Tech (1011)
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Government unveils e-mining cadastre to digitalize permits and authorizations.
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Mining share of GDP rose from less than 1% in 2014 to nearly 4% in 2025.
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Platform aims to cut delays, boost transparency and attract investors.
Côte d’Ivoire has officially launched the e-mining cadastre portal, a digital platform designed to modernize the management of mining permits and authorizations. The system was inaugurated on September 22 in Abidjan by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.
“The launch of the e-mining cadastre is a decisive step for the development of our mining sector, which has recorded strong growth over the past decade,” the prime minister said, stressing the government’s push for modern and transparent governance. Between 2012 and 2025, national gold output quadrupled, while manganese production increased tenfold, underscoring the sector’s momentum.
The new system covers the full cycle of mining titles, from applications and processing to delivery, monitoring and archiving. It is powered by Landfolio and hosted on a secure cloud infrastructure. More than 200 mining administration officials have been trained to operate it. Authorities say the tool will speed up procedures, align with international standards such as EITI, and help curb illegal mining.
The launch comes as the mining sector’s contribution to GDP has climbed from less than 1% before 2014 to nearly 4% today. The government aims to reach 6% by year-end, supported by promising deposits of gold, manganese, nickel and lithium, alongside reforms to attract investors.
Officials expect the portal to improve transparency, competitiveness and revenue collection, while ensuring more responsible resource management. Mines, Petroleum and Energy Minister Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly said the ambition is to make Côte d’Ivoire a benchmark in Africa for responsible management of extractive resources within the next decade.
The launch signals a wider digital shift: African governments and companies are no longer just consumers of foreign AI systems, but are beginning to shape the technology around local realities, identities, and needs.
On September 20, 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, officially launched the Nigerian Atlas for Languages & AI at Scale (N-ATLAS). The Atlas is an open-source facility designed to map the country’s rich linguistic diversity of country with artificial intelligence (AI) and power-inclusive chat solutions.
The first version of the project, N-ATLAS v1, is a multilingual and multimodal large language model that supports Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English. Built on Meta’s Llama-3 8B architecture and fine-tuned with over 400 million tokens of multilingual instruction data, it is Nigeria’s most ambitious step yet toward embedding African voices in AI development. “This is the first step in a broader journey to make Africa a contributor and leader in shaping AI’s future,” said Tijani.
The project is powered by Awarri Technologies in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). For Nigerians, the launch could transform how people interact with technology in their daily lives.
Language models like N-ATLAS make it possible to use apps, chatbots, and government services in local languages, not just English — helping millions who are more comfortable in Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba. By making digital tools work in local tongues, the model breaks down barriers for communities left behind by the English-dominated internet.
With more than 500 native languages, Nigeria faces the risk of cultural erosion in the digital age. N-ATLAS helps preserve and digitize this linguistic heritage for future generations. Governments, schools, and businesses can deploy AI-powered platforms that communicate directly in people’s languages — from healthcare advice to education and customer support. This ensures more people can participate in the digital economy.
By investing in tools like N-ATLAS, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in African-led AI innovation. The model will enable researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups across the continent to develop culturally relevant AI solutions, while reducing their dependence on Western-trained systems that often fail to function effectively in African languages.
This movement is echoed across the continent, with similar initiatives gaining momentum. In South Africa, Lelapa AI’s InkubaLM supports languages such as Hausa, Swahili, Zulu, Yoruba, and Xhosa. Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute is also advancing language technologies for Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Aff-Somali, and Tigrigna, integrating them into public services like the Smart Court system. These efforts reflect a continental awakening — one where African nations are reclaiming their linguistic space in the digital world and actively contributing to the global AI landscape.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Kagame appoints Yves Iradukunda as new ICT and Innovation Minister
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Iradukunda to drive Rwanda’s digital push, rural-urban tech equity
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Ex-permanent secretary brings tech, policy, and leadership experience
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has appointed Yves Iradukunda as the new Minister of State for Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) and Innovation, a move that signals a continued focus on digital transformation.
Iradukunda was named to the post in a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, Sept. 18, succeeding Paula Ingabire, who previously served as the full minister for the strategic portfolio.
Iradukunda’s appointment caps a career marked by a strong involvement in modernizing government and promoting digital entrepreneurship. As the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, he oversaw strategic projects to strengthen the country's connectivity, develop digital skills, and foster local technology solutions.
Before entering public service, he distinguished himself in the development and philanthropic sectors. He served as the country director for Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy in Rwanda and as the global operations director at MASS Design Group, an international social design and engineering organization.
Iradukunda holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from Oklahoma Christian University and an MBA from the African Leadership University School of Business. He also holds a diploma in public service innovation from the Cambridge Judge Business School. This academic background, combined with his field experience, underpins his vision of inclusive digital technology serving development.
A long-time advocate for youth training and mentorship, he is also the co-founder and former leader of Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs of Rwanda, an organization that promotes leadership and entrepreneurship.
His appointment comes as Kigali seeks to accelerate its digital transition and solidify its status as a regional technology hub. The new minister will play a key role in speeding up ongoing projects to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas, stimulate local innovation and startup growth, and strengthen cybersecurity and digital sovereignty. His mandate also includes helping to develop the skills of young people to meet the growing demand for talent in the sector.
Following his appointment, Iradukunda said he was "fully committed to giving my all to shape a better future for Rwandans through transformative technologies."
Samira Njoya
- Zambia drafts new bills on e-communications and postal services
- Reforms align laws with cybersecurity, e-commerce, and digital growth
- Part of 2023–2027 strategy to boost trust, investment, innovation
Zambia is updating its legal framework to keep pace with the growth of digital services. At its seventeenth meeting on Monday, the Cabinet approved two bills for introduction to Parliament concerning electronic communications and postal services.
The first bill amends the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, which was enacted in 2021 to establish the legal foundation for e-commerce, digital payments, and other electronic services. According to Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, the revision aims to correct inconsistencies with the Cybersecurity Act, scheduled for 2025, and to strengthen the regulation of public key infrastructures, which are essential for secure transactions.
"The Act aims to promote a secure and trustworthy online environment, protecting consumers and businesses alike. The amendment will enhance secure, efficient and reliable electronic transactions while stimulating economic growth," Mweetwa said. The minister noted, however, that the current law has posed challenges, particularly in the licensing process and its integration with critical infrastructure.
The second bill will replace the Postal Act, which has been in force since 2009 and is considered outdated given technological advancements and new challenges like cybercrime and counterfeiting. It seeks to adapt the legal framework to changes in the postal and courier markets, which have been heavily impacted by the rise of e-commerce.
These reforms are part of the National Digital Transformation Strategy (2023-2027), which aims to modernize the Zambian economy through digital technology and create a climate of trust for businesses and consumers.
Ultimately, these bills are expected to enhance the security and competitiveness of Zambia's digital environment, increase investor confidence, and accelerate the adoption of digital services. They will also support economic diversification by fostering innovation and the emergence of new digital business models.
Samira Njoya
• Chad to launch digital mining cadastre on September 19
• System to centralize titles, secure zones, boost transparency
• Part of reforms aiming to raise mining GDP share to 5% by 2030
Chad's Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines, and Geology, Khadidja Hassane Abdoulaye, announced on Wednesday, September 17, the imminent launch of a digital system for managing mining activities across the country. Scheduled for Friday, September 19, the tool will centralize the issuance of mining titles, secure exploration and exploitation zones, and provide investors and citizens with real-time access to information.
"The launch and operationalization of this tool constitute a significant step in our commitment to modernize and secure the management of national mineral resources. It is a strong pledge toward transparency, good governance, and the sustainable development of our wealth," Abdoulaye said.
The implementation of the digital mining cadastre is part of a broader reform effort to streamline the extractive sector. In recent years, Chad has adopted legal and technical adjustments to align its regulatory framework with international standards and make its mining sector more attractive. Currently, the sector accounts for only about 1% of the country's GDP, but the government aims to increase this to 5% by 2030.
Across the continent, several African countries, including the DRC, Gabon, and Burkina Faso, have already introduced digital mining cadastres to curb fraud, secure investments, and increase tax revenues. Chad is following this trend to enhance transparency and competitiveness in the management of its natural resources.
Beyond attracting investment, the project is also seen as a tool for good governance. For investors, it guarantees better access to data and reduces risks related to land disputes. For citizens, it embodies a promise of greater transparency and more equitable management of national wealth, as the country seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons.
Samira Njoya
• Algeria’s FNI partners with four firms to build tech hub
• Project targets digital finance, public sector transformation
• Part of 2030 strategy to modernize services, boost innovation
Algeria's National Investment Fund (FNI) announced on Tuesday, September 16, that it has signed an agreement with a consortium of four digital companies: Optimum Télécom Algérie (Djezzy), IT-DEV Spa, Inet Spa, and Smart Test Spa. The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for the creation of a national technology hub.
According to the FNI, the hub is intended to "become a major player in digitization, primarily in the financial sector, by bringing together the expertise, infrastructure, and technological subsidiaries and stakes held by the FNI."
The fund's statement said the hub will integrate digital solutions into the financial sector and support public institutions and businesses in their digital transformation. This will help enhance the range of modern, accessible, and high-performance services available to citizens and companies. The FNI emphasized that the project represents a strategic turning point for its role in the national digital ecosystem, ensuring resource consistency, optimization, and sharing.
This initiative is part of the country's developing National Digital Transformation Strategy 2030, which prioritizes digital governance. It comes as Algeria ramps up digital projects to modernize its administration and stimulate innovation. In recent years, the country has strengthened its telecommunications infrastructure, expanded 4G coverage to more than 85% of the population, and launched several digital skills training programs for young people and businesses. The technology hub is expected to build on these achievements to create a structured ecosystem capable of sharing resources and leveraging local expertise.
Once operational, the hub is expected to optimize technological investments, accelerate innovation in digital services, and attract regional and international players. The initiative could also play a key role in economic development by fostering the emergence of solutions tailored to the needs of the financial sector while strengthening the competitiveness of Algerian startups and businesses in the digital market.
Samira Njoya
• Congo signs digital economy pact with China’s Genew Technologies
• Deal targets AI training, infrastructure, digital public services
• Part of $100M World Bank-backed Digital Transformation project
The Congolese government announced on Thursday, September 18, that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese technology company Genew Technologies. The partnership aims to develop the digital economy, strengthen critical infrastructure, and train young people in artificial intelligence (AI).
The agreement was signed by Léon Juste Ibombo (photo, right), the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on the new industrial revolution being held in China. According to Ibombo, this is a new partner and investor in the government's vision to make the digital sector the fifth pillar of its National Development Plan 2022-2026. The government seeks to leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) for the country's socio-economic development.
The government's statement did not specify which digital projects the collaboration would cover. However, the country's flagship initiative in this area is the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (DTAP), which is supported by a $100 million World Bank loan and a 27 billion CFA francs (about $48.7 million) loan from the European Investment Bank.
According to the World Bank, this program focuses on the productive use of broadband to deliver digital public services. It aims to finance connectivity in isolated areas, establish a secure government intranet, develop a single portal for online citizen services, and implement multiple information systems to improve the management of public services.
In a June 2022 press release, the Bretton Woods institution stated that the project was expected to increase 3G mobile broadband availability for an additional 404,000 people. It would also provide 3,000 people with the opportunity to acquire certified digital skills and enable 75,000 people per day to access project-supported digital services.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
• Senegal to launch national data interoperability platform in December
• First phase targets social aid, transparency, and admin efficiency
• Part of digital reforms under Senegal 2050 Agenda, New Tech Deal
Senegal plans to launch the first phase of its national data interoperability platform in December. The project, initiated by the government in April, aims to streamline and secure the exchange of information among ministries, public agencies, and private entities.
According to the Coordination Committee, which met on Tuesday to assess the project's progress, the platform will initially be used to accelerate the payment of social assistance to vulnerable families, enhance transparency in public management, and simplify administrative procedures for citizens and businesses.
"Interoperability is not just a technical innovation; it's a lever to modernize governance and stimulate innovation in the digital ecosystem," the Ministry of Communications, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy stated.
The project is a key component of the country’s New Technology Deal and the Senegal 2050 Agenda, which aims to modernize the administration, optimize public resources, and position the country as a regional digital hub. In recent years, Dakar has pursued several reforms to digitize public services, including the Senegal Services platform and the gradual dematerialization of administrative procedures.
With an internet penetration rate estimated at 70% as of January 2025 and widespread adoption of mobile money, the new platform could transform the user experience and build greater trust in digital administration. It is also expected to create new opportunities for local startups by providing secure and standardized access to public data.
Samira Njoya
• Mauritius, Morocco, South Africa lead Africa in 2025 innovation
• WIPO ranks innovation using 80 indicators across 139 countries
• Morocco hits record high; Senegal, Namibia show strong progress
Mauritius, Morocco, and South Africa are the most innovative African countries in 2025, according to the Global Innovation Index 2025, a report released on Tuesday by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The study, titled "Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads," analyzes the innovation performance of 139 countries based on 80 indicators across seven pillars, including institutions, human capital, research, infrastructure, and market and business sophistication.
Top Ten African Economies
Mauritius ranked 53rd globally, confirming its role as a regional leader. According to the report, the island nation’s strong institutions, high-performing education system, and pro-investment policies have boosted its innovation capabilities.
Morocco climbed to 57th place, its highest-ever ranking, a result of sustained policies in renewable energy, industrialization, and digitalization. South Africa, ranked 61st, maintained its position as a regional powerhouse due to its network of top universities and a vibrant research and development ecosystem.
Behind the top three, the Seychelles ranked 75th, making progress through the digitalization of public services and a focus on sustainable development. Tunisia, at 76th, held its spot among the continent's most innovative economies, thanks to its quality human capital and dynamic tech sector.
Egypt ranked 86th, solidifying its status as a digital hub in North Africa with a rapidly expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem. Botswana, at 87th, continued to advance, leveraging its stable governance and growing financial and service sectors.
Senegal, ranked 89th, was highlighted as an "outperformer" relative to its level of development, driven by its vibrant startup ecosystem and the rise of venture capital. Namibia also saw significant progress, reaching 91st place, supported by investments in education and institutional reforms. Lastly, Cape Verde, at 95th, was buoyed by a surge in mobile services and government initiatives supporting tech entrepreneurship, despite a slight drop in its global ranking from the previous year.
While no African country cracked the global top 50, the report points to several positive trends. The upward mobility of economies like Morocco, Senegal, and Namibia highlights the growing diversity of innovation drivers across the continent.
Internationally, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States topped the rankings, reaffirming their status as the world's most innovative economies.
Samira Njoya
Based on the "Global Innovation Index 2025" report, here is the ranking of the most innovative African countries:
|
African Rank |
Country |
Global Rank |
|
1 |
Mauritius |
53 |
|
2 |
Morocco |
57 |
|
3 |
South Africa |
61 |
|
4 |
Seychelles |
75 |
|
5 |
Tunisia |
76 |
|
6 |
Egypt |
86 |
|
7 |
Botswana |
87 |
|
8 |
Senegal |
89 |
|
9 |
Namibia |
91 |
|
10 |
Cape Verde |
95 |
|
11 |
Ghana |
101 |
|
12 |
Kenya |
102 |
|
13 |
Rwanda |
104 |
|
14 |
Nigeria |
105 |
|
15 |
Côte d'Ivoire |
110 |
|
16 |
Zambia |
112 |
|
17 |
Algeria |
115 |
|
18 |
Cameroon |
116 |
|
19 |
Togo |
117 |
|
20 |
Benin |
118 |
|
21 |
Madagascar |
120 |
|
22 |
Tanzania |
121 |
|
23 |
Uganda |
124 |
|
24 |
Malawi |
125 |
|
25 |
Burkina Faso |
126 |
|
26 |
Burundi |
127 |
|
27 |
Mozambique |
128 |
|
28 |
Zimbabwe |
129 |
|
29 |
Mauritania |
131 |
|
30 |
Lesotho |
132 |
|
31 |
Guinea |
133 |
|
32 |
Ethiopia |
134 |
|
33 |
Mali |
135 |
|
34 |
Republic of the Congo |
137 |
|
35 |
Angola |
138 |
|
36 |
Niger |
139 |
• CAF to unveil “Yalla” app on September 25 for tickets, Fan ID, lodging, and visas.
• App to centralize services, with real-time updates and security information.
• Move aligns with Morocco’s tech upgrades ahead of AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030.
The Confederation of AfriAfCON Football (CAF) will launch the “Yalla” mobile app on September 25 ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. The tool is designed to enhance the fan experience and centralize access to key services for the tournament.
According to CAF, the app will integrate ticketing, accommodation, and match schedules. Each ticket holder will need to register to obtain a Fan ID through the platform, ensuring smooth entry into stadiums and fan zones. The app will also allow visitors to complete and track their e-Visa applications online. In addition, it will provide real-time updates, personalized content, security information, and local guidance to support foreign spectators.
The launch of Yalla is part of a broader strategy to use new technologies for the successful organization of the AFCON. Earlier this year, Morocco unveiled its “Décollage 2025” plan to modernize airports and improve the traveler experience through the SMART AIRPORT system, which monitors infrastructure in real time, optimizes passenger flows, and collects data. The planned rollout of 5G in November will make AFCON 2025 the first large-scale test of this technology in Morocco.
These initiatives aim not only to ensure the smooth running of the tournament but also to prepare for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. They are also expected to improve travel experiences and strengthen nationwide data management and coordination.
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The congestion highlights the limitations of satellite broadband when demand surges in densely populated urban areas. It’s a reminder that no single technology—no matter how advanced—can meet the continent’s connectivity needs alone.
Starlink has paused new residential internet kit sales in parts of Lagos and Abuja, citing congestion on its network as demand outpaces capacity in Nigeria’s busiest urban centers. New customers in these zones can only join via a waitlist with a deposit until more capacity is unlocked.
On September 16, users in Abuja attempting to order a Starlink kit encountered the following notice: “Starlink service is currently at capacity in your area. However, the good news is you can still place a deposit now to reserve your spot on the waitlist and receive a notification as soon as service becomes available again. Please note that we cannot provide an estimated timeframe for service availability, but our teams are working as quickly as possible to add more capacity to the constellation so we can continue to expand coverage for more customers around the world.”
This pause mirrors a previous suspension in late 2024, when Starlink froze nationwide orders for nearly eight months due to limited bandwidth and pending regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Sales only resumed in June 2025 after infrastructure upgrades and clearance. A similar scenario played out in Kenya in November 2024, when Starlink halted new subscriptions in Nairobi and five surrounding counties after overwhelming demand stretched the network’s capacity.
The oversubscription underscores Nigeria’s urgent demand for reliable, high-quality internet services, even at rising price points. For consumers, the stakes are immediate: affordability and access. Residential service now costs ₦57,000 ($38) monthly, up from ₦38,000 ($25) initially. Yet demand remains strong, reflecting a growing appetite for connectivity that meets international standards. Starlink counted 59,509 active users in Q1 2025, according to the National Communications Commission (NCC) data—about 20.6% of Nigeria’s 289,369 ISP subscribers.
For policymakers, the lesson is broader: Africa’s digital future cannot rely on a single technology. With the continent’s digital economy projected by the World Bank to reach $180 billion by 2025, affordable and reliable connectivity is essential. That requires a resilient ecosystem combining satellites for remote communities, mobile broadband expansion, and fiber backbones in urban centers. Without investment in complementary infrastructure and strong policy frameworks, Africa risks bottlenecks that could slow digital trade, financial inclusion, and e-governance ambitions.
The developments in Nigeria, Starlink’s largest African market, are now a test case for how satellite internet operators will adapt to the continent’s fast-growing but price-sensitive demand.
Hikmatu Bilali
Faced with a shortage of doctors and the isolation of African villages, telemedicine is opening a new path. Using digital technology, local startups are developing solutions to bring medical care closer to rural populations that have long been left behind.
In sub-Saharan Africa, about 57% of the population—nearly 700 million people—lives in rural areas. In some countries like Burundi, this proportion exceeds 85%. These isolated regions often face a shortage of health infrastructure, a lack of qualified professionals, and limited access to specialized care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the region is expected to have a shortage of 6.1 million healthcare workers by 2030, a 45% increase from 2013. This scarcity leads to preventable deaths, delayed diagnoses, and increased pressure on urban hospitals.
Startups Innovate to Bridge the Gap
Telemedicine, which includes remote consultations, monitoring, and expert support, uses technology to provide care from a distance. It helps overcome geographical and logistical barriers, offering a practical solution for communities far from health centers.
Several African startups are emerging in this field. In Kenya, Ilara Health provides affordable diagnostic tools to rural clinics, enabling doctors to perform high-quality examinations without extensive infrastructure. A similar approach is being developed in Cameroon by Waspito, which connects patients and practitioners via a mobile app, offering video consultations, medication delivery, and access to lab tests.
In remote villages in Chad, Telemedan is installing solar-powered telemedicine kiosks, ensuring consultations are accessible even where infrastructure is lacking. In Ghana, Diagnosify uses artificial intelligence for the early detection of skin diseases, directing patients to dermatologists and extending access to specialized care in the most isolated areas.
Governments are also beginning to incorporate e-health into their public policies, often with support from partners like the World Bank and the WHO. The digitization of medical records, official teleconsultation platforms, and online training for health workers are supplementing local initiatives to strengthen healthcare systems sustainably.
Challenges of Telemedicine in Rural Africa
Telemedicine in Africa's "medical deserts" faces several obstacles. Connectivity remains a significant issue in many areas. In 2024, only 23% of people in rural Africa used the internet, compared to 57% in urban areas, according to the International Telecommunication Union. In addition to this digital divide, challenges include a lack of training for healthcare professionals and patients, the persistence of traditional beliefs that hinder technology adoption, and the absence of strong frameworks to protect medical data.
Despite these difficulties, the potential is enormous. Telemedicine offers an opportunity to redesign healthcare, relieving pressure on urban hospitals and bringing medical services closer to remote areas. It could help reduce health inequalities by guaranteeing every patient, regardless of their location, access to quality medical care. Investing in these e-health startups is a crucial lever. These young companies, with their local focus, are designing solutions tailored to on-the-ground realities: apps for basic phones, solar-powered kiosks, and platforms in local languages. By filling the gaps left by traditional structures, they are shortening the distance between practitioners and patients and providing a vital lifeline for the most isolated populations.
Samira Njoya
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Morocco's CNSS launches $4.4M tender for cybersecurity upgrade
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Move follows major data breaches impacting millions of users
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Project aims to modernize systems, ensure legal data protection
Morocco's National Social Security Fund (CNSS) has launched an international tender worth 40 million dirhams ($4.4 million) to strengthen its cybersecurity following a series of cyberattacks that compromised sensitive data. The initiative aims to modernize the institution's digital systems and secure the personal information of millions of employees and affiliated companies.
The tender is divided into two parts. The first, valued at 6 million dirhams, is for accelerating the institution's overall digital transformation. The second, estimated between 19.99 and 39.98 million dirhams, is for acquiring specialized expertise, implementing advanced technical solutions, and deploying security systems that comply with Law 09-08 on personal data protection.
The tender's specifications impose strict guarantees, including the destruction of files after contracts are executed, a ban on unauthorized data use, and the adoption of agile methodologies to ensure the effectiveness of the security measures.
This initiative comes amid the growing vulnerability of Moroccan digital infrastructure to cyber threats. A massive attack on April 8 by the group Jabaroot compromised the data of nearly 500,000 companies and two million employees. A second intrusion reported in September highlights the persistent system vulnerabilities and the lack of a robust, proactive security architecture, despite the CNSS's strategic importance to the country's social safety net.
The project is designed to significantly boost the CNSS's digital resilience and restore public trust. By securing its systems, the institution can ensure more reliable data processing and the continuity of essential services such as mandatory health insurance, which covers low-income households and non-working individuals. This effort will also supplement the government's ongoing legal and regulatory actions to protect public and private infrastructure from rising cyber threats.
Samira Njoya
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Côte d'Ivoire secures $95M UAE funding for digital projects
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Funds target AI, cloud, and civil service modernization
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Deal boosts Abidjan-Abu Dhabi tech and governance ties
Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Public Service and Administrative Modernization, Anne Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, has secured a $95 million funding commitment from the United Arab Emirates. A letter of intent is scheduled to be signed by mid-October, with the funds expected to be released by the end of the year, the Ivorian Press Agency reported on Sunday, September 14.
The funding, which will be managed by a joint steering committee, is earmarked for several key projects. These include the construction of a modular data center and a sovereign cloud, the creation of a center of excellence for artificial intelligence and innovation, and the enhancement of the Integrated Management System for Civil Servants and State Agents (SIGFAE) through the integration of AI-powered features. The objective is to accelerate the digitalization of government services while improving human resource management and public service quality.
This initiative is part of the Ivorian government's broader effort to strengthen governance and position the country as a major technological player in West Africa. It also highlights the growing cooperation between Abidjan and Abu Dhabi in strategic sectors like digital innovation, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
If the project materializes, it could reinforce Côte d'Ivoire's role as a hub for administrative technology and innovation in the region. It is also expected to foster talent development and professional integration for young people, including in the UAE. However, the project's success will depend on the rigorous implementation of the announced reforms and the country's ability to secure and sustain these infrastructures in the face of ongoing digital sovereignty and cybersecurity challenges.
Samira Njoya