Tech (1312)
- The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) launched a partnership to expand digital skills training and entrepreneurship support for youth and women in Africa.
- The pilot program will be deployed in Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo over 12 to 24 months.
- The initiative targets high-demand fields such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics and software development, with pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday, June 24, to support digital training and entrepreneurship across several African countries. OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo and AfDB President Sidi Ould Tah formalized the agreement following a meeting in which both institutions emphasized the strategic role of youth and women in Africa’s digital transition.
The first phase of the program will be implemented in Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Madagascar and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The initiative addresses a shared challenge across Francophone countries, where young populations face high levels of unemployment and underemployment despite growing digital opportunities.
The program will deliver training in high-demand sectors, including web and mobile development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data analytics. It will also provide participants with structured pathways to employment, self-employment and business creation.
In addition, the initiative will include bootcamps, prototyping workshops and partnerships with incubators and accelerators to support innovation and startup creation.
The two institutions will place particular emphasis on projects led by women and young entrepreneurs. They aim to reduce inequality in access to digital skills and economic opportunities across participating countries.
The initiative builds on the OIF’s previous experience in youth programs. The organization reports that it has already supported nearly 19,000 young people in digital skills, employability and entrepreneurship across the Francophone world through programs such as D-CLIC.
Beyond training activities, the OIF and AfDB will work closely with governments, training institutions and local stakeholders to strengthen national capacities. They aim to ensure local ownership of the program and long-term sustainability.
The pilot phase will run for 12 to 24 months in the five selected countries. Depending on results, the program could later be expanded to other member states of the Francophonie.
For the OIF, the partnership represents a strategic step in mobilizing funding and partnerships to scale its impact. Through collaboration with the AfDB, the organization aims to accelerate projects focused on employment, entrepreneurship and digital transformation for Francophone youth.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
- Senegal launched the $50 million Catalyst DER/FJ fund to finance innovative startups at the pre-seed and seed stages.
- The initiative aims to address a persistent funding gap that limits the growth of early-stage companies in Francophone West Africa.
- Seed financing accounts for only 1.5% of total startup capital raised in Africa, according to data from Africa: The Big Deal.
Senegal's Rapid Entrepreneurship Delegation for Women and Youth (DER/FJ) announced the creation of the Catalyst DER/FJ fund in Paris on June 20. The investment vehicle will deploy $50 million to finance innovative Senegalese startups operating at the pre-seed and seed stages.
Aida Mbodji, General Delegate of DER/FJ, announced the initiative during a keynote address on the AfricaTech stage at VivaTech 2026. Her presentation, titled "Bridging the Pre-Seed Funding Gap in Francophone West Africa: How Institutional Capital Builds the Next African Unicorns," highlighted a longstanding weakness in the region's venture capital ecosystem.
DER/FJ's assessment aligns with the conclusions of industry experts. While record fundraising rounds continue to attract attention across Africa, financing at the earliest stages of startup development remains the weakest segment of the investment chain.
Data compiled by Africa: The Big Deal confirms the imbalance. Seed-stage financing represents only 1.5% of total capital invested across Africa, a share that remains three to four times lower than the 4% to 6% typically recorded in the United States.
Consequently, many startups struggle to secure funding when founders are still building teams, validating business models and developing prototypes.
Against this backdrop, Grégoire de Padirac, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Africa, part of the AFD-Proparco group, recently underscored the importance of seed financing in an opinion piece. "Seed financing remains the cornerstone of African innovation, yet it is often overshadowed by massive fundraising rounds," he said. He added that entrepreneurs frequently face a shortage of capital precisely when teams remain incomplete and products remain at an early development stage.
Senegal's initiative seeks to address that challenge by mobilizing public resources to attract private investment, generate a leverage effect and strengthen the competitiveness of the country's startup ecosystem.
Following the official launch of the fund, five startups accompanying the Senegalese delegation—Andakia, Baamtu, SenITI, FAJMA and Absar—presented their solutions during a pitching session attended by international investors and strategic partners. The presentations provided a snapshot of Senegal's innovation pipeline and highlighted the types of ventures that could benefit from expanded access to early-stage capital through the new Catalyst DER/FJ fund.
- Madagascar plans to publish a new cybersecurity regulatory framework soon after launching a legal overhaul in December 2025.
- The new law will define security incidents, identify Critical Infrastructure Organizations (OIVs), and impose strict sanctions for non-compliance.
- Cybercrime now accounts for 30% of reported offenses in West and East Africa, according to INTERPOL's 2025 Africa cyberthreat report.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications used the first Cybersecurity Symposium, held in Antananarivo on June 22-23, to provide an update on the reform process.
Madagascar still relies on legislation adopted in 2014, which policymakers increasingly consider inadequate in addressing emerging technologies and evolving cyber threats. Authorities launched a comprehensive review of the framework in December 2025 and initially targeted completion within three months.
"The process is nearing completion and the new regulatory framework will be published shortly," said Mahefa Andriamampiadana, Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications.
The minister said the upcoming legislation will provide a precise definition of a security incident and establish criteria for identifying Critical Infrastructure Organizations, known locally as Organisations d’Importance Vitale (OIVs).
Authorities said the new framework will strengthen enforcement mechanisms and increase accountability across both public and private sectors.
"This legal framework will not be merely theoretical. It will incorporate a system of strict injunctions. If stakeholders fail to comply with the established rules, authorities will apply severe sanctions, whether they target political decision-makers or technical personnel in the field," said Éric Rakotomaniraka, Director General of the Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT).
Madagascar's legal reform comes as cybercrime continues to expand across the African continent. According to INTERPOL's 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report, cyber-related crimes now account for 30% of all reported offenses in West and East Africa. The report also noted a sharp increase in ransomware attacks during 2024. South Africa and Egypt recorded the highest levels of ransomware activity, followed by Nigeria and Kenya.
Moreover, the report found that 90% of surveyed African countries believe they require significant improvements in law-enforcement capabilities or prosecutorial capacity to effectively combat cybercrime.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Morocco plans to open a new YouCode campus in Errachidia to expand access to coding and digital skills training.
- The campus will train about 100 young people annually through a two-year intensive program in programming and digital technologies.
- The initiative supports Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, which aims to train 45,000 digital talents annually by 2030.
Moroccan authorities plan to open a new YouCode campus in Errachidia, located in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. The initiative aims to expand young people's access to digital skills and increase coding training opportunities in less centralized parts of the country. Authorities formalized the project through an agreement signed by several public institutions and civil society organizations during the inaugural edition of the “Rally IA Future Lab,” which took place from June 17 to June 19.
The partnership brings together the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, regional authorities in Drâa-Tafilalet and the LEET INITIATIVE association. The future campus will offer a two-year intensive training program in programming and digital technologies. The facility will enroll about 50 learners per cohort and train nearly 100 young people each year. The program will primarily target young people from the region, including school dropouts who demonstrate digital skills or strong potential in technology-related fields.
National Strategy to Develop Digital Talent
The initiative forms part of Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, particularly its pillar dedicated to digital talent development. The government aims to ensure that the labor market has access to skills that match the needs of a rapidly transforming economy.
Under this strategy, Morocco has set several targets for 2026 and 2030. The country plans to train 20,000 digital talents annually starting in 2026 and increase that figure to 45,000 annually by 2030. In parallel, authorities plan to retrain 26,000 people each year for digital professions beginning in 2026. The government plans to raise that figure to 50,000 people annually from 2030 onward.
To achieve these objectives, authorities are deploying bootcamps, adapting vocational training programs to labor market needs, supporting the creation of coding schools across the kingdom and developing certification systems for digital skills.
A Youth Employment Challenge
These initiatives come as digital transformation continues to reshape labor markets worldwide. According to the World Bank, about 230 million jobs across Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Meanwhile, youth employment remains a structural challenge in Morocco. Data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP) show that Morocco’s national unemployment rate stood at 13% in 2025, compared with 13.3% a year earlier. However, national averages conceal significant disparities among younger age groups.
The unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 reached 37.2%, according to HCP data. The same source reported that 19.1% of university graduates remained unemployed, while underemployment affected 10.9% of that group.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Congo’s digital transformation could generate CFA870 billion ($1.5 billion) in economic value by 2030, according to GSMA.
- The shift could create more than 144,000 jobs and connect an additional 540,000 people to mobile internet.
- GSMA says coordinated fiscal, regulatory and demand-side reforms remain essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Digital technologies are set to reshape African economies over the coming years, with expected effects on productivity, employment and access to public services. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Congo’s digital transformation could generate about CFA870 billion ($1.5 billion) in additional economic value by 2030, create more than 144,000 jobs and connect roughly 540,000 additional people to mobile internet, according to a report that the GSM Association (GSMA) published on Monday, June 22.
The report, titled “Drive Digital Transformation of the Economy in the Republic of Congo,” highlights the central role of digital technologies in the country’s future growth. The report identifies mobile connectivity, digital financial services and the gradual digitization of productive sectors as key growth drivers.
“The Republic of Congo has built a strong foundation in mobile connectivity, but closing the usage gap now requires coordinated fiscal, regulatory and demand-side reforms,” GSMA said.
The organization added that a more investment-friendly environment remains necessary to unlock the full economic potential of digital technologies.
Digital Adoption Remains Limited Despite Strong Coverage
Congo has achieved relatively advanced network coverage, with about 86% of the population covered by 4G networks. However, actual usage remains low. Only 19% of the population uses mobile internet, while about 70% of people living within network coverage remain offline.
This imbalance highlights an adoption challenge rather than an infrastructure deficit. Congo scored 26 out of 100 in the GSMA Digital Nations and Society Index 2025. The country scored 33 out of 100 for its policy and regulatory environment, reflecting a framework that remains insufficiently supportive of digital growth.
GSMA estimates that digitalization could increase the number of mobile internet users to approximately 2.2 million by 2030, representing nearly 31% of Congo’s population.
At the same time, digital expansion could generate significant fiscal benefits. GSMA projects a net fiscal impact of about CFA93 billion in 2030 through improved tax collection efficiency and a broader economic base. The report estimates cumulative tax revenues of CFA174 billion over the period.
GSMA expects digital technologies to affect every major sector of Congo’s economy, including agriculture, industry, services, trade, transport, financial services and public administration. The expansion of mobile money and digital services should strengthen financial inclusion, particularly in areas where access to traditional banking services remains limited. Meanwhile, the digitization of value chains should improve productivity, reduce transaction costs and expand market access for businesses and consumers.
To realize this potential, the report calls for a series of structural reforms. The recommendations include strengthening the investment environment for digital infrastructure, improving regulatory and tax frameworks, and reducing the cost of smartphones and mobile data services. GSMA also stresses the importance of developing digital skills and strengthening trust in digital services through appropriate cybersecurity policies.
Samira Njoya
- Burundi and India opened discussions on cooperation in digital identity and electronic payments to support public-service modernization and financial inclusion.
- Burundi is studying elements of India Stack, the digital public infrastructure that underpins India's digital identity, instant payment, and public-service delivery systems.
- India has already signed digital infrastructure cooperation agreements with 23 countries, including several African nations.
Isidora Ntakiyiruta, assistant to Burundi’s Minister of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy, discussed the issue with Upender Singh Rawat, India’s ambassador to Burundi, during a meeting on Monday, June 22. The two sides examined mechanisms that could support the modernization of public services and expand financial inclusion through the sharing of India’s experience in digital transformation.
The discussions highlighted the potential adaptation of components of India Stack to Burundi’s local context. India developed the digital public infrastructure to provide digital identity, instant payments, secure data exchange, and online access to government services.
Over recent years, India Stack has emerged as an international benchmark for digital governance and financial inclusion. The platform has enabled India to scale digital services across a vast population while improving access to financial and public services. Burundi’s interest comes as governments increasingly view Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a critical tool for improving public-sector efficiency, strengthening financial inclusion, and expanding access to essential services.
India has positioned itself as a leading global reference in this field through a digital ecosystem that serves approximately 1.3 billion people. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which enables real-time transactions, has expanded beyond the country’s borders and now operates in several markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Qatar, and France.
New Delhi has leveraged its experience to increase international partnerships centered on digital infrastructure. According to the Indian government, 23 countries have already signed cooperation agreements covering digital identity, electronic payments, data exchange, and digital public-service delivery solutions. In Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Lesotho are among the countries participating in such partnerships.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing technical contacts between relevant institutions to assess the conditions for future collaboration. Such cooperation would deepen an already active bilateral relationship that spans several sectors. India currently supports the Kabu 16 hydropower project, which both countries regard as one of the flagship symbols of their partnership.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Ethiopia launched the MESOB digital platform on June 20 to centralize access to more than 185 public services through a single government application.
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The platform uses the national digital identity system Fayda and connects multiple government databases to streamline administrative processes.
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The government positions MESOB as a cornerstone of its 2025-2030 digitalization strategy and plans to expand the platform across all ministries and public agencies.
Ethiopia officially launched the unified digital platform MESOB on Saturday, June 20. The government designed the initiative to centralize access to public services and accelerate administrative modernization. Officials unveiled the application during the “Digital for Excellence” summit. The platform seeks to simplify administrative procedures for citizens and accelerate the digital transformation of the public sector.
The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute developed MESOB as a government super app. The platform allows users to access more than 185 public services through a single account linked to the national digital identity system, Fayda. Users can obtain identification documents, complete tax procedures, apply for business licenses, secure work permits and carry out investment-related formalities through the platform.
Moreover, the platform connects databases across multiple government agencies. This integration eliminates the need for citizens to submit the same information repeatedly and reduces physical visits to public offices. According to government authorities, the integrated system will shorten processing times, improve administrative transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption associated with manual procedures.
The launch of MESOB aligns with a broader global push to develop Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Governments typically build these systems around three pillars: digital identity, data-sharing platforms between public institutions and online service delivery.
Across Africa, several countries, including Rwanda, Kenya and Morocco, continue to invest in digital public infrastructure. These investments aim to improve access to public services and support the digital transformation of national economies.
MESOB represents one of the pillars of Ethiopia’s 2025-2030 government digitalization strategy. The platform relies heavily on Fayda, Ethiopia’s national digital identity system. Fayda had registered more than 20 million users as of July 2025 and had already connected 55 institutions.
During its pilot phase, which began in April 2025, MESOB brought together 12 federal institutions and 41 public services. The government now plans to expand the platform progressively across all ministries and public agencies in the country.
Samira Njoya
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Algeria has launched a pilot version of a National Certification and Qualification Framework (CNC) to standardize and digitize the recognition of university degrees and skills.
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Authorities aim to improve graduate employability and better align higher education outcomes with labor market demands amid youth unemployment approaching 30% in 2025.
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The framework adopts internationally recognized competency-based standards and follows models already implemented in nearly 150 countries.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on June 17 the rollout of the National Certification and Qualification Framework (CNC), a digital system that structures and harmonizes the recognition of university degrees.
The platform, available at cnc.mesrs.dz, aims to improve the transparency of academic programs and facilitate the recognition of qualifications at both national and international levels.
The initiative comes as Algeria seeks solutions to youth unemployment, which approached 30% in 2025, according to government figures cited by local authorities.
“This pilot version constitutes a fundamental step in establishing a transparent and reliable higher education system and aligning university training outcomes with the real needs of the national economy,” the ministry said. The ministry added that the framework should also strengthen the professional mobility of graduates.
The CNC adopts a competency-based methodology that classifies degrees according to clearly defined qualification levels. The framework evaluates academic credentials through a combination of knowledge, practical skills and behavioral competencies. The system also incorporates criteria such as autonomy, responsibility and communication abilities.
Authorities aim to provide a clearer interpretation of qualifications while creating stronger links between academic pathways and employment opportunities. More specifically, the platform describes and classifies certifications awarded by higher education institutions while establishing benchmarks that remain comparable with international standards.
The system targets students, universities and employers. It aims to simplify the interpretation of academic qualifications and improve the identification of relevant skills during recruitment processes.
The government has positioned the CNC as part of a broader effort to modernize Algeria’s higher education system. Authorities expect the framework to increase transparency, strengthen the credibility of Algerian qualifications and improve the responsiveness of educational programs to economic needs.
The ministry stated that the framework draws on methodologies already adopted in nearly 150 countries that have implemented similar systems to standardize qualifications and facilitate academic and professional mobility.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Burkina Faso has approved a national artificial intelligence roadmap for 2026-2030 to guide the development of AI solutions across key sectors.
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The strategy targets healthcare, agriculture, education, public administration, water and energy services as priority areas for AI deployment.
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The roadmap forms part of the government's broader digital transformation agenda under the RELANCE 2026-2030 Plan and the "AI for All" initiative.
Burkina Faso has taken a new step toward developing its artificial intelligence ecosystem as authorities seek to position the technology as a driver of economic and social development. Government officials approved the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap for 2026-2030 on Wednesday, June 17. The document will serve as a strategic framework for developing AI solutions tailored to the country's priorities in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education and public administration.
The roadmap identifies several priority areas where authorities plan to deploy AI-based applications over the coming years. In healthcare, the strategy promotes the development of decision-support and medical diagnostic tools. In agriculture, authorities plan to support farmers through solutions that leverage weather forecasting and data-driven insights.
The roadmap also prioritizes educational technologies designed to address local realities and improve learning outcomes for pupils and students. In addition, the strategy includes applications for the water and energy sectors. Authorities aim to use AI-powered tools to facilitate citizen reporting, improve information flows and strengthen public service management.
The roadmap forms part of the RELANCE 2026-2030 Plan and the government's "AI for All" initiative, which authorities have identified as a central pillar of Burkina Faso's digital transformation agenda.
Stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, universities, research centers, civil society organizations and development partners participated in the drafting process. As a result, the roadmap reflects a multi-stakeholder approach designed to align technological development with national development priorities.
Burkina Faso joins a growing group of African countries that have adopted dedicated artificial intelligence strategies. In recent years, countries such as Rwanda, Senegal, Benin, Egypt and Kenya have launched similar initiatives to regulate AI development, encourage innovation and strengthen digital competitiveness. Consequently, Burkina Faso's strategy aligns with a broader continental effort to establish governance frameworks for emerging technologies while capturing their economic benefits.
For Burkina Faso, the stakes extend beyond the technology sector alone. The country continues to face significant challenges related to public service delivery, agricultural productivity and skills development. Against this backdrop, authorities view artificial intelligence as a tool that can improve the effectiveness of public policies, support local innovation and facilitate the emergence of digital services adapted to national realities.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Algeria is advancing its National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2030 and is recruiting a national expert to help implement key reforms.
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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seeks a consultant to support the High Commission for Digitalization and coordinate a technical support team.
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The eight-month assignment will focus on project monitoring, governance tools, action plans and the execution of hundreds of digitalization initiatives across the public sector.
Algeria is moving forward with its National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2030 and is seeking to strengthen the expertise supporting the initiative. In this context, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a call for applications to recruit a national digital transformation expert who will also coordinate a support team tasked with assisting the implementation of ongoing reforms.
The selected consultant will support the High Commission for Digitalization (HCN) in operationalizing the National Digital Transformation Strategy. The expert will coordinate the work of mobilized specialists, support the development of priority action plans, monitor digital projects and establish management and evaluation tools designed to measure implementation progress.
Moreover, the assignment forms part of a joint project between the UNDP and the HCN aimed at accelerating the execution of Algeria’s digital transformation roadmap. The recruitment comes as Algeria seeks to translate its National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2030 into concrete actions.
The strategy aims to modernize public administration, improve citizen services, strengthen digital governance and expand the digital economy. To support these objectives, Algerian authorities have launched several hundred digitalization projects across government agencies and public service institutions. Consequently, authorities require specialized expertise to coordinate implementation efforts, ensure project alignment and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
The mission will run for eight months, from July 2026 to March 2027, and will cover a total of 70 working days. Interested candidates may submit applications until June 24 through the UNDP Quantum supplier portal: https://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org/.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value in Africa in 2025, equivalent to 7.8% of the continent’s GDP.
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The sector supported around 13 million jobs and contributed $45 billion in public revenues, according to the GSMA.
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Mobile operators are expected to invest more than $76 billion in network infrastructure between 2024 and 2030 to expand 5G coverage and accelerate digital adoption.
Mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value across Africa in 2025, representing 7.8% of the continent’s gross domestic product, according to a report published by the GSMA on June 16. The sector also supported approximately 13 million jobs and contributed $45 billion in government revenues, underscoring its growing role in Africa’s economic development.
In its report, The Mobile Economy Africa 2026, the GSMA said the sector’s performance reflects a broader transformation of the mobile industry beyond traditional connectivity services. Mobile operators increasingly position themselves as digital transformation partners by integrating artificial intelligence, digital services and open application programming interfaces (APIs) designed for developers. As a result, operators are expanding their role within the digital economy and supporting innovation across multiple sectors. Despite significant progress in network deployment, digital adoption continues to lag behind connectivity availability.
The GSMA reported that approximately 63% of Africans who live within mobile broadband coverage areas do not use mobile internet services. The report identified device affordability, data costs and limited digital skills as the primary barriers to adoption. Consequently, affordability remains the biggest obstacle to achieving broader digital inclusion across the continent.
The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in the mobile sector. Operators increasingly use AI technologies to improve network performance, optimize customer experiences and develop new digital services.
However, the GSMA noted that existing AI models remain insufficiently adapted to Africa’s linguistic diversity and local market realities. As a result, the industry continues to face challenges in developing AI solutions tailored to the continent’s specific needs. Meanwhile, mobile operators are expected to invest more than $76 billion in network infrastructure between 2024 and 2030. The investments will support 5G expansion, improve service quality and accommodate rising digital usage across Africa.
The GSMA said these investments will play a critical role in converting existing connectivity into tangible economic gains. Moreover, the organization said stronger infrastructure investment will help narrow Africa’s digital adoption gap and unlock additional value from the continent’s expanding mobile 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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Guinea has launched a $393,333 Japanese-funded digital health pilot to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare access in remote areas.
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The project uses SPAQ technology developed by SOIK Corporation and combines a mobile application with portable ultrasound devices.
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The initiative aims to directly benefit more than 5,000 pregnant women and 5,000 newborns while supporting the digital transformation of Guinea’s healthcare system.
Guinea launched a digital health pilot project in Conakry on Tuesday, June 16, to improve access to maternal and neonatal healthcare services in remote communities. The Government of Japan finances the initiative with $393,333 and implements the project in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The project relies on the Japanese SPAQ technology developed by SOIK Corporation.
“By connecting a dedicated application to a portable ultrasound device, SPAQ enables healthcare providers to optimize and modernize prenatal monitoring, centralize medical results and strengthen monitoring activities in isolated areas,” Japanese Ambassador to Guinea Kato Ryuichi said. He added that the project will also deploy a mobile clinic, equip 10 healthcare facilities and train 20 midwives to use the digital solution.
The initiative aims to bring healthcare services closer to populations living in some of the country’s most remote locations. The combination of a mobile application and a portable ultrasound device will allow healthcare workers to conduct prenatal examinations, identify high-risk pregnancies more quickly and improve monitoring of both patients and newborns.
The project expects to directly benefit more than 5,000 pregnant women and an equal number of infants. The initiative comes as Guinea continues to face significant maternal and neonatal healthcare challenges. According to government authorities, the country has only one midwife for nearly 20,000 inhabitants.
At the same time, recurring floods have increased pressure on healthcare access. Authorities reported that floods affected more than 175,000 people in 2024, further complicating access to health facilities across several regions.
Long travel distances, shortages of medical equipment and limited healthcare coverage in some rural areas continue to constrain maternal healthcare delivery and prenatal monitoring services.
Beyond improving prenatal care, the project seeks to accelerate the digital transformation of Guinea’s healthcare system. Authorities aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of digital tools in expanding access to specialized healthcare services in remote areas. They also expect the initiative to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system against future health emergencies and climate-related disruptions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Zimbabwe will require cryptocurrency businesses to register annually with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) as part of a new regulatory framework.
- Authorities will charge registration fees of $500 for initial applications and $400 for annual renewals, while unregistered operations will constitute an offense.
- The reform aligns with a broader African trend toward regulating digital assets as cryptocurrency adoption accelerates across the continent.
The Zimbabwean government announced that it will require companies operating in the cryptocurrency sector to register with financial authorities under a framework designed to regulate a market that has until now remained largely informal.
According to regulations issued by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube and reported by Reuters, companies involved in the purchase, sale, transfer or custody of digital assets must register annually with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), an anti-money laundering body housed within the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
Authorities will charge an initial registration fee of $500 and an annual renewal fee of $400. Moreover, authorities will classify any operation conducted without registration as an offense, underscoring the government's determination to place the sector under formal supervision.
The decision follows several years of restrictions on crypto assets in Zimbabwe. Authorities began limiting activities linked to digital currencies in 2018, and those measures pushed a significant share of trading activity toward informal channels and peer-to-peer platforms.
The new framework signals a shift from restricting crypto activity toward regulating and monitoring it within the formal financial system.
Zimbabwe's move comes against the backdrop of rising crypto asset adoption across sub-Saharan Africa. According to a study published in September by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, cryptocurrency transactions reached $205 billion in sub-Saharan Africa between July 2024 and June 2025.
Users drove much of that activity through cross-border payments and remittance-related transactions. In many African countries, consumers increasingly use cryptocurrencies as an alternative to traditional banking channels, particularly because international money transfer costs remain high. The World Bank reports that remittance fees in sub-Saharan Africa rank among the highest globally and regularly exceed 6% of the amount transferred.
Zimbabwe's reform reflects a broader effort across Africa to structure and supervise the digital asset sector. In South Africa, authorities regulate crypto service providers through the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a progressive registration framework for cryptocurrency exchanges.
In Kenya, lawmakers have proposed a Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) law that would establish a shared supervisory framework between the Central Bank of Kenya and the country's capital markets regulator, illustrating a hybrid approach to digital asset regulation.
As African governments seek to balance innovation, investor protection and financial integrity, regulators across the continent continue to develop formal frameworks for the rapidly evolving crypto industry.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- The Congolese government adopted a national digital education policy to coordinate technology integration across all levels of education.
- Internet penetration reached 30.5% at the end of 2025, leaving nearly 70% of the population offline.
- The policy aims to guide investments, strengthen digital skills and improve governance across the education sector.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is seeking to strengthen the digital transformation of its education system through a newly adopted national policy that will serve as a common framework for future technology initiatives. On June 12, the Council of Ministers adopted the National Information and Communication Policy for Education and Training (PNICEF), a framework designed to harmonize the integration of digital technologies across all education cycles.
National Education Minister Raïssa Malu spearheaded the policy, which will serve as the reference framework for future digital initiatives in the sector. The policy covers primary and secondary education, vocational training, higher education, scientific research and literacy programs. Moreover, the framework seeks to promote interoperable and secure digital tools that align with national education priorities.
The government expects the policy to establish common standards and improve coordination across the education ecosystem as it expands the use of digital technologies.
The policy follows several digital transformation projects that Congolese authorities have deployed in recent years. Authorities have digitized administrative management processes in schools, strengthened education information systems and modernized mechanisms for collecting and managing education data. However, the absence of a comprehensive coordination framework has limited the coherence and complementarity of these initiatives.
Consequently, policymakers view PNICEF as a mechanism to align existing projects under a single strategic vision. The policy arrives as the country continues to face significant digital infrastructure constraints. According to DataReportal, the Democratic Republic of Congo counted 34.7 million internet users at the end of 2025, representing an internet penetration rate of 30.5%.
As a result, nearly 70% of the population remained offline. This digital divide continues to affect the education sector. Many schools still face challenges related to internet connectivity, electricity access and the availability of computer equipment.
Through PNICEF, the government aims to establish a single roadmap to guide investment decisions, strengthen digital competencies among students and teachers, and improve governance across the education sector. In addition, authorities expect the framework to create conditions for a more inclusive education system that is better aligned with the needs of the digital economy.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum