Tech (1262)
- Algeria had more than 22 million payment cards in circulation at the end of March 2026, including nearly 18 million Edahabia cards issued by Algérie Poste.
- Electronic payment transactions rose 46% year-on-year in 2025 to 939 billion dinars ($7 billion).
- Authorities continue to expand digital payment infrastructure as part of broader efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash.
Algeria continues to accelerate its transition toward digital payments as authorities push to modernize financial services and expand financial inclusion.
Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzred told the Council of the Nation on Thursday, May 14, that the country had more than 22 million payment cards in circulation at the end of March 2026. The total included nearly 18 million Edahabia cards issued by Algérie Poste.
The expansion forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernizing payment services and encouraging wider adoption of electronic transactions.
Official figures highlighted the scale of the expansion. Algeria’s network of automated teller machines reached 4,713 units at the end of March 2026 and processed around 235 million operations.
At the same time, the number of electronic payment terminals exceeded 104,000 units, up sharply from around 68,000 at the end of 2024. The increase reflected faster deployment of payment equipment among merchants across the country.
The use of digital payment methods also expanded significantly in value terms. According to data from GIE Monétique, electronic payments processed through payment terminals, online platforms and mobile services reached 939 billion dinars, or about $7 billion, in 2025. The figure marked a 46% increase from the previous year.
Online payments recorded particularly strong growth, with more than 27 million transactions generating over 145 billion dinars in value.
Mobile money transfers also increased sharply, supported notably by the growing use of applications such as BaridMob and Wimpay.
Several reforms introduced in recent years have supported the sector’s growth.
In 2024, authorities established a National Commission for Electronic Payment Methods to accelerate the development of digital payments and strengthen transaction security.
At the same time, the expansion of digital public services, the rise of e-commerce and the gradual adoption of online payments have started to change consumer habits in a country historically dominated by cash transactions.
Despite rapid growth in payment cards and electronic terminals, cash remains the dominant payment method in the Algerian economy. According to recent data cited by GIE Monétique, fewer than 10% of merchants in the country currently operate electronic payment terminals.
Nevertheless, authorities continue to rely on the digitization of financial services to accelerate adoption of electronic payments.
For the government, the challenge extends beyond transaction modernization. Authorities also aim to reduce the informal economy, improve the traceability of financial flows and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Debt financing accounted for $305 million of the $600 million raised by African startups in the first quarter of 2026.
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Startups increasingly turned to non-dilutive financing as higher interest rates and investor caution slowed equity funding.
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Early-stage companies faced mounting pressure as the number of small fundraising rounds sharply declined.
Debt financing became the leading source of funding for African startups for the first time during the first quarter of 2026, marking a structural shift in the continent’s technology investment landscape.
Debt represented $305 million of the $600 million raised by African startups during the quarter, compared with just $50 million during the same period in 2025, according to data from Africa: The Big Deal.
The shift extended a trend that has accelerated over recent years. According to Partech’s 2025 annual report, published in January 2026, debt financing in Africa’s startup ecosystem increased from $1.01 billion at the end of 2024 to $1.64 billion at the end of 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 63%.
The number of debt transactions followed the same trajectory. Transactions increased by 40% to a record 108 deals across the continent in 2025.
Debt accounted for 41% of total capital invested in African startups in 2025, compared with 31% in 2024 and 17% in 2019.
“We observed that debt financing represented the most significant structural change of 2025. Although debt financing remained marginal a few years ago, it has become a central pillar of African technology funding,” Partech said in its report.
The investment firm said the increase reflected a lasting transformation rather than a cyclical recovery. A growing number of African startups now generate sufficient cash flow, operational scale and governance standards to access structured and non-dilutive financing instruments.
In April 2026, Togolese mobility startup Gozem secured $24.5 million in debt financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand its vehicle fleet.
At the same time, Kenyan agritech startup Victory Farms obtained $15 million in financing through AgDevCo.
“The figures appear positive at first glance, but the sharp decline in equity financing and the scarcity of small funding rounds reflect a tougher environment for seed-stage startups,” said Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal.
Geographic distribution data also revealed major disparities across African markets.
Kenya led the continent in debt financing during 2025 with $498 million raised through debt instruments, representing 48% of all capital deployed in the country.
Egypt followed with $246 million in debt financing, up 73% year on year, while Nigeria secured $160 million, up 132%. Senegal attracted $139 million, while South Africa raised $72 million, down 45%.
However, the rapid growth of debt financing coincided with a sharp contraction in overall deal activity.
The total number of startup funding transactions fell by 34% between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, declining from 140 to 92 deals.
Small funding rounds ranging between $100,000 and $500,000 dropped from 73 transactions to 32 over the same period.
As a result, many early-stage startups that lack the scale or revenue growth required to access debt financing increasingly found themselves excluded from parts of the funding market.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Liberia launched a cybersecurity and digital forensics laboratory to strengthen national cyber defense capabilities.
- The infrastructure includes real-time threat monitoring systems, digital forensic tools, and incident response capabilities.
- Interpol estimates cybercrime losses in Africa exceeded $3 billion between 2019 and 2025.
Liberia has launched a cybersecurity and digital forensics laboratory aimed at reinforcing the country’s ability to respond to growing cyber threats.
A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) conducted an inspection visit to the facility on Tuesday, May 12. The regional organization evaluated the laboratory’s compliance and performance levels as part of its monitoring framework for cybersecurity initiatives across member states under its regional cybersecurity strategy.
Advanced Infrastructure Dedicated to Cybersecurity
According to Liberia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the laboratory includes next-generation digital forensic tools, real-time threat monitoring systems, advanced incident response capabilities, and specialized training equipment.
“This world-class laboratory significantly strengthens the country’s capacity to investigate cybercrime, recover digital evidence, analyze threats, and defend against emerging cyber risks,” the ministry said in a statement published on Facebook.
A previous ministry statement issued in 2024 during the project launch said the laboratory would operate through two main divisions: a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a digital forensics unit.
The CERT division will respond to digital threats, including cyberattacks and hacking attempts, while also overseeing system monitoring, risk mitigation, and cybersecurity training. Meanwhile, the digital forensics unit will support investigations by enabling law enforcement agencies to collect and analyze digital evidence in cases such as financial fraud and drug trafficking.
A Project Supported by ECOWAS Since 2019
The initiative dates back to 2019, when ECOWAS committed to providing Liberia with approximately $400 million worth of digital forensic equipment, subject to the availability of a suitable site. However, delays linked to securing $100,000 for renovation works slowed implementation for several years. The project nevertheless accelerated in 2024 under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Liberian authorities to secure national cyberspace amid rising digital threats. In its “Cybercrime Africa Cyberthreat Assessment 2025,” Interpol said the expansion of digital services, social media, e-commerce, and mobile banking had fueled the growth of cybercrime in Africa. The report said cybercrime accounted for more than 30% of reported offenses in West and East Africa in 2024, while cumulative financial losses across the continent between 2019 and 2025 exceeded $3 billion.
Against that backdrop, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has called on governments to strengthen cybersecurity systems in order to fully benefit from digital opportunities. The ITU currently ranks Liberia at the second-lowest tier of its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. The organization acknowledged progress in regulatory frameworks and cooperation while continuing to identify weaknesses in technical capacity, organizational structures, and skills development.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Orange plans to train more than 3 million young people in digital skills across Africa and the Middle East by 2030.
- The telecom operator will open 50 new Orange Digital Centers, increasing its network to 100 facilities in the region.
- Orange aims to support more than 500 start-ups by 2030 while expanding job placement and self-employment programs.
Amid rising demand for qualified workers across Africa, digital skills continue to play an increasingly central role in labor market integration. Against that backdrop, Orange announced new commitments on Tuesday to strengthen youth employability across the continent during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
The telecom operator said it will intensify investments in training, entrepreneurship, and professional integration as part of its broader socio-economic transformation strategy focused on Africa’s growing youth population.
Orange said it aims to train more than 3 million young people by 2030 in digital professions including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and entrepreneurship. The group will provide the programs free of charge and deliver certified training through an expanded network of dedicated infrastructure.
To support that target, Orange plans to open 50 additional Orange Digital Centers, raising the total number of facilities to 100 across Africa and the Middle East. The initiative will also rely on partnerships with more than 167 universities as well as international learning platforms such as Coursera. Orange said the strategy seeks to improve access to digital skills while aligning training programs more closely with labor market needs.
Beyond training, the company also plans to accelerate youth employment and entrepreneurship initiatives. Orange said it will support more than 500 start-ups by 2030, building on a program that has already backed more than 400 young businesses across the continent. The company said it wants to convert acquired skills into concrete economic opportunities in sectors including fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and e-commerce.
Orange also highlighted its “Master Repair” initiative, which it developed in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The program operates in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Egypt. The project trains young people in technical professions linked to electronic equipment repair as well as the installation and maintenance of energy and connectivity solutions.
At the midpoint of the program, 285 young people had already acquired operational skills. Orange said women represented 26% of beneficiaries, while nearly one-third of participants were people living with disabilities. The project has now entered a phase focused on professional integration, with reinforced support for salaried employment and self-employment opportunities.
By combining skills training, entrepreneurial support, and job placement initiatives, Orange aims to address one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: job creation for a rapidly growing young population. The company said the strategy forms part of a broader effort to position digital technology as a driver of economic and social inclusion across the continent.
Samira Njoya
- Chad has required all visa applications to go through the official evisa.td platform since May 11, 2026.
- Authorities will invalidate all visas issued outside the digital platform starting May 21, 2026.
- Chad has joined a broader African trend toward fully digital visa systems alongside Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana.
Chad has shifted all visa applications to an online-only system as authorities accelerate the digitalization of immigration and consular procedures.
The sub-directorate of E-Visa at the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration announced the measure in a statement published on Friday, May 8, 2026. Authorities said all visa applications for Chad must now go through the official platform, eVisa Tchad, effective Monday, May 11.
The government launched the eVisa Chad platform in December 2024. However, the platform has now become the sole application channel for all visa categories except diplomatic and courtesy visas, which Chadian diplomatic missions will continue to manage.
Authorities said the reform implements Decree No. 2299/PR/PM/MSPI/2025 and a 2026 joint ministerial order governing the entry and residence conditions of foreign nationals in Chad.
The government said the new framework will centralize and secure visa processing while simplifying administrative procedures for travelers and immigration authorities.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that a transition period remains in place. Previously issued visas will remain valid until their expiration dates.
However, authorities said they will invalidate any visa issued outside the eVisa platform starting May 21, 2026. Consequently, travelers holding visas issued through other channels will no longer gain entry into Chad. Authorities also abolished manual entry authorizations permanently.
With this reform, Chad has joined a broader movement across Africa toward fully digital visa systems.
Several African countries, including Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana, have already adopted fully digital systems to manage entry applications and immigration procedures.
The reform reflects growing efforts among African governments to modernize border management systems, strengthen administrative oversight and streamline travel procedures through digital platforms.
Samira Njoya
- Gabon’s civil aviation authority signed a partnership agreement with the national digital infrastructure agency to strengthen cybersecurity in the aviation sector.
- The agreement targets the modernization of aviation IT systems, protection of sensitive data and continuity of operations.
- Gabon aligned the initiative with its broader digital transformation strategy and International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
Gabon has moved to strengthen the protection of digital systems in its civil aviation sector as governments and operators face rising cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.
The National Civil Aviation Agency, known as ANAC, announced on Thursday, May 7, that it signed a partnership agreement with the National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies, or ANINF. The initiative aims to secure critical infrastructure and modernize information systems across the aviation sector.
Under the agreement, ANINF will support ANAC in upgrading its digital systems. The partnership seeks to strengthen the security of IT infrastructure, improve the management of sensitive data and optimize communication and administrative tools used in civil aviation operations.
Moreover, the agreement includes measures to strengthen service continuity systems and improve resilience against digital incidents. The two institutions are also working to enhance interoperability between information systems in order to facilitate secure and structured data exchanges between government agencies.
Part of a Broader Digital Transformation Strategy
The initiative forms part of Gabon’s broader national digital transformation strategy, which prioritizes digital sovereignty and administrative modernization.
In addition, the partnership aligns with standards promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which encourages member states to strengthen cybersecurity protections for aviation infrastructure.
The agreement comes amid a global rise in cyberattacks targeting civil aviation systems and critical infrastructure. Governments and operators increasingly face challenges linked to the convergence of IT systems and operational technology environments.
As a result, authorities now treat digital system protection, sensitive data security and operational continuity as central strategic priorities.
Toward a More Resilient and Connected Administration
Beyond the aviation sector, the partnership reflects Gabon’s broader objective of building a more secure and interconnected public administration.
By restructuring digital systems around stronger cybersecurity standards, Gabon aims to improve the reliability of public digital services and strengthen the protection of strategic national data.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kenyan entrepreneur Sila Kironji co-founded Intelli, an AI-powered customer relationship management platform launched in 2024.
- Intelli centralizes customer interactions across WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, email and websites through a single interface.
- The platform combines automated AI support with human intervention for complex customer requests.
Sila Kironji serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Intelli, a digital platform specializing in customer relationship management.
Founded in 2024, Intelli allows companies to centralize customer interactions through a single interface that integrates multiple communication channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, email and websites. The platform aims to accelerate response times, automate repetitive tasks and improve the overall quality of customer service.
Intelli operates around an intelligent assistant capable of interacting with customers automatically. Companies can create the assistant without advanced technical knowledge through a simplified visual system. Businesses can also train the assistant to answer customer questions by importing internal documents, frequently asked questions and operational information.
Once configured, companies can deploy the assistant across multiple communication channels to provide continuous and consistent responses to users.
Although Intelli focuses heavily on WhatsApp integration and offers live messaging systems for websites, the platform still incorporates human support agents.
When customer requests exceed the capabilities of the automated assistant, human agents can immediately take over conversations. This hybrid approach aims to maximize responsiveness without compromising the quality of complex interactions.
In addition, Intelli integrates advanced analytics tools. Businesses can monitor performance indicators including message volumes, activity peaks, customer engagement and agent efficiency in order to optimize support strategies continuously.
Kironji’s involvement in the technology sector extends beyond Intelli. In 2023, he co-founded Hotspot Aerial Solutions, a company that uses data and artificial intelligence to create sector-specific solutions.
Kironji also belongs to the OpenAI Community Forum, a network that promotes mentorship between AI professionals and students. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Kenya Aeronautical College. He also obtained a second bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Shenyang Aerospace University.
After completing several internships, Kironji joined Skymax Aviation in 2019 as an aeronautical technician. Between 2020 and 2023, he worked at Kenya Flying Labs, where he held positions as drone development engineer and chief technology officer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on May 7 to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and public administration modernization.
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The agreement covers public service digitization, artificial intelligence, open government, data governance and emerging technologies.
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Both countries plan to launch technical exchanges, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives, including hackathons, to support joint digital projects.
Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on Thursday, May 7, to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and administrative modernization. Officials signed the agreement on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the African Governance Forum.
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Akanvariva Lydia Lamisi signed the protocol, which outlines several priority areas. The agreement focuses on public-service digitization, open government, artificial intelligence, data governance and data valorization. In addition, both governments plan to promote emerging technologies as tools to improve administrative efficiency.
Beyond political commitments, the partnership also establishes concrete operational mechanisms. The cooperation framework includes exchanges of expertise, technical missions, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives such as hackathons. Both countries aim to encourage the development of high-impact joint projects, strengthen administrative capabilities and stimulate national digital ecosystems.
The initiative forms part of a broader trend of closer cooperation among African countries on digital sovereignty and public-sector efficiency. Morocco continues to expand partnerships as it implements its digital strategy through 2030 and strengthens its position as a regional digital-services hub.
At the same time, Ghana continues to emerge as a leading digital innovation player in West Africa, particularly through progress in digital financial services and digital identity systems.
The agreement also comes as civil society organizations attending the Rabat meetings adopted a joint declaration aimed at strengthening political commitment to transparency and citizen participation across the continent.
Samira Njoya
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South Africa published a draft regulation to introduce a national digital identity system alongside physical identity cards.
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The system will operate through the “MyMzansi” mobile application and will use biometric authentication, NFC, Bluetooth and QR code verification.
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The government aims to strengthen security, reduce identity fraud and expand access to digital public services.
South Africa advanced its digital government strategy on Monday, May 4, as the Ministry of Home Affairs published a draft regulation paving the way for a national digital identity system that will operate alongside existing physical identity cards.
The government designed the initiative under its “Home Affairs @ home” strategy, which aims to allow citizens to access administrative services directly from their smartphones. The system will operate through a mobile application called “MyMzansi,” which will allow users to store and use secure digital versions of official documents.
Meanwhile, authorities stated that the digital identity will remain valid for five years and will require biometric facial verification for remote renewal. The government also plans to introduce authentication technologies including NFC, Bluetooth and QR codes to facilitate identity verification across public and private services.
However, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the digital identity will remain optional and will not replace physical identity cards.
The government confirmed that both formats will coexist in a hybrid system designed to modernize public administration while maintaining inclusion for citizens with limited digital access.
A Tool to Fight Fraud and Financial Crime
At the same time, the government framed the reform as a broader security initiative beyond administrative digitization. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the system would strengthen efforts to combat identity theft, financial fraud, corruption and illegal immigration. The project includes advanced security mechanisms such as biometric capture, liveness detection, data encryption and device-based identity binding to a specific mobile phone. In addition, authorities plan to strengthen data protection frameworks as global concerns over cybersecurity and privacy continue to rise.
Toward a Fully Digital Administration
The South African government aims to position the digital identity system as the foundation of a broader e-government infrastructure. Over time, authorities plan to integrate multiple services into the MyMzansi platform, including driving licences, academic certificates, social services and selected police and judicial procedures.
The reform comes as South Africa seeks to modernize public services that often face criticism for administrative delays and long queues at government offices. The draft regulation remains open for public consultation until June 6, 2026, before potential final adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Burundi introduced a digital platform for civil registration management and the production of a new biometric national identity card.
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Authorities said the reform required legal amendments to replace manual civil registration procedures with digital processes.
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Burundi still faces infrastructure constraints, including limited electricity and internet access, with internet penetration standing at 11.1% at the end of 2025.
Burundi has continued the modernization of its public administration through a broad digitalization program focused on civil registration and citizen identification systems. On Tuesday, May 6, the Ministry of the Interior, Community Development and Public Security presented a digital platform dedicated to managing administrative documents and producing a new biometric national identity card.
According to Valentin Nahimana, Director General in charge of administrative programs at the ministry, authorities had prepared the reform for several years. However, implementation required adjustments to the existing legal framework, particularly provisions in the family code that still mandated manual registration of civil records. Nahimana said the government needed these legal changes to integrate new technologies into the administrative system.
The future biometric identity card will include several security features designed to reduce the risks of forgery and identity theft. Authorities said the card’s unique identification number will also serve as a reference for other official documents, including passports and various administrative services.
The initiative forms part of Burundi’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernizing public services, strengthening data security and improving citizen identification systems. The project notably includes the digitization of civil registration records, which authorities have long managed manually, as well as the introduction of an identification system aligned with international standards.
On the technical side, authorities said they have nearly completed the required infrastructure and now await the adoption of a decree that will formally govern the system’s use. However, several challenges remain, including limited access to electricity and internet connectivity in some rural areas. According to the latest DataReportal figures, Burundi’s internet penetration rate reached 11.1% at the end of 2025, one of the lowest levels in sub-Saharan Africa.
Beyond the issuance of a national identity document, the project marks a new stage in Burundi’s digital transformation agenda. Authorities expect the initiative to strengthen administrative governance, facilitate access to public services and establish the foundations of a more modern and interconnected digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Tunisia’s central bank launched the national “TUNPAY” label to unify and strengthen the country’s mobile payment ecosystem.
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Mobile transactions in Tunisia rose 81% in 2025 to 8.4 million operations worth 1.769 billion dinars ($616 million).
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Banks, payment institutions, and Tunisia’s postal service must integrate the TUNPAY visual identity into their digital and physical payment channels.
The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) advanced its digital payments strategy through the launch of “TUNPAY,” a national label designed to unify and strengthen the country’s mobile payment ecosystem. In a note published on Monday, May 5, the institution said it developed the initiative in partnership with Société Monétique Tunisie (SMT).
The initiative aims to harmonize the identification of mobile payment services for the general public. Authorities want to make payment solutions more visible and easier for users to recognize.
Under the framework, banks, payment institutions, and Tunisia’s postal service, which operate electronic wallet services, must integrate the TUNPAY visual identity into their applications, digital interfaces, and physical acceptance points. Merchants, agencies, and agent networks using mobile payment services will also display the label.
Through the initiative, the central bank seeks to strengthen user confidence and accelerate the adoption of digital payments in a market that remains in a development phase. Authorities also want to improve service interoperability and simplify the user experience as financial technology offerings continue to diversify.
The move comes as mobile payments record sustained growth in Tunisia. According to BCT data, the number of mobile phone transactions increased by 81% in 2025 to 8.4 million operations. In value terms, the transactions reached 1.769 billion dinars ($616 million) during the year.
Despite the momentum, Tunisia’s market still trails several African countries where contactless payments and near-field communication (NFC) technologies are expanding rapidly. In Tunisia, many mobile transactions still rely on SMS-based validation systems.
Tunisian authorities nevertheless continue to roll out initiatives aimed at accelerating the digitization of financial services. The strategy reflects a broader trend across North Africa and the continent, where central banks seek to modernize payment infrastructure to promote financial inclusion and reduce cash usage.
With TUNPAY, Tunisia aims to lay the foundations for a payment environment that is more structured, more recognizable, and better aligned with the rapid expansion of digital financial services.
Samira Njoya
- Huawei, Moroccan authorities, and Dott Medical signed an agreement to deploy telemedicine solutions and upgrade primary healthcare facilities.
- The partnership will combine digital infrastructure, medical equipment, and remote consultation platforms, starting with a pilot phase.
- The initiative supports Morocco’s broader healthcare reform and aims to reduce regional disparities in access to care.
On the sidelines of GITEX Future Health Africa, Morocco’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Morocco and Dott Medical on May 4 in Casablanca. The agreement aims to structure the deployment of telemedicine solutions and modernize primary healthcare facilities.
Amine Tehraoui oversaw the signing of the agreement. The initiative aligns with Morocco’s ongoing healthcare reform, which includes the gradual expansion of universal health coverage and efforts to reduce disparities in access to care.
The partnership will develop an integrated solution that combines digital infrastructure, medical equipment, and remote consultation platforms. The stakeholders aim to improve patient care, optimize the use of medical resources, and streamline care pathways, particularly in underserved regions.
Huawei will provide connectivity and digital infrastructure, while Dott Medical will supply specialized medical equipment tailored to healthcare facilities.
At the same time, the partners will ensure compliance with national health data protection requirements, which remain critical to building a sovereign digital health ecosystem.
Before scaling deployment, the partners will launch a pilot project to assess the technical, clinical, and organizational viability of the system. In addition, they will implement training programs to help healthcare professionals adopt and use these tools effectively.
This initiative comes as e-health gains momentum across Africa, where governments are leveraging digital tools to address demographic pressures and infrastructure constraints. In Morocco, authorities are betting on these technologies to improve system efficiency, as the country has about seven doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, a ratio that remains below some emerging market standards.
Beyond healthcare modernization, Morocco aims to capture economic and strategic value from digital health. The country seeks to build a local ecosystem, stimulate innovation, attract investment, and position itself as a regional hub in the sector.
Authorities reaffirmed this ambition during the launch of the first edition of GITEX Future Health Africa Morocco, which brought together public and private stakeholders in Casablanca to advance healthcare system transformation.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Burkina Faso launched a national portal to centralize public e-services and secure user access.
- The platform already lists 1,672 service guides, 95 digital procedures, and involves 183 public institutions.
- Authorities introduced a parallel citizen petition platform requiring 5,000 signatures for review.
Burkina Faso is accelerating the digitalization of public services as governments across Africa expand e-service delivery to improve efficiency and user trust.
The government launched a national portal on May 5 in Ouagadougou to centralize all online public services and secure access. Authorities designed the initiative as part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at improving service quality and strengthening user confidence in digital platforms.
The portal, accessible via www.service-public.gov.bf, aggregates digital services offered by the state and directs citizens to official channels. The government introduced the platform to address the growing issue of fraudulent administrative websites by ensuring the authenticity of online services.
At this stage, the platform provides 1,672 practical information sheets, 95 dematerialized procedures, and integrates 183 public institutions, reflecting the scale of the ongoing reform.
Authorities said the platform acts as a single gateway for digital administrative procedures. As a result, the system should simplify processes and improve the user experience in interactions with public administration.
In parallel, the government launched a dedicated citizen petition platform to strengthen public participation in institutional life. The system allows citizens to submit proposals and raise concerns directly with authorities. However, a petition must gather at least 5,000 signatures before authorities review it.
These tools demonstrate the government’s intention to accelerate public sector digitalization while increasing interaction with citizens. Officials said they will gradually integrate additional services into the portal to expand the dematerialization of administrative procedures.
Within this framework, each ministry will propose new procedures for digitalization in the coming months. Authorities will invite users to help prioritize these services, aiming to align digital public offerings with citizens’ actual needs.
The launch follows recent efforts to expand e-services. In early April, the public treasury introduced two digital platforms, Lanaya and e-BDT, to modernize financial operations management and simplify administrative processes.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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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