Tech (1023)
AI is transforming various sectors and enhancing productivity. African nations are increasingly recognizing its potential and seeking to invest in this field to harness its economic benefits, foster innovation, and strengthen their position on the international stage.
Algeria aims for artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute 7% of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki said at the third edition of the CTO Forum Algeria on Monday, February 17. The initiative seeks to diversify the national economy and position the country among global AI leaders.
To achieve this objective, Algeria has invested in top-tier universities specializing in AI, robotics, and mathematics. Additionally, incubators have been deployed nationwide to foster innovation and support the emergence of technology startups.
State-owned telecom operator Algérie Télécom has committed to establishing a 1.5 billion dinar ($11.1 million) investment fund to support startups specializing in AI, cybersecurity, and robotics. This initiative aligns with a presidential strategy to create 20,000 startups as quickly as possible.
In parallel, the government is betting on training programs such as Scale Centers to enhance skills in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, particularly targeting young people without a university education. The National AI Commission has also launched an ambitious strategy to structure and energize this key sector.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure
To support this growing AI ecosystem, Algeria has made significant investments in digital infrastructure. The government has installed 265,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and connected 1,400 sites with 4G technology, aiming to improve coverage in remote areas. Additionally, it plans to deploy 7,000 new 4G stations by 2025 to boost connectivity and increase internet speeds.
If successful, this strategy could profoundly transform Algeria’s economy by enhancing productivity in key sectors such as industry, agriculture, and services. AI is expected to play a central role in this transformation by optimizing resource management, automating processes, and facilitating data-driven decision-making.
By fostering the emergence of local startups capable of developing advanced technological solutions, Algeria could not only enhance its economic efficiency but also position itself as an exporter of technology. In this regard, Olumide Balogun, Google’s director for West Africa, highlights that AI could add up to $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030. This projection underscores the importance of Algeria’s full commitment to AI development to capture a significant share of this rapidly expanding market.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In response to the growing challenges of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, many African countries are seeking to strengthen their technological capabilities. In this context, international cooperation is creating new opportunities for development.
Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Léon-Juste Ibombo (photo, left), met with Russian Federation Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Ilias Iskandarov (photo, right), on Monday, February 17, to discuss bilateral cooperation in digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
During the meeting, Ibombo confirmed ongoing negotiations to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with Russian institutions, particularly for the creation of a Russian-African Studies Center, which would include IT training for Congolese citizens.
Iskandarov proposed expanding this cooperation by introducing educational programs dedicated to digital transformation in Congo. These initiatives, planned for administrative and industrial centers, aim to provide advanced training for government officials and private-sector IT specialists on digital regulation, data protection, and AI applications.
This meeting is part of the Congolese government’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation through strategic partnerships. Russia, recognized as an emerging power in technology and cybersecurity, has played a key role in enhancing global digital security.
Since 1998, Russia has been a pioneer in addressing information security at the United Nations, demonstrating early awareness of digital age risks. After years of investment and innovation, Russia has strengthened its expertise, positioning itself among global leaders in the sector. According to the International Telecommunication Union, Russia ranks among the top countries in ICT development, with a score of 90.6 out of 100. In cybersecurity, Russia is classified as Tier 2, a category including advanced nations with scores between 85 and 95.
This partnership is expected to bring significant benefits to Congo, including strengthening local digital skills, improving IT infrastructure security, and facilitating access to advanced technologies. Furthermore, this collaboration could serve as a springboard for new international partnerships in the digital sector, positioning Congo as a key player in the African and global tech ecosystem.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Tingo AI Radio places Africa at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation, proving that the continent can create and implement cutting-edge AI solutions. By showcasing the practical application of AI in media, it sets the stage for broader AI adoption in industries such as healthcare, agriculture, finance, and governance.
Nigerian businessman and tech entrepreneur Dozy Mmobuosi has launched Tingo AI Radio 102.5 FM in Lagos, Nigeria. The radio station, unveiled on February 14, received full authorization from the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and operates from a cutting-edge facility on Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Our AI-generated content will be authentically Nigerian, featuring AI agents that understand local languages and accents,” said Dozy Mmobuosi, emphasizing the station’s commitment to responsible AI use and regulatory compliance.
The station merges advanced artificial intelligence with Afro-centric content to deliver a distinctive, immersive audio experience tailored for African listeners.
Tingo AI Radio’s infrastructure eliminates traditional human roles in broadcasting, relying entirely on AI for news direction, sound engineering, and DJing. Listeners can request songs and enjoy curated playlists through a virtual DJ, enhancing interactivity.
The launch event also introduced TingoGPT, an AI model designed for African users, further cementing Tingo’s role in Africa’s technological evolution.
Chief Technology Officer Abraham Samuel highlighted how AI voice cloning streamlines broadcasting, allowing interviews to be pre-recorded with AI-generated voices. AI-driven news, weather forecasts, and interactive features redefine traditional radio operations while cutting operational costs.
“With just a voice sample, we can clone it into our AI system, enabling AI agents to conduct interviews and read scripts, saving time and resources,” Samuel explained.
According to a 2018 McKinsey Global Institute study, the automation trends could boost productivity by up to 2% annually.
However, the launch of Tingo AI Radio 102.5 FM also presents a challenge for the multimedia sector. It raises concerns about the potential impact on jobs within the sector.
Hikmatu Bilali
Thanks to financial support from partners like the World Bank, Burkina Faso is rapidly advancing its digital transformation. In 2024, these efforts have significantly improved government efficiency.
Burkina Faso's Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications unveiled its 2025 digital sector priorities during a 2024 objectives review ceremony on Friday, February 14, chaired by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.
Key 2025 projects include completing data center construction, currently 70% finished, and expanding network coverage to at least 500 underserved localities. The ministry also plans to enhance the digitization of administrative services, conduct large-scale population enrollment for the WURI electronic unique identification project, and launch the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACT DIGITAL), with an estimated budget of $150 million.
In 2024, the ministry launched a project to provide network coverage to over 130 localities in "white zones," rehabilitated the National IT Network for Administration (RÉSINA), began construction on two data centers, and deployed strategic digital platforms to accelerate digital transformation. Other initiatives included developing electronic signatures and legislative reforms to improve the country's digital environment. The ministry reported a 90.4% achievement rate for its 2024 objectives.
These initiatives aim to further Burkina Faso's digital transformation, with the government seeking to position the country as an African leader in integrating ICT into public administration, education, healthcare, commerce, and agriculture. However, Burkina Faso ranks 175th out of 193 countries in the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.2895 out of 1, below the West African subregional average (0.3957), the continental average (0.4247), and the global average (0.6382).
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigned Burkina Faso a score of 30.1 out of 100 in its 2024 ICT Development Index, placing it 43rd out of 47 African economies analyzed. According to the ITU, internet penetration in Burkina Faso is 19.9%, and mobile phone penetration is 21%. 3G network coverage reaches 53.2% of the population, while 4G coverage is 36.6%. In cybersecurity, Burkina Faso is classified at Tier 3 out of 5, indicating a need for stronger technical measures and skill development.
The ministry did not specify challenges preventing full achievement of its 2024 objectives, though the 90.4% completion rate was deemed "satisfactory." However, in its mid-year 2024 review, the government acknowledged that efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure and expand digital services in rural areas were hindered by security challenges, exacerbated by political instability.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Cybercrime is rapidly increasing across Africa, with a surge in attacks that exploit security vulnerabilities. Weak infrastructure protection, a lack of public awareness, and outdated software are leaving countries vulnerable to cyber threats, endangering businesses and institutions.
Cyberattacks exploiting security vulnerabilities, or "exploits," nearly doubled in Cameroon over the past year, rising from 174,472 in 2023 to 333,930 in 2024, a 91% increase. These vulnerabilities allow hackers to infiltrate systems through outdated or poorly secured software, threatening critical digital infrastructures. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky revealed the figures at the KNext forum, held in Douala and Yaoundé on February 12 and 13.
"Faced with a growing cyber threat, Cameroonian businesses and institutions must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. The commitment of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to KNext Yaoundé 2025 sends a strong signal on the need for collective mobilization against cyberattacks," said Gladys Salmouth, Corporate Communications Manager for Central and West Africa at Kaspersky.
The surge in attacks is largely driven by Cameroon’s ongoing digital transformation. With over 10 million internet users and an estimated internet penetration rate of 45% in 2024, the rapid adoption of online services, cloud computing, and remote work, along with the rise in digital transactions, has significantly expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals.
Beyond exploits, other threats are also gaining ground. Intrusions via the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) reached 163,298 cases in 2024, while backdoor attacks accounted for 139,395 incidents. These methods enable cybercriminals to stealthily access systems, steal sensitive data, or deploy ransomware, disrupting businesses and government operations.
The economic consequences of these attacks are substantial. In 2024, cyberattacks cost Cameroon millions of dollars due to data breaches, service disruptions, and ransom payments. Beyond financial losses, companies and institutions also suffer reputational damage and an erosion of trust, key elements for the growth of the country's digital economy.
The threat extends beyond Cameroon. Across Africa, cyberattacks pose a major challenge to local economies. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, inadequate cybersecurity preparedness costs African nations an average of 10% of their GDP, amounting to nearly $4 billion annually.
To counter these growing threats, Kaspersky urges businesses and institutions to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Key recommendations include adopting advanced security solutions capable of detecting and blocking threats in real time, securing remote access by restricting unprotected RDP connections, and implementing strict access and data management policies.
Raising employee awareness and providing training on cyber risks, particularly phishing and social engineering attacks, are also essential. Finally, enhanced collaboration between the private sector and government authorities remains a priority. Sharing best practices and reinforcing cooperation among key stakeholders can improve threat detection and response, contributing to a more secure digital environment.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Blockchain technology is increasingly transforming African economies by providing innovative solutions in finance, energy, and agriculture. Its adoption boosts transparency, streamlines transactions, and accelerates digital transformation.
On Monday, February 17, cryptocurrency company Tether announced it signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of the Republic of Guinea. The strategic collaboration aims to establish a framework for the adoption of blockchain and peer-to-peer technologies to drive economic growth and position Guinea as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with the Republic of Guinea to potentially unlock the immense potential of blockchain and digital technologies across Africa. This MoU reflects our commitment to helping countries build resilient digital economies. Together, we aim to implement efficient blockchain solutions that benefit both public and private sectors, paving the way for economic growth and establishing Guinea as a leader in technological innovation,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.
The agreement focuses on education, innovation, and sustainable technological practices. It includes the introduction of educational programs in both the public and private sectors to raise awareness, enhance skills, and develop local talent in digital technologies. This framework is expected to facilitate blockchain adoption in Guinea and create an environment conducive to innovation.
Tether has undertaken several similar initiatives internationally. The company has been involved in the Lugano Plan in Switzerland, aimed at promoting blockchain adoption, as well as educational projects on digital assets in Turkey and the Middle East.
This initiative is part of the Simandou 2040 project, launched by President Mamadi Doumbouya, which places technology at the core of the country’s development strategy. The agreement follows a recent meeting between the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou, and a Tether delegation. The meeting aimed to establish a favorable framework for implementing the collaboration.
In Guinea, where digital transformation is underway, blockchain adoption could play a crucial role in financial inclusion. This technology offers solutions tailored to local realities, such as facilitating cross-border payments, reducing transaction costs, and securing financial exchanges. With a low banking penetration rate, digital assets and blockchain present a significant opportunity to modernize financial systems and promote more inclusive growth.
Beyond finance, blockchain can also contribute to sustainable development in Africa. In agriculture, it enables tracking product value chains, ensuring compliance with sustainable practices and certification. Farmers can thus prove that their products are organic and fair trade, gaining access to new markets and increasing their incomes.
In the energy sector, blockchain facilitates the management of decentralized power grids and promotes the adoption of renewable energy. Blockchain-based microgrids make it possible to monitor energy production and consumption in real time, improving electricity access in rural areas while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Africa's growing digital economy and technological advancements are driving demand for specialized skills, but training opportunities remain limited.
The digital training platform Code 213 has announced the opening of its third coding school in Algeria, further strengthening its presence in the country. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand into other North and Sub-Saharan African countries, where demand for digital skills is rising rapidly.
"Our mission is to create a pipeline of highly skilled digital professionals who can compete in the global job market. Expanding into new regions allows us to reach more young talents, empowering them with the skills they need to succeed," said Amina Bergui, Code 213’s marketing manager.
Since its launch in July 2023, Code 213 has offered training programs in software development, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. The platform combines online courses with in-person mentoring and provides internationally recognized certifications, including CompTIA, Microsoft, and Google. Additionally, the use of Noor AI enables personalized tracking of learners’ progress.
The expansion comes at a time when Africa is facing a severe shortage of skilled labor in the tech sector. According to the "Foresight Africa 2025-2030" report by the Brookings Institution, an estimated 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The report also predicts up to 650 million digital training opportunities, representing a potential $130 billion market. However, access to specialized training remains limited, largely due to high costs and inadequate infrastructure.
With its growing presence and ambitious expansion plans, Code 213 aims to contribute to the development of a competent digital workforce, a crucial factor for Africa’s economic future. By offering training in high-growth industries, this initiative could also help reduce youth unemployment, a persistent challenge across the continent.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Information and communication technologies (ICT) enhance creativity and learning from preschool and primary levels. However, in Africa, digital integration in education remains limited due to a lack of preparedness for its adoption in early learning.
The Nigerien government has launched an ambitious program to equip over 7,000 teachers with educational tablets, aiming to improve teaching skills and student monitoring, particularly in remote areas. On Friday, February 14, Elisabeth Sherif, Minister of National Education, Literacy, Vocational Training, and Promotion of National Languages, visited the Niger-LIRE project headquarters to assess progress on the "One Teacher, One Tablet" initiative, which seeks to digitize education.
"These tablets contain dynamic content tailored to all regions, including the most isolated ones," explained Aboubacar Mamadou Diakité, Director of Statistics and New Technologies at the Ministry of National Education. "They have long battery life and come with 21,000 mAh power banks, allowing up to a week of use without recharging." He also announced the arrival of an additional 3,400 tablets under the project.
"One Teacher, One Tablet" is part of LIRE (Learning Improvement for Results in Education), a $140 million World Bank-funded government program. It aims to modernize education through digital tools to improve student outcomes, addressing Niger's historically low integration of technology in classrooms.
The initiative seeks to enhance teaching conditions and make learning more interactive through resources such as video lessons, interactive materials, teaching guides, practical exercises, and digital assessment tools. The tablets will also help teachers diversify their teaching methods and provide structured support, especially in regions with limited access to textbooks and specialized training.
This initiative aligns with the African Union’s Digital Education Strategy (2023-2028), which encourages member states to develop national policies for digital transformation in education. By 2027, the strategy aims to ensure that at least 50% of schools across the continent have reliable and affordable high-speed internet (less than $25 per Mbps per month). It also targets providing digital devices to 20% of students and 50% of teachers by 2027, expanding to one-third of students and all teachers by 2030.
Samira Njoya
Many regions in Africa still struggle with limited and expensive internet access. By providing a direct undersea connection between South Africa and Brazil, Project Waterworth will improve bandwidth, lower latency, and reduce reliance on existing routes, making internet services faster and more affordable.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has unveiled an ambitious new undersea internet cable project, dubbed Project Waterworth, it announced on February 14. The initiative spans over 50,000 km and aims to connect North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia, making it the longest undersea cable ever deployed.
The cable will link major regions, including the U.S. East Coast, Brazil, South Africa, India, Australia, and the U.S. West Coast. Meta asserts that the project will promote economic collaboration, enhance digital inclusion, and accelerate technological advancements in these regions.
Furthermore, Meta has announced the deployment of advanced cabling technology to enhance resilience against natural wear and potential threats. The cables will be laid in deep waters, reaching depths of approximately 7,000 meters, making them more difficult to access and sabotage. Additionally, enhanced burial techniques will be used in high-risk fault areas, such as coastal waters, to protect against ship anchors and other hazards.
With Project Waterworth, Meta is not only securing its infrastructure but also positioning itself as a leader in global internet connectivity. This investment could transform digital access and economic opportunities in the connected regions while setting new standards for undersea cable security and resilience.
Project Waterworth could significantly boost African development by improving connectivity and driving economic growth. As of January 2024, internet access in Africa varies, with Morocco at 90.7% while Central Africa lags at 10.6%, according to Statista. By providing a direct undersea link between South America and Africa, Project Waterworth aims to enhance bandwidth, reduce latency, and make internet access more affordable and widespread.
Hikmatu Bilali
Leveraging AI research and innovation can help African countries tap into this multi-trillion-dollar opportunity, driving advancements in healthcare, fintech, and smart agriculture. It is vital for enhancing digital access, creating jobs, driving innovation, and improving global competitiveness
President Tinubu engaged in strategic discussions with Google executives on Wednesday, February 12 in Paris, accompanied by Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. The meeting focused on positioning Nigeria as a key technology and innovation hub, leveraging AI, cloud computing, and expanded digital infrastructure to boost economic growth and global competitiveness.
President Tinubu commended Google CEO Sundar Pichai for the company’s commitment to advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in Nigeria. He emphasized that this collaboration aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at economic diversification through industrialization, technology, and innovation. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will oversee the partnership, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will coordinate efforts alongside private sector stakeholders to maximize impact.
Key initiatives discussed include expanding digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity nationwide, equipping Nigeria’s workforce with essential digital skills for the future, promoting AI-driven research and innovation, encouraging cloud adoption across various industries, and strengthening Nigeria’s role in the global digital economy.
Sundar Pichai reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation. He stated, “Nigeria has an incredible opportunity to lead in AI and digital innovation in Africa. Google is excited to continue working with the Nigerian government to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic growth.”
The partnership between Google and the Nigerian government is a significant step toward accelerating digital transformation, economic growth, and job creation in Africa’s largest economy. The World Economic Forum estimates that AI and automation will create 97 million new jobs globally by 2025. Equipping Nigerians with AI and digital skills will help bridge the digital divide and prepare the workforce for the future.
Hikmatu Bilali
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In today's digital world, reliable citizen identification is essential. To ensure access to services, prevent fraud, and promote digital inclusion, we need robust systems and clear rules, all while safeguarding personal data.
Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd., a Singapore-based digital transformation company, said on Wednesday it signed an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs to deploy a national digital identity system. The initiative aims to modernize public administration and improve citizens' access to essential services.
"The digital identity system is a fundamental pillar of our country's modernization through digital transformation," said Augustin Kibassa Maliba, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs. "With Trident, we will be able to provide our citizens with secure and efficient access to government services while protecting their personal data through advances in blockchain technology."
The system will allow the Congolese government to digitally manage and authenticate citizens' identities, enabling individuals to securely and reliably prove their identity online or offline using unique digital credentials.
National digital identification systems typically operate on four key principles: secure authentication (allowing citizens to reliably identify themselves for public or private services), streamlined procedures (facilitating online administrative processes like tax payments), fraud prevention (reducing identity theft and fraud risks), and interoperability (ensuring the digital identity's usability across various contexts).
The system's deployment could significantly impact the Congolese population by expanding access to formal financial services like bank accounts, loans, and insurance; enabling more efficient distribution of public services, including subsidies, healthcare, and education; and providing accurate, up-to-date demographic data for economic planning and policy decisions.
Trident's statement did not detail the company's specific roles in the project, such as IT infrastructure provision, database construction, or system security expertise.
For the project to succeed, the Congolese government must address several challenges, including safeguarding personal data through an effective legal and technical framework under the digital code. Expanding internet access and digital devices, especially in rural and remote areas, is also crucial. Furthermore, educating the population on using the digital identity system will be essential to maximize its benefits.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As Africa undergoes a digital transformation, the continent is strategically positioning itself to leverage the opportunities of artificial intelligence. To this end, Morocco, Kenya, and Nigeria have partnered to launch an initiative promoting AI for the public good.
Smart Africa, an alliance of 40 African countries overseeing the continent's digital agenda, said on Wednesday it will officially launch the African Artificial Intelligence Council (AI Council) in April 2025. The announcement comes ahead of the Global AI Summit on Africa, slated for April 3-4 in Kigali, where council members will be appointed. The exact number of members has not yet been disclosed.
The AI Council will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and key players in the AI ecosystem. Its mission is to drive digital transformation, foster innovation, and develop policies aimed at accelerating Africa’s digital economy.
According to Smart Africa, the council will promote collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation to position Africa as a strategic player in the global AI landscape. It will also work to ensure that AI technologies are leveraged in a way that benefits all sectors of society and supports inclusive growth.
The initiative was first announced during the High-Level Meeting on Artificial Intelligence for Africa, held in Rabat, Morocco, on February 4, 2025. Ahead of its official launch, stakeholders also met on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris from February 10-11. Further consultations are planned during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from March 3-6.
This initiative comes as African nations seek to capitalize on AI, a technology that could add $2.9 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030—equivalent to a 3% increase in annual GDP, according to the GSMA. The organization highlights AI’s potential to support the Sustainable Development Goals by providing innovative solutions for more inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in critical areas.
However, GSMA also points to several challenges that must be addressed for Africa to fully harness AI’s potential. These include low mobile internet adoption, a persistent digital divide, insufficient digital skills, a lack of regulatory frameworks, limited research capacity, weak energy infrastructure, and ethical and security risks. Additionally, there is a shortage of AI solutions tailored to the continent’s specific challenges.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Like many African countries, Burundi has made digital transformation a key driver of its economic and social development. However, the country struggles to finance its various projects.
Burundi is exploring partnerships with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for digital projects. An IFC delegation met with the Burundian Executive Secretariat for Information and Communication Technologies (SETIC) on Monday to discuss the matter.
The initiative aligns with Burundi’s vision of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060, with digital technology as a key development driver. The government aims for a "technological leap" to boost economic growth by fostering business activities within a secure legal framework leveraging ICT.
In January, the Senate unanimously ratified the East African Community (EAC) protocol on ICT networks, facilitating stronger cooperation with neighboring countries to accelerate digital sector development. In November 2024, Burundi signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam to deepen collaboration in this area. The World Bank launched the $92 million Digital Economy Foundations Project (PAFEN) in September 2024 to support Burundi’s digital infrastructure.
Despite these efforts, Burundi ranks 46th out of 47 African countries in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) 2024 ICT Development Index, with a score of 24.4 out of 100. The country’s internet penetration rate is 19%, mobile broadband coverage is 8.3%, and mobile phone usage is 25.6%. Only 50.6% of the population has at least 3G coverage, and 32.2% has 4G. The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) classifies Burundi as having a low e-Government Development Index (EGDI) of 0.2480 out of 1, significantly below the global average of 0.6382.
Details of the SETIC-IFC discussions remain unclear. No official agreement has been signed or announced, leaving the scope and implications of the potential collaboration uncertain.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Mobile video games are experiencing rapid growth in Africa, driven by a tech-savvy youth and widespread access to digital technologies. This dynamic sector presents a significant opportunity for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development across the continent.
Sonatel, a subsidiary of French telecom group Orange, and Netgem, a digital entertainment solutions provider, announced on Wednesday the launch of Wido Games, West Africa's first cloud gaming platform. The service will be available to Sonatel subscribers later this month.
"With this partnership, we are proud to launch the first Cloud Gaming service in West Africa with a simple promise: a console gaming experience on any device, powered by the strength of our network," said Malick Dary, Sonatel’s Director of Consumer Marketing.
The launch comes amid rapid expansion of digital infrastructure in West Africa, including investment in high-speed technologies, and a booming video game industry. Sonatel, which has invested nearly 263 billion CFA francs ($416 million) in network expansion, continues to seek new ways to meet the growing demand for digital entertainment.
Wido Games represents a major step forward for cloud gaming in Africa, a continent experiencing remarkable growth in mobile gaming. A February 5 study by African game publisher Carry1st and market research firm Newzoo showed Africa’s mobile gaming market reached $1.8 billion in 2024, a 12.4% increase from 2023. This growth rate significantly outpaces the global industry’s 2.1% growth in 2024.
Wido Games will allow players to enjoy console-quality gaming on their smartphones, with PC compatibility planned soon, without the need for expensive gaming equipment. Sonatel’s high-speed network, including 5G coverage, is expected to provide a smooth, lag-free experience.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji