Tech (1089)
Just before the Orange EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Grand Finale kicked off at Casablanca’s Sacré-Cœur on December 19, Orange Middle East and Africa’s (OMEA) Brand and Sponsoring Director outlined the tournament’s evolution. She highlighted Orange’s commitment to African esports and its efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable competitive ecosystem.
We Are Tech (WAT): This tournament used to be called the Orange eSport Experience, but now it’s Orange EA SPORTS FC™ 26. Aside from the name, what has changed and why?
Muriel Cissé: You’re right. The Orange eSport Experience had a great seven-year run but we felt it was time to take the tournament to the next level, which is why we partnered with EA SPORTS, a true powerhouse in the gaming industry. Beyond boosting our credibility and visibility, the partnership gives our players the opportunity to compete on the brand-new EA Sports FC 26 platform.
The new format now brings together 15 African countries, plus Réunion Island, which is joining the Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) circuit for the first time. It’s a major step forward. Our ambition is to show that Africa and its young talent belong on the global esports stage, and working with a world leader in gaming is a key part of that journey.
Where does this edition fit within Orange’s overall strategy for esports growth in Africa and the Middle East?
This is really a natural evolution of our work. Since 2016, our ambition in esports has gone hand in hand with our core business as an internet service provider. High-speed broadband is the backbone of online gaming and tournament streaming.
Beyond connectivity, our second major focus is inclusion. For a long time, local champions struggled to access the international circuit. From the outset, we aimed to promote esports, help structure local ecosystems, and make gaming accessible to everyone.
Through the Orange eSport Experience tournaments we’ve organized since 2018, we’ve given players a platform to compete and gain visibility. This has helped strengthen local communities and has even led to the creation of official esports federations in several countries. We remain committed to that original mission: promoting esports, identifying local talent, delivering high-quality experiences, and giving players a pathway to the global stage.
Inclusion also underpins our commitment to ethical and responsible gaming. We want esports to be open to all young people and increasingly gender-inclusive. For our finale in Casablanca, we are proud to welcome several female competitors, particularly from Cameroon and Morocco.
Looking back since the launch, what are the key figures and results of Orange’s commitment to esports?
Since 2018, we have hosted five pan-African editions, giving our athletes the opportunity to connect and level up. The results have been positive on several fronts. We’ve played a key role in structuring emerging ecosystems by partnering with local grassroots associations. Today, we’re seeing the rise of official national federations in countries like Cameroon, Senegal, and beyond. Orange has been a major driver in this move toward professionalization.
In terms of the numbers, gaming is now the world’s leading entertainment industry, surpassing both film and music. While data for Africa can be limited, we are seeing explosive growth across the continent. Statista projects over 420 million players by 2026, with a gamer penetration rate of 27% across Africa. As a major operator in the Middle East and Africa, Orange is committed to staying at the forefront of this momentum.
Given the wide geographic spread of this event, what resources are being deployed to ensure a top-tier experience for both players and spectators?
It starts with the cutting-edge technology we provide to young gamers, specifically the high-speed broadband, fiber, and 5G networks we are rolling out across our markets. These allow players to compete with minimal latency and make it possible to broadcast the tournaments. Beyond basic connectivity, we are leveraging our flagship "super-app," Max it, which has 22 millions active users across 16 markets, to promote esports.
Moving forward, Max it will become even more integrated with the gaming world. For instance, the Casablanca finale will be live-streamed directly on the app. We are also planning to launch a dedicated gaming "hub" within the app featuring exclusive content: match streams, special offers, and educational tutorials from world-renowned gamers to mentor our local talent. Our goal is to provide genuine added value to the community through the Max it platform.
With the Grand Finale taking place in Casablanca on December 19–20, what is at stake for the local champions representing their countries? What kind of regional impact are you expecting from this event?
For our champions, it’s first and foremost a matter of national pride. They really tap into that patriotic spirit, especially since the tournament focuses on virtual football (EA Sports FC 26), which aligns perfectly with our long-standing commitment to the sport. On a personal level, it’s an incredible opportunity for these players to sharpen their skills.
In terms of future prospects, every champion competing here automatically qualifies for an upcoming EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile tournament scheduled for mid-2026. That competition will expand beyond the OMEA region to include Orange’s European markets, giving our champions the chance to test their skills against players from around the world. On top of that, the overall winner of this tournament will receive a VIP trip to visit Real Madrid.
Visibility is another major factor. The event will be broadcast on Max it, YouTube, and FCM TV (the official EA Sports FC channel).
As for the regional impact, this broad coverage significantly grows our audience, and we hope it inspires a new generation of gamers. Hosting a tournament of this caliber on the eve of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 highlights just how important esports is to Orange. We want to reinforce our commitment to supporting this ecosystem, helping establish regulations, and fostering the creation of national federations to propel our champions to the highest international levels.
Orange often speaks about a vision for "Responsible Esports" supported by the #ForGoodConnection program. What does this commitment look like in practice, and what initiatives are being held alongside the competition?
The #ForGoodConnection program allows us to raise awareness about cyberbullying and online safety. About two years ago, Orange launched “Safe Zones” within certain games in Europe. These are virtual spaces where players experiencing harassment can find immediate support and access contact information for advocacy groups.
Our responsible approach focuses on total inclusion, anti-bullying efforts, and the promotion of healthy screen time, which is a major priority in the esports world. #ForGoodConnection is a year-round commitment that we have fully integrated into this tournament.
One of our most concrete actions for this event was the intentional inclusion of female players. By bringing them into the competition, we are actively promoting gender diversity and making it clear that women have a central role in the future of esports.
What were some of the challenges you faced in organizing a tournament that spans 15 African countries and Réunion Island?
The institutional knowledge and experience we gained from previous editions of the Orange eSport Experience were invaluable. Our teams, based in London, Casablanca within the OMEA region, and across various local markets, have become seasoned experts in managing esports events. We also worked with a specialized agency. That collective effort and coordination allowed us to overcome challenges and bring this event to life.
The logistics were certainly demanding, particularly securing visas to bring all the players to Morocco. We were ultimately able to obtain approvals for nearly all participants. Organizing the event just ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 added another layer of complexity. However, by starting early and relying on our shared experience, we were
Beyond the professional players, how does Orange engage and unite local communities and casual fans in each country?
Our national qualifying phases are managed with a high level of professionalism, often held in venues that welcome live audiences to create a true "event" feel. These national finals are also frequently broadcast on local platforms, allowing us to reach a much wider audience of casual gamers and fans.
In several countries, we also sponsor public gaming centers where we host awareness programs and "brand activations" centered around casual matches. Our goal is to promote esports to the general public at a grassroots level, ensuring the ecosystem isn't just reserved for professionals, but is accessible to everyone.
Looking ahead, what is the future of Orange in the African esports scene?
Our biggest upcoming milestone is the international tournament slated for June/July 2026. This will be the next major chapter: an EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile tournament that will bring together not only Orange’s markets in Africa and the Middle East but also several of our European subsidiaries. This will create a truly cross-continental event, giving our African champions a global stage and the experience of competing at the highest level. The project is currently being finalized, but it perfectly embodies our ongoing commitment to inspiring youth, building esports awareness, and fueling innovation and passion across the continent.
Interview by Muriel Edjo
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Chad accelerates “Tchad Connexion 2030” digital transformation strategy
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Government, Huawei discuss expanding connectivity and digital public services
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Low internet access highlights urgency, with just 13.2% online in 2025
Chad is moving to accelerate the rollout of its national digital strategy, “Tchad Connexion 2030,” as it seeks to expand connectivity and modernise public services.
The Minister of the Digital Economy and Digitalisation, Boukar Michel, held talks on Wednesday, December 24, with a Huawei North Africa delegation to discuss priorities for the country’s digital transformation. The delegation was led by Jason Ye, Huawei’s Vice President for North Africa.
Talks focused on expanding telecommunications infrastructure, widening access to connected services, and speeding up the digitalisation of public administration. With internet access still uneven across the country, these areas are central to the government’s digital policy goals.
Authorities are relying on partnerships with technology providers to narrow the digital divide, particularly in rural areas, and promote broader digital inclusion. Improving network coverage, deploying solutions tailored to local conditions, and strengthening technical skills were highlighted as central drivers of the transition.
For Huawei, which is involved in several digital infrastructure projects across Africa, the discussions fit within its broader approach of working with governments seeking to modernise their economies. Both sides explored the possibility of turning the talks into concrete projects aligned with the objectives of “Tchad Connexion 2030.”
The talks come against a backdrop of low connectivity. According to DataReportal, only 13.2% of Chad’s population had internet access at the start of 2025, with sharp disparities between urban areas and rural regions.
Samira Njoya
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ONDA has launched a fully digital passenger journey at Casablanca airport for AFCON 2025
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Self-service and biometric systems are deployed across Terminals 1 and 2
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The airport handled a record 292,221 passengers between December 8 and 18
Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) has announced the launch of a fully digitalized passenger journey at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, alongside the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025). The initiative aims to ease passenger flows and significantly improve the travel experience during the tournament.
The system relies on advanced digital and biometric technologies. Ten Self Bag Drop kiosks have been installed on level 0 of Terminal 1 for Royal Air Maroc passengers, enabling fully automated check-in and baggage drop. In Terminal 2, twelve self-service kiosks allow passengers traveling without checked baggage to check in independently and proceed directly to boarding areas. Several airlines, including Air Arabia, Saudia, and EgyptAir, have already integrated their applications into the system, strengthening interoperability.
The rollout comes amid exceptionally high traffic linked to AFCON 2025, with thousands of supporters traveling through Casablanca. Between December 8 and 18, Mohammed V Airport handled a record 292,221 passengers, accounting for 33.7% of total air traffic in Morocco, confirming its role as the country’s main air hub during the competition.
These measures are part of ONDA’s “Décollage 2025” strategy unveiled last year, which targets the full digitalization of Morocco’s airports. The plan includes the creation of a Digital Factory, the deployment of biometric e-gates, and the rollout of the “SMART AIRPORT” system to monitor infrastructure in real time and anticipate operational disruptions. Together, these initiatives aim to modernize airport operations while strengthening passenger security.
Samira Njoya
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Authorities blocked a fraudulent transfer targeting a major oil company
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The operation was part of a coordinated Interpol-led effort across Africa
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Cyber threats are rising as digital exposure expands in Senegal
Senegalese authorities have foiled a cyber fraud attempt targeting a major oil company, preventing the diversion of $7.9 million, Interpol announced on December 22. The attackers had breached the company’s internal email systems and impersonated senior executives to initiate a fraudulent bank transfer.
According to Neal Jetton, Interpol’s director of cybercrime, the scale and sophistication of cyberattacks in Africa are accelerating, particularly against strategic sectors such as finance and energy. He praised the swift response of Senegal’s security services, which halted the transfer and froze the recipient bank accounts, averting a significant financial loss.
The intervention was carried out as part of a broader international coordination framework involving 19 African countries and deployed between late October and late November. The operation led to the arrest of more than 574 suspects, the seizure of about $3 million, and the removal of over 6,000 malicious links. In Ghana, authorities also made several arrests linked to ransomware attacks and identity theft schemes involving hundreds of victims and losses amounting to several hundred thousand dollars.
The case highlights the growing cyber threat facing Senegal, where digital risks are increasing alongside the expansion of connected technologies. Data from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky show that more than 10 million cyber threats were detected and blocked in 2024, pointing to a surge in intrusion attempts, exploitation of security vulnerabilities, and password theft targeting businesses, public institutions, and individuals. Some of these attacks relied on unsecured remote access points or software vulnerabilities, leaving sensitive systems particularly exposed.
The joint mobilization of African countries underscores the need for modern tools, cross-border coordination, and stronger local capabilities to combat cybercrime. It also highlights the importance of awareness, training, and investment in secure digital infrastructure to reduce fraud risks and support the continent’s digital transformation.
Samira Njoya
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Government and Tamwilcom launch integrated startup support scheme
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Program targets over 800 startups over three years
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More than 700 million dirhams allocated to funding and support
Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with Tamwilcom, launched the “Startup Venture Building” (VB) program on December 17, in Rabat. The initiative introduces an integrated support and financing framework for innovative Moroccan startups.
Designed as a continuous support mechanism covering all stages of growth, the Startup Venture Building program aims to support more than 800 startups over a three-year period. The scheme combines strategic guidance, operational expertise, and tailored financing based on the maturity of each project. New tools include a living allowance, which provides a monthly income to experienced project leaders, and an incubation grant of up to 200,000 dirhams (about $22,000) to fund prototyping and market validation. The program also includes an interest-free loan of up to 500,000 dirhams to support commercial launch, as well as a seed loan ranging from 500,000 to 2 million dirhams to back acceleration and growth phases.
Startup creation in Morocco has gained momentum in recent years, but the transition from concept to market and the ability to scale remain weak points. The Startup Venture Building program brings together national and international support organizations, including CEED Morocco, Technopark, Flat6Labs, Open Startup International, Renew Capital LLC, and 500 Global. The objective is to provide structured support and consistent financing tools that improve project viability and competitiveness.
The initiative forms part of Morocco’s New Development Model and serves as a key implementation tool of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy. This national roadmap seeks to promote value creation, industrial deployment of digital solutions, and the emergence of startups capable of reaching critical growth thresholds. With a total budget exceeding 700 million dirhams, the program aims to create a favorable environment for transforming ideas into scalable businesses and to strengthen Morocco’s position as a regional digital hub.
Authorities expect Startup Venture Building to contribute to the long-term structuring of Morocco’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By improving access to finance, strengthening support mechanisms, and facilitating scale-up, the program aims to speed up the commercialization of innovative solutions, enhance the competitiveness of the national digital sector, and support the emergence of Moroccan startups with international reach.
Samira Njoya
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ARPCE launches a digital platform for regulated administrative procedures
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Users can submit and track requests remotely through a single portal
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Initiative aligns with Algeria’s broader public sector digital shift
Algeria’s Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE) announced on December 21 that it has launched “e-Services,” a new digital platform designed to move its administrative services online.
Through this tool, the regulator aims to improve the efficiency of its procedures and strengthen interactions with operators in the postal and electronic communications sectors. The platform is accessible at https://esvc.arpce.dz.
The e-Services portal allows users to submit, track, and manage administrative requests online, without the need for physical visits. It brings together several procedures related to activities regulated by the ARPCE, with the goal of shortening processing times, improving file traceability, and increasing transparency. Designed as a digital one-stop shop, the platform also seeks to simplify exchanges between the authority and sector professionals, while ensuring the security of transmitted data.
The launch forms part of Algeria’s broader public administration digital transformation agenda, in which service digitization has become a key tool to improve governance. The postal and electronic communications sector includes a large number of regulated operators and generates a high volume of requests each year related to authorizations, declarations, and regulatory obligations, making online processing a strategic priority.
Over time, the e-Services platform is expected to improve the ARPCE’s administrative performance by simplifying access to regulatory services for operators and sector stakeholders. By shifting procedures online, the authority aims to reduce delays and administrative constraints, while strengthening transparency and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Samira Njoya
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Central bank launches work on a national instant payment platform
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System aims to speed up transactions and expand financial inclusion
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Project relies on open, interoperable technology
Guinea’s central bank, the Banque centrale de la République de Guinée (BCRG), launched work on the implementation of an instant payment system (SPI) on December 18. The digital infrastructure is designed to modernize payment methods and support broader financial inclusion in the country.
At the opening ceremony, BCRG First Vice Governor Mohamed Lamine Conté said the project stems from a consultative process that involved banks, electronic money institutions, microfinance institutions, and fintech companies. He said the SPI will allow users to send and receive funds in real time, at any time of day and without geographic constraints. The system is expected to address delays linked to traditional payment channels and support both merchant payments and personal transfers.
From a technical standpoint, the BCRG has opted for a public, open, and interoperable infrastructure based on Mojaloop technology. According to the central bank, this choice aims to limit technological dependence, encourage local innovation, and foster competition among financial service providers. Under this setup, real-time transfers will be possible between bank accounts, mobile wallets, and other payment instruments, laying the groundwork for a more integrated financial ecosystem.
The project takes shape as Guinea continues to face challenges in financial inclusion. BCRG data show that 23% of adults hold an account with a financial institution, up from 7% ten years ago. Despite this progress, the rate remains below the average for sub-Saharan Africa, even as digital financial services gain traction.
Mobile money services continue to expand in this context. Transactions through mobile money rose by 8.6%, from 43,077 billion Guinean francs ($4.9 million) in the previous quarter to 46,795 billion in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting growing reliance on digital solutions as alternatives to traditional banking.
At the regional level, the SPI aligns with a broader African trend toward instant payment systems, which now process tens of billions of transactions each year. Cross-border platforms such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) highlight the importance of robust national infrastructures that can connect with regional mechanisms and support deeper economic integration.
While the operational timeline for Guinea’s SPI has yet to be specified, the expected benefits remain significant. By reducing cash usage and enabling secure, instant transactions, the system is expected to improve financial flows for households, businesses, and the public sector. Effective interoperability could also lower transaction costs and strengthen transparency and trust in the formal financial system.
Samira Njoya
- Mauritania launched a suite of digital services for the state electricity utility SOMELEC on the Khidmaty public services portal.
- The package enables remote subscriptions, payments, service requests, and meter self-readings, available 24/7.
- About 63% of Mauritania’s population did not use the internet in 2025, raising access concerns despite expanding e-services.
Mauritanian authorities launched, on Wednesday, December 17, a package of digitized services for the Mauritanian Electricity Company (SOMELEC). Citizens can now access these services through the Khidmaty digital public services portal.
“In the long term, the new digital package will allow citizens to benefit remotely from the company’s main services: subscriptions, contract terminations, transfers of subscriptions from one residence to another, payment of bills and fees, as well as breakdown requests and meter self-readings,” the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization said in a statement published on social media.
According to the ministry, the initiative falls under the framework of “Support for Sectoral Digital Transformation” and aims to simplify daily life by making public services more accessible, faster, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since the start of the year, the executive has digitized dozens of services across sectors including health, insurance, education, justice, mining, policing, and transport.
To support this strategy, the Mauritanian government launched the “Digital-Y” project in January. The initiative carries funding of 4 million euros, or about $4.7 million, and operates in partnership with Germany. The project seeks to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, strengthen administrative transparency, and stimulate economic and social development.
Officials say the Khidmaty portal allows citizens to access digitized public services securely and complete procedures online from any smartphone or computer available on the Mauritanian market. However, as more services migrate to the platform, questions remain over effective access. DataReportal estimates that about 63% of the population did not use the internet in 2025.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Côte d’Ivoire’s Economy Ministry adopted a 2026–2030 IT master plan to modernize public administration systems.
- The plan allocates CFA10.156 billion ($18 million) across 44 projects and six programs.
- The strategy aligns with a broader national digital push backed by a 37% budget increase for digital transition in 2026.
The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development adopted the 2026–2030 Information System Master Plan. The strategic framework aims to modernize digital tools, strengthen data security, and optimize public service management. Officials presented the document during an official ceremony in Abidjan.
“The Master Plan now constitutes a strategic tool to strengthen digital governance and improve public action efficiency. This presentation, which brought together around forty participants, opens the way for the implementation of planned actions to provide the Ministry with a more modern, secure, and high-performing digital environment,” said Yéo Nahoua, Chief of Staff to Economy Minister Kaba Nialé.
The National Information Technology Development Company conducted an in-depth diagnostic review to support the update. The assessment identified structural gaps, including weak IT governance, multiple non-interconnected platforms, aging infrastructure, and insufficient security mechanisms.
To address these challenges, the plan relies on four key orientations. The strategy targets IT function professionalization, integrated network deployment, rollout of shared and secure applications, and modernization of technical infrastructure. The plan includes six programs and 44 concrete projects. The framework allocates a total budget of CFA10.156 billion, equivalent to about $18 million.
The initiative aligns with national priorities that position digital technology as a development driver. For 2026, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization secured a budget exceeding CFA83.2 billion. The allocation represents an increase of about 37% compared with 2025. The funding aims to improve digital performance and nationwide connectivity access.
These allocations add to prior investments that delivered tangible results in 2024. Authorities deployed more than 33,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure. The government launched digital administrative service platforms. The state expanded 4G coverage across multiple rural areas.
The implementation of the new master plan should support more structured digital governance and stronger system interconnection. The framework should also accelerate public service digitalization. The reforms should reduce processing costs and timelines. The upgrades should strengthen infrastructure resilience against cyber threats.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Madagascar launched the process to draft its national cybersecurity strategy.
- Authorities aim to finalize the framework within three months.
- The strategy will update a cybersecurity law adopted in 2014.
Madagascar continues to structure its digital ecosystem after creating a national cybersecurity body in 2023. Authorities now focus on establishing a legal and strategic framework to protect systems and data amid rising cybercrime.
The Malagasy government formally launched the process to develop its national cybersecurity strategy last week following a kickoff workshop held in Antananarivo.
The event brought together public authorities, digital experts and technical partners. Officials presented the initiative as a key step toward securing the country’s digital space as digital usage expands across public administration, financial services and the broader economy.
“The stakeholders committed to finalizing this national cybersecurity strategy within three months,” said Eric Nirina Rakotomaniraka, head of the digital incident response team at the Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT).
He said the strategy will address key areas, including online child protection, combating gender-based cyber violence, digital justice, and international cooperation in cases of cyberattacks or data breaches.
On an operational level, the future strategy aims to structure cyber incident prevention, detection and response.
The document plans to strengthen national digital forensic capabilities, improve coordination between public institutions and private-sector actors, and support local skills development. Authorities also intend to use the strategy as a foundation to update the regulatory framework, as the 2014 cybersecurity law increasingly fails to reflect evolving technologies and threats.
The initiative comes as digital usage expands but information systems remain fragile. According to the Digital 2025 report, Madagascar counted approximately 6.6 million internet users in 2025, representing just over 20% of the population, a level that remains modest but continues to rise steadily.
At the same time, Madagascar faces limited cybersecurity capacity. The International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 ranks the country in Tier 4 out of five.
This classification reflects significant gaps, particularly in technical infrastructure, institutional coordination, skills development and international cooperation.
Authorities expect the national cybersecurity strategy to strengthen protection of digital infrastructure, increase citizen and investor confidence in digital services, and support Madagascar’s broader digital transformation.
By laying the foundations for stronger digital sovereignty, the government aims to create a safer environment for innovation, online public services and the country’s integration into regional and global digital ecosystems.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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- Digital justice platforms generated more than CFA337 million ($603,700) for the state budget
- Online criminal records accounted for over 90% of applications and revenues
- Authorities launched new digital justice platforms in December to expand reforms
Burkina Faso continues to accelerate the digitalisation of public services to simplify administrative procedures for citizens. Authorities also aim to strengthen state revenues through this transformation.
The gradual digitisation of judicial services has started to generate tangible results. Over two years of operation, online platforms dedicated to nationality certificates and digital criminal records mobilised more than CFA337 million, equivalent to about $603,700, for the state budget.
The Ministry of Justice highlighted these results on Friday, December 12, during a site visit organised in Ouagadougou for the media. The initiative aimed to demonstrate the concrete impact of digital tools designed to modernise judicial document delivery and improve access to public services.
Authorities framed the reform within a national context marked by security constraints and significant geographic disparities.
As of December 11, 2025, the online nationality certificate platform recorded nearly 49,000 applications, generating just over CFA24 million in revenue.
However, the central digital criminal record platform captured most of the activity. The system processed more than 418,000 applications and generated over CFA312 million in revenue.
These volumes reflect rapid user adoption driven by simplified procedures and shorter processing times.
Beyond revenue generation, the platforms address a critical accessibility challenge. The systems allow citizens, including those living in insecure areas or remote regions, to obtain official documents remotely.
The platforms secure issued documents with QR codes, which strengthen authenticity and reduce fraud risks historically associated with paper-based procedures.
The digitalisation process continues to face operational challenges. Authorities still record application rejections, mainly due to non-compliant documents, incomplete files, or attempted falsification.
Technical officials say these issues highlight the need to strengthen user support and public awareness of digital procedure requirements. However, teams confirm that compliant applications usually receive processing times of less than 48 business hours.
Building on these results, the Ministry of Justice continues to expand its digital service offering.
Authorities officially launched several new platforms on December 15 in Ouagadougou, including Justice pénale en ligne, e-Permis de communiquer, and e-RCCM (Online Trade and Movable Credit Register). These launches mark a new phase in the modernisation of Burkina Faso’s judicial and administrative services.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Orange Money Group and Visa signed a strategic partnership to expand access to online payments in Africa and the Middle East.
- The partnership integrates a virtual Visa card into Orange Money’s ecosystem via the Max it app.
- Orange Money operates more than 45 million active accounts across 17 African countries.
Online payments continue to expand rapidly in Africa, driven by the rise of mobile services and e-commerce. However, limited access to secure and interoperable digital payment tools still constrains financial inclusion for a large share of the population.
Orange Money Group and Visa announced on Friday, December 12, in Casablanca that they signed a strategic partnership to facilitate online payments and strengthen financial inclusion across Africa and the Middle East. The collaboration aims to broaden the use of digital financial services as e-commerce and cashless payments accelerate across the region.
Speaking at the announcement, Orange Money Group Chief Executive Officer Thierry Millet said the partnership marks a key milestone in the group’s strategy. “From now on, individuals and entrepreneurs can create their virtual Visa card in seconds and pay online internationally across the entire Visa network. This first step in our strategic partnership brings Orange Money closer to a clear objective: becoming a payment method accepted everywhere, from major e-commerce platforms to local merchants,” he said.
Operationally, the partnership centers on integrating a Visa virtual card directly into the Orange Money ecosystem through the Max it application. Users can generate their card in a few clicks, fund it from their mobile wallet and pay for online purchases on local and international websites. Orange Money initially rolled out the solution in pilot markets such as Botswana, Madagascar and Jordan. The company has since introduced the service in Côte d’Ivoire and plans to expand it to additional countries, including Guinea, Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Orange Money also plans to launch a physical version of the card to support broader use cases.
The initiative comes as Africa consolidates its position as a global engine of mobile money growth. According to GSMA data, the continent recorded more than one billion registered mobile money accounts in 2024 and accounted for over 70% of global mobile money transactions. At the same time, e-commerce continues to grow, supported by rising internet and smartphone penetration, although limited access to international online payment methods still restrains adoption. By combining Visa’s global acceptance network with Orange Money’s strong local footprint, the partnership aims to address this structural gap.
By leveraging Orange Money’s local presence — with more than 45 million active accounts across 17 African countries — and Visa’s international acceptance network, the partnership could help narrow the digital payments divide. Over time, it aims to integrate millions of users and small businesses into the digital economy by providing payment tools aligned with the requirements of online commerce while reinforcing financial inclusion across the continent.
Samira Njoya
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The Health Ministry will deploy a national digital platform to coordinate patient transfers between hospitals.
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The system will impose a maximum 48-hour response time for urgent transfer requests.
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The platform integrates with ground and air medical transport services, including the Civil Protection and Air Algérie.
Algeria’s government continues to expand its national digitalization agenda, which now extends to the health sector where needs remain critical. Authorities aim to modernize essential services and improve continuity of care across the country.
The Health Ministry plans to launch a digital platform to organize patient transfers between hospitals. Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudene announced the initiative on Thursday, 11 December, during a presentation before the Council of the Nation. The platform seeks to streamline a process that remains complex, especially in southern and High Plateaus provinces where access to specialized care remains limited.
The system will establish a fully digital workflow for filing, tracking and validating transfer requests, which are currently processed through multiple uncoordinated channels. The minister said these operations follow a strict regulatory framework requiring each request to be reviewed within reasonable timelines. He added that urgent cases must receive “a maximum response time of 48 hours.”
This project forms part of Algeria’s 2030 national digital transformation strategy, which prioritizes the modernization of public services. It comes as authorities seek to improve continuity of care across a vast territory with significant geographic disparities. Southern provinces, which represent more than 80% of Algeria’s land area, continue to face limited access to several medical specialties, making transfers essential for cases requiring advanced expertise.
The platform will automate several key steps, from registering requests to verifying medical criteria and transmitting files to the teams responsible for evaluation. It will also track compliance with response deadlines and facilitate the activation of emergency protocols when needed.
The system will connect to all medical transport services, including ground ambulances and air evacuation units operated by the Civil Protection, Air Algérie, and, in the most critical situations, the Algerian Air Force.
The transfer-management platform aligns with Algeria’s broader effort to digitize its health system. The government is deploying the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), establishing the National Agency for Health Digitalization (ANNS), expanding telemedicine, and adopting new national cloud solutions for hosting health data.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Gara Store has signed a strategic deal to distribute Média-Participations' French-language catalog across Africa.
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The partnership addresses structural market barriers including mobile-first access and local payment constraints.
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Média-Participations targets Africa as a priority expansion market following growth in Europe, America, and Asia.
The African digital content market experiences rapid growth. A young and connected population drives this trend. However, infrastructure limits access. High costs and a lack of adapted platforms also impede the sector.
Gara Store announced a strategic distribution agreement with European group Média-Participations on Tuesday, December 9. Gara Store operates as an African digital content distribution platform. Média-Participations functions as a major player in French-language comics and family entertainment. This partnership targets the African public with thousands of iconic works. It also strengthens the group's presence in an expanding market.
The agreement covers the French-language catalog of Média-Participations. This inventory includes comics, youth content, and spiritual works. Gara Store will integrate these titles into its system. The platform currently conducts tests in several African countries during its deployment phase. The developers designed the system to address structural obstacles on the continent. These challenges include payment difficulties, mobile Internet access, and local economic constraints. The partners also present the deal as a lever for the African digital entertainment market. It supports creators. It builds a competitive local cultural ecosystem.
The collaboration occurs as the African digital content market sees sustained growth. The continent counts more than 670 million Internet users. Mobile devices provide access for a majority of these users. Mobile networks handle over 70% of Internet connections in Africa. Online entertainment demand increases rapidly within a very young population. People under 25 represent more than 60% of this demographic. However, legal access to cultural content remains limited despite this dynamic. High costs cause this bottleneck. Payment difficulties and fragmented catalogs also contribute to the problem.
Média-Participations views this agreement as a strategic step in its international expansion. The group targets Africa as a new priority market following Europe, America, and Asia. Julien Papelier, General Director of the group, highlighted the significance of the move. "This agreement opens many perspectives for generations of Africans who will discover or rediscover our iconic titles."
The partnership between Gara Store and Média-Participations should expand access to reference content on the continent. The deal aims to encourage collaboration between African creators and international players. It demonstrates the potential of the African digital entertainment market. It generates economic opportunities for the entire value chain. Furthermore, data collected via the platform will help analysts understand local usages and expectations. This insight allows the companies to anticipate future market needs.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English y Ange Jason Quenum