health infrastructure. Investors from technology, agriculture, and energy sectors participated and expressed interest in public-private partnerships.
Burkina Faso’s authorities emphasized that they structured cooperation around digital sovereignty principles. They stated that they prioritized partnerships that included training programs, co-development frameworks, and local ownership of technologies. The government aimed to build domestic capacity to manage digital infrastructure and sensitive data.
The discussions also addressed energy constraints linked to digital expansion. The government set a target to eliminate all connectivity gaps by 2030 and promoted the use of solar energy solutions to power telecommunications infrastructure in rural regions. Authorities encouraged investors to propose sustainable technologies capable of supporting long-term network expansion.
The meeting took place as Burkina Faso accelerated multiple digital initiatives, including digital identity systems and the adoption of emerging technologies to improve public service efficiency.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Posta Uganda launches PostCom, a national e-commerce marketplace integrating logistics and digital transactions.
- The platform leverages the postal network to expand access, especially for SMEs and rural users.
- Uganda positions e-commerce as a growth driver within a market projected to exceed $110 billion in Africa by 2029.
Uganda’s State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga, officially launched the PostCom e-commerce platform on April 21 in Kampala. Public postal operator Posta Uganda developed the platform to expand its role beyond traditional logistics services into a fully integrated online commerce ecosystem.
PostCom operates as a national marketplace that allows individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises to buy and sell products online. The platform relies on Posta Uganda’s physical network to manage logistics and ensure nationwide delivery.
At the same time, the platform provides a secure digital interface that facilitates transactions and connects local sellers to a broader customer base, including international markets.
E-commerce continues to expand rapidly across Africa, and initiatives like PostCom target a fast-growing market. Analysts estimate that Africa’s e-commerce sector will reach about $55 billion in 2024 and could exceed $110 billion by 2029, driven by mobile money adoption, urbanization, and broader internet access.
Ugandan authorities are betting on digital transformation to stimulate economic growth. They expect digital services and online commerce to contribute several billion dollars to the economy by 2030.
PostCom differentiates itself from international private platforms through its public-sector foundation and integrated logistics model. Unlike traditional marketplaces, the platform combines e-commerce capabilities with existing postal infrastructure.
This model reduces delivery costs and expands access to e-commerce in rural areas. It also supports local SMEs by providing a structured national distribution channel in a market where logistics remain a major constraint.
Ugandan authorities aim to position PostCom as a central pillar of the national digital economy. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance economic inclusion, modernize trade, and strengthen Uganda’s role in East Africa’s digital commerce landscape.
The platform also gives sellers access to international markets. It enables them to reach customers in nearly 192 countries through the global postal network.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Orange Egypt and Circle K sign a deal to digitize more than 200 stores.
- The partnership deploys connectivity solutions and SD-WAN technology to optimize operations and network performance.
- The agreement reflects Egypt’s fast-growing retail market and broader push toward digital transformation.
Orange Egypt and Circle K announced on April 22 that they signed a partnership agreement to modernize the retailer’s distribution network, which spans more than 200 points of sale across the country. The agreement positions Orange as Circle K’s digital transformation partner in Egypt’s increasingly digitized retail environment.
Orange Egypt will provide a suite of connectivity and digital infrastructure solutions under the agreement. The company will deliver high-speed internet access and secure interconnection between all retail locations.
The companies aim to ensure operational continuity while improving performance and streamlining the management of commercial activities across the network.
The project also includes the deployment of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology. This advanced networking solution enables centralized and flexible orchestration of data flows across multiple sites.
The system will strengthen security, improve service stability, and increase operational efficiency for Circle K.
Circle K operates in Egypt through a network of convenience stores and service stations. The brand ranks among the leading players in proximity retail and belongs to an international group active in more than 20 countries.
The company relies on strong distribution capabilities and serves a large daily customer base through its extensive network. It focuses on everyday consumer goods and fast services while pursuing continuous expansion in urban and peri-urban markets.
The partnership carries strategic importance for both companies in one of the Middle East’s largest retail markets. Egypt’s retail sector continues to grow, supported by its large population and evolving consumption patterns.
The agreement reflects a broader shift toward digitizing distribution networks, where connectivity and information systems act as key drivers of performance and expansion.
For Mohamed Shebl, Chief Business Officer of Orange Egypt, the collaboration demonstrates the operator’s ability to meet international standards. “Through this partnership, we continue to leverage cutting-edge innovations to enhance competitiveness and optimize operational efficiency, in line with our vision of leading the digital transformation of the business sector toward more advanced and sustainable models, while supporting the objectives of Egypt’s digital strategy and ‘Egypt Vision 2030,’” he said.
Samira Njoya
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- Senegal launched a national digital library for students as part of a $206 million education digitization plan for 2025–2029.
- The platform offers validated educational content across all levels and supports both in-class and remote learning.
- Unequal internet access, especially in rural areas, remains a major constraint to adoption.
Senegal decided in January 2025 to invest $206 million to finance its digital education strategy for 2025–2029. As a result, authorities have started to implement concrete initiatives.
The government announced on Monday, April 20 the launch of a national digital library dedicated to students. The platform aims to facilitate access to educational resources and ensure continuity of learning amid recurring disruptions to the school calendar.
The digital library is accessible online via smartphones, tablets and computers. The platform provides content across multiple education levels, from preschool to secondary education.
Teachers validated the resources, which include lessons, interactive exercises and revision tools. Two solutions structure the offering: Senkala focuses on assessments and exercises, while Promet delivers educational content and supports autonomous learning.
The initiative aims to guarantee pedagogical continuity by enabling students to continue learning outside the classroom. In parallel, the program supports a broader strategy to modernize education by integrating digital technologies into teaching methods.
The platform also aims to reduce educational inequalities, particularly between urban and rural areas. Therefore, authorities position the initiative as both an access tool and a structural reform lever.
However, access to home internet remains highly unequal across Senegal, according to a survey published in July 2025 by the National Agency of Statistics and Demography (ANSD). Only 43.8% of households in Dakar have internet access, while the rate falls to 16.3% in other urban areas and drops below 3% in rural areas.
DataReportal estimates higher levels of mobile internet access. By the end of 2025, Senegal had 11.5 million internet users, representing a penetration rate of 60.6%. Nevertheless, these disparities could limit the full impact of the digital library.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Burundi approves a 2025–2030 national AI strategy to support governance and growth.
- Authorities structure the roadmap around six pillars including governance, infrastructure, and human capital.
- Government plans pilot projects in health and agriculture to demonstrate economic impact.
Burundi has stepped up efforts to position itself in emerging technologies by adopting a national artificial intelligence strategy for 2025–2030, authorities said following validation of the plan on Wednesday, April 22 in Bujumbura.
The Ministry of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), designed the roadmap to make artificial intelligence an operational tool for governance, economic growth, and public service modernization. Authorities aim to structure the local ecosystem and capture economic gains linked to data exploitation as AI adoption accelerates globally.
A Strategy Structured Around Six Priorities
Authorities anchored the strategy on six core pillars, starting with governance. The government plans to create steering bodies, draft an ethical charter, and adapt the regulatory framework to oversee AI development. In parallel, authorities will promote ethics, inclusion, and sustainability by introducing algorithm oversight mechanisms, integrating local languages, and supporting responsible AI practices.
On the technical front, the government will strengthen digital infrastructure and data management capacity. Authorities plan to modernize data centers, establish sector-specific hubs, and develop sovereign cloud solutions while expanding telecom networks.
The government has also prioritized human capital development. Authorities aim to align university training with AI-related jobs, train more than 1,000 public officials, and foster talent through programs targeting youth and women.
In addition, the strategy emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship. Authorities will introduce dedicated financing mechanisms, set up incubators in several cities, and provide incentives to support the emergence of AI-focused startups.
Finally, the government will prioritize practical applications. Authorities plan to deploy around 15 pilot projects in key sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. These projects will include diagnostic support tools, telemedicine solutions, climate alert systems, and advisory services for farmers, with the goal of quickly demonstrating productivity gains and improved public services.
A Position Still Under Development
However, Burundi still faces structural constraints in digital infrastructure and data utilization. As in several African economies, challenges include limited data availability, weak system interoperability, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Nevertheless, authorities designed the strategy to address these gaps by aligning investments, skills, and use cases within a coherent vision. The plan also fits within the country’s Vision 2040–2060 framework, which identifies digital technology as a key driver of economic transformation.
Once implemented, the strategy could position Burundi alongside African countries that have already structured their AI approaches, including Rwanda, Senegal, Morocco, and Benin. However, authorities must now translate this ambition into concrete deployments capable of delivering measurable economic gains amid growing competition around data and advanced technologies.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Terra Industries started building a major drone factory in Accra.
- The plant targets annual production of 50,000 drones by 2028.
- The project follows a $34 million funding round to scale industrial capacity.
Terra Industries announced on Sunday, April 19, that it launched construction of “Pax-2,” its second autonomous systems manufacturing plant. The company is building the facility in Accra, Ghana. The site will cover more than 3,150 square meters (34,000 square feet). Once operational in June 2026, it will become the largest drone production facility in Africa, surpassing the flagship “Pax-1” site in Abuja, Nigeria.
The company is making this investment after raising $34 million to expand industrial capacity and strengthen engineering teams in Nigeria and allied countries. The Ghanaian site will focus on high-volume production of strategic aerial systems. These include the Archer surveillance and strike drone, the Iroko tactical unit, and the Kama high-speed interceptor, which can reach speeds of 300 km/h to counter hostile drones.
Beyond the industrial investment, this initiative reflects broader shifts in security dynamics across the continent. Armed groups in several regions, particularly in the Sahel, are increasingly using drones, sometimes adapted from civilian technologies. This trend is transforming operational methods and increasing demand for integrated solutions combining surveillance, electronic warfare, and interception capabilities.
At the same time, the global market is expanding. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global military drone market could reach $30.9 billion by 2034, up from $18.2 billion in 2025 and $20.8 billion in 2026. The growth is driven by expanding use cases in security environments.
The company selected Ghana based on the availability of technical skills and the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional industrial hub. The project should create around 120 direct jobs, mainly in engineering, and operate continuously to meet demand. By 2028, the plant aims to achieve an annual production capacity of 50,000 units.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Algeria launched its first national start-up cluster focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity on April 18 in Algiers.
- Authorities aim to expand the country’s start-up base to 20,000 by 2029 under a broader knowledge-economy strategy.
- The cluster integrates universities, research centers and businesses to accelerate innovation and commercialization.
Algeria launched its first national start-up cluster dedicated to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity on April 18 in Algiers, as the government intensifies efforts to build a technology-driven economy by 2028.
The government hosted the launch at the Sidi Abdellah science and technology hub. Authorities positioned the initiative as a new step in structuring the national innovation ecosystem. Officials aim to strengthen the competitiveness of technology start-ups and increase their contribution to the domestic economy.
The cluster brings together start-ups, universities, research centers and private-sector players within a single framework. It supports collaboration on joint projects and promotes the emergence of innovative solutions in strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and smart digital services.
The program accepts start-ups from both academic institutions and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Authorities designed this approach to stimulate synergies and accelerate the conversion of innovative projects into commercially viable applications.
The ministries of Higher Education, Knowledge Economy and Telecommunications jointly support the initiative. The cluster forms part of a broader government strategy to scale up the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has set a target of reaching 20,000 start-ups in Algeria by 2029. Authorities plan to rely on universities as a primary source of innovation and skilled talent to meet this goal.
Authorities reported in June that Algeria had registered 1,600 micro-enterprises, 130 start-ups and 1,175 projects labeled as “innovative.” They also recorded more than 2,800 patents filed with relevant institutions.
Algeria is leveraging structures such as clusters to accelerate its transition toward a knowledge-based economy. The government views technological innovation as a key growth driver.
Globally, clusters act as catalysts for competitiveness. They stimulate technological development, enhance regional attractiveness and support the emergence of high-potential companies.
Samira Njoya
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The University of Botswana launched its first local virtual reality (VR) program in partnership with MDiHub.
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The solution enables remote, immersive access to UniPod laboratories without physical presence.
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The global VR market could reach $69.6 billion by 2028, highlighting strong growth potential.
The University of Botswana, through UniPod in collaboration with the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDiHub), officially launched its first local virtual reality (VR) program on Thursday, April 16. The institution designed this immersive technology to allow users to visit and interact virtually with the center’s laboratories without physical presence. The program introduces a new approach to learning and access to research infrastructure.
According to UniPod Director Richie Moalosi, virtual reality represents one of the key technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as it enables computers to simulate real-world environments. He emphasized the project’s novelty and described it as a first local VR experience accessible remotely. He added that the solution allows users to explore infrastructure without the need for physical travel.
The solution digitally replicates UniPod’s facilities, including its laboratories, and allows users to navigate them virtually. It creates opportunities across several sectors. In education, it facilitates interactive learning. In tourism and mining, it supports immersive simulations.
Moreover, the technology could support the emergence of new economic models. It enables opportunities in digital content creation and experience-based services, which could drive additional revenue streams.
The University of Botswana developed the project through collaboration with the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub, whose expertise structured the solution’s development. At the same time, global virtual and augmented reality markets generate billions of dollars annually and continue to expand rapidly.
A report by Grand View Research published in March 2022 estimates that the virtual reality market could reach $69.6 billion by 2028, up from $15.81 billion in 2020, representing a compound annual growth rate of 18%.
In this environment, Botswana aims to position itself in emerging technologies to strengthen local capabilities, support innovation, and improve youth employability. The country sees virtual reality as a lever to diversify its economy and accelerate its transition toward higher value-added sectors.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Agreement sets technical support framework through 2035
- Plan includes tech hubs, AI training, support for local solutions
Guinea's Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme on Wednesday to advance digital innovation and artificial intelligence in the country.
The document was signed by Minister Mourana Soumah and UNDP Resident Representative Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah. It establishes a technical support framework to guide the country's digital transformation through 2035.
The agreement includes support mechanisms for the technology sector, focusing on developing technology hubs and the rollout of AI training programs across the country.
The new cooperation framework builds on earlier joint efforts. In May, the Higher Institute of Technology in Mamou launched UniPod Guinea, the country's first university-based technology innovation hub, supported by the UNDP's pan-African Timbuktoo program. The center serves as a prototyping and incubation space for student and entrepreneurial projects in areas such as agritech, green technologies and applied artificial intelligence.
Through the agreement, Guinean authorities and the UNDP aim to better coordinate initiatives in research, training and digital entrepreneurship. The goal is to support the development of locally developed technology solutions capable of addressing economic and social needs, while integrating emerging technologies into public policy.
Samira Njoya
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- Rwanda signed a strategic agreement with Ansys to integrate simulation tools into higher education.
- Universities will gain access to advanced software, licenses, and industry-linked training programs.
- The initiative aligns with a global simulation software market projected to exceed $36 billion by 2030.
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda announced on Tuesday, April 14, in Kigali that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Ansys, a U.S.-based firm specializing in digital simulation. The partnership aims to integrate advanced engineering simulation tools into the curricula of universities and polytechnic schools across the country.
Minister of State @yves_Iradukunda welcomed a delegation from @ANSYS led by Mr. Lou Major, Managing Director for Africa, for the signing of an MoU between MINICT and Ansys. The agreement establishes a single framework through which universities and polytechnics can be onboarded… pic.twitter.com/is1CiD2GEZ
— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) April 14, 2026
The agreement, which Minister of State Yves Iradukunda and Lou Major signed, establishes a centralized framework to connect Rwandan universities and polytechnic institutions to Ansys platforms.
Institutions will access advanced simulation software and associated licenses, while the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of these technologies across the education system.
The agreement also includes training programs, conferences, demonstrations, and industry engagement sessions. These initiatives aim to expose students and faculty to real-world applications of simulation and strengthen alignment between academic training and labor market needs.
This project forms part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to strengthen alignment between university curricula and industry requirements, particularly in engineering and technology sectors. The government seeks to improve practical skills development suited to an increasingly digital economy by embedding simulation tools into academic programs.
Ansys solutions already support industrial groups across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy by simulating product behavior before manufacturing. These tools help companies reduce development costs and accelerate innovation cycles.
Their introduction into Rwanda’s higher education system aims to familiarize students with widely adopted industry technologies amid rising demand for advanced engineering skills.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Ivory Coast partners with University of Montpellier to train space engineers and develop its first satellite.
- The initiative supports the rollout of the national space agency and existing satellite projects.
- African countries plan more than 100 additional satellite launches by 2030, reflecting rapid sector growth.
Ivory Coast seeks to leverage the expertise of University of Montpellier in France to train its first cohort of space specialists. The collaboration will also cover the development of the country’s first national satellite.
Authorities discussed this cooperation on Wednesday, April 15, during a meeting between Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and a delegation from the Space Center of the University of Montpellier led by its director Laurent Dusseau.
This meeting marked an initial step in launching the activities of the Ivorian Space Agency (ASCI), which authorities established to structure the sector.
According to the Ivorian government, Dusseau emphasized that the University of Montpellier provides infrastructure capable of training technicians and engineers by combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
He stated: “We deliver this training through a specialized master’s program designed for engineers who already hold degrees in various fields and who complete an अत्य intensive one-year course to acquire space expertise that enables them to access highly specialized roles such as IT engineer or systems engineer.”
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to develop the space sector in Ivory Coast. In May 2023, the country announced a partnership with Universal Konstructors Associated (UKA) to build Yam-Sat CI 01, the first national satellite, with a launch initially scheduled for August 2024.
Earlier, authorities announced plans in 2021 to establish a national space agency, and they formalized the creation of the agency by decree in June 2025. The agency oversees capacity building and infrastructure development in the space sector.
The Council of Ministers outlined the agency’s scope in its June 4, 2025 report and confirmed that its activities cover key pillars of the space sector. “Its scope of activity covers essential pillars of space applications, namely Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, space exploration, as well as satellite navigation and communication,” the report stated.
The government added that these capabilities will address economic development challenges, strengthen national security, and support environmental protection.
Ivory Coast’s efforts align with a broader continental trend. A report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies published in September 2025 indicated that African states allocate approximately $500 million annually to space programs.
The study reported that more than 21 African countries have established space programs, while 18 have launched at least one satellite. African nations have launched a cumulative total of 65 satellites and plan to deploy more than 120 additional satellites by 2030.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Uganda to launch first national internet exchange point (NIPX)
- Platform to keep domestic traffic local, reducing costs and latency
- Initiative aims to boost ICT growth, investment, digital services
Uganda’s National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, on Monday announced the upcoming deployment of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX), the country’s first Internet exchange point.
The platform is expected to streamline the routing of domestic digital traffic and improve the efficiency of Uganda’s Internet ecosystem.
@NITAUganda1 in collaboration with @MoICT_Ug have officially announced the launch of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX) scheduled to take place this Friday, 17th April, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
— NITA-Uganda (@NITAUganda1) April 15, 2026
As Uganda’s first neutral and open Internet Exchange Point (IXP), the NIPX… pic.twitter.com/aLH7YgzImJ
Speaking to reporters, Minister of State for National Guidance Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku said the NIPX would position Uganda as a competitive ICT hub in East Africa and beyond. He added that the infrastructure is expected to attract investment, support innovation, and boost the development of local digital content and services, while creating new economic opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.
Scheduled for official launch on Friday, April 17, the NIPX will function as a national interconnection hub, allowing internet service providers, content platforms, public networks, and private operators to exchange traffic locally.
Until now, much of Uganda’s domestic Internet traffic was routed through infrastructure abroad before returning to the country, increasing costs and latency. The new system aims to keep this traffic within national borders, reducing costs and improving network performance.
The project falls under the Uganda Vision 2040 framework, which prioritizes digital transformation, science, and innovation as key drivers of economic growth.
It also underscores the government’s push to strengthen digital sovereignty, modernize the ICT sector, and enhance the country’s appeal to digital economy investors.
Authorities say the NIPX is expected to lower international connectivity costs, improve service speed and quality, and strengthen the resilience of the national network against external disruptions. For users, this should translate into smoother online experiences, particularly in communications, e-government services, and education.
Samira Njoya
- Senegal, UNDP sign deal to advance digital governance, AI
- Partnership to support innovation hubs, startup ecosystem growth
- Government targets 500 startups, 150,000 jobs by 2034
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy (MCTN) signed a framework agreement on Tuesday, April 14, in Dakar. The partnership aims to structure Senegal's digital governance and accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into public services.
Minister Alioune Sall and UNDP Resident Representative Njoya Tikum signed the agreement. The deal comes at a strategic time, as authorities aim to strengthen digital inclusion and establish a regulatory framework conducive to innovation. The government said the partnership is "structuring and results-oriented," aligning with its priorities for public service digitalization and economic competitiveness.
The first tangible outcome of the partnership is expected on April 27 with the inauguration of the University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) at Amadou Mahtar Mbow University. Funded with $1 million, the hub is designed as an incubator to support young innovators in turning research projects into high-impact startups. Authorities plan to replicate this model nationwide to expand the network of innovation centers.
The initiative is part of the "Technological New Deal," Senegal's national digital transformation strategy, which aims to create more than 500 certified technology startups by 2034 and generate around 150,000 direct jobs. According to StartupBlink, the country currently has about 60 active startups, highlighting an ecosystem still taking shape and scaling.
Samira Njoya