Tech (1040)
• Senegal launches e-procurement platform to boost transparency
• The platform, APPEL, to digitize full tender process by January 2026
• Reform aligns with national plan to digitize 90% of services
Senegal’s Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP) on Tuesday launched the pilot phase of its new electronic public procurement platform, APPEL (Achats Publics en Procédures Électroniques), as part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and strengthen governance.
The initiative aims to digitize the entire public procurement process, improving transparency, ensuring transaction traceability, and speeding up the handling of procurement procedures.
“We’ve been working on this reform for a year. Every week, we hold a technical meeting dedicated to the platform,” said Moustapha Djitté, Director General of ARCOP. “We want reliable indicators on tender processing times, savings achieved, business participation rates, and satisfaction levels among procurement stakeholders.”
The platform covers every stage of the procurement process, from publishing tender notices to awarding contracts. Designed to be modular, secure, and aligned with international standards, it draws inspiration from successful systems in Morocco, Rwanda, and Mauritius. ARCOP also plans to link it with other public databases, including those of the Treasury, tax authorities, and the commercial register, to reinforce transparency, traceability, and sound governance.
The project forms part of Senegal’s national digital strategy, known as the New Deal Technologique, which aims to digitize 90% of public services by 2034. Public procurement, representing between 15% and 20% of national GDP, is a major component of public spending and demands modern management to strengthen investor confidence in Senegal.
Full implementation of the APPEL platform is scheduled for January 2026. The reform is expected to make public procurement more transparent, predictable, and efficient. It should help reduce processing times, curb fraud, increase competition among companies, and generate substantial savings for the state, while reinforcing investor trust and promoting good governance in the public sector.
Samira Njoya
- Niger establishes National Cybersecurity Center to boost digital security
- CNAC to implement national strategy amid rising cyber threats
- Digital growth, cyberattacks surge; awareness and skills remain key gaps
The Nigerien government has approved the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Center (CNAC) to strengthen the country’s digital security. Two draft decrees, one creating the institution and another approving its statutes, were adopted by the Council of Ministers on Saturday, Oct. 11.
“The main mission of the National Cybersecurity Center is to oversee the implementation of Niger’s national strategy for securing and defending information systems and critical infrastructure, to foster a secure, resilient digital environment that supports the country’s economic and social development,” the Council of Ministers said in a statement.
The CNAC’s creation is part of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, adopted in December 2022. The strategy seeks to ensure “a sustainable and effective digital transformation in Niger” and to “build investor and public confidence in information and communication technologies.” Authorities see ICTs as a key driver of socio-economic development, a view shared globally and reinforced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which emphasizes that strong cybersecurity is essential for countries to fully benefit from digital innovation.
The renewed focus on cybersecurity comes amid a rise in cyberattacks driven by the rapid expansion of digital services. In an August 2024 interview with Africa Cybersecurity Magazine, Aïssata Chanoussi, Director of Information Systems Security at the National Agency for the Information Society, said the financial impact of cyberattacks in Niger had increased by between 70% and 400% since 2022.
Digital adoption in Niger has accelerated sharply. From 2019 to 2025, the number of mobile subscribers grew from 9.81 million to 12.09 million in 2022, and then to 16.5 million in 2025, according to DataReportal. Over the same period, internet subscribers rose from 2.33 million to 3.72 million, eventually reaching 6.37 million.
The ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 ranks Niger in the fourth tier (T4) out of five. While the country performs relatively well in its regulatory framework, further progress is needed in technical and organizational measures, capacity building, and cooperation. Chanoussi has previously highlighted public awareness and training local talent as the main challenges for improving cybersecurity resilience in Niger.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Algerian pharmacists urge rollout of digital prescription system
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Plan targets psychotropic drug trafficking, prescription fraud
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Law 23-05 backs e-registry; physician integration still pending
SNAPO, the Algerian union of retail pharmacists, is renewing its push for a national digital prescription system to regulate the prescribing and dispensing of psychotropic drugs. Union spokesperson Karim Merghemi said the measure is vital to protect pharmacists and curb the trafficking of controlled substances.
“The digitization of prescriptions is essential,” Merghemi said during a meeting in Algiers organized by the Algerian Pharmaceutical Distributors Association (Adpha). He noted that paper prescriptions remain prone to fraud, with some patients obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors to supply the black market.
The drive for electronic prescriptions is backed by Law 23-05 of 2023, which mandates a national electronic registry for prescriptions of narcotics and psychotropics, accessible to healthcare providers and regulators. SNAPO said the module for retail pharmacies has been completed, but integration on the physicians’ side is still awaiting data-protection clearances.
Meanwhile, the government announced plans last year to develop a national digital platform for managing retail pharmacies. The initiative aims to monitor pharmacies, track drug availability, and improve oversight of psychotropic drugs and antibiotics, complementing efforts to modernize the pharmaceutical sector.
If implemented, these projects could reshape Algeria’s pharmaceutical landscape. SNAPO considers the e-prescription system a key tool for securing the drug supply chain and protecting pharmacists. A swift rollout, it says, would help curb trafficking, particularly of psychotropics such as ecstasy, reinforce regulatory compliance, and ensure that only legitimate patients can access such treatments.
Samira Njoya
- Tunisia proposes Smart City tech hub project in Burkina Faso
- Feasibility study planned to assess infrastructure, funding needs
- Project aims to boost startups, jobs, and digital services
Burkina Faso’s Minister for Digital Transition and Communications, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, met in Ouagadougou on Thursday, October 9, with a Tunisian delegation. The delegation, from the organization TUCAD and led by co-founder Anis Jaziri, presented a proposal for a Smart City project in the country.
The initiative centers on creating a digital technology hub that would draw on Tunisian expertise to support local startups, incubators, and accelerators.
“Tunisia already has extensive experience and a dynamic ecosystem for supporting startups, incubators, and accelerators. We aim to share this expertise with Burkina Faso,” Jaziri said. “We hope the project will move forward soon so we can help finance and implement it,” he added, stressing the importance of technical cooperation and partnership.
Both sides agreed that their technical teams would carry out an in-depth feasibility study covering technical needs, infrastructure requirements, financing options, and operational support mechanisms.
The proposal comes amid rapid urbanization and the growth of digital technologies across Africa. An increasing number of countries are adopting Smart City models to address challenges in mobility, energy, and urban management. These initiatives combine digital infrastructure, improved public-service management, data platforms, and local innovation to enhance quality of life and promote sustainable cities.
According to data from the German business-intelligence platform Statista, Africa’s Smart City market is expected to generate $1.5 billion in revenue by 2025 and reach $2.36 billion by 2030, an average annual growth rate of 12%. Such projects often rely on digital tools to improve mobility, waste management, public safety, and connectivity.
If implemented, the TUCAD Smart City project could accelerate Burkina Faso’s ongoing digital transformation. It would create technology jobs, boost private-sector competitiveness, and improve access to digital public services, while strengthening infrastructure such as fiber-optic networks and data centers. The project could also serve as a model for sustainable digital urban development in other Burkinabè cities.
Samira Njoya
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The new body will oversee and promote electronic sports in the country.
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The initiative highlights esports as a driver of innovation and youth opportunity.
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It follows major national gaming tournaments backed by Orange Guinea.
Guinea has officially launched its Esports Federation, the national body overseeing electronic sports. Rose Pola Pricemou (pictured, right), Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, attended the official launch ceremony on October 11 alongside several government officials and representatives from the digital, sports, and cultural sectors.
“This initiative marks an important step in recognizing esports as a promising sector that combines digital inclusion, innovation, creativity, and economic opportunities for Guinean youth,” the ministry said in a statement on its Facebook page.
The launch comes about three months after the first national tournament, “FIFA Champions Guinea 2025,” held on June 27–28 at Chapiteau By Issa. Telecom operator Orange Guinea is also set to organize the “Orange FC Championship 2025” from October 25 to 26 to crown the country’s best EA FC 26 player. The winner will represent Guinea at a grand final in Morocco, featuring champions from 16 other Orange subsidiaries across the Middle East and Africa.
During the launch event, Minister Pricemou emphasized the need to support this growing sector, mobilize partners and sponsors, and encourage Guinean youth to seize new opportunities. According to a report by African game publisher Carry1st and market research firm Newzoo, Africa’s video game market reached $1.8 billion in 2024, up 12.4% from the previous year, compared with global growth of 2.1% over the same period.
- New Generation Academy to launch on October 13 for top-performing students
- Program offers hands-on training in coding, robotics, and STEM fields
- Initiative aims to equip youth with skills for Africa’s digital economy
Kigali is now home to New Generation Academy, the first accredited school in Rwanda offering professional training in software programming and embedded systems. The program, set to launch on October 13, targets students who have completed Senior 3 with strong results in the 2024/2025 national exams.
New Generation Academy stands out for its practical, project-based approach. From the early years, students receive training in coding, robotics, and STEM subjects science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, offering programs aligned with both national and international systems through an equivalence certificate issued by the Higher Education Council (HEC).
The school’s opening comes as coding and tech education gain momentum across Africa. Its mission is to meet the continent’s growing demand for digital skills and prepare young people for careers in the emerging digital economy. According to the “Foresight Africa 2025–2030” report by the Brookings Institution, around 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills.
New Generation Academy’s program is designed to equip students with advanced programming abilities, practical project experience, and exposure to innovative technologies. Such initiatives are helping to train a new generation of tech talent capable of supporting start-up growth and driving Africa’s digital transformation.
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Nigeria’s CBAAC signed a partnership with DigitA to accelerate the digital transformation of African arts and heritage institutions.
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The agreement makes DigitA the CBAAC’s official digital advisor, focusing on capacity building, innovation, and infrastructure.
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The initiative aims to turn culture into a driver of economic growth and global influence through technology.
The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), a Nigerian parastatal institution, has signed a memorandum of understanding with DigitA, an African digital strategy firm, to strengthen the role of technology and innovation in preserving and promoting African culture and heritage.
At the signing ceremony last week, Aisha Adamu Augie, Director-General of the CBAAC, said the partnership reflects the centre’s ambition to use technology as a bridge between Africa’s cultural legacy and global audiences.
“Cultural preservation and promotion in the 21st century must go hand in hand with innovation. This partnership with DigitA reflects our vision to bring African cultural heritage to the world through technology,” Augie said.
Under the agreement, DigitA becomes the official digital advisor to the CBAAC. The firm will design and implement digital transformation strategies, develop technology infrastructure, and deliver capacity-building programs for cultural actors.
The partnership also includes the launch of scalable digital products and innovation initiatives to showcase African arts and heritage on the international stage.
The initiative comes amid a growing push by African cultural institutions to digitize archives, artworks, and oral traditions that risk being lost. The adoption of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and immersive reality tools, offers new ways to preserve, distribute, and monetize Africa’s cultural wealth.
Analysts say such projects could also improve global access to African art and position the continent’s creative sector as a competitive economic industry.
Beyond preservation, the CBAAC–DigitA partnership aims to make digital technology a catalyst for creative and economic development. By integrating innovation into cultural management, both institutions seek to turn Africa’s artistic heritage into a source of employment, innovation, and soft power.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to digitize its cultural assets and place Africa “at the heart of global cultural dialogue,” according to the CBAAC.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Sierra Leone partners with Qhala to integrate AI in government
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500 civil servants to train; 10-15 AI workflows planned
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National AI readiness study launched with World Bank support
As it struggles with major development challenges, Sierra Leone is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize public services and boost its international profile.
The country ranks 172nd out of 193 in the United Nations 2024 E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.3042.
To close this gap, Sierra Leone signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qhala, a Nairobi-based digital transformation firm, during the 80th UN General Assembly.
The partnership will train civil servants to apply AI in their daily work , improving efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery.
The program’s first phase targets 500 trainees and the creation of 10–15 AI-driven workflows in government operations. The goal is to build digital capacity in the civil service and embed AI into public administration to speed up and improve service quality.
In a related move, the government on October 2 launched a National AI Readiness Assessment with support from the World Bank. The study will evaluate infrastructure, human capital, and regulation needed for AI adoption in key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, energy, and security.
Preliminary results will help identify priorities and guide Sierra Leone’s AI strategy. Both initiatives are part of a wider push to make government more efficient and responsive. By integrating AI into public institutions and critical sectors, Sierra Leone hopes to address chronic inefficiency, processing delays, and limited data use.
Officials see AI , with its capacity to process vast data sets , as a potential engine of development, improving coordination across sectors and promoting more inclusive, data-informed governance.
Samira Njoya
• Comoros launches measles-rubella drive using digital tools
• Over 101,000 children targeted across three main islands
• Real-time data aims to boost coverage, speed up response
The Union of the Comoros launched its national measles and rubella vaccination campaign on Oct. 4, using digital tools for the first time. The initiative, supported by the WHO and partners in the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), is funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Officials say the shift to digital tools will transform data management and improve campaign efficiency.
“This innovation gives us real-time data to make strategic decisions and ensure the campaign’s success,” said Chamsa Halidi, EPI Coordinator for the Comoros.
Health workers are now using mobile devices equipped with the Open Data Kit (ODK) application, replacing traditional paper forms. Data collected in the field is instantly uploaded to interactive dashboards and maps, allowing daily tracking of team performance, rapid identification of low-coverage areas, and immediate corrective action.
The campaign aims to vaccinate over 101,000 children across the islands of Ndzuwani, Ngazidja, and Mwali.
The digital rollout is part of a broader regional effort to improve equitable access to healthcare and strengthen health systems through innovation.
Previous vaccination drives were hindered by data delays, entry errors, and uneven coverage, limiting oversight for national authorities.
By adopting these digital tools, the Ministry of Health and its partners aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and campaign effectiveness. Real-time monitoring will help resolve issues quickly, ensure that every targeted child is vaccinated, and improve planning for future campaigns.
Beyond measles and rubella, the initiative sets the stage for lasting digital transformation in Comoros’s public health programs, potentially serving as a model for other African island nations facing similar monitoring challenges.
Samira Njoya
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Senegal’s Ministry of Education launched PLANETE 3, a digital platform to modernize school management.
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The system offers real-time monitoring of attendance, grades, and student performance, with UNICEF’s support.
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The initiative is part of a CFA130 billion ($233 million) national digital education strategy for 2025–2029.
Senegal’s Ministry of Education officially launched “PLANETE 3” on Friday, October 3, a digital platform designed to modernize the management of schools and educational institutions. Developed by local engineers, the system aims to end the fragmentation and isolation of the country’s education network.
“PLANETE 3 is not just a technological upgrade. It represents a fundamental shift and marks the irreversible transition toward a more connected, participatory, and dynamic educational community,” said Education Minister Moustapha Guirassy during the launch ceremony in Dakar.
The platform provides each education stakeholder with a personalized interface. It includes features for real-time tracking of attendance, grades, and report cards, as well as remote learning tools for struggling students, developed with UNICEF’s support. Intelligent dashboards will also allow education officials, including the minister, to monitor the entire system nationwide.
The initiative is part of the National Digital Strategy for Education 2025–2029, unveiled in January with an estimated budget of CFA130 billion (about $233 million). The strategy seeks to modernize Senegal’s schools and improve their appeal. It also follows the launch of a large-scale program to train 105,000 teachers in digital tools and artificial intelligence to support the country’s educational transformation.
For teachers, PLANETE 3 is expected to reduce administrative burdens, freeing more time for innovation in the classroom. Parents will gain real-time visibility through instant notifications, while students will receive more personalized support, especially those facing academic challenges. For administrators, the tool provides a powerful decision-making and management instrument, helping to build a more efficient and inclusive education system.
However, several challenges remain to ensure the platform’s success. Connectivity issues, limited computer access in some schools, and potential overload during peak usage periods will need to be addressed to guarantee smooth and equitable implementation across the country.
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Zambia and Ethiopia signed a cooperation deal to develop national digital ID systems.
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Ethiopia shares experience from its Fayda program, with 25 million citizens already enrolled.
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UNECA estimates digital ID could add 3–7% of GDP by cutting costs and boosting inclusion.
Zambia and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding on October 2 to work together on developing national digital identity systems. The agreement, reached under the Permanent Joint Commission of Cooperation, aims to improve citizens’ access to essential services while strengthening transparency and public accountability.
The partnership will involve a transfer of expertise from Ethiopia to Zambia, particularly in biometric enrollment, open standards, and interoperable systems. Zambia expects to draw on Ethiopia’s experience to accelerate its identification infrastructure.
Ethiopia has moved ahead with its Fayda national digital ID program, launched in 2023, which seeks to provide secure digital identities to the entire population. More than 25 million people have already registered, with a target of 90 million by 2027.
In Zambia, progress is more recent but notable. In 2024, the country digitized 81% of its old paper identity cards within just three months. However, challenges remain, including a low birth registration rate of 14% in 2024, which limits overall coverage.
Beyond improving public services, the initiative is expected to support financial and social inclusion. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), a well-designed digital ID system could generate value equivalent to 3–7% of GDP in African countries by reducing administrative costs and better integrating citizens into the formal economy.
For both Zambia and Ethiopia, the project is seen as a driver of development and aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes local digital solutions to foster regional integration and sustainable growth. By adopting interoperable digital identities, the two countries are laying the groundwork for inclusive ecosystems that can stimulate economic activity and strengthen trust between citizens and institutions.
If fully implemented, the initiative could place Zambia and Ethiopia at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation. Still, challenges remain, including ensuring data protection, achieving cross-platform interoperability, preventing the exclusion of rural and low-connectivity populations, and securing sustainable financing for large-scale deployment and maintenance.
• Senegal launched a $233 million national program to train 105,000 teachers and administrators in digital tools and artificial intelligence.
• The program is part of the government’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029 and includes distributing computers to science students.
• Connectivity gaps remain a challenge, as 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023, according to the ITU.
Senegal’s government is accelerating its digital transformation strategy through new capacity-building initiatives. In August, authorities already organized digital training for members of parliament.
On September 30, the Ministry of National Education (MEN) officially launched a national program to train teachers in digital skills and artificial intelligence. The initiative also includes providing computers to students in science tracks. Officials described the program as the operational start of the country’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029, which carries a budget of CFA130 billion (about $233 million) announced in January.
The program stems from a partnership signed in March 2025 between the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. It targets 105,000 teachers and administrative staff to integrate digital tools and AI into teaching and school management.
The online training will be accessible via computers, tablets, or smartphones connected to the internet. It includes interactive content, self-learning modules, and certified assessments. Teachers will learn to adapt their methods to technological changes, use digital resources to enrich learning, raise student awareness of digital and AI issues, and strengthen cybersecurity and data protection in schools.
“The final objective of this initiative is to integrate digital tools directly into the classroom, not only to modernize teaching but also to create an ecosystem adapted to 21st-century requirements,” the ministry said. “This program is not limited to teacher training. It represents a paradigm shift that will allow Senegalese students to move from being simple consumers of technology to becoming creators and innovators.”
Successful implementation depends on several factors. Access to compatible devices, the cost of internet connections, digital literacy, and telecom coverage remain significant barriers. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
• Tunisia opens Smart Industry 4.0 training center in Sfax
• First 13 trainees focus on IoT, robotics, automation skills
• Part of Swiss-backed Takween program to boost youth employability
The Sfax governorate in Tunisia inaugurated a new specialized training center on Tuesday, September 30, focusing on Smart Industry 4.0. The hub aims to prepare young people for careers related to the digital transformation of manufacturing and enhance their employability in a rapidly evolving market.
Elyes Chérif, Director General of the Tunisian Professional Training Agency (ATFP), emphasized that the project directly addresses the evolving needs of Tunisian businesses, which face increasing automation and digitalization of their processes. “The objective is to equip young people with the specialized skills that correspond to the requirements of Industry 4.0 and offer them better professional integration prospects,” he stated.
The new facility will welcome a first cohort of 13 trainees selected for programs centered on automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and the maintenance of smart industrial systems. This laboratory is the fourth of its kind in Tunisia, following centers established in Sidi Thabet (Ariana), Monastir, and Sousse.
The program is part of the Swiss-backed “Takween” program, launched in 2020. Takween adopts an innovative, work-study approach to vocational training, aiming to strengthen the employability of higher education graduates, particularly those from professional training tracks, and align young Tunisians’ skills with the standards of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Such initiatives are critical in Africa, where the African Development Bank forecasts that more than 30 million young Africans will enter the labor market annually by 2030. In Tunisia, a country with a young population and a changing industrial base, these specialized labs are designed to bridge the skills gap and stimulate local innovation.
With this new base, Tunisia aims to cultivate a talent pool capable of meeting the challenges of the digital revolution, fostering the emergence of technology startups, and contributing to the development of smart industry both nationally and regionally.
Samira Njoya
• TikTok to train 120 Ghanaian creators on October 12
• Sessions cover engagement, algorithms, and monetization skills
• Ghana eyes digital growth; GCB proposes creator payment system
TikTok plans to host a training session for local content creators in Ghana on October 12, an initiative designed to enhance digital skills, engagement, and monetization on the platform.
The training was disclosed by Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technologies, and Innovation, during a meeting with members of the New Media Association of Ghana, the Ghana Bloggers Association, and independent creators earlier this week.
Targeting 120 content creators, the session will be delivered by a technical team from TikTok traveling from South Africa. The training will focus on platform optimization to help participants improve their reach, engagement, and monetization strategies.
“This will be the first time a government in Ghana has facilitated TikTok’s direct engagement with local creators. The training will give you practical insights into how algorithms work, how to boost your engagement, and how to monetise effectively,” Minister Nartey George said.
The move is part of the government’s effort to support the nation’s burgeoning digital creative industry. The availability of relevant digital content is a key factor in mobile internet adoption; approximately 70% of Ghana's population were using the internet at the start of 2025, according to DataReportal.
In a related development in early September, Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) proposed a mechanism to allow Ghanaian TikTok creators to receive their earnings securely and transparently. Leveraging its extensive network and connectivity with MasterCard, Visa, mobile money wallets, and bank accounts, GCB is positioning itself as the ideal payment gateway to facilitate withdrawals and manage earnings from creator gifts.
Isaac K. Kassouwi