Tech (1130)
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Burundi launched the e-KORI system to digitalize tax declaration and payment.
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The Burundi Revenue Authority leads the project with World Bank support.
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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
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Mauritania’s digital ministry launched a public portal disclosing procurement and spending data.
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The platform publishes all expenditures since the government took office in August 2024.
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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
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Kenya has assembled nearly five million smartphones locally to expand digital access and industrial capacity.
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The government links smartphone affordability to job creation in digital services and BPO.
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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
- Ivory Coast launched the MaPoste application to link digital identity with postal and administrative services.
- ONECI integrated the National Register of Natural Persons into La Poste’s digital platform.
- The initiative aims to reduce travel, speed up procedures, and strengthen transaction security.
Ivory Coast continues to modernize its public administration through digital tools. On Friday, January 16, 2026, the National Office of Civil Status and Identification (ONECI) and La Poste de Côte d’Ivoire launched “MaPoste,” an application designed to dematerialize access to postal and administrative services through digital identity.
Designed as a “super application,” MaPoste allows every citizen holding a National Identification Number (NNI) to access a digital mailbox from a smartphone. The tool aligns with the national digital transformation strategy, which aims to bring public services closer to users while strengthening the security of exchanges.
Through this platform, La Poste de Côte d’Ivoire adopts a so-called phygital approach by combining a physical network of more than 200 agencies with fully digital services. The initiative seeks to reduce travel, streamline procedures, and improve user experience at a time when demand for digital public services continues to rise.
The project relies on the integration of the National Register of Natural Persons (RNPP), which ONECI manages. The system assigns each citizen a unique identity based on biometric data and serves as a central pillar of Ivory Coast’s e-government development. Authorities state that linking digital services to a certified identity remains a key condition to ensure transaction reliability and protect personal data.
In practical terms, MaPoste aims to facilitate several administrative procedures, including the delivery of national identity cards and the request and tracking of official documents such as civil status certificates, nationality certificates, and criminal records. The initiative seeks to reduce processing times and strengthen procedural traceability.
More broadly, the initiative fits into Ivory Coast’s wider push to digitize public services. In recent years, the country has multiplied projects around digital identity, cybersecurity, and administrative dematerialization, with the ambition to build a public administration that operates more efficiently, includes more citizens, and adapts better to digital usage.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Burundi lawmakers unanimously approved a law regulating the collection, processing, and use of personal data amid accelerating digitalisation.
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The legislation creates an independent data protection authority and introduces criminal penalties for violations.
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The reform aligns Burundi with African and international digital governance standards and supports rollout of a biometric national ID.
Burundi adopted a dedicated legal framework for personal data protection as lawmakers moved to secure the country’s digital transformation and strengthen citizen trust.
Members of the National Assembly meeting in plenary session on Thursday, January 15, in Kigobe unanimously adopted a bill governing the collection, processing, and exploitation of personal data, as public administration and services expand digital systems.
Données personnelles : le Burundi verrouille l’ère numérique
— Irebe FM (@IrebeFM) January 15, 2026
Une Assemblée en mode responsabilité
L’Assemblée nationale s’est réunie ce 15 janvier 2026, au Palais des Congrès de Kigobe, sous la présidence de Daniel Gélase Ndabirabe, afin d’analyser et d’adopter le projet de loi… pic.twitter.com/NRu0IhKEsK
The Ministry of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security sponsored the law to close a legal gap created by the rapid spread of digital tools across government, the private sector, and daily life. Authorities expanded computerized systems, digitised the voter register, and advanced the rollout of a biometric national identity card, which together increased the production of sensitive data that existing Burundian law regulated weakly.
The law establishes core principles for privacy protection and emphasizes respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. It introduces multiple data protection regimes and creates an independent administrative authority responsible for enforcement, which aligns Burundi’s framework with international standards for digital governance.
On the operational front, the legislation introduces specific criminal penalties for violations, complementing existing cybercrime provisions. Lawmakers framed these measures as essential to restoring public confidence in digital systems, as parliamentary debates highlighted concerns over data security and misuse.
Beyond the national context, the reform fits within a broader continental push. The African Union has promoted legal harmonisation through the Malabo Convention on cybersecurity and personal data protection. About 39 African countries have already adopted dedicated data protection laws, while several others continue legislative reviews.
In Burundi, the new framework should also remove a key obstacle to deploying the biometric national identity card. Authorities said technical milestones already include installing registration software aligned with the new administrative boundaries. Officials currently test the system in about a dozen pilot communes before a phased nationwide rollout.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Morocco plans to generate 100 billion dirhams ($11 billion) in additional GDP from artificial intelligence by 2030.
- The government expects AI adoption to create 50,000 jobs and train 200,000 graduates in AI-related skills.
- Morocco will launch the Jazari Root AI network, including a 50-MW sovereign data center, to anchor its national ecosystem.
Morocco has placed artificial intelligence at the center of its economic transformation strategy. By 2030, the kingdom aims to generate 100 billion dirhams in additional GDP, equivalent to about $11 billion, through structured AI deployment. Official projections also link this strategy to the creation of 50,000 jobs and the training of 200,000 graduates in AI-related skills.
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, unveiled these targets on Monday, January 12, in Rabat during a digital-focused conference. She stated that Morocco’s current GDP stands at around $170 billion and described artificial intelligence as a major growth lever, provided authorities integrate it within a structured, sovereign, and impact-driven framework.
These announcements form part of Morocco’s forthcoming national artificial intelligence strategy, whose roadmap authorities plan to release shortly. The strategy rests on several pillars, including skills development, the build-out of sovereign digital infrastructure, and the expansion of cloud and data-processing services capable of supporting advanced AI use cases nationwide.
To operationalize this ambition and structure the national ecosystem, Morocco also announced the launch of the Jazari Root network, which will serve as a central hub for the country’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. The project will include a 20-hectare campus and a 50-MW sovereign data center. Jazari Root aims to bring together researchers, startups, large companies, and public institutions around applied projects ranging from e-government and smart cities to agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.
By structuring investments and its ecosystem at an early stage, Morocco seeks to position itself as a credible artificial intelligence player at regional and African levels. The kingdom aims to capture part of the value that AI could generate in the global economy, which PwC estimates at nearly $15.7 trillion by 2030.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Guinea quadrupled backbone capacity to 200 Gbps and deployed nearly 12,000 km of fiber
- Digital reforms generated more than $26.9 million in budget savings in public administration
- Telecoms now account for 4.4% of GDP and attracted about $220 million in investment
In 2025, Guinea intensified initiatives under its digital transformation strategy. Authorities accelerated infrastructure deployment, strengthened state digitalization, and modernized telecom sector governance. The Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou, presented these developments during a sector review.
On infrastructure, Guinea quadrupled national backbone capacity to 200 Gbps from 50 Gbps. Authorities deployed nearly 12,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable to connect all administrative regions. The country also commissioned its first Tier 3–certified national data center, operationalized an Internet Exchange Point, and secured sovereign management of the .gn country-code domain, which strengthened network security and resilience.
Public administration digitalization also gained momentum. In 2025, authorities deployed 39 public service applications and fully digitized several key procedures, including passport issuance, through a unified digital portal. The TELEMO platform fully digitized public procurement, improving transparency and traceability. At the same time, the FUGAS unified civil service registry streamlined workforce management and generated budget savings exceeding 233 billion Guinean francs, or about $26.9 million.
Education and digital inclusion programs expanded in parallel. Authorities trained more than 10,000 people in digital skills. The Univ Connect project interconnected several universities and reached more than 80,000 students, lecturers, and researchers. In primary education, the GIGA program connected 585 schools to the internet, with authorities targeting 2,200 schools by 2026, or nearly 900,000 beneficiaries. Authorities also expanded regional digital hubs, with 20 additional centers under construction. The government invested more than $4 million to support tech entrepreneurship and stimulate local innovation.
These reforms delivered economic and strategic returns. The telecommunications sector now accounts for 4.4% of Guinea’s gross domestic product and attracted about $220 million in investment. At the same time, mobile internet costs fell by about 25%.
In 2026, authorities will prioritize extending connectivity to underserved areas, with more than 600 identified white zones. The government will also expand digital use in education and public services and strengthen cybersecurity and local data hosting. However, challenges remain, including universal access, infrastructure maintenance, and continuous skills training to support sustainable nationwide adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Tether and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime launched a partnership to boost cybersecurity and public education on digital assets in Africa.
- The initiative includes youth cybersecurity training in Senegal and support for anti-trafficking organizations across several African countries.
- Interpol recently uncovered about $260 million in illicit crypto and fiat funds linked to financial crime in Africa.
Tether, a global cryptocurrency company, announced on Friday, January 9, 2026, a collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to strengthen cybersecurity and public education around digital assets in Africa.
The initiative comes as cryptocurrency adoption accelerates across the continent, increasing user exposure to fraud and financial crime.
Tether and the United Nations Join Forces to Safeguard Africa’s Digital Economy
— Tether (@tether) January 9, 2026
Learn more: https://t.co/qKyZLH8j63
“Through this collaboration, we can advance digital inclusion, strengthen digital skills and youth employability, promote secure and transparent digital ecosystems, and harness innovation to prevent organized crime while fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” said Sylvie Bertrand, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa.
The partnership includes several targeted projects.
In Senegal, the initiative focuses on youth cybersecurity education. The program provides multi-phase training that includes sessions conducted with the Plan B Foundation, which emerged from a collaboration between Tether and the city of Lugano. The initiative also offers coaching and mentoring to support the development of secure digital projects.
At the continental level, the program also supports civil society organizations that assist victims of human trafficking in countries including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Uganda. At the same time, the initiative strengthens awareness of online financial risks.
The alliance takes shape amid rapid growth in digital asset use across Africa.
The continent now ranks as the world’s third-fastest-growing cryptocurrency market. However, this expansion also brings rising vulnerabilities.
A recent Interpol-coordinated operation uncovered nearly $260 million in cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies linked to illicit activities across multiple African countries.
Over the longer term, the partnership could strengthen trust in digital assets, support financial inclusion, and improve African states’ capacity to prevent financial crime.
The initiative also aims to support safer and more sustainable growth of Africa’s digital economy.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
More...
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Morocco plans to launch its “Maroc IA 2030” strategy to modernize public services, enhance digital interoperability, and strengthen economic competitiveness.
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The government will establish Al‑Jazari Institutes, a national network of AI centers of excellence linking research, innovation, and regional economic actors.
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The initiative complements Digital Morocco 2030, targeting 240,000 digital jobs and $10 billion contribution to GDP by 2030, while improving Morocco’s AI readiness ranking in MENA and globally.
Morocco prepares to unveil “Maroc IA 2030,” a strategic framework to structure the country’s AI ecosystem. The initiative aims to exploit artificial intelligence to modernize public services, improve digital system interoperability, and enhance national competitiveness, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni said ahead of the “AI Made in Morocco” event in Rabat on January 12.
The roadmap focuses on five priorities: ensure technological independence, build trust in AI usage, develop national skills, support local innovation, and provide balanced coverage across the territory. Central to the plan is the creation of Al‑Jazari Institutes, a network of AI centers of excellence tasked with connecting academic research, technological innovation, and regional economic needs.
The plan builds on the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, launched in September 2024, which places AI at the core of the country’s digital transformation. Authorities expect the strategy to generate 240,000 digital jobs by 2030 and contribute roughly $10 billion to GDP. Morocco improved 14 points in the AI government readiness index in 2025, ranking 87th globally and 8th in the Middle East and North Africa.
Concrete measures include the creation of a General Directorate for AI and Emerging Technologies to oversee public policy and the establishment of an Arab-African regional digital hub in partnership with the UNDP, aimed at fostering sustainable digital innovation.
Other African countries, including Egypt, Rwanda, and Kenya, have launched national AI strategies or strengthened institutional frameworks to accelerate AI adoption in the economy and public services. These efforts include centers of excellence, training programs, and regulatory frameworks to support responsible innovation.
If fully implemented, Maroc IA 2030 could enhance Morocco’s economic competitiveness, create skilled jobs, improve public service efficiency through intelligent systems, and strengthen the country’s position in the continental and global tech landscape.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Morocco digitizes 68 of 76 fish markets to improve tracking, governance, and data collection.
- Satellite monitoring and RFID tracking now cover all vessels in Moroccan waters to combat illegal fishing.
- Digital tools support scientific research, fisheries management, and market oversight amid declining catches and revenues.
Morocco faces a 15% decline in coastal and artisanal fish landings and a 4% drop in sector revenues through November 2025, according to the National Office of Fisheries.
The government sees digitalization as a tool to address these challenges.
During a parliamentary session on Monday, January 5, 2026, Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries Zakia Driouich said that 68 of the country’s 76 first-sale fish markets now operate with digital systems.
The digital deployment allows the government to access precise data and strengthen oversight of commercial transactions.
Digital registration enables tracking of sales and production of actionable data, reducing opacity in exchanges.
The system also enhances control and audit capabilities, a key lever to improve governance and industry practices.
Digitalization extends beyond markets to fishing zones.
Driouich said all vessels operating in Moroccan waters are now monitored via satellite.
The government also uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) to trace authorized vessels, reinforcing controls and combating illegal fishing.
Officials apply these tools to scientific research, fisheries management, production methods, and commercialization.
The approach aims to improve data collection, planning, and sustainable resource management.
The initiatives build on Morocco’s long-standing strategy.
The Halieutis strategy, launched in 2009, initiated gradual modernization, including replacing paper documentation with electronic data processing for exports.
With the digitalization of first-sale markets and enhanced maritime monitoring, Morocco takes a new step toward a more traceable, regulated, and data-driven fisheries sector.
- Guinea launched Univ Connect to interconnect higher education institutions through a national fiber-optic network.
- Authorities connected 13 university sites, with 9 fully operational and 4 under activation, and plan to reach 17 institutions.
- The project targets nearly 80,000 students, researchers, and lecturers under the Simandou 2040 digital strategy.
Under the leadership of Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Guinea officially launched “Univ Connect” in late December 2025. The National Agency for Universal Telecommunications and Digital Services (ANSUTEN) leads the fiber-optic interconnection project, which aims to equip higher education institutions with faster, more stable, and more secure Internet infrastructure.
“This initiative marks a decisive step in supporting the digital transformation of Guinea’s education sector and will enable our institutions to deliver academic services that meet international standards,” ANSUTEN said.
On the operational front, authorities have already connected 13 sites to the national fiber network, according to information released at the launch. Nine sites now operate fully, while four sites remain under commissioning. In addition, authorities announced four more sites in the deployment phase. Ultimately, the program plans to connect and interconnect 17 higher education institutions to form a nationwide high-speed and secure academic network.
According to ANSUTEN, the project aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation drive under the Simandou 2040 sustainable socio-economic development program. Authorities aim to strengthen access to modern and reliable digital infrastructure for public and private universities across Guinea.
Beyond Internet access, the government seeks to create a full “academic network” that enables institutions to share resources and modernize services. Univ Connect will expand access to digital libraries, online learning platforms, and research tools while improving exchanges among nearly 80,000 teachers, researchers, and students.
The interconnection will also enable more intensive uses, including videoconferencing, hybrid courses, inter-university collaboration, access to scientific databases, and hosting of educational applications. Over the medium term, this digital backbone could support national research and innovation platforms.
However, sustainability remains a key challenge. The network’s long-term impact will depend on equipment maintenance, the resilience of internal campus networks, energy availability, and the implementation of cybersecurity standards. In other words, fiber infrastructure forms only the foundation, and durable governance will determine whether Guinea reaches its targeted international standards.
This article was initially published in French by Muriel EDJO
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Just before the Orange EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Grand Finale kicked off at Casablanca’s Sacré-Cœur on December 19, Orange Middle East and Africa’s (OMEA) Brand and Sponsoring Director outlined the tournament’s evolution. She highlighted Orange’s commitment to African esports and its efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable competitive ecosystem.
We Are Tech (WAT): This tournament used to be called the Orange eSport Experience, but now it’s Orange EA SPORTS FC™ 26. Aside from the name, what has changed and why?
Muriel Cissé: You’re right. The Orange eSport Experience had a great seven-year run but we felt it was time to take the tournament to the next level, which is why we partnered with EA SPORTS, a true powerhouse in the gaming industry. Beyond boosting our credibility and visibility, the partnership gives our players the opportunity to compete on the brand-new EA Sports FC 26 platform.
The new format now brings together 15 African countries, plus Réunion Island, which is joining the Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) circuit for the first time. It’s a major step forward. Our ambition is to show that Africa and its young talent belong on the global esports stage, and working with a world leader in gaming is a key part of that journey.
Where does this edition fit within Orange’s overall strategy for esports growth in Africa and the Middle East?
This is really a natural evolution of our work. Since 2016, our ambition in esports has gone hand in hand with our core business as an internet service provider. High-speed broadband is the backbone of online gaming and tournament streaming.
Beyond connectivity, our second major focus is inclusion. For a long time, local champions struggled to access the international circuit. From the outset, we aimed to promote esports, help structure local ecosystems, and make gaming accessible to everyone.
Through the Orange eSport Experience tournaments we’ve organized since 2018, we’ve given players a platform to compete and gain visibility. This has helped strengthen local communities and has even led to the creation of official esports federations in several countries. We remain committed to that original mission: promoting esports, identifying local talent, delivering high-quality experiences, and giving players a pathway to the global stage.
Inclusion also underpins our commitment to ethical and responsible gaming. We want esports to be open to all young people and increasingly gender-inclusive. For our finale in Casablanca, we are proud to welcome several female competitors, particularly from Cameroon and Morocco.
Looking back since the launch, what are the key figures and results of Orange’s commitment to esports?
Since 2018, we have hosted five pan-African editions, giving our athletes the opportunity to connect and level up. The results have been positive on several fronts. We’ve played a key role in structuring emerging ecosystems by partnering with local grassroots associations. Today, we’re seeing the rise of official national federations in countries like Cameroon, Senegal, and beyond. Orange has been a major driver in this move toward professionalization.
In terms of the numbers, gaming is now the world’s leading entertainment industry, surpassing both film and music. While data for Africa can be limited, we are seeing explosive growth across the continent. Statista projects over 420 million players by 2026, with a gamer penetration rate of 27% across Africa. As a major operator in the Middle East and Africa, Orange is committed to staying at the forefront of this momentum.
Given the wide geographic spread of this event, what resources are being deployed to ensure a top-tier experience for both players and spectators?
It starts with the cutting-edge technology we provide to young gamers, specifically the high-speed broadband, fiber, and 5G networks we are rolling out across our markets. These allow players to compete with minimal latency and make it possible to broadcast the tournaments. Beyond basic connectivity, we are leveraging our flagship "super-app," Max it, which has 22 millions active users across 16 markets, to promote esports.
Moving forward, Max it will become even more integrated with the gaming world. For instance, the Casablanca finale will be live-streamed directly on the app. We are also planning to launch a dedicated gaming "hub" within the app featuring exclusive content: match streams, special offers, and educational tutorials from world-renowned gamers to mentor our local talent. Our goal is to provide genuine added value to the community through the Max it platform.
With the Grand Finale taking place in Casablanca on December 19–20, what is at stake for the local champions representing their countries? What kind of regional impact are you expecting from this event?
For our champions, it’s first and foremost a matter of national pride. They really tap into that patriotic spirit, especially since the tournament focuses on virtual football (EA Sports FC 26), which aligns perfectly with our long-standing commitment to the sport. On a personal level, it’s an incredible opportunity for these players to sharpen their skills.
In terms of future prospects, every champion competing here automatically qualifies for an upcoming EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile tournament scheduled for mid-2026. That competition will expand beyond the OMEA region to include Orange’s European markets, giving our champions the chance to test their skills against players from around the world. On top of that, the overall winner of this tournament will receive a VIP trip to visit Real Madrid.
Visibility is another major factor. The event will be broadcast on Max it, YouTube, and FCM TV (the official EA Sports FC channel).
As for the regional impact, this broad coverage significantly grows our audience, and we hope it inspires a new generation of gamers. Hosting a tournament of this caliber on the eve of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 highlights just how important esports is to Orange. We want to reinforce our commitment to supporting this ecosystem, helping establish regulations, and fostering the creation of national federations to propel our champions to the highest international levels.
Orange often speaks about a vision for "Responsible Esports" supported by the #ForGoodConnection program. What does this commitment look like in practice, and what initiatives are being held alongside the competition?
The #ForGoodConnection program allows us to raise awareness about cyberbullying and online safety. About two years ago, Orange launched “Safe Zones” within certain games in Europe. These are virtual spaces where players experiencing harassment can find immediate support and access contact information for advocacy groups.
Our responsible approach focuses on total inclusion, anti-bullying efforts, and the promotion of healthy screen time, which is a major priority in the esports world. #ForGoodConnection is a year-round commitment that we have fully integrated into this tournament.
One of our most concrete actions for this event was the intentional inclusion of female players. By bringing them into the competition, we are actively promoting gender diversity and making it clear that women have a central role in the future of esports.
What were some of the challenges you faced in organizing a tournament that spans 15 African countries and Réunion Island?
The institutional knowledge and experience we gained from previous editions of the Orange eSport Experience were invaluable. Our teams, based in London, Casablanca within the OMEA region, and across various local markets, have become seasoned experts in managing esports events. We also worked with a specialized agency. That collective effort and coordination allowed us to overcome challenges and bring this event to life.
The logistics were certainly demanding, particularly securing visas to bring all the players to Morocco. We were ultimately able to obtain approvals for nearly all participants. Organizing the event just ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 added another layer of complexity. However, by starting early and relying on our shared experience, we were
Beyond the professional players, how does Orange engage and unite local communities and casual fans in each country?
Our national qualifying phases are managed with a high level of professionalism, often held in venues that welcome live audiences to create a true "event" feel. These national finals are also frequently broadcast on local platforms, allowing us to reach a much wider audience of casual gamers and fans.
In several countries, we also sponsor public gaming centers where we host awareness programs and "brand activations" centered around casual matches. Our goal is to promote esports to the general public at a grassroots level, ensuring the ecosystem isn't just reserved for professionals, but is accessible to everyone.
Looking ahead, what is the future of Orange in the African esports scene?
Our biggest upcoming milestone is the international tournament slated for June/July 2026. This will be the next major chapter: an EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile tournament that will bring together not only Orange’s markets in Africa and the Middle East but also several of our European subsidiaries. This will create a truly cross-continental event, giving our African champions a global stage and the experience of competing at the highest level. The project is currently being finalized, but it perfectly embodies our ongoing commitment to inspiring youth, building esports awareness, and fueling innovation and passion across the continent.
Interview by Muriel Edjo