Tech (1125)
- Kenya plans to launch a digital platform to automate external debt payments, improving transparency and reducing processing delays.
- External debt totals roughly $42 billion, nearly half of the country’s public debt.
- The platform integrates key systems, including Meridian debt management and the Central Bank exchange-rate system.
Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo disclosed the initiative on January 27, following a project briefing attended by officials from the Budget Office, Auditor General, and World Bank representatives.
The system is scheduled to go live on Monday, February 2, 2026, with a one-month parallel run to ensure a secure transition.
The platform will integrate several core components: the Meridian debt management system, the Central Bank of Kenya’s exchange-rate system, and the Treasury’s payment request and approval processes.
This architecture will automate the entire payment chain—from instruction generation to approval and execution—replacing manual workflows with secure digital processes.
Chris Kiptoo said the platform “should reduce delays and errors while improving oversight of the country’s financial obligations.”
Kenya’s external debt stood at about 5.5 trillion shillings ($42 billion) at the end of 2025, nearly half of its total public debt, which exceeds 11 trillion shillings.
Fitch Ratings highlighted growing financing needs and stressed the importance of efficiently managing external borrowing in 2026.
The digital platform aims to accelerate transaction processing, enhance transparency, and improve public fund traceability. It should also facilitate coordination among government agencies and strengthen financial oversight.
The Treasury acknowledges potential cybersecurity risks in moving to a fully digital system.
Officials must safeguard against intrusions, fraud, and technical failures. Protecting sensitive data and ensuring system resilience will be critical to guarantee reliable and uninterrupted debt service.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM
-
Zimbabwe and Australia discussed bilateral cooperation on artificial intelligence and ICT development.
-
President Emmerson Mnangagwa plans to launch Zimbabwe’s national AI strategy in March 2026.
-
Australia offered technical support as Zimbabwe expands digital investment and connectivity.
Zimbabwe continues its digital transformation drive. Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera met Australia’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Minoli Perera, on Monday, January 26, 2026. The meeting focused on exploring bilateral cooperation opportunities in information and communication technologies.
The discussions centered on Zimbabwe’s forthcoming national artificial intelligence strategy. President Emmerson Mnangagwa plans to launch the strategy in March 2026. The roadmap aims to define national priorities for digital innovation, public service modernization, and technological skills development.
Official data showed rising momentum in Zimbabwe’s digital sector. ICT investments increased by 14.5%, alongside improvements in connectivity. Mobile penetration reached 103%, while internet penetration rose to 83%. These figures reflected broader access to digital services across the population.
Australia signaled readiness to support Harare through technical assistance and expertise sharing. Canberra operates an advanced national AI framework. In December 2025, the Australian government unveiled a National AI Plan to accelerate adoption across the economy.
McKinsey estimated that artificial intelligence and automation could generate between $170 billion and $600 billion in additional GDP for Australia by 2030.
The proposed cooperation could cover training, skills transfer, AI governance, and support for local start-ups. Harare aims to structure a job-creating digital ecosystem. The objective carries demographic urgency, as more than 60% of Zimbabwe’s population stands under the age of 25.
Through closer ties with Canberra, Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen its regional technological position. By prioritizing artificial intelligence and international partnerships, the country aims to use digital development as a strategic lever for economic diversification and sustainable growth.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM
- Egypt’s parliament plans legislation to restrict children’s access to social media platforms.
- President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi publicly urged age limits on minors’ social media use.
- Egypt joins a global regulatory trend as Africa lags in child online protection frameworks.
Egypt’s parliament announced on Sunday, January 25, its intention to draft legislation regulating children’s use of social media. The House of Representatives released the information in an official statement. The statement said the draft law aims to limit the negative effects of digital exposure on minors, including psychological and behavioral risks associated with early use of social platforms.
Lawmakers said they plan to hold consultations with the government and specialized institutions. The process aims to design an appropriate legal framework. The framework seeks to establish mechanisms to control children’s access to social media. The framework also seeks to regulate the practices of digital platforms operating in Egypt.
The initiative follows direct political momentum. President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi called on the government and parliament one day earlier to examine restrictions on children’s social media use. The president said authorities should consider limits until children reach an age at which they can “manage properly” these digital tools.
Through this move, Egyptian authorities align with a growing global debate over child protection in digital spaces.
Several countries have already adopted concrete measures to regulate minors’ access to social platforms. In France, the National Assembly recently approved at first reading a bill banning social media for children under 15.
Australia adopted a landmark law in December 2025 banning access to social media for children under 16. The law requires platforms to delete non-compliant accounts. The law also imposes heavy fines for violations.
Online child protection remains uneven across Africa. The International Telecommunication Union said that only 39 African countries had adopted a national child online protection strategy in 2024.
At the same time, 32% of African states remained in the drafting phase. Meanwhile, 41% of countries had taken no action. The situation contrasts with rapid digital growth. The ITU said one child worldwide connects to the internet for the first time every half-second.
For Egypt, adoption of such legislation could strengthen protections against digital risks. These risks include cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and social pressure linked to intensive screen use.
However, the legislative process remains complex. Member of parliament Amira El-Adly recently highlighted the lack of reliable official data on children’s internet use in Egypt. She also cited the absence of verified data on psychological and behavioral impacts. This data gap could complicate the creation of a framework that is effective, balanced, and enforceable.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM
- Benin issued 10.5 million digital civil status and identity documents in 2025.
- Online and remote channels handled 75% of all identification procedures.
- Digital identity services reached 4 million citizens through ANIP operations.
In 2025, the National Agency for the Identification of Persons served 4 million citizens and issued 10.5 million civil status and identity documents in Benin. The agency released the data on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Online and remote channels accounted for 75% of all recorded procedures. The figure highlighted the growing role of digital tools in access to identification services.
The digital transformation relied on multiple access channels. Citizens submitted 37% of requests through eservices.anip.bj. Users submitted 30% of requests through the ANIP BJ mobile application. Users submitted 8% of requests through the USSD service. Physical service counters handled the remaining 25% of requests.
The agency strengthened operational security across platforms. GSM operators processed 3.8 million authentication requests. The system performed 25 million electronic identity checks, or eKYC verifications. These measures supported data reliability and system integrity.
The program forms part of a broader digital transformation agenda launched in 2018. Benin gradually introduced digital public services to modernize administration, improve transparency, and strengthen proximity with citizens.
Digital civil status and identity documents represent a central pillar of this strategy. The system plays a critical role in facilitating access to social and economic services.
ANIP supports the national objective of universal digital public services. Benin deployed several government platforms covering tax declarations, health procedures, and administrative formalities.
These platforms promote service interoperability and data centralization. Authorities aim to improve governance, process traceability, and citizen satisfaction while supporting economic efficiency.
For 2026, ANIP plans to continue registration and document issuance. The agency places particular emphasis on rural areas that remain underserved.
Citizens will access a broad range of services online. These services include birth certificates, residence certificates, certificates of custom and single status, personal identification certificates, and the biometric national identity card.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM
- Algeria adopted a new presidential decree to reinforce cybersecurity governance across public institutions.
- The framework mandates dedicated cybersecurity units reporting directly to institutional heads.
- Algeria faced more than 70 million cyberattacks in 2024, according to Kaspersky data.
Algeria has adopted a strengthened institutional framework to protect its information systems against rising cyber threats. Presidential Decree No. 26-07 of January 7, 2026, published on January 21 in the Official Gazette, defines the organisation and operation of cybersecurity structures within public institutions, administrations and agencies to improve the anticipation and management of cyberattack risks.
Under the decree, each public entity will establish a dedicated cybersecurity unit that remains separate from the technical information systems management function. The unit will report directly to the head of the institution and will coordinate all actions related to data protection and system security, including for supervised agencies.
The cybersecurity units will design and oversee the implementation of cybersecurity policies, identify risks through dedicated mapping, and deploy appropriate remediation plans. The framework also requires continuous monitoring, regular audits, and the immediate reporting of any incident to the competent authorities.
The decree further mandates compliance with personal data protection legislation in coordination with the national supervisory authority. In addition, it promotes coordination with public procurement and internal security bodies to integrate cybersecurity clauses into outsourcing contracts and strengthen the protection of personnel and equipment.
This initiative comes amid a sharp rise in cyberattacks in Algeria. In 2024, the country recorded more than 70 million cyberattacks, according to Kaspersky, which ranked Algeria 17th globally among the most targeted countries. Security solutions blocked over 13 million phishing attempts and neutralised nearly 750,000 malicious attachments, highlighting the scale of the risks facing users and organisations.
Authorities expect the new framework to deliver a lasting strengthening of cybersecurity governance across the public sector and to support Algeria’s digital transition through tighter institutional oversight. In a country where digital systems continue to expand rapidly, the operational cybersecurity framework aims to protect public services, critical infrastructure and sensitive data, while reinforcing confidence among citizens and economic actors in the digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A. de BERRY QUENUM
-
Côte d’Ivoire appointed Djibril Ouattara as Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation on Jan. 23, 2026.
-
Ouattara brings more than 20 years of telecom and ICT experience, including leadership roles at MTN and Canal+.
-
The government expects faster progress on digital administration, broadband rollout, cybersecurity, and 5G preparation.
Djibril Ouattara is now Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation. The government appointed him on Friday, Jan. 23, as part of the Beugré Mambé II cabinet reshuffle. He succeeds Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, who had held the portfolio since October 2023.
A recognized figure in the telecom ecosystem, Ouattara brings more than two decades of experience in information and communication technologies. He previously led MTN Congo and later MTN Côte d’Ivoire, where he oversaw network modernization programs, digital infrastructure expansion, and service quality improvements in a highly competitive market.
His professional career also includes senior management roles at Canal+ Côte d’Ivoire and Etisalat Atlantique Togo, a West African telecommunications operator active in mobile, internet, and data services.
Trained at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute and holding an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management in the United States, Ouattara combines technical expertise, strategic management skills, and international exposure. This profile is expected to influence the execution of the state’s flagship digital projects.
As head of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation, Ouattara takes charge of several structural initiatives. Government priorities include accelerating the digitalization of public administration, improving the quality of digital public services, strengthening cybersecurity, and enhancing the protection of personal data.
The government also expects faster deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure, preparation for the introduction of 5G, and expanded coverage in rural areas that remain poorly connected. Côte d’Ivoire already counts more than 58 million active mobile lines and reports an internet penetration rate exceeding 185%, according to official data.
The new minister will also need to structure an environment that supports local innovation. Authorities expect stronger support for startups, easier access to private investment, and expanded digital skills development for young people, as demand for technology talent continues to rise.
Djibril Ouattara’s appointment marks a new phase in Côte d’Ivoire’s digital governance. After a period focused on institutional structuring under his predecessor, the executive now seeks faster operational execution to convert digital ambitions into concrete, measurable, and sustainable results.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A. de BERRY QUENUM
-
Guinea completed the rehabilitation and equipping of its cybercrime directorate, financed by the National Development Budget.
-
Authorities upgraded facilities and equipment to support digital investigations and evidence collection.
-
The country ranked in the third performance tier in the ITU’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, with strong legal and organizational scores.
Guinea continued to strengthen its digital security framework. On January 21, the Prime Minister’s Office announced the full rehabilitation and equipping of the Directorate of Cybercrime and the Fight Against Technological Traces. The National Development Budget financed the initiative.
Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the new premises alongside the Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General Bachir Dial.
The infrastructure is located in the Minière district in Dixinn municipality. The facility includes a modern two-storey building designed to meet technical requirements for digital investigations. Authorities officially inaugurated the site on December 17, 2025, and they equipped it with specialized tools to analyze technological traces, collect digital evidence, and process information technology-related offenses.
This modernization comes as cybersecurity holds a strategic role in Guinea’s public policies. The progressive digitalization of administrative services, the expansion of electronic payments, and the growth of digital usage increase risks related to cyberattacks, identity theft, and online fraud. Authorities aim to adapt National Police operational capacities to a rapidly evolving digital environment.
In its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, the International Telecommunication Union stated that countries must prioritize cybersecurity to fully harness information and communication technology potential. Guinea ranked in the third of five performance categories established by the UN agency.
The country recorded strong results in legal and organizational frameworks, with scores of 16.27 and 14.38 out of 20, but it still faces gaps in technical and operational capacity.
Through this investment, Guinea aims to improve the effectiveness of cybercrime enforcement, enhance training for specialized agents, and strengthen citizen confidence in security services. Over the long term, the framework should secure digital usage, support the country’s digital transformation, and provide a safer environment for economic actors engaged in digital development.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
-
Internet shutdowns cost sub-Saharan Africa an estimated $1.56 billion in 2024, according to Top10VPN.
-
Governments imposed at least 300 shutdowns worldwide over the past two years, making 2024 the worst year since 2016.
-
Sudan accounted for about 72% of Africa’s total economic losses from shutdowns in 2024.
UNESCO has expressed concern over the growing use of Internet shutdowns ordered by governments, particularly during political crises or election periods. In a statement published on Jan. 21, the UN agency stated that Internet access represents a cornerstone of freedom of expression and a central component of democratic rights. UNESCO urged states to prioritize policies that support connectivity rather than impose restrictions.
This position comes amid a global increase in government-imposed shutdowns, including across Africa. According to digital rights group Access Now, which UNESCO cited, authorities recorded at least 300 Internet shutdowns across more than 54 countries over the past two years. The data made 2024 the worst year for shutdowns since 2016.
Since the start of 2026, several countries have again imposed full or partial connectivity disruptions. Governments implemented these measures during large-scale protests or sensitive electoral processes.
In sub-Saharan Africa, these practices carry a particularly heavy economic cost. According to the Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns 2024 report published by British platform Top10VPN, Internet shutdowns and social media restrictions caused estimated losses of $1.56 billion in the region in 2024. Although losses declined slightly from $1.74 billion in 2023, the figures remain substantial and reflect the persistence of measures that slow Africa’s digital economic growth.
The report showed that shutdowns totaled 32,938 hours across sub-Saharan Africa in 2024 and affected 111.2 million Internet users. Sudan ranked among the hardest-hit countries, with estimated economic losses of $1.12 billion, or nearly 72% of the regional total, amid conflict and prolonged restrictions. Ethiopia and Kenya also posted significant losses of $211.2 million and $75 million, respectively, in contexts involving security tensions, protests, and information controls.
Authorities generally justify Internet shutdowns on grounds of national security, public order, or efforts to combat disinformation. In practice, governments often implement these measures through social media blockages, intentional bandwidth throttling, or complete shutdowns. These actions disrupt platforms that play central roles in news distribution, commercial activity, digital financial services, and social organization.
UNESCO said these disruptions extend far beyond access to information alone. The agency stated that shutdowns weaken media ecosystems, hinder journalists’ work, and encourage the spread of unverified information. UNESCO added that shutdowns also undermine related fundamental rights, including access to education, freedom of assembly, and participation in public life, while eroding trust in the digital environment.
Many African countries continue to rely on digital technologies to drive growth, expand financial inclusion, and modernize public services. Against this backdrop, repeated Internet shutdowns increasingly conflict with these objectives. Top10VPN said it calculated economic losses based on digital GDP, shutdown duration, and the number of affected users, highlighting direct revenue losses for businesses, telecom operators, and governments themselves.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
-
Madagascar will train 1,000 young people for free in digital professions by the first half of 2026.
-
The program relies on a partnership between the OIF and Madagascar’s vocational training ministry.
-
Authorities aim to train 40,000 people in digital skills nationwide by 2028.
In Madagascar, the government and its partners will train 1,000 young people free of charge in digital professions by the end of the first half of 2026 under the “D-CLIC, train in digital skills with the OIF” program. Authorities officially launched this new phase of the project on Monday, January 19, in Antananarivo through a partnership between the International Organisation of La Francophonie and the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training.
Le projet #DCLIC franchit une étape décisive à #Madagascar. Grâce à un partenariat entre l’OIF et le ministère de l’Enseignement technique et de la Formation professionnelle (METFP), 1 000 jeunes seront formés gratuitement aux métiers du #numérique d’ici la fin de l’année 2026.… pic.twitter.com/Cn7iVvBHqr
— La Francophonie (@OIFrancophonie) January 21, 2026
This phase marks the program’s transition to larger-scale operational deployment. The initiative begins with the training of national instructors, who will form a network designed to provide long-term support to beneficiaries across the country. The OIF developed the training pathways through an online learning platform, with a focus on digital skills in demand on the labor market as well as digital entrepreneurship.
The D-CLIC program forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen digital skills across the Francophone space. The program operates in several African countries and aims to improve youth employability, facilitate professional integration, and address rising demand for digital talent amid the gradual digitalization of African economies.
In Madagascar, the initiative comes as demand for digital training continues to intensify. The country faces strong demographic pressure, with a predominantly young population, while the formal labor market remains limited. Authorities now position digital skills as a core pillar of vocational training policy. The Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training, Marie Marcelline Rasoloarisoa, recently said Madagascar aims to train 40,000 people in digital skills by 2028 in order to adapt the workforce to new economic and technological uses.
Against this backdrop, the D-CLIC program functions as an operational component of the national strategy. By expanding access to certified training and promoting the acquisition of immediately applicable skills, the new cohort could improve youth employability, support self-employment, and contribute to the emergence of a more structured digital ecosystem in Madagascar.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM
-
Burundi launched the e-KORI system to digitalize tax declaration and payment.
-
The Burundi Revenue Authority leads the project with World Bank support.
-
Authorities aim to expand the tax base, improve transparency, and strengthen budget planning.
The Burundian government officially launched the implementation phase of the e-KORI system on Monday, January 19, in Bujumbura. The Burundi Revenue Authority is leading the project with financial and technical support from the World Bank. The program focuses on online tax declaration and payment for both taxes and fees.
“The implementation of such a system represents a crucial step toward the digital transformation of our country by allowing the state to mobilize its own resources more effectively,” Finance, Budget, and Digital Economy Minister Alain Ndikumana said. “The e-KORI project is a strategic tool because it will allow Burundi to collect its own funds and finance its development projects without relying exclusively on external aid,” he added.
The e-KORI program aims to digitalize all processes related to domestic tax collection and non-tax revenue. The system allows taxpayers to submit declarations and make payments online, track transactions remotely, and reduce physical interactions with tax offices. Authorities also present the platform as a tool to improve revenue traceability, reduce errors, and strengthen tax control.
The launch comes as Burundi accelerates its transition toward a digital public administration. In recent years, authorities have implemented reforms to modernize public financial management, improve governance, and strengthen transparency. However, domestic revenue mobilization remains a challenge in a country characterized by a large informal sector and tax procedures that many economic actors consider complex.
Project officials said e-KORI will roll out in nine phases, with authorities validating each deliverable before moving to the next stage. The program also includes training and awareness sessions for tax officials and taxpayers. Authorities placed system security at the center of the project. A technical partner is responsible for infrastructure protection, data security, and cyber-risk prevention amid growing cybersecurity challenges linked to the digitalization of public finances.
Over the long term, authorities expect e-KORI to broaden the tax base, strengthen taxpayer compliance, and improve state budget planning. By facilitating access to tax services and securing digital exchanges, the system could also improve the business climate, strengthen trust between the administration and citizens, and support Burundi’s ambition to build a more efficient, transparent, and digitized state.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
More...
-
Mauritania’s digital ministry launched a public portal disclosing procurement and spending data.
-
The platform publishes all expenditures since the government took office in August 2024.
-
The ministry more than doubled its 2026 budget to nearly $24.2 million.
Mauritania’s Ministry of Digital Transformation unveiled the platform on Sunday, January 18, in Nouakchott. The initiative supports the government’s push to modernize public administration and strengthen financial transparency.
Accessible to the public at transparence.mtnima.gov.mr, the portal allows users to consult all expenditures committed by the ministry since the formation of the current government on August 7, 2024. The platform covers contracts awarded by the Public Procurement Commission as well as those concluded by internal purchasing committees, including projects and agencies under the ministry’s supervision.
The portal provides detailed data on signed and ongoing contracts, including contract values, selected suppliers, the number of bids received, and procurement methods used. The ministry updates the information continuously to support real-time monitoring of budget execution.
The platform also includes an advanced search engine that allows users to filter data by contracting authority, contract type, procurement stage, and funding source. A statistical section presents interactive tables and charts, offering a clearer view of spending structures and their distribution by category or supplier.
The launch comes as the Ministry of Digital Transformation manages growing budgetary resources. For fiscal year 2026, the government set the ministry’s budget at 959.6 million ouguiyas, or about $24.2 million. The allocation represents a 104.6% increase from 2025, when the budget stood at 468.97 million ouguiyas, following 550.68 million ouguiyas in 2024.
Authorities said the disclosure aims to promote fairer competition among economic operators by ensuring equal access to public procurement information. Media organizations, civil society groups, and researchers can use the database to assess public policies and monitor state financial management. The portal is free to access, available in Arabic and French, and requires no registration.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
-
Kenya has assembled nearly five million smartphones locally to expand digital access and industrial capacity.
-
The government links smartphone affordability to job creation in digital services and BPO.
-
Authorities plan large-scale investments in youth entrepreneurship, digital skills, and fiber infrastructure.
Kenya has assembled nearly five million smartphones locally to expand access to digital tools and stimulate job creation and technological industrialization. William Kabogo Gitau, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, announced the figure on Monday, January 19, during the launch of the NYOTA commercial capital support program for young entrepreneurs.
Government prioritises youth empowerment
— H.E William Kabogo Gitau, E.G.H (@honkabogo) January 19, 2026
The Government has rolled out several initiatives to empower youths, create vast opportunities for boosting entrepreneurship and job creation.
Today, I was honoured to join the President H.E. Dr. @WilliamsRuto and Deputy President H.E.… pic.twitter.com/H7ytbZYh0Y
Manufacturers sell the devices at prices ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 Kenyan shillings ($46.5 to $62.2). The government positions the initiative within its digital inclusion strategy as Kenya seeks to expand technology adoption, particularly among young people, to fully leverage mobile connectivity.
Kenya records mobile penetration above 140%, according to data from the Communications Authority of Kenya. Wider smartphone access plays a central role in expanding digital usage. The trend could accelerate adoption of digital financial services, e-commerce, e-government platforms, and online employment services while supporting the growth of the local digital economy.
The industrial push aligns with a broader digital employment strategy. The government reports that business process outsourcing companies and digital platforms have already created more than 300,000 jobs. Authorities expect the segment to play a key role in economic diversification.
At the same time, authorities are expanding support programs for youth entrepreneurship. Through the NYOTA project, the government recently mobilized 258.4 million Kenyan shillings to support more than 10,300 young entrepreneurs in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties. The program aims to raise incomes and promote savings.
Skills development forms another pillar of the strategy. The government has installed about 350 digital centers in technical and vocational education institutions. Authorities plan to deploy 1,450 additional centers across constituencies to reduce the digital divide and stimulate local innovation.
To support the transformation, Kenya is also investing in infrastructure. The government plans to deploy 100,000 kilometers of high-speed fiber optic cable nationwide. Authorities view the rollout as essential to attracting investment and supporting digital activities across the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Egyptian group MAG Trade & Investment presented digital projects to Burkina Faso’s government.
- Discussions focused on digital health and digital identity solutions.
- Burkina Faso seeks foreign partners to accelerate public-sector digital transformation.
Burkina Faso continues efforts to digitize public administration. On Wednesday, January 14, the Minister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, received a delegation from Egyptian group MAG Trade & Investment, which presented several technology projects.
According to data released by the ministry, discussions focused on digital solutions applied to the health sector and digital identity. These sectors rank among government priorities, as Burkina Faso has committed for several years to modernizing public administration and improving access to public services.
MAG Trade & Investment, accompanied by Burkina Faso’s National Bureau of Major Projects (BN-GPB), stated that it sought cooperation based on skills transfer, local capacity building, and deployment of sustainable digital solutions. Moreover, the Egyptian company said it aimed to contribute to structuring projects aligned with the national digital development strategy.
These discussions occurred as Burkina Faso seeks to strengthen its digital ecosystem, while several reforms remain underway, including administrative procedure digitization, public system interoperability, and user data security. Authorities view digital identity solutions as a key lever to improve public action efficiency and support digital inclusion.
Authorities stated that opening the market to foreign investors and operators aims to address technological and financial gaps while strengthening national expertise. Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane welcomed the Egyptian group’s interest and said such initiatives aligned with the government’s vision to accelerate digital transformation.
At this stage, officials announced no agreements. However, discussions could eventually lead to structured partnerships, as Burkina Faso intensifies efforts to make digital technology a pillar of public service modernization and economic development.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Nigeria signed a cooperation agreement between EFCC and NASRDA to use space technology against illegal mining.
- Authorities estimate illegal mining costs Nigeria about $9 billion per year.
- The partnership remains non-operational, with no implementation timeline announced.
Nigeria plans to rely on space technology to strengthen the fight against crime, particularly illegal mining. On January 15, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize cooperation.
EFCC, NASRDA Sign MoU on Inter-agency Collaboration
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) January 15, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA on Thursday, January 15, 2026 formalised their resolve for inter-agency collaboration with a Memorandum of… pic.twitter.com/7oKEFT3GvA
According to EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, NASRDA will provide technologies designed to strengthen the commission’s investigative and asset-tracking capabilities. “With your technologies, we will access areas that our traditional means cannot reach. You know that we are engaged in investigating and prosecuting illegal mining activities. These tools will help us identify some of these areas,” he said.
The initiative follows cooperation launched in June 2025 between NASRDA and the Ministry of Steel Development. At that time, Minister Shuaibu Abubakar Audu called for replacing outdated monitoring systems with more advanced satellite-based solutions. He said Nigeria’s steel sector, despite strong potential for economic transformation and industrialization, continued to face structural challenges, including illegal extraction and limited reliability of data provided by some operators.
“These practices weaken the country’s economic potential and complicate regulatory efforts as well as long-term planning,” he said. Authorities estimate that illegal mining causes annual losses of about $9 billion for Nigeria.
However, authorities stated that both agencies have so far agreed only on the principle of cooperation. Officials have announced no specific timeline for operational implementation of the memorandum. Nonetheless, Olukoyede said the EFCC will establish a dedicated team to monitor implementation and conduct periodic evaluations of the partnership’s effectiveness.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum