Tech (833)
- Google integrates short-term precipitation forecasts for all of Africa into its search engine
- Forecasts use Google Research’s MetNet AI model, updated every 15 minutes, covering 12-hour periods at 5-km resolution
- System combines satellite and limited ground data, addressing Africa’s sparse weather radar coverage (approx. 40 stations vs. 300+ in North America)
Google recently announced the integration of new short-term precipitation forecasts for the entire African continent into its search engine. This initiative aims to improve access to accurate, near-instant weather information, particularly in areas with limited monitoring infrastructure.
The forecasts, enabled by advances in Google Research's MetNet nowcasting model, combine satellite data with ground-based observations to deliver precipitation forecasts at a 5-kilometer resolution, updated every 15 minutes for the next 12 hours, according to a Google press release. The direct integration into Google Search results allows African users to easily access real-time information.
The deployment comes as Africa remains one of the least-covered continents by weather radar, with approximately 40 radar stations compared to nearly 300 in North America. This infrastructure gap renders traditional forecasting models less reliable on the continent. MetNet, an artificial intelligence-based system, provides accurate forecasts without the need for ground-based radar. The project was partially developed by Google Research Africa, with input from local experts in Accra and Nairobi, to tailor it to on-the-ground conditions.
For smallholder farmers, this innovation represents a significant advancement. Agriculture, a cornerstone of African economies, employs about 60% of the labor force and contributes between 30% and 60% of GDP in some countries. Smallholders, who account for nearly 60% of farms in sub-Saharan Africa, are especially vulnerable to weather-related risks.
With more accurate weather forecasts, these farmers can better plan planting, harvesting, and other agricultural activities, mitigating climate risks and improving yields. The technology will also strengthen the resilience of rural communities to climate change impacts by providing tools to adapt to shifting weather patterns.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Kaspersky report warns of rising online risks tied to social validation
- The report highlights tension between digital validation and authentic connections
Social media, while a vital digital exchange space, exposes users to significant risks, a Kaspersky research recently released found. The research reveals a drive for online validation leaves many vulnerable to harassment, scams, and manipulation.
Nearly 45% of millennials, those born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, report sharing major life events – promotions, moves, breakups – online before informing close friends or family, according to Kaspersky.
Despite this digital reliance, 55% of respondents believe in-person relationships remain more authentic, the study said. This heavy digital exposure carries consequences. More than 70% of millennials do not consistently verify the identity of their online contacts, and 64% have interacted with malicious individuals. Furthermore, 14% admit to using false names or profiles, indicating a normalization of online anonymity.
Accordion to Ruth Guest, a digital behavior specialist, there's a deep need for social validation among this generation, which grew up with digital technology. However, the pursuit of online recognition can distort perceptions. When a carefully crafted post generates a surge of positive reactions, it becomes tempting to prioritize this instant gratification over genuine, meaningful exchanges.
The study indicates these trends are amplified in Africa, where social media adoption is surging, driven by smartphone proliferation, improved internet connectivity, and a growing youth demographic. A 2024 study by Meltwater and We Are Social reported Africa had nearly 276.2 million social media users.
Kaspersky’s report arrives amid a sharp rise in African cyberthreats. INTERPOL cites online scams, identity theft, and social engineering as major concerns. Cybercriminals exploit personal social media information to enhance social engineering attacks and gain system access for ransomware deployment.
A lack of awareness and inadequate regulation in many African nations further exposes internet users to cybercriminal attacks, INTERPOL said. Social media is increasingly used for fraud, romance scams, and disinformation campaigns targeting vulnerable populations.
To mitigate social media risks, the report recommends verifying contact identities and avoiding friend requests or interactions without confirming authenticity. Protecting personal information involves limiting the sharing of sensitive data on public platforms. The use of strong, unique passwords for each account is also advised. Users should be wary of suspicious links and messages from strangers, which may be phishing attempts.
“The ease of online communication can lead to neglecting essential precautions. Verifying identities, limiting access to personal information, and learning to recognize warning signs are now crucial habits for safe internet navigation,” said Marc Rivero, a Kaspersky cybersecurity researcher.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Senegal launches "Tabax Sénégal" digital platform to boost employment and investment
- Platform matches users with job opportunities, funding sources, and strategic partnerships
- Features include personalized profiles, CV database, and project tracking tools to enhance transparency, skills certification, and streamlined recruitment processes
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday launched "Tabax Sénégal," a digital platform designed to connect job seekers, entrepreneurs, and investors, addressing the country's employment, entrepreneurship, and project financing challenges.
The platform matches job seekers with relevant professional opportunities, supports project developers by facilitating access to funding and strategic partnerships, and showcases high-growth-potential initiatives to investors, aiming to stimulate Senegal's economic development.
Tabax Sénégal offers personalized user profiles, simplified stakeholder matching, business opportunities, interactive project and application tracking, and skills certification. The platform allows Senegalese citizens to upload their resumes to a database of job offers and applications, ensuring fairness and transparency.
The initiative is part of the National Strategy for Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Investment, and comes as Senegal faces a slight increase in unemployment. Data from the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD) shows the country's unemployment rate reached 20.3% in the third quarter of 2024, up from 19.5% in the same period in 2023, an increase of 0.8 percentage points.
With 200,000 to 300,000 young people entering the job market annually, securing stable employment is a critical issue. The digitization of employment services is expected to streamline recruitment and improve the match between labor supply and demand. The platform also aims to mobilize local and international financing to support entrepreneurship.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Guinea's Digital Economy Minister met VINCI Energies to discuss tech collaboration
- Talks focused on key projects including Technopole creation, second data center, and telecom upgrades
- Future discussions will define partnership terms and select pilot projects for rollout
The Guinean Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy Rose Pola Pricemou (photo, center) met with a delegation from VINCI Energies Guinea on Wednesday to explore collaboration opportunities to accelerate the country's digital transformation.
VINCI Energies, a global player in energy and digital infrastructure, has been active in Guinea since 2016, primarily focusing on energy infrastructure development. The company is now expanding its focus to include digital infrastructure projects.
The meeting focused on several key initiatives of the Ministry, including the establishment of a technology park, the expansion of metropolitan networks nationwide, the development of a second data center, and the improvement of overall telecom infrastructure.
Minister Pricemou emphasized the crucial role of private sector partnerships in achieving Guinea's digital ambitions. "Collaborating with experienced players like VINCI Energies will be instrumental in accelerating our digital transformation journey," she stated.
Guinea has made significant progress in improving connectivity in recent years through substantial investments. However, challenges remain, such as expanding internet access to rural areas and enhancing the security of digital infrastructure.
The meeting comes at a key moment for Guinea, as the country seeks to modernize its digital infrastructure to support economic growth. The government's "Simandou 2040" vision aims to transform Guinea into a regional technology hub by developing robust digital infrastructure and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.
A partnership with VINCI Energies could significantly contribute to this vision by facilitating the deployment of innovative solutions, strengthening local technical expertise, and improving access to digital services for both citizens and businesses.
The parties are expected to finalize the specific terms of their collaboration and identify pilot projects for implementation in the coming months. This partnership marks a significant step forward for Guinea in its digital transformation journey, leveraging the expertise of an international leader in energy and digital infrastructure.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Morocco launched the program on March 25, expanding a 2024 pilot to integrate digital tech into education.
- The program will train 1,800 teachers in AI, robotics, and augmented reality.
Morocco's Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, in collaboration with Huawei Morocco, launched the "DigiSchool 2025" program on Tuesday, March 25. Building on the success of its initial phase in 2024, this initiative aims to further integrate digital technologies into the country's education system.
Speaking about the project, Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, stated: “This program develops the digital skills of teachers and students, fosters their spirit of innovation, and broadens their openness to modern technologies. We are working toward a resilient and connected future, with quality public education accessible to all.”
The DigiSchool 2025 program plans to train 1,800 teachers in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and augmented reality. Simultaneously, 36,000 students will participate in DigiSchool clubs across 248 schools located in Morocco’s 12 regions. These clubs will offer an introduction to future technologies and transversal skills, thereby encouraging innovation among younger generations.
This initiative is part of Morocco’s 2022–2026 roadmap aimed at modernizing its education system, with the objective of preparing a generation of students and teachers to succeed in a digital environment. Through the utilization of public-private partnerships, the program represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and innovative education system.
DigiSchool 2025 also aligns with the national strategy "Morocco Digital 2030," which seeks to position the country as a major technology hub in Africa. Among the key objectives are training 100,000 young people annually in digital professions and creating 240,000 jobs within the digital sector by the year 2030. This initiative thus addresses the growing demand for digital skills while contributing to the development of a qualified workforce prepared to meet the challenges of the digital age.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
With its young population, Africa could emerge as a major player in the global workforce over the next 10 to 15 years. However, to unlock this potential, massive investments in education and training are essential to equip the continent’s youth for the challenges of tomorrow.
More than 4,000 young people across the seven member states of the East African Community (EAC) have acquired digital skills through the “Innovative Skills in East Africa” (dSkills-EA) project. The participating countries include Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The program, supported by German development cooperation through GIZ and implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), aims to enhance youth employability and foster digital innovation within the region.
Launched in 2021, dSkills-EA is scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2025, after a four-year implementation period. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 26, the EAC lauded the project's impact and announced new initiatives to build upon this momentum. “dSkills-EA demonstrates the strength of collaboration between governments, academia, and industry. By equipping thousands of young people with future-proof skills, we have laid the groundwork for a thriving digital ecosystem in East Africa. The EAC AI Regional Alliance will build on this success, expanding AI infrastructure and regional capabilities to secure East Africa’s place in the digital future,” stated David Roos, Director of the dSkills-EA project.
Addressing the Digital Skills Gap
The EAC economy faces challenges related to low productivity and competitiveness, which contribute to high unemployment rates, particularly among young people. According to GIZ, socio-economic development is heavily reliant on innovation and the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT). However, universities still struggle to adequately meet the demands of the private sector and young entrepreneurs.
To address these shortcomings, dSkills-EA introduced short-term training programs tailored to industry needs, provided support to young entrepreneurs in developing digital solutions, and enhanced the master's curriculum in embedded and mobile systems at the Centre of Excellence for ICT in East Africa (CENIT-EA), hosted at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). The initiative brought together over 300 private partners and 100 universities, establishing a solid foundation for digital transformation in East Africa.
A Critical Issue for Africa's Future
According to a study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills by the year 2030. Yet in 2022, the continent registered a digital skills gap index between 1.8 and 5, significantly below the global average of 6, according to the World Bank. The institution also noted that 12 of the 20 countries with the lowest levels of digital skills are located in Africa, hindering the growth of a competitive digital economy.
Initiatives like dSkills-EA are crucial for bridging this gap and preparing Africa’s youth for the jobs of the future. By offering targeted training aligned with market needs, dSkills-EA enables young people to quickly enter the workforce by providing them with the technical and practical skills necessary for fast-growing sectors.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Senegal aims to become a leading tech hub in Africa by 2034. To bring this vision to life, the government is strengthening strategic partnerships with key players to fast-track its digital transformation.
The Senegalese government is considering a collaboration with Chinese technology firm Huawei to bolster its digital transformation strategy and modernization projects, officials said on Wednesday.
The potential partnership was discussed during a meeting on Tuesday, March 25, between Alioune Sall, Senegal's Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, and Shen Li, President of Huawei for West, North and Central Africa.
Discussions during the meeting centered on various aspects of Senegal's digital overhaul, including enhancing connectivity through high-speed networks, deploying 5G technology, and establishing digital platforms and sovereign cloud services. Digital inclusion was also a key topic, with a proposal to make smartphones available for as low as 8,000 West African CFA francs (around $14) to broaden access to connectivity for all Senegalese citizens.
Huawei emphasized its commitment to accelerating the digitization of public services and modernizing the country's digital infrastructure, while also expressing its intent to work with the local private sector to support this initiative.
The meeting is part of the Technological New Deal, a strategic program that outlines Senegal's new digital vision. The plan aims to structure the digital sector and centralize technology governance to improve the efficiency of public services and foster an inclusive digital transition. Key objectives of the program include digitizing 90% of public services by 2034, training 100,000 digital experts, creating tech centers of excellence, and ensuring the security of sensitive data within Senegal.
Huawei already has a significant presence in Senegal, having contributed to major projects in the telecommunications sector and in the training of local information technology talent. This recent meeting signals a potential for stronger collaboration and joint initiatives to support the country's economic growth, particularly through the successful implementation of the New Deal for Technology
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Benue State, like the federal government, is emphasizing digital transformation. To this end, the state entered into a partnership with Huawei in November 2024.
Benue State announced this week that it is committing to training 40,000 civil servants in digital tools and ICT skills. The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) will be among the entities providing part of this training.
The program aims to equip civil servants with the skills to effectively utilize the platforms implemented by the state government to support its digital transformation efforts. These solutions include an electronic document management system, a geographic information portal, a start-up support platform, and a dedicated website for the Office of the Head of Service of the State.
"Through this training, we are fostering a future-ready workforce capable of adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving world," said Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State. This perspective is also supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which shares this vision in its recommendations.
In its report titled "Developing skills for digital government: A review of good practices across OECD governments," the organization states that “to support the shift to digital government, countries must invest in developing the skills of civil servants.”
The OECD further notes that digital technologies have had—and will continue to have—a profound impact on economies, labor markets, and societies. This trend is echoed by the World Bank, which forecasts that nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The ride-hailing market in Tunisia has seen significant growth. However, the recent suspension of several platforms, most notably Bolt, has brought to light the difficulties faced by drivers and the local economy. This situation has created uncertainty about the future of the sector.
Tunisia's Interior Ministry announced on Monday, March 24, the suspension of ride-hailing taxi apps in the country, citing an investigation into money laundering and tax fraud. According to Tunisian authorities, the companies involved were operating without legal licenses and transferring funds abroad through bank accounts that did not comply with local regulations. While the official statement did not explicitly name any specific company, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to AFP that Estonian-based Bolt was the primary target of the decision.
Bolt Drivers Face Uncertainty
Bolt, which began operations in Tunisia in 2019, quickly gained a significant share of the market, particularly in major cities such as Tunis and Sfax. The app enabled thousands of drivers to become self-employed and establish this activity as their primary source of income. Industry estimates suggest that over 5,000 drivers were registered on the platform in Tunisia. The suspension of the app has plunged these workers into a state of uncertainty, raising the risk of further increasing the country's unemployment rate. According to the National Institute of Statistics, Tunisia's unemployment rate stood at 16% in the third quarter of 2024.
Furthermore, most Bolt drivers do not possess traditional taxi licenses and cannot easily transition into the formal transport sector. The economic impact is also being felt by those who invested in vehicles for this activity, often with outstanding loans. In addition, the app's suspension has created a gap in the urban transport sector, where alternatives such as traditional taxis are often criticized for their unreliability and lack of regulation.
Impact on Users and the Local Ecosystem
The arrival of ride-hailing services helped address the shortcomings of often-inadequate public transport in Tunisia. Many Tunisians embraced on-demand taxis for their daily commutes, drawn by their reliability and competitive pricing. This sector responded to a growing need for quality transport, especially in urban areas where public infrastructure remains limited.
The halt in ride-hailing operations has consequences that extend beyond users. This decision affects the entire economic ecosystem tied to the sector. Gas stations may experience a drop in fuel consumption, while car dealerships and rental agencies risk losing valuable clientele. Additionally, small entrepreneurs specializing in ancillary services such as car washing and maintenance will see their businesses significantly shrink.
Legal Vacuum and Government Ambitions
The suspension of Bolt and other operators highlights the lack of clear regulation surrounding ride-hailing apps in Tunisia. Unlike other countries where legal frameworks have been established to oversee such platforms, Tunisia has struggled to define clear rules. Some observers believe the government could use this situation to launch a domestic alternative. In January, the government announced plans to create a national ride-hailing app, a project expected to be operational by the end of the first half of 2025, according to authorities.
Bolt's Response
In a statement, Bolt emphasized its positive economic impact on Tunisia, including over €10 million invested over three years, a significant contribution to improving urban mobility, and a crucial role in local employment. The company also cited a survey indicating that 85% of Tunisians consider on-demand transport an essential complement to public transportation, with more than half of the population using it on a weekly basis.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Kenyan authorities are showing a strong interest in artificial intelligence. In February, the country partnered with nine others, including Germany, France, and Switzerland, on an initiative focused on AI in the public interest.
The Kenyan government is set to launch its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy for the 2025–2030 period this Thursday, March 27. This comprehensive strategy will serve as the guiding framework for the government's AI-related actions over the next five years, with the ambitious goal of positioning the East African nation as a leader in artificial intelligence innovation, both on the continent and worldwide.
"The Kenya AI Strategy is designed to position Kenya not just as a participant, but as a pacesetter in the global AI landscape, with a particular focus on Africa. We are building on our reputation as the 'Silicon Savannah' by creating a robust framework that prioritizes innovation, ethical governance, and collaboration," stated John Tanui (photo), Principal Secretary of the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy within the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.
The development process for the national AI strategy commenced in May 2024. This involved the formation of a national task force and a steering committee. Subsequently, extensive consultations were conducted, engaging a diverse range of stakeholders including government agencies, private sector representatives, academic institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and international partners. Among the international collaborators are Germany, the European Union, Canada, the Commonwealth, and the United Kingdom.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the initiatives outlined in the upcoming strategy have the potential to significantly accelerate Kenya's digital transformation ambitions. In its "E-Government Survey 2024" , UNDESA noted, "It is widely accepted that AI technologies can improve public sector operations by replacing administrative tasks with automated processes, increasing efficiency, and eliminating backlogs and redundancies." The report further highlighted AI's potential to support the achievement of sustainable development goals.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Quickpay SA, which previously provided financial services through mobile platforms in partnership with banks, will now directly serve its customers, similar to its competitors. The fintech aims to expand its operations into new markets within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) beyond Senegal.
Fintech firm Quickpay announced on Monday, March 24, that it has secured an electronic money institution (EME) license from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). A subsidiary of EDK Group, Quickpay will now be able to provide mobile financial services within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) directly, without relying on banking partners as it did previously.
"This license strengthens our position as a key player in financial inclusion and allows us to better meet the needs of our users by offering them tailored financial services. It thus contributes to the financial inclusion of unbanked populations, significantly supporting the economic development of the African continent, and more specifically of Senegal," the company said in a press release.
With this new authorization, Quickpay joins a limited group of entities licensed to independently issue and manage electronic money, alongside prominent players like Wave and Orange Finance Mobile, which currently dominate the Senegalese market. Quickpay's entry as a licensed EME into this expanding market could intensify competition and spur innovation. While Wave has gained traction through competitive pricing and user-friendly features, and Orange Money with its extensive network, Quickpay will need to differentiate itself by offering innovative, cost-effective services customized to local requirements.
According to a BCEAO report, the number of electronic money accounts within WAEMU increased significantly, from 94 million in 2020 to 131 million in 2021, representing a substantial 39% rise. During the same period, Senegal experienced a 63% surge in subscriptions, underscoring the growing demand for digital financial services.
Despite Senegal's rapid adoption of fintech solutions, a significant portion of the population remains unbanked, and disparities persist, particularly along gender lines. According to the GSMA report "State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2024," nearly 30% of women in Senegal still do not have a mobile money account, while adoption among men is nearly universal. This digital divide presents a major challenge that industry participants, including Quickpay, will need to address to ensure truly equitable financial inclusion.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Key documents have been bsubmitted to the government
- The Documents include roadmap and work plan for drafting the legal framework, ministry confirms
- The Bill aims to support startups through tax exemptions, funding, and a new Ghana Innovation and Startup Agency
Ghana has moved closer to finalizing its Startup and Innovation Bill, with key stakeholders submitting crucial documents to Minister of Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, last week.
The submitted documents, including a work plan and roadmap, outline the strategic steps for drafting the legal instrument, the ministry said in a statement posted on Facebook. "The submission of these documents marks a significant milestone in advancing the policy framework that will enhance opportunities for startups, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and promote digital entrepreneurship in Ghana,” the statement read.
The bill, initially drafted in 2020 by the Ministry of Business Development in collaboration with the private sector, has undergone multiple revisions following stakeholder consultations. The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovation aims to initiate the review process by May 2025, with plans to present the bill to the National Assembly before the next parliamentary recess.
The proposed law seeks to promote creativity, innovation, and the use of new technologies to generate substantial added value and enhance competitiveness at international, regional, and national levels. Key provisions include the creation of the Ghana Innovation and Startup Agency, the establishment of a startup support fund, and tax exemptions.
Ghana's startup ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by foreign direct investment, mentorship, training, and other support mechanisms, according to StartupBlink. The organization's "Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024" ranks Ghana fourth in West Africa and 88th globally. Accra, the nation's capital, is ranked 268th out of 1,000 cities, and is home to prominent startups such as Mpharma, CarePoint, Zeepay, Complete Farmer, and Farmerline.
StartupBlink highlighted the potential for increased growth through a rise in female founders. However, the organization also pointed to challenges, including a lack of capacity-building resources and unattractive incorporation clauses. "Ultimately, Ghana's startup scene is still young and holds strong potential for growth," StartupBlink concluded.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Morocco will install 4,000 smart surveillance cameras in Rabat by end of 2025
- The $10.4 million project is led by Rabat Région Aménagements, Finatech and Alomra Group handling infrastructure and deployment
- Equiped with with facial recognition and license plate reading, the cameras aim at enhancing urban security and traffic management
Morocco is set to install 4,000 smart surveillance cameras in its capital, Rabat, by year-end, joining a global trend of increased investment in video surveillance technology driven by advances in facial recognition and automated data analysis.
The project, spearheaded by public entity Rabat Région Aménagements, carries a budget of approximately 100 million dirhams ($10.4 million). Finatech Group will handle the installation of command and data collection centers, while Alomra Group International will deploy the cameras, which will feature facial recognition and automated license plate reading capabilities.
This initiative aligns with Morocco's digital transformation strategy and its preparations for major international events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The deployment aims to enhance security and improve population flow management.
According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the global video surveillance systems market is projected to grow from $81.68 billion in 2024 to $145.38 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 12.22%. Several African nations, including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Seychelles, have also recently invested in these technologies to bolster urban security and optimize public space management.
While proponents emphasize the benefits of smart surveillance in crime prevention and traffic management, concerns remain regarding personal data protection and individual freedoms. Morocco’s National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection (CNDP) has initiated hearings to regulate the use of these technologies and ensure compliance with Law 09-08, the country’s personal data protection law.
The challenge, as Morocco advances in smart city management, is to balance security innovation with the safeguarding of citizens’ rights.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- The initiative stems from Mali Digital Awards, supporting local startups
- It offers tailored support, funding, and market access, aiming to foster "Made in Mali" digital leaders
The Malian government inaugurated the Mali Digital Accelerator on Thursday, March 20, a program designed to support the development of the national tech ecosystem. The program will provide startups with tailored support, strategic funding, and market access.
The initiative aligns with the government’s ambition to build a strong and resilient digital economy, leveraging technology for economic growth, modernization, and prosperity. The government aims to foster the emergence of "Made in Mali" digital leaders.
According to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernization, the program will address challenges faced by sector players, including funding shortages, lack of mentorship, and infrastructure access difficulties.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) supports this view, emphasizing that accelerators can unlock startup potential in emerging markets. "Accelerators scout for high-growth potential entrepreneurs and provide training, mentorship, and networking, often alongside seed capital. They help entrepreneurs grow their business faster, or recognize when their ideas are not viable, encouraging them to pivot or exit the market. Successful participation in recognized acceleration programs also signals quality to investors, helping promising firms secure additional funding," the IFC said in a report published in February 2025.
The IFC stressed that effective accelerators in low-income countries must align incentives with local market conditions. The institution recommended integrating into regional investment networks, strengthening connections with the local private sector, and fostering angel investment and venture capital networks in lower-middle-income countries.
"Accelerators can focus on specialization and scale in more developed emerging markets—creating industry-specific programs, building cross-border networks for market expansion, and connecting local startups to global value chains," the IFC added.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji