Tech (1249)
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MainMoney introduced palm-vein biometric payments that eliminate the need for cards or mobile phones.
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The system targets over 29 million mobile money users while addressing persistent cash dominance.
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The solution aims to expand financial inclusion and improve transaction security across sectors.
MainMoney has introduced palm biometric technology into the Congolese financial market through the deployment of its payment terminal. The company officially launched the device on April 29. It aims to facilitate transactions and expand financial inclusion across the country.
The solution allows users to make payments without a bank card or mobile phone. It uses biometric authentication based on the palm of the hand. The system relies on “Palm Vein” technology, which analyzes the internal vein pattern of the hand to identify each user.
This method offers higher security than traditional fingerprint systems because it uses unique biological characteristics that are difficult to replicate. As a result, it strengthens transaction reliability. Users must first register their biometric data to link their physical identity to their payment profile.
“This is what we want to explain behind the MainMoney concept: your hand becomes your wallet. We created MainMoney because we know that at least 29 million Congolese have a mobile money account, and some also have a bank account, but cash still dominates in our community. We wanted to expand financial inclusion,” said Sylvain Mubenga, Chief Executive Officer of MainMoney.
The device targets both individuals and organizations. It serves civil servants, students, and everyday service users, including those in supermarkets, fuel stations, and healthcare facilities.
For businesses, the platform centralizes payments and improves payroll management. It enables use cases such as wage payments based on actual working days, which can streamline administrative processes.
In a country where cash usage remains widespread despite mobile money adoption, the solution addresses persistent barriers to financial inclusion. It aims to secure transactions, reduce risks associated with cash circulation, and simplify access to digital financial services for a population still heavily reliant on physical currency.
Therefore, MainMoney positions its biometric payment system as a tool to accelerate the transition toward a more inclusive and secure digital financial ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Tanzania is building a Kiswahili-based AI language model as part of its 2026/2027 digital transformation strategy.
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Kiswahili is spoken by over 100 million people across East Africa and the Great Lakes region.
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Mobile subscriptions reached 111.9 million and internet users rose to 58.9 million by March 2026.
The Government of Tanzania has accelerated the development of a Kiswahili-based language model under its national digital transformation strategy. Angellah Kairuki, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, announced the initiative on April 30 during the presentation of her ministry’s 2026/2027 budget framework.
The Tanzania ICT Commission is leading the project. The commission aims to adapt AI tools to local linguistic realities to make them accessible to a broader population. The model will allow users to interact with digital systems in Kiswahili, a language spoken by more than 100 million people across East Africa and the Great Lakes region.
Authorities expect this approach to expand access to digital services, particularly in rural areas where language barriers continue to limit technology adoption. The future model will also support the production and distribution of educational and informational content in an accessible language. At the same time, it will foster the development of local digital tools.
Beyond accessibility, the project aims to structure a Kiswahili-language data ecosystem to strengthen the capabilities of local developers and innovators. It also seeks to improve the representation of African languages in AI systems, which remain largely dominated by Western languages.
This initiative comes amid strong growth in Tanzania’s digital sector. Official data show that mobile subscriptions reached 111.9 million in March 2026, up from 90.4 million a year earlier. Over the same period, the number of internet users increased to 58.9 million.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Douala signs a strategic agreement with Huawei to support its digital transformation.
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The project targets smart traffic systems, surveillance, and fiber-optic infrastructure expansion.
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Authorities plan to digitize 200,000 land records to secure transactions and reduce disputes.
The Douala Metropolitan Area signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Huawei on April 28 in China. The agreement targets the digital modernization of Douala, the country’s economic capital, which hosts more than 3.5 million residents and faces rising pressure on mobility, land management, and public services.
The partnership remains a framework agreement at this stage. However, it outlines technical support across key areas of urban management. The project includes the deployment of video surveillance systems, the implementation of intelligent traffic management solutions, and the expansion of connectivity infrastructure, particularly the municipal fiber-optic network.
A central component focuses on land management digitization. The municipality plans to digitize around 200,000 land records and introduce a digital certificate of ownership. Authorities aim to secure land transactions and reduce disputes, as land pressure continues to shape urban planning and investment dynamics.
The project also includes smart public lighting systems. These systems enable remote management of infrastructure, reduce energy costs, and improve maintenance efficiency.
In addition, the agreement integrates a skills transfer program. Huawei will train engineers and municipal officials in digital technologies through its training programs.
Authorities have not disclosed financial terms or an implementation timeline. Nevertheless, the agreement reflects a broader strategy by the Communauté urbaine de Douala to modernize urban governance through data and digital technologies.
Huawei has already implemented similar smart city projects across Africa. The company deployed solutions in Nairobi and Mombasa, where authorities integrated surveillance and urban management systems into public security frameworks.
In South Africa, the city of Ekurhuleni adopted the group’s support for digital networks, cloud solutions, and urban management applications. In Senegal, the company is implementing a project in Dakar to digitize road traffic.
These initiatives align with Huawei’s global “Safe City” strategy, which covers more than 100 cities across around 30 countries. The program combines video surveillance, traffic management, and urban data platforms.
Samira Njoya
- Ethiopia and Mozambique signed a three-year agreement on digital identity and public digital infrastructure development.
- Ethiopia will provide technical assistance, cybersecurity support and digital identity expertise through its Fayda program.
- Ethiopia has already registered more than 42 million people under its national digital identity system and targets 90 million registrations by 2030.
Ethiopia and Mozambique signed a memorandum of understanding in Addis Ababa on Monday, April 27, to cooperate on digital identity systems and public digital infrastructure development.
The agreement brings together Mozambique’s Digital Transformation and Innovation Agency (ATDI) and FaydaVerse Digital Solutions Enterprise, an Ethiopian public entity responsible for promoting the country’s digital identification expertise internationally. The three-year partnership, which both parties may renew, establishes a technical cooperation framework aimed at developing secure, inclusive and open-standard digital identity systems.
The initiative seeks to allow Mozambican citizens to identify themselves remotely and access public and private services without the need for physical travel. Under the agreement, Ethiopia will provide technical assistance to Mozambique, including technology architecture sharing, local workforce training and pilot project implementation. In addition, both parties plan to strengthen interoperability among government systems and develop tailored cybersecurity solutions.
The partnership also emphasizes technological sovereignty, which has become an increasingly important issue for African governments. The agreement aims to strengthen local control over digital systems and data while reducing dependence on foreign technology providers.
Meanwhile, Mozambique’s decision to partner with Ethiopia reflects the latter’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most advanced countries in digital identity systems. Over recent years, Ethiopia has expanded its national digital identification program, known as “Fayda,” which aims to assign every citizen a unique and secure digital identity. The system has already registered more than 42 million people and established the foundation for an integrated digital ecosystem.
Authorities designed the platform to operate across public and private services, including social benefits, financial services and online administrative platforms. As a result, Ethiopia has increasingly positioned itself as an emerging model for public digital infrastructure development in Africa.
Beyond its technical dimension, the initiative also highlights the growing role of South-South cooperation in the digital sector. Furthermore, the partnership aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 strategy and reflects broader efforts by African countries to pool expertise, accelerate digital transformation and build a more integrated digital economy across the continent.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Rwanda plans to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
- Authorities plan to use a national digital identification system to verify users’ ages.
- Several African countries, including Gabon, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, are advancing similar restrictions on minors’ access to digital platforms.
Rwanda plans to tighten regulations governing minors’ use of social media platforms as African governments increase scrutiny of children’s exposure to digital content and online risks.
ICT and Innovation Minister Paula Ingabire said on Wednesday, April 29, that the government was preparing legislation to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing digital platforms. Authorities aim to address growing concerns over online content and its impact on children’s development.
The proposed law would prevent minors from creating accounts or accessing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Authorities would implement the restrictions through cooperation between internet service providers, digital platforms and parents. The government also plans to rely on a national digital identification system to verify users’ ages.
Ingabire said national data supported the government’s decision. A recent study showed that 46% of schoolchildren already accessed digital services through mobile phones, often without parental supervision.
At the same time, between 30% and 35% of students reported difficulties linked to social media use, including attention disorders and anxiety associated with online content consumption, the minister said.
The initiative builds on Rwanda’s existing online child protection framework rather than introducing a standalone measure. In 2025, the country adopted a national child online protection policy that strengthened oversight of digital content and expanded cooperation with internet providers and digital platforms to curb harmful material.
Rwanda also already enforces cybersecurity and data protection laws that include specific provisions for minors under the age of 16.
African governments tighten digital safeguards
Rwanda’s move reflects a broader regulatory trend across Africa as governments seek to tighten controls on minors’ access to social media platforms.
In Gabon, authorities recently announced regulations that would impose a minimum age of 16 for social media access alongside stronger identity verification measures.
Zimbabwe is also considering similar restrictions targeting users under 18, while Nigeria has launched public consultations on introducing age limits for social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Egypt has started regulatory discussions aimed at strengthening child protection measures against the rise of harmful online content.
These initiatives align with broader coordination efforts led in part by the African Union to improve online safety standards for children across the continent.
Samira Njoya
- China launched an international AI competition on April 24 targeting African innovators as part of 70 years of diplomatic relations.
- The initiative, coordinated under FOCAC, aims to identify scalable AI solutions for sectors such as health, education, and public services.
- Winners will receive international exposure, publication opportunities, and potential collaboration with Chinese tech ecosystems.
China announced on Friday, April 24, the launch of an international artificial intelligence competition focused on African innovators. The initiative coincides with the celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between China and several African countries.
The program operates under the Secretariat of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). It reflects China’s strategy to engage African innovation ecosystems at a time when artificial intelligence drives economic transformation and global competitiveness.
The competition aims to identify projects that address key development challenges across Africa. It targets solutions in healthcare, education, industry, scientific research, and public services.
At the same time, the program prioritizes high-impact technologies that can integrate into broader digital transformation frameworks across the continent.
Beyond the competition itself, China positions the initiative as an international showcase platform for African innovators. Selected projects will receive increased visibility and publication in an international compendium.
In addition, organizers will connect winners with collaboration opportunities within China’s technology ecosystem. This includes potential partnerships with Chinese AI actors and institutions.
The program also includes an immersion component in China for selected winners. The organizers expect this step to strengthen exchanges between African project developers and Chinese AI experts.
As a result, the initiative aims to facilitate skills transfer and accelerate partnership development in a rapidly evolving technology sector.
China opens the competition to students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals across Africa. The program does not require formal institutional affiliation. Instead, evaluators focus on idea relevance, innovation level, and potential impact.
Authorities set the application deadline for May 29, 2026, through an online submission platform.
Samira Njoya
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Burkina Faso is exploring partnerships with Russia to train talent in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
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A pilot training program is already running in Ouagadougou with a Novosibirsk university.
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Africa could require 230 million digital-skilled jobs by 2030, highlighting urgent capacity gaps.
Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, Minister of Digital Transition, met Natalia Krasovskaia, Executive Director of the Russian Public Diplomacy Center, on April 28 in Bobo-Dioulasso. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the National Culture Week and focused on exploring training projects in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Both parties discussed the launch of training programs for young people in Burkina Faso. The ministry stated that an initial initiative is already underway in Ouagadougou. The program operates in a regional high school in partnership with a university based in Novosibirsk.
The initiative aims to develop job-ready profiles as demand for digital skills rises, driven by the digitalization of services and businesses.
In addition, authorities are considering further collaboration with a private polytechnic institute to strengthen executive-level training. The government aims to build a local talent pool capable of supporting digital transformation and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
This engagement forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Burkina Faso’s international partnerships, with increasing focus on technology sectors. Authorities aim to lay the foundation for a more autonomous digital ecosystem aligned with market needs.
The partnership comes amid a wider shortage of skilled labor in Africa’s technology sector. According to the Foresight Africa 2025–2030 published by the Brookings Institution, nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The report also projects up to 650 million training opportunities, representing a market valued at about $130 billion.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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The University of Abomey-Calavi has opened a simulation center to enhance practical pharmacy training.
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The “Pharm Expérience” facility combines a mock pharmacy with digital learning tools and real-time monitoring systems.
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The initiative supports future deployment of a national “e-pharmacy” solution and reflects a broader shift toward digital healthcare in Africa.
The pharmacy department of the University of Abomey-Calavi launched a simulation center on April 27 to strengthen hands-on training for pharmaceutical science students. The facility, named “Pharm Expérience,” aims to align academic learning with real-world conditions in pharmacies and hospital settings.
The center operates through a dual technological architecture. It includes a dispensing room that replicates a modern pharmacy environment and a classroom equipped with interactive digital tools.
A system of cameras and videoconferencing enables instructors and students to monitor practical scenarios and role-playing exercises in real time. This setup provides deeper immersion and reinforces experiential learning.
Preparing for “e-pharmacy” deployment
University authorities stated that the initiative seeks to raise training standards by bridging theory and professional practice. Habib Ganfon, Vice-Dean of the pharmacy faculty, emphasized that the project aims to place students at the center of ongoing technological transformation in the sector.
The center will also serve as a platform to prepare future pharmacists for the national “e-pharmacy” solution currently under development. The objective is to equip students with digital pharmaceutical management tools before their large-scale deployment.
Continental shift toward digital pharmacy
Beyond Benin, African countries are accelerating the adoption of digital solutions in the pharmaceutical sector. Governments and regulators are exploring online pharmacy models and digital drug distribution systems amid persistent supply chain and access challenges.
According to the report “Online Pharmacy in Africa: Regulatory Landscape and Opportunities for Action,” published in 2023 by Salient Advisory, countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa have already introduced regulatory frameworks or guidelines for online pharmacies. Ghana has gone further by implementing a state-led national e-pharmacy system.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Chad has launched a 34-member committee to modernize its digital legal framework within 45 days.
- Authorities aim to align regulations with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud computing.
- The reforms seek to strengthen cybersecurity, data protection, and digital sovereignty.
The government has initiated an update of its digital legal framework to align it with rapid technological and usage changes. Haliki Choua Mahamat, Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization of Administration, officially installed a 34-member committee in N'Djamena on Monday, April 27.
The minister stated that existing laws have become outdated due to rapid changes in the digital sector and called for fast and effective reforms. He assigned the committee a 45-day deadline to propose modernized, practical, and directly applicable legal texts.
Moreover, the committee will rely on previous work conducted by ARCEP. It will harmonize and modernize existing provisions to equip the country with a legal framework suited to current digital challenges.
The committee’s creation follows earlier policy initiatives. Boukar Michel, former Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization of Public Administration, previously announced that Chad was drafting a Digital Code. This code incorporates international standards in cybersecurity, data protection, and internet governance, thereby aligning Chad with global best practices.
In October 2025, the National Assembly of Chad ratified an ordinance adopted earlier that year. The ordinance amended a provision of the 2014 law governing electronic communications and postal activities. The reform aims to modernize the legal framework, promote competition, improve network coverage, and strengthen national digital sovereignty.
These reforms occur amid accelerating digital transformation driven by new technologies and expanding use cases. Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into digital applications, but it also introduces significant risks.
Without clear regulations, actors can use AI to spread misinformation on social media, create deceptive content such as deepfakes, and facilitate increasingly sophisticated online fraud.
Furthermore, technologies such as Cloud computing and Blockchain, along with the rise of digital platforms, are intensifying cybersecurity and data protection challenges. The current legal gap can expose users, businesses, and institutions to higher risks of cyberattacks, digital fraud, and misuse of personal data.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Senegal plans to train hundreds of engineers and thousands of youths in cloud computing for Dakar 2026.
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The government partnered with Alibaba to build a sovereign cloud infrastructure for the event.
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The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to develop local digital skills and data sovereignty.
Senegal is partnering with Alibaba Group to train engineers and thousands of young people in cloud computing, as the country prepares to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.
The government plans to train around 100 engineers and several thousand young people in cloud-related skills to support the digital infrastructure required for the Games. Alioune Sall, minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, announced the initiative, according to the Agence sénégalaise de presse.
The project relies on a partnership with Alibaba Group, which will support the deployment of a sovereign cloud infrastructure designed to host critical data for the event.
Authorities are building the cloud platform to meet high standards of availability and scalability. The infrastructure will handle sensitive data linked to the Games and support applications for accreditation, administration and visitor management.
Moreover, the platform will serve as a training base to develop local expertise capable of operating and maintaining the systems over time.
“The training will start very soon. It has not started yet because we have just completed the deployment of physical infrastructure in the data centers. We received the equipment, we installed it, and Senegalese and Chinese engineers working at Alibaba tested it to verify mirroring and redundancy,”Alioune Sall said.
Senegal will host the Youth Olympics in Dakar from October 31 to November 13, 2026, marking the first time the event takes place in Africa.
In addition to sports infrastructure, the event requires robust digital systems to manage data, accreditations and administrative services. Authorities are finalizing several digital applications, including tools to facilitate entry procedures and manage visitor flows.
The initiative aligns with the “New Deal technologique,” Senegal’s digital roadmap launched in 2025 to position the country as a regional technology hub.
The strategy prioritizes data sovereignty, digital skills development and the creation of a competitive digital economy. It targets the training of 100,000 digital graduates, including 90% certified experts, and aims to host 100% of sensitive data within the country.
Beyond the Youth Olympics, authorities aim to leverage these investments to build a sustainable digital ecosystem. The training of engineers and technicians will reduce reliance on foreign expertise and strengthen local capacity.
As a result, Senegal seeks to establish a domestically controlled digital infrastructure capable of supporting new services and attracting technology investment.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Senegal inaugurated its first UniPod innovation hub at Diamniadio in partnership with UNDP.
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The initiative aims to transform universities into engines of startups, innovation and job creation.
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The government targets 500 tech startups and 150,000 direct jobs under its long-term strategy.
Senegal has launched its first University Innovation and Technology Hub (UniPod) in Diamniadio, marking a shift toward positioning higher education institutions as key drivers of innovation and economic growth.
Authorities inaugurated the UniPod on April 27 in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. Daouda Ngom, minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Alioune Sall, minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, formalized the initiative.
Avec l’inauguration de l’UniPod à l’Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow et le lancement de « Sénégal Digital Factory : de l’idée au produit », ce lundi 27 avril 2026, le Sénégal accélère sa transformation numérique avec une ambition claire : passer de l’idée à l’impact.
— SALL Alioune (@SALLAlioune20) April 27, 2026
Dans un… pic.twitter.com/PfLTDVLlW7
The hub operates within Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow and serves as a co-creation space that brings together students, researchers, startups and private sector actors. The facility includes prototyping and experimentation infrastructure designed to support digital solutions in sectors such as health, agriculture and education. Moreover, the Diamniadio site will host a pan-African EdTech hub, strengthening its role in the regional innovation ecosystem.
The launch forms part of the “Sénégal Digital Factory” program, which aims to build a nationwide network of innovation hubs. Authorities plan to replicate similar structures in Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis to expand access to technological infrastructure and reduce regional disparities. This rollout reflects a broader effort to decentralize innovation capacity and support balanced territorial development.
Beyond infrastructure, the government aims to reposition universities as central actors in economic production. Authorities want higher education institutions to generate solutions for public administrations and private companies. In addition, the strategy seeks to transform universities into incubators for entrepreneurs and technology startups, thereby strengthening the link between education, innovation and employment.
This initiative aligns with the “Sénégal 2050” strategy and the “New Deal technologique,” which identify innovation as a key driver of growth and technological sovereignty. The government targets the creation of more than 500 certified technology startups and approximately 150,000 direct jobs in the coming years, underscoring the scale of its digital transformation ambitions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Oracle plans to launch cloud services in Kenya in the coming months.
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Kenya targets cloud adoption as a strategic priority under its 2024 Cloud Policy.
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Cloud adoption in Kenya stands at 26%, with projected economic impact rising sharply by 2033.
In this context, Oracle Corporation plans to introduce cloud services in Kenya that will allow governments, businesses and individuals to access applications and store data online through remote servers, without relying on local infrastructure.
A delegation from Oracle Corporation, led by Annick Sakho, head of government affairs for Africa, met last week with William Kabogo Gitau, Kenya’s minister of Information, Communication and Digital Economy.
The meeting forms part of broader cooperation efforts by Kenyan authorities to support ongoing digital transformation. As a result, Oracle expects to make its cloud services commercially available in the coming months.
The planned cloud infrastructure will provide end-to-end integrated capabilities to support efficient and reliable operations. It will also stimulate innovation and enable a transition beyond “software-as-a-service (SaaS)” toward more comprehensive digital solutions.
At the same time, Kenya is positioning cloud computing as a strategic priority. The government aims to use cloud adoption to drive innovation, improve service delivery and optimize resource management across public institutions and organizations. According to the “Kenya Cloud Policy” adopted in 2024, cloud computing reduces infrastructure and maintenance costs while improving efficiency and service responsiveness.
Moreover, the policy emphasizes the role of cloud technologies in accelerating innovation, strengthening data security, improving system scalability and enhancing inter-institutional collaboration. It also highlights cloud computing as a tool for international openness by facilitating cross-border data flows.
A report by Telecom Advisory Services LLC, published in September 2023, shows that cloud adoption among organizations in Kenya stands at 26%, compared with 49% in Eastern Europe and North America.
The report estimates that cloud adoption contributed 12.9 billion Kenyan shillings (about $100 million), or 0.08% of GDP, to the Kenyan economy in 2021. It projects that this contribution could reach 1,400 billion shillings by 2033, equivalent to 0.56% of GDP.
These growth prospects create opportunities for Oracle Corporation as it expands its cloud operations in Africa. The company currently operates 51 cloud regions across 26 countries, with a limited presence on the continent concentrated in South Africa.
However, Oracle plans to extend its footprint by launching new cloud regions in Morocco and Kenya, reinforcing its long-term strategy in emerging markets.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Burundi introduced BurundiPay, enabling real-time 24/7 payments across banks and mobile wallets.
- The platform ensures full interoperability between financial institutions and payment providers.
- The World Bank-backed system positions Burundi among 22 African countries with instant payment infrastructure.
Banque de la République du Burundi launched the national instant payment system “BurundiPay” on April 23 in Bujumbura, aiming to modernize financial transactions, expand financial inclusion and reduce cash reliance.
The bank designed BurundiPay to streamline transactions and strengthen financial inclusion. The system enables users to transfer money and make payments in real time, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, from both bank accounts and mobile wallets.
BurundiPay introduces full interoperability across the financial ecosystem. The platform connects commercial banks, microfinance institutions and payment service providers within a single network, allowing seamless transactions across previously siloed systems.
As a result, the system eliminates constraints such as the need to withdraw cash before transferring funds between different institutions. This shift simplifies user experience and improves transaction efficiency across the market. The platform relies on international standards, including ISO 20022, ensuring high security levels and compatibility with global financial systems.
Moreover, BurundiPay integrates with existing national infrastructure, including real-time gross settlement systems and automated clearing houses. This integration strengthens the overall payment architecture and enhances system reliability.
BurundiPay emphasizes accessibility to support mass adoption. The platform operates on both smartphones and basic mobile phones via USSD codes, addressing limited internet penetration, which official data places at around 30%. This inclusive approach aims to extend financial services to underserved populations, particularly in rural areas where banking access remains low.
World Bank supported the project through the Digital Economy Foundations Support Project (PAFEN). This backing places Burundi among 22 African countries that have deployed instant payment infrastructure.
Consequently, the initiative aligns with broader continental trends, where financial digitalization acts as a key driver of economic transformation. The success of BurundiPay will depend on adoption by market participants and end users. Its rollout could accelerate financial integration, support digital commerce growth and improve transparency of financial flows.
Therefore, the system could play a central role in advancing Burundi’s economic modernization and growth ambitions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Algeria has launched a national artificial intelligence training program to develop local skills and support start-ups.
- Authorities aim to train up to 500,000 ICT specialists under a broader digital transformation strategy.
- The program combines intensive training with practical projects and incubation support.
Algeria has stepped up efforts to build skills in emerging technologies as artificial intelligence expands across industries. Nacima Arhab and Noureddine Ouadah launched the national artificial intelligence training program on April 26 at the El Rahmania National Specialized Vocational Training Institute in Algiers.
Authorities said the initiative aims to position local skills as a central driver of adaptation to technological change and development of the knowledge economy. The program seeks to train, within short timeframes, professionals who can integrate into the digital environment and design solutions tailored to business and domestic market needs.
Intensive, Practice-Oriented Training
Moreover, the program relies on a practice-based learning model. The training cycle lasts 12 weeks, including eight weeks of intensive coursework and four weeks dedicated to real-world projects. Authorities launched a train-the-trainers program on January 15, 2026 to ensure instructional quality.
This approach aims to align training with market realities and accelerate workforce readiness. Participants work on real use cases, often in collaboration with start-ups, while using the latest artificial intelligence tools and models.
National Strategy to Accelerate Digital Skills
Furthermore, the initiative forms part of a forthcoming national digital transformation strategy that authorities plan to roll out in the near term. The strategy targets the training of up to 500,000 ICT specialists and aims to significantly reduce brain drain among qualified talent.
In this context, Algeria seeks to strengthen its technological sovereignty and capture a larger share of value generated by artificial intelligence. Authorities target AI contributions of up to nearly 7% of GDP by 2027. To support this ambition, they are deploying multiple levers, including dedicated financing mechanisms, the development of centers of excellence and broader access to digital technologies.
Beyond training, the program fits into a broader strategy to structure an innovation ecosystem. In this regard, authorities have inaugurated a business incubator within the institute to support project holders and foster the creation of technology start-ups.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum