Tech (1166)
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Generative AI enables the creation of synthetic sexual abuse images and deepfakes targeting minors.
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Around 40% of Africans aged 15–24 currently have internet access, increasing both opportunity and exposure to risk.
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African regulatory frameworks remain fragmented and largely unprepared to address AI-generated harms.
As submarine cables multiply and 4G and 5G networks expand across the continent, an entire generation integrates into the digital world. Governments and businesses leverage this connectivity to drive economic, educational and social development. However, millions of minors face new, more sophisticated and harder-to-detect threats.
According to joint estimates from the International Telecommunication Union and the African Union, about 40% of Africans aged 15 to 24 currently access the internet. This steadily rising figure creates a dual imperative: authorities must accelerate digital inclusion while strengthening child protection mechanisms.
Generative AI, a New Frontier for Online Abuse
Generative AI is transforming the nature of online harm targeting children. Cyberbullying no longer relies solely on insults or the circulation of authentic images. Individuals now use widely accessible applications to fabricate intimate images, clone voices or manipulate videos from a single photograph.
In 2023, the Internet Watch Foundation reported for the first time the circulation of entirely AI-generated child sexual abuse images online. The organization warned that these technologies significantly lower technical barriers and complicate perpetrator identification. INTERPOL also acknowledged that increasingly sophisticated deepfakes hinder investigations and make it harder to distinguish authentic material from manipulated images. Criminals also use these tools to conduct “sextortion,” in which individuals blackmail teenagers and their families using fabricated content.
Child rights organizations report that predators also use AI to analyze online behavior, emotional states and personal interests in order to refine manipulation strategies.
Legal Frameworks Remain Inadequate
Regulatory responses remain uneven across the continent. The Malabo Convention, adopted by the African Union, establishes a foundation for cybersecurity and personal data protection. However, policymakers drafted the convention before the emergence of generative AI, and the text does not explicitly address synthetic content targeting minors.
Several African countries have enacted data protection laws that regulate the collection and processing of personal information. However, most frameworks do not include specific provisions regarding platform liability in cases involving deepfakes of children.
In South Africa, the Protection of Personal Information Act imposes strict obligations regarding data processing, including data relating to minors. Nevertheless, lawmakers designed the framework primarily to protect privacy rather than to proactively prevent AI-generated harmful content.
In Cameroon, authorities adopted a charter on online child protection in 2023 that establishes shared responsibility among telecom operators, regulators and families. However, the law protects only children under 18, while the legal age of majority in Cameroon stands at 21, which leaves a segment of minors without full legal coverage.
Toward More Structured AI Governance
Policymakers are advancing discussions at both continental and global levels. The African Union is developing a strategy to regulate AI development and use, with a focus on ethics, data governance and digital sovereignty. Policymakers are increasingly recognizing child protection as a cross-cutting issue, particularly in a continent with the world’s youngest population.
At the global level, UNICEF advocates a “Safety by Design” approach that integrates child protection into the design phase of digital products. The organization argues that stakeholders must anticipate risks rather than intervene only after harmful content spreads. UNICEF also warns that children face heightened exposure to online threats in environments where regulation, local-language moderation and reporting mechanisms remain underdeveloped.
Samira Njoya
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Morocco’s CNDP and Portugal’s CNPD signed a memorandum of understanding in Lisbon on Feb. 25 to formalize institutional cooperation.
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The agreement prioritizes artificial intelligence, deepfakes and digital violence amid rising cross-border data risks.
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Morocco’s internet penetration exceeded 92% at end-2025, while Portugal reported high generative AI adoption and advanced GDPR enforcement.
Morocco and Portugal have stepped up coordination to tackle emerging digital challenges. The national authorities responsible for personal data protection in both countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Lisbon on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to structure their institutional cooperation.
Paula Meira Lourenço, president of the Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados (CNPD), and Omar Seghrouchni, president of Morocco’s Commission nationale de contrôle de la protection des données à caractère personnel (CNDP), signed the agreement at the CNPD headquarters. The text established an operational framework to intensify technical expertise exchanges and information sharing.
AI and Digital Violence at the Core of Priorities
The cooperation will primarily target issues related to artificial intelligence, image manipulation technologies such as deepfakes and digital violence. These phenomena have raised growing concerns regarding privacy protection, legal certainty and regulation of digital practices. The memorandum also provides for training programs, educational projects and the exchange of best practices in oversight and enforcement of regulatory frameworks, as technology continues to evolve rapidly.
This initiative comes as both countries experience strong digital momentum. In Morocco, internet penetration exceeded 92% at the end of 2025, according to DataReportal, placing the country among the most connected markets in Africa. Meanwhile, Portugal has recorded high adoption rates of generative artificial intelligence, according to a recent study by Bain & Company. Portugal has also built advanced experience in enforcing the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Anchoring Cooperation in Regional Networks
The agreement provides for annual bilateral meetings to ensure structured follow-up. Each institution will also leverage its international networks. The CNPD will rely on the Ibero-American Data Protection Network (RIPD) and the Lusophone Data Protection Network (RLPD). Meanwhile, Morocco’s CNDP will activate the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP) and the Francophone Association of Data Protection Authorities (AFAPDP).
Samira Njoya
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The Gabonese government approved a draft ordinance amending the Criminal Procedure Code to regulate the admissibility of digital evidence.
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Authorities now require digital evidence to prove reliability, authenticity and traceability through verification by authorized public entities.
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An international Cellebrite study shows that 60% of investigators consider digital evidence more decisive than DNA in some cases, while 74% say it improves case resolution rates.
The Gabonese government approved a draft ordinance on February 26, during a cabinet meeting. Justice Minister Augustin Emane presented the text, which amends the Criminal Procedure Code to regulate the admissibility of digital evidence before courts. The reform introduces formal requirements that aim to adapt the judicial system to the rise in digital-related offenses.
The reform establishes a technical framework for the use of electronic data in criminal proceedings. Authorities will admit digital evidence only if it demonstrates reliability, authenticity and traceability. Authorized public entities, including cybersecurity services and competent state bodies, will verify the data before courts accept it. Authorities aim to secure the judicial use of digital data and to limit manipulation and falsification risks.
Through this amendment, authorities seek to strengthen the reliability of investigations and to enhance the protection of litigants. The formal recognition of technical validation standards also aims to regulate prosecutions related to digital offenses, which have increased alongside the rapid expansion of digital usage in the country. Internet penetration now covers more than half of Gabon’s population, which increases the volume of digital interactions that may generate disputes.
The ordinance forms part of a broader regional movement to modernize African legal frameworks in response to digital transformation. Governments across the continent face a growing number of disputes related to electronic content, online transactions and information systems. At the international level, digital evidence continues to gain importance in criminal investigations. A study conducted by Israeli digital forensics specialist Cellebrite among more than 2,000 investigators, prosecutors and experts shows that 60% of respondents consider digital evidence more decisive than DNA in certain cases, while 74% state that its use improves investigation resolution rates.
According to Gabonese authorities, the ordinance will enter into force after publication in the Official Gazette, in line with legislative promulgation procedures. Authorities consider the reform a first step toward modernizing the judicial handling of digital offenses and strengthening legal certainty in criminal matters in line with the country’s technological evolution.
Samira Njoya
Medical robotics is reshaping healthcare in Africa, creating new opportunities to improve care quality and streamline costs. But the continent faces significant hurdles, from workforce training to financing, if these technologies are to deliver tangible benefits for patients.
Medical robotics, covering robot-assisted surgery, diagnostics and hospital logistics, is emerging as a lever for healthcare modernization in parts of Africa.
According to Data Bridge Market Research, the medical robotics market in the Middle East and Africa is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 13.5% between 2022 and 2029. The market is projected to expand from $451.26 million in 2021 to $1.14 billion by 2029.
Despite this growth, adoption across Africa remains limited compared with other regions and is largely confined to higher-income countries or those with advanced hospital infrastructure.
Flagship initiatives across the continent
South Africa is among the most advanced markets. Several public hospitals have performed more than 600 robot-assisted procedures, mainly in urology and gynecology. Hospitals report shorter recovery times and fewer post-operative complications.
In Nigeria, authorities recently approved a robotic surgery platform, enabling such procedures in a public hospital for the first time.
In Luanda, Angola, medical teams have conducted telesurgery trials using robotic systems. These tests suggest robotic surgery could be deployed even in settings with limited network capacity.
Morocco has also positioned itself as a regional pioneer. A radical prostatectomy was performed remotely between Casablanca and Shanghai, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance telesurgery. Additional procedures between Moroccan cities point to growing domestic expertise and institutional interest in robotic surgery.
Beyond surgery, robotics is being deployed in Kenya and other countries for hospital logistics and assistance tasks. This improves operational efficiency and allows nursing staff to focus on clinical care.
Barriers to wider adoption
Cost remains the primary constraint. Robotic systems often cost several million dollars, limiting access for public hospitals. A platform such as the da Vinci 5 typically ranges between $1.5 million and $2.5 million, excluding maintenance and consumables.
Training is another major hurdle. Robot-assisted procedures require specialized surgical and technical skills, as well as ongoing certification.
Institutions such as Ircad Africa in Rwanda are addressing this gap by training African surgeons in minimally invasive and robotic techniques. At the same time, the rise of startups and innovation hubs focused on artificial intelligence, robotics and e-health could support longer-term ecosystem development.
Medical robotics also presents regulatory and ethical challenges, including liability in case of system failure, data protection standards and the role of automation in patient care.
Growth trajectory despite constraints
Globally, the surgical robotics market is expected to exceed $22.89 billion by 2030, according to Spherical Insights. Emerging economies investing in healthcare digitization could capture part of this expansion.
For African countries, scaling medical robotics will depend on coordinated public policy, targeted investment, workforce training and international partnerships. If these conditions are met, robotics could become a practical tool for strengthening healthcare systems and improving the quality of care.
Samira Njoya
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Plan includes artisan ID card, national registry
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Sector employs 22%, contributes 7% to GDP
Morocco will invest 36 million dirhams ($3.9 million) to fast-track the digital transformation of its handicrafts sector, under agreements signed on Wednesday between the State Secretariat for Handicrafts, the Chambers of Handicrafts and their Federation, and the Digital Development Agency. Two additional agreements covering international promotion and institutional support were signed at the same ceremony.
The digitalization agreement provides for the rollout of a professional artisan ID card and the launch of a National Artisan Registry. It also includes the digitalization of services offered by the Chambers and their affiliated bodies. Authorities say the system will streamline administrative processes, improve efficiency, and establish core digital infrastructure for the sector.
The initiative is part of the national development program for handicrafts. The sector is a key contributor to Morocco’s economy, supporting employment, exports, and regional development.
Official figures show the sector employs 22% of the national workforce and contributes 7% to GDP. Exports have grown by 7.6%, while handicraft sales account for 10% of tourism-related foreign exchange earnings. The digital upgrade is expected to boost productivity, formalize activities, and expand access to domestic and international markets.
International promotion and institutional support
The two additional agreements focus on promoting Moroccan craftsmanship abroad, in partnership with SMAP EVENTS, and on a 2026 sector development plan. That plan targets professional structuring, training, and technical support for artisans.
Together, these measures aim to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and improve market access for artisans, while fostering a more structured and productive ecosystem alongside the digital reforms led by the Digital Development Agency.
Samira Njoya
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Tunisia CDC launches MAIR for greentech scale-up
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Program targets commercialization-stage startups, SMEs
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Tunisia startups raised $6.6 million in 2025
Tunisia’s Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC) on Tuesday announced the launch of the first cohort of the MAIR program, Market Access for Impact and Resilience. The financing mechanism targets greentech startups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the commercialization phase.
The program aims to support industrial scale-up, facilitate initial market entry, and strengthen revenues for selected companies.
MAIR prioritizes sectors linked to the green transition, including renewable energy, sustainable mobility, eco-construction, waste management, sustainable agriculture, water technologies, energy efficiency and biodiversity. By providing financing at a stage when funding needs increase for industrialization and commercialization, MAIR seeks to bridge the gap between seed funding and full commercial rollout.
MAIR is deployed under the GreenTECH initiative led by Smart Capital and integrated into the Greenov'i project. The project is funded by the European Union through the Tunisie Verte et Durable program and implemented by Expertise France in collaboration with the International Center for Environmental Technologies of Tunis, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
Financing architecture
The mechanism forms part of a broader financing framework that also includes VAIR, Venture Acceleration for Impact and Resilience, which supports startups in the ideation phase as they develop proofs of concept. The overall program plans to fund 32 early-stage startups and support 10 startups and SMEs in accessing markets, with a target of roughly 300 direct jobs in green transition sectors.
The launch comes amid limited funding for Tunisia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. According to Wamda’s annual report, Tunisian startups raised $6.6 million across 13 deals in 2025, below levels recorded in several other Middle East and North Africa markets. In that context, public instruments dedicated to impact-driven innovation are positioned as key support mechanisms for early-growth companies.
By targeting industrial segments linked to the green transition and focusing on companies at a later stage of development, MAIR aims to strengthen the ability of Tunisian startups to turn innovations into marketable products and secure a sustainable position in their markets.
Samira Njoya
- Algeria launched four new digital platforms, bringing total integrated university digital services to 73.
- The platforms target academic management, entrepreneurship, student welfare, and service modernization.
- The initiative aligns with Algeria’s national digital transformation strategy through 2030.
Kamel Baddari, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, officially launched the platforms on February 24, in Algiers. The launch increased the total number of digital services integrated into the sector’s information system to 73.
During the ceremony, Kamel Baddari stated that universities, data centers, and research laboratories across the country jointly drove the expansion of the digital ecosystem.
He emphasized that the platforms “illustrate the high level of digitalization achieved by the sector in its teaching, research, governance, and services to the university community.”
The four new platforms cover strategic and social priorities.
The Digital Registry of University Programs aims to improve the management of university economic programs and enhance the conversion of scientific research results into projects with high economic and social added value.
The University Network of Incubators and Entrepreneurship Development Centers (AUNEI) seeks to consolidate the innovation ecosystem and support students and researchers in launching start-ups.
An online psychological consultation platform promotes mental health within universities. In addition, an integrated meal reservation platform within the student mobile application modernizes campus catering services.
The launch builds on a broader digitalization process within the higher education sector. Authorities have already deployed electronic diploma management systems, scientific research monitoring portals, and dematerialized administrative management modules in recent years.
These services aim to reduce bureaucratic delays, improve governance efficiency, and strengthen collaboration between universities and socio-economic partners.
The initiative aligns with Algeria’s national digital transformation strategy through 2030.
Two cross-cutting pillars support this strategy. First, authorities are establishing an adapted legal and regulatory framework, including a draft law on digitalization currently under development. Second, authorities are strengthening cybersecurity measures to protect data and information systems against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Uganda signed a public-private partnership to establish an ICT innovation hub in Mbale focused on skills and jobs.
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The project includes blockchain-based digital certification to reduce credential fraud.
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Authorities aim to align youth training with global digital labor demand.
The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance announced on February 19, the signing of a partnership with Spotlight on Africa and Algorithmic Partners.
The agreement provides for the creation of an ICT innovation hub in Mbale. The hub aims to strengthen digital skills among Ugandan youth and support local technology entrepreneurship.
According to authorities, the initiative marks a shift from policy intent to implementation in Uganda’s digital development agenda. The project relies on public-private collaboration to expand access to in-demand skills, stimulate local innovation, and promote economic empowerment, particularly for women.
The future center will offer training ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced competencies, including coding, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technologies.
The program also integrates a blockchain-based digital certification system. The system aims to secure qualification verification and reduce document fraud.
By strengthening trust between training institutions, employers, and graduates, the tool should improve transparency in the digital labor market and support the emergence of a structured, skills-driven innovation ecosystem.
Beyond training, the project seeks to expand access to digital public services in underserved areas and energize local innovation ecosystems.
The initiative aligns with Uganda’s national digital roadmap, which prioritizes digital infrastructure, skills development, cybersecurity, and data protection. The roadmap aims to build an inclusive, job-creating digital economy.
Programs such as the DigiTrack mobile computer lab have already trained more than 11,000 people nationwide over the past two quarters. These programs have included young people with special needs by delivering digital skills directly to communities.
The initiative also complements Uganda’s national business process outsourcing strategy, which aims to connect English-speaking young professionals to global markets.
The initiative also reflects broader continental trends. According to the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills for approximately 230 million jobs by 2030.
The fourth industrial revolution accelerates the digital transformation of labor markets and creates large-scale demand for qualified talent. As a result, centers such as the Mbale hub provide practical responses by training youth for future jobs and supporting economic and social inclusion at scale.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Madagascar converted CNTEMAD into a Public Virtual University backed by $3 million in financing.
- The university aims to enroll up to 49,000 students annually by 2029 and produce 10,000 additional graduates each year.
- The World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
The National Center for Tele-Education and Distance Learning (CNTEMAD) has transitioned into a Public Virtual University. Authorities officially launched the project on February 20 in Antananarivo. The World Bank is supporting the initiative through its DECIM program to expand access to higher education via digital tools and strengthen Madagascar’s human capital.
The new digital university operates on a platform developed in partnership with SAYNA. The platform manages the entire student journey remotely, from enrollment to examinations and thesis defenses. The project seeks to address growing demand for university education, particularly in remote areas, while reducing logistical costs and modernizing teaching methods.
The government allocated $3 million in financing to the project. The Public Virtual University plans to enroll up to 49,000 learners annually by 2029 and to generate 10,000 additional graduates each year.
The reform aligns with Madagascar’s national strategy for human capital development and digital transformation. Afrobarometer reported that more than 40% of young people aged 18 to 35 were unemployed in 2024. Policymakers view access to market-relevant training as a strategic lever to improve employability.
Survey data identified lack of training or preparation as the main barrier to employment at 30%, followed by lack of experience at 27% and mismatch between academic qualifications and employer needs at 16%. These constraints highlight the need for innovative and inclusive education solutions.
In parallel, the Public Virtual University project includes modernization of technical infrastructure and expansion to 16 regional centers equipped with autonomous solar solutions. The infrastructure will ensure operational continuity in areas with limited electricity access.
The initiative complements national digital training programs such as ASAN’AI and Skills4Job, which aim to equip young people with in-demand competencies, particularly in digital professions and customer relations.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Authorities launched an online platform to process VAT, banking tax and customs duty exemptions for renewable energy equipment.
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Importers can now submit and track applications digitally through a system developed with the Single Window for Foreign Trade.
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Ivory Coast targets 42% to 45% renewable energy in its power mix by 2030.
The Ivorian administration has intensified its transition toward e-government. Authorities have expanded digital public services, including recently launched sectoral platforms, as part of a strategy to modernize public action and facilitate user access to administrative procedures.
#Économie | Modernisation de l'administration énergétique: la plateforme digitalisée de demande d'Attestation d'Exonération de la TVA officiellement lancée
— Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (@Gouvciofficiel) February 21, 2026
Abidjan, le 20 février 2026- Le directeur général de l'Énergie, Narcisse Kalifa Éhouman, a lancé officiellement, le… pic.twitter.com/WkzpBQLmz4
The Directorate General of Energy launched on February 20 in Abidjan an online platform dedicated to applications for exemptions from value-added tax (VAT), the banking operations tax (TOB) and customs duties on renewable energy equipment. Officials designed the initiative to simplify administrative procedures, reduce processing times and secure the review of files linked to clean energy investments.
Director General of Energy Narcisse Kalifa Éhouman stated that the platform represents a major step forward in the digital transformation of the energy administration. “Thanks to this platform, developed in close collaboration with the Single Window for Foreign Trade, importers will now be able to submit their applications online, track the progress of their files in real time, and interact with the administration in a more fluid, efficient, and transparent manner.” he explained.
Authorities expect the digitalization of these procedures to shorten review times, improve traceability of administrative decisions and strengthen the reliability of file assessments. By centralizing exemption requests, the government aims to lower investment costs for solar, wind and hybrid projects while providing a clearer operational framework for industry players.
The launch forms part of Ivory Coast’s broader strategy to modernize public administration through the dematerialization of services. In recent years, authorities have accelerated digitalization by automating foreign trade formalities, expanding online tax services and gradually integrating digital tools into the management of economic public services.
The initiative coincides with the acceleration of the national energy transition. Ivory Coast aims to raise the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to between 42% and 45% by 2030. Authorities are developing several solar and energy infrastructure projects to support growing electricity demand.
The digitalization of exemptions for renewable energy equipment aligns with a wider e-government drive to enhance administrative transparency, improve the business climate and facilitate private investment. The Ivorian state plans to progressively extend dematerialization to other sectoral procedures, enabling centralized and online monitoring of applications.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Interpol arrested 651 suspects and recovered more than $4.3 million during Operation Red Card 2.0.
- Authorities identified 1,247 victims and estimated losses at more than $45 million.
- Cybercrime accounts for over 30% of reported offenses in parts of West and East Africa, Interpol says.
Interpol said it arrested 651 people and recovered more than $4.3 million during Operation Red Card 2.0, which authorities conducted between Dec. 8, 2025 and Jan. 30, 2026 across 16 African countries.
Interpol said law enforcement agencies targeted infrastructure and actors behind high-yield investment scams, mobile money fraud and fraudulent loan applications. Authorities identified 1,247 victims and estimated total losses at more than $45 million.
“These organized cybercriminal syndicates inflict devastating financial and psychological harm on individuals, businesses, and entire communities with their false promises. Operation Red Card underscores the importance of collaboration in the fight against transnational cybercrime.” said Neal Jetton, director of cybercrime at Interpol.
Officials carried out targeted operations in several countries. In Nigeria, law enforcement agencies closed more than 1,000 fraudulent accounts and confiscated a residential property that suspects used as an operational base. In Kenya, officers arrested 27 people linked to fraudulent investment schemes that perpetrators promoted through messaging platforms and social networks, where they lured victims with false returns and falsified account statements. In Côte d’Ivoire, authorities arrested 58 people and seized 240 mobile phones, 25 laptops and more than 300 SIM cards during an operation that targeted mobile loan fraud affecting mainly vulnerable populations.
Interpol said Operation Red Card 2.0 followed an earlier phase conducted between November 2024 and February 2025. Authorities arrested about 300 cybercriminals and seized nearly 2,000 devices in seven African countries during the previous operation. Authorities also recorded several thousand victims of mobile banking scams, fraudulent investments and messaging-based fraud.
Interpol said the latest operation took place against a backdrop of rising cybercrime across Africa. The organization attributed the surge to rapid digital adoption and gaps in legal frameworks, training and technical resources. According to Interpol’s African Cyberthreat Assessment Report, cyber-related crime now accounts for more than 30% of reported offenses in some parts of West and East Africa, while most countries call for significantly stronger enforcement capacity.
Financial losses linked to cybercrime also threaten African economies. Estimates compiled from international reports show that cybercrime cost various countries on the continent at least $3 billion between 2019 and 2025. Analysts said total costs likely exceed that figure when they include indirect losses such as productivity declines, reputational damage and system recovery expenses.
Samira Njoya
- Orange executives say digital transformation strengthens competitiveness for Ivorian companies.
- Cyberattacks on Ivorian SMEs reached 2.8 million incidents in 2022, up more than 39% year-on-year.
- Orange Business CI offers cybersecurity diagnostics, penetration testing and managed security services to address rising risks.
Digital transformation now represents a strategic lever of competitiveness for Ivorian companies. Executives delivered that message during the 20th edition of “Orange Business Live,” which took place on Feb. 19 under the theme “Innovation and Digital Transformation: Accelerating the Competitiveness of Ivorian Companies.”
Pacôme Boidi, senior manager for B2B coordination, and Fitzgerald Bony, deputy director of B2B operations at Orange CI, led the event.
Executives said digital solutions improve productivity, lower operating costs and optimize internal processes. They urged local companies to integrate innovation into their core strategies to strengthen their positioning in an increasingly competitive market.
However, Fitzgerald Bony said companies must adapt digital priorities to sector dynamics. He said the absence of digital tools does not necessarily penalize companies in the short term if competitors have not adopted them. He added that companies must align with digital standards in sectors where competitors already use such tools to preserve competitiveness.
Pacôme Boidi stressed that global connectivity has expanded competition beyond national borders. “The competition is on. Know your industry, dare to take the plunge, and get involved in transformative projects. Try to be that strategic compass, and remember that Orange is here to support you,” he said.aid, addressing Ivorian businesses.
Digital Transformation Challenges: Human Factor and Cybersecurity
Speakers said managerial alignment and change management determine the success of digital transformation projects. They said companies must define a clear strategic vision and demonstrate strong leadership to sustain transformation efforts. They said value depends not on the tool itself but on its ability to address a concrete and priority business need. They recommended a gradual approach supported by quick and measurable results to secure staff engagement.
Speakers also highlighted the role of young graduates in the evolving ecosystem. They said training, startup support and continuous skills development strengthen competitiveness. They said massive open online courses (MOOCs), university partnerships and structured internships can build a more resilient digital ecosystem.
However, executives acknowledged that digitalization exposes companies to new cybersecurity risks. In a study published in October 2025, Orange Business CI said small and medium-sized enterprises face heightened exposure to cyberattacks. The study said more than 27,500 Ivorian SMEs suffered 2.8 million cyberattacks in 2022, which marked an increase of more than 39% compared with the previous year. The study said 81% of SMEs have never provided or received cybersecurity training, while 66% never discuss cybersecurity at board level.
In 2024, National Information Systems Security Agency recorded more than 12,100 cybercrime cases. The agency said cybercrime has increased steadily for several years. The agency said threats affect individuals, companies, local authorities and state institutions. The agency said cybercriminals exploit accelerated digital transformation, weak cybersecurity culture and the growing use of smartphones, connected devices and online services.
Against that backdrop, Orange Business CI offers cybersecurity tools that cover multiple layers of corporate protection. The company provides assessment services such as cyber diagnostics, which identify organizational and technical vulnerabilities and define action plans. The company also provides “pentest” services that conduct technical intrusion tests and deliver detailed audit reports.
The company complements those services with operational solutions. The offer includes a managed security services provider (MSSP) cloud platform that secures internet access, mobile threat protection (MTP) tools, a server and workstation monitoring and incident response solution (MicroSOC), and a mobile device management (MDM) service that controls and secures professional data on smartphones. The company said the integrated approach addresses the diversification of cyber risks facing businesses.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Senegal will equip traffic regulation units with 2,500 body cameras.
- Authorities will link the devices to digital ticketing systems to curb cash handling and improve fine collection.
- The government aims to reduce corruption and strengthen traceability of roadside interventions.
Senegal will equip its traffic regulation units with 2,500 portable cameras to strengthen oversight of roadside checks and reduce corruption, Interior Minister Mouhamadou Bamba Cissé said.
The minister announced the measure on Feb. 18 before the National Assembly during the review of a draft law aimed at professionalizing the private security sector.
Cissé said the body cameras will record interactions between officers and road users. He said the recordings will provide factual evidence in the event of disputes and improve traceability of public road interventions. He said authorities aim to improve operational practices and enhance service quality for citizens.
Modernizing Road Control Through Digital Tools
Authorities will connect the body cameras to personal digital assistants (PDAs) that the ministry already uses to manage traffic fines and dematerialize procedures. Officials said the integration will standardize the processing of infractions, limit cash handling and ensure direct payment of fines to the public treasury. Authorities said the system will strengthen financial flow management and improve transparency.
The project forms part of a broader modernization drive within the security forces. The administration has introduced digital tools in recent years to manage traffic and roadside controls. Officials said mobile technologies will improve operational efficiency and strengthen the reliability of infraction data collection.
A Technology Already Tested in Several Countries
Security services across North America and Europe have widely adopted body cameras as tools that support procedures and evidence management. Several studies conducted in those regions show improved compliance with protocols during checks and reduced incidents linked to interventions.
In Africa, South Africa launched a program in 2023 to equip selected police and traffic officers with body cameras to improve monitoring of interventions. Nigeria and Kenya have also initiated discussions on integrating such devices into public security systems.
Senegal’s decision to combine body cameras and PDAs signals an effort to align technological innovation with administrative reform. Authorities said they will link the devices to a digital infraction management circuit to strengthen procedures, optimize fine collection and modernize the operational environment of security forces.
Officials said the system’s effectiveness will depend on officer training, a clear legal framework governing the use of recordings and the integration of the technology into a coherent management structure. Policymakers in other countries that adopted similar solutions have faced similar implementation challenges.
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 $1.11 billion in 2025, according to Top10VPN.
- Governments imposed 24,276 hours of disruptions, affecting 116.1 million users across the region.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Cameroon recorded the highest economic losses.
Internet shutdowns and platform restrictions cost sub-Saharan Africa $1.11 billion in 2025, according to the Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns report published by Top10VPN. Globally, such disruptions generated $19.7 billion in losses, highlighting a growing scale of digital interference.
In sub-Saharan Africa, 2025 losses declined from $1.56 billion in 2024, but the financial impact remained significant. Authorities enforced shutdowns for 24,276 hours, and the disruptions affected 116.1 million internet users. Governments implemented most restrictions during elections, protests, school examinations, and military coups.
Most affected countries
The Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded the highest losses in Africa, with $67.2 million in economic damage. Authorities disrupted connectivity for 1,008 hours, affecting 34.7 million users.
Sudan reported $66.6 million in losses over 2,148 hours of shutdowns, despite affecting a smaller number of users estimated at 14.9 million. The duration of the interruptions amplified the economic impact.
Cameroon incurred $40.5 million in losses, as authorities disrupted access for 52 hours, affecting 12.6 million users.
Governments frequently targeted social media platforms such as Twitter, Telegram, TikTok, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Authorities used these restrictions to limit communication, commerce, and access to information. In some cases, governments imposed intentional slowdowns that made multimedia content and live broadcasts nearly inaccessible.
How are these losses calculated?
The report said analysts calculated the economic cost of shutdowns using the Netblocks Cost of Shutdown Tool, developed by Netblocks and based on a methodology designed by the Brookings Institution, adapted for sub-Saharan Africa.
Analysts estimated losses using digital GDP, disruption duration, and the number of affected users. Researchers sourced data from the World Bank and official government statistics. The report said analysts applied social media restrictions to the entire internet user base because platform bans disrupt overall access, including for users who do not actively use blocked services.
A major obstacle to digital transformation
These losses illustrate the economic cost of internet shutdowns across sub-Saharan Africa. As governments invest in digital transformation to close development gaps, deliberate connectivity disruptions continue to undermine innovation and competitiveness.
Shutdowns also reduce revenues for telecom operators, digital-dependent businesses, and households, and they limit growth potential in an increasingly connected global economy.
In a statement published in January 2026, UNESCO said access to the internet represents a pillar of freedom of expression and a core component of democratic participation. The organization urged governments to adopt policies that promote connectivity rather than impose restrictions.
Samira Njoya