Tech (885)
In 2021, according to research firm Xalam Analytics, Africa accounted for only 1% of the world’s data center space. As countries across the continent strive for digital sovereignty, they are increasingly seeking partnerships to host a greater number of these critical infrastructures.
Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli discussed plans on Wednesday, September 18, to create a green data center in collaboration with a global consortium. The new infrastructure will rely on renewable energy and aims to export data storage and processing services. The initiative aligns with Egypt's goal of boosting its digital services exports to $9 billion by 2026.
Data centers have become increasingly important in Africa due to the continent's growing digital sovereignty drive. As highlighted in the "Data Centres in Africa" report by Oxford Business Group, commissioned by the Africa Data Centres Association, data sovereignty regulations which require data to be stored locally or within Africa's five sub-regions will drive demand for localized data storage services. Africa currently has just over 100 data centers, with more than half located in South Africa.
Egypt, strategically positioned at the crossroads of telecommunications cables connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe, could serve as a key hub for global data center providers. Several major players, including Huawei, Amazon Web Services, Google, Oracle, and Microsoft, have established data center infrastructure across the continent in recent years, with locations in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Angola. Egypt's geographical and digital strategy offers a compelling alternative for global providers looking to expand in Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Enhancing data protection compliance fosters trust among consumers and businesses, which is vital for the expansion of the digital economy. It ensures that data is managed responsibly and securely.
Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed an agreement with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) yesterday, September 18, to train 5,000 youths as data protection professionals. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to boost job creation in the digital sector.
For Ayodele Olawande, the minister of state for youth development, who signed on behalf of the Ministry, “..this initiative is aimed at equipping 5000 youths with the requisite technical skills for jobs in the data protection ecosystem.”
The NDPC has authorized the Institute of Information Management to certify these professionals, aiming to enhance local capacity and competitiveness.“We have already licensed an in-country certification body who will issue globally recognized certificates to eligible trainees,” said Vincent Olatunji, the CEO of NDPC.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital transformation in Africa requires massive investments. The search for strategic partners, both financial and technological, is crucial to support this ambition and ensure the success of ongoing initiatives.
Mauritania and the Sultanate of Oman are working to expedite the implementation of a digital cooperation memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations. This was the focus of discussions between Ahmed Salem Bede Etvagha, Mauritania's Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, and Jassim bin Eid bin Abdullah Al Saadi, Oman's Chargé d'Affaires in Mauritania.
According to the Mauritanian Press Agency, the meeting yielded concrete cooperation projects, particularly in cybersecurity and the digital transformation of services. Minister Etvagha expressed his department's interest in learning from Oman's digital transformation experiences, emphasizing the localization of digital expertise and alignment of technological projects with the cultural values of both countries.
This meeting aligns with Mauritania's 2024-2027 National Strategy for Administrative Modernization and broader digital transformation efforts. Oman's selection as a partner reflects its significant digital progress. The Sultanate's modernization of services has propelled it to 41st place in the UN's 2024 e-Government Development Index. Additionally, Oman's impressive strides in communication infrastructure, ranking 22nd globally, underscore its technological advancement.
By collaborating with Oman, Mauritania aims to close its digital divide. The agreement seeks to localize technological expertise, tailor digital projects to national needs, and explore new investment opportunities to support the country's digital development.
Samira Njoya
Since 2018, the Tunisian government has been working on developing and adopting a national artificial intelligence strategy. This aligns with the executive's ambition to position the country as a digital hub in Africa.
American tech group Nvidia announced the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) innovation center in Tunisia on Tuesday, September 17. Located in the Novation City technology park, the center aims to empower Tunisian developers with training, technology, and networking opportunities to foster AI adoption across Africa.
This initiative comes as Tunisia prepares to adopt a national AI and digitalization strategy, part of a broader vision to establish the country as a digital leader in Africa. Earlier this year, the University of Tunis launched Tunisia's first public institute dedicated to AI, further encouraging its integration.
AI adoption across various economic sectors is expected to drive socio-economic development. For instance, in agriculture—employing around two-thirds of Africa’s workforce and contributing 15% to the continent’s GDP, according to the World Bank—AI can enhance productivity. It can help develop better seeds tailored to local conditions, advise farmers on optimal crops for their soil and climate, and aid in developing medications and vaccines for livestock.
Tunisia ranks 81st out of 193 countries in AI readiness, with a score of 46.07 out of 100, according to the 2023 "Government AI Readiness Index" by Oxford Insights. Within Africa, it ranks third, behind Mauritius and Egypt.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
After inaugurating a branch in Paris last January, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University continues its global expansion, seeking meaningful opportunities for Africa and its dynamic youth.
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) officially announced the opening of its new international branch in Montreal last Friday. According to the Moroccan university, this Canadian branch will focus on research and skill development, knowledge exchange, and enhancing capacity and technology transfer between Africa and North America.
“With the opening of UM6P Canada, we mark a significant step in our commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and North America. In collaboration with our Canadian partners, we are addressing the need for innovation and fostering international cooperation in response to contemporary challenges,” said Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P.
The initiative is part of UM6P’s broader international expansion strategy, which recently included the launch of a campus in France. That campus will house the first Eurafrican lab, dedicated to supporting startups across both continents for a year. Additionally, the university plans to open the Digital Farming School in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, in the coming months, in partnership with Moroccan group OCP Africa, with a focus on agriculture.
The expansion into Canada represents a strategic milestone for UM6P. It will drive innovation, encourage partnerships in key sectors such as AgriTech, AI, and executive training, while also contributing to sustainable economic growth in Africa.
Samira Njoya
Nigeria's tech ecosystem, one of Africa's most dynamic, is experiencing rapid and impressive growth. Exploring it provides an opportunity to identify emerging trends, learn from best practices, and connect with key players.
A delegation of winners from Togo's Digital Awards visited Nigeria's tech hub Lagos last week to learn from local innovators.
The program, organized with the support of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation (through the Togo Digital Agency) and the German cooperation agency GIZ Togo, aims to enhance the skills and networks of these young digital professionals.
Lagos, often referred to as Nigeria’s "Silicon Valley," hosts several leading digital infrastructures in the region, such as DTC Lagos, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), Google Developers Space for Africa, and Microsoft. During the week, the award winners had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, incubators, business engineers, and investors active in the digital sector, drawing inspiration from best practices in digital transformation.
According to Guillaume Djondo, the commissioner in charge of organizing the Togo Digital Awards, the trip "offers a chance to explore Nigeria's digital transformation model and use it as inspiration to strengthen the digitalization momentum in Togo." Similarly, Gilles Lasson, a winner in the "Coup de cœur" category, called it a unique opportunity "to observe Nigeria's tech ecosystem and learn valuable lessons for innovation in Togo."
The Togo Digital Awards, now in its third edition, celebrate excellence in Togo’s digital sector by recognizing the contributions of entrepreneurs and innovators. This year, 25 winners were honored for their efforts in advancing digital development in Togo.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
In 2019, the World Bank urged African governments to train youth in digital skills. Increasingly aware of the challenges linked to this shift in competencies, states are multiplying partnerships to achieve this goal.
The FIFA Foundation, a subsidiary of the world football governing body, announced on Friday the launch of its digital education program in Africa, starting with Mauritania. "With the help of the unique power of football, the FIFA Foundation is committed to the programme’s development and its launch on African soil is a special moment for us all. It is only in its infancy, but we are already starting to see its benefits in other countries," the foundation wrote.
Mauritania is the first African country to join the program. The FIFA Foundation revealed that it has signed an agreement with the Mauritanian government through the Ministry of Education and the Mauritanian Football Federation.
This memorandum of understanding marks the latest step in the program’s development, which targets 10,000 Mauritanian schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 over the next three years. These students will receive lessons in coding, robotics, and digital literacy in an engaging and fun way.
“By bringing football concepts to the classrooms, students are motivated to explore technology while developing problem-solving, creativity and teamwork skills. Hands-on activities such as programming football simulations, building performance-tracking sensors or designing robots for mini football tournaments make the learning experience both interactive and relevant,” the Foundation explained.
As part of the program’s implementation, there will also be a focus on providing technological equipment such as netbooks and projectors, as well as intensive teacher training. The program aims to do more than just improve students' digital literacy—it seeks to equip them with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the future.
Before Mauritania, the program was launched in Paraguay in June 2024, aiming to reach 20,000 students over the next three years. Paraguay is the first South American country to join this initiative, following the program’s global launch in Belize in July 2023. In Belize, 10,000 children, along with their teachers and school principals, are part of the program’s target group.
Vanessa Ngono Atangana
Across Africa, blockchain technology is quietly revolutionizing the way people interact with markets, governments, and services. The power of blockchain lies in its potential to address some of the continent's most pressing challenges, from financial inclusion and supply chain transparency to governance and healthcare.
Soramitsu, a global leader in blockchain solutions based in Japan, has teamed up with the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) to advance blockchain technology research, capacity development, and practical application in Nigeria. This partnership was announced in a press release on September 11.
The collaboration aims to establish a Knowledge-Industry partnership in which NISER will provide local knowledge and research analysis. At the same time, Soramitsu will enhance the capacity of NISER's research faculty and other Nigerian knowledge centers in blockchain technology.
Soramitsu delivers blockchain-based solutions for enterprises, universities, and governments worldwide. It has experience working on several high-profile blockchain projects, including developing the Bakong Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for the National Bank of Cambodia, among others.
NISER, Nigeria’s premier public policy think-tank, has a history of contributing to the nation’s public policy formulation and analysis. The institute has been instrumental in the development of several key national plans, including the First to Fourth National Development Plans, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017-2020), and the current Medium Term National Development Plan (2021-2025).
The partnership aligns with Nigeria's national blockchain policy established in May 2023. This policy serves as a roadmap for adopting and utilizing blockchain technology across various sectors in Nigeria. By fostering research, capacity building, and practical implementation of blockchain through this collaboration, the initiative supports the government’s goal of harnessing blockchain for economic growth, financial inclusion, and reducing inefficiencies. This move positions Nigeria to effectively leverage blockchain technology in line with its policy, promoting a more innovative and digitally advanced economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
The remarkable progress in artificial intelligence (AI) is both exciting and concerning. It's essential to keep a close eye on this issue.
The Kenyan government is taking steps to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) amid growing concerns about disinformation.
During the launch of the Fifth National Action Plan on Open Government Partnership, President William Ruto announced the upcoming introduction of a regulatory framework. "We are implementing a regulatory regime to forestall the abuse of new technologies, including AI, which leads to disinformation that threatens our democracy," he stated.
This initiative comes as disinformation becomes a global concern. A January report by the World Economic Forum identified disinformation as the greatest risk to the global economy over the next two years, surpassing threats like armed conflict, climate crises, and inflation. A 2019 study estimated that combating disinformation could cost more than $78 billion.
Kenya's regulatory framework represents a significant step in promoting the responsible use of AI. Additionally, the government is collaborating with German partners to develop a national AI strategy. These initiatives aim to regulate emerging technologies ethically and responsibly, ensuring Kenya adheres to global standards in digital governance.
Samira Njoya
The global security robot market is rapidly expanding, fueled by the growing popularity of these intelligent machines. While Africa is slightly behind in adopting this technology, the continent still offers substantial opportunities for the deployment of security robots.
U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood announced that the United States plans to import at least 50 robots fully designed in Tunisia by 2025.
Hood announced this at the 10th-anniversary celebration of Enova Robotics, a Tunisian company specializing in robot manufacturing. The initiative stems from a partnership between Enova Robotics and its American partner, Unartificial Labs.
"This partnership highlights the quality and competitiveness of Tunisian engineering in the U.S. market and underscores the potential for new collaborations and knowledge exchange between our two countries," Hood said.
The robots exported to the U.S. will be used to secure critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, factories, and for border surveillance. Equipped with 360-degree sensors, these autonomous robots ensure optimal protection of large sites. Since the creation of the first model in 2015, these robots have evolved and have already been exported to France and several major international companies, including the European aerospace manufacturer Airbus.
For Enova Robotics, this export marks a crucial milestone after ten years in business, showcasing Tunisia's technological excellence and expertise on the global stage. By collaborating with the U.S. and entering strategic markets like Latin America, Enova Robotics is strengthening its position as a pioneer in robotic innovation.
This success comes at a time when the global security robot market is rapidly expanding. According to data analytics platform Mordor Intelligence, this market, valued at $15.70 billion in 2024, is expected to nearly double to $29.65 billion by 2029, with an average annual growth rate of 13.57%.
Samira Njoya
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The government is stepping up efforts to accelerate digital transformation across all sectors of the country. These initiatives are receiving substantial support from the United Nations, further strengthening the implementation of strategic projects.
The Malawian Parliament introduced a new digital system, the e-Chamber, on Thursday. Designed to revolutionize internal operations, the system aims to increase efficiency and transparency through digitized parliamentary processes.
A training session was held on September 11 to prepare members of parliament for the transition to the new technological environment. The institution stated, "The complete system will be fully operational for the next parliamentary session. This training underscores our commitment to embracing digital tools and improving procedural efficiency to better serve the Malawian people."
The e-Chamber system offers advanced features, including audio management, electronic document handling, and electronic voting. Each parliamentarian will receive a tablet equipped with a new audio system, facilitating access to necessary documents and official tasks.
This initiative is part of a broader digital transformation undertaken in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It follows the introduction of the e-Court platform in April, aimed at improving access to justice for marginalized communities.
The adoption of the paperless multimedia system within Parliament will enhance operational efficiency by centralizing the management of speeches, votes, simultaneous interpretation, and member registration. With this move, Malawi joins other African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Angola, which have already implemented similar systems.
Samira Njoya
Establishing innovation hubs and fostering tech education drives entrepreneurship by empowering individuals to create localized solutions to pressing challenges. This approach enables African nations to develop indigenous technologies in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, decreasing their dependence on foreign innovations.
The Rwandan government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, has inaugurated the construction phase of the Kigali Innovation City (KIC), a major initiative aimed at advancing technological innovation in Rwanda. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 10 in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone, Gasabo District.
"Kigali Innovation City is more than just infrastructure; it is an ecosystem designed to promote innovation, attract top talent, and drive investment," Dr. Ngirente emphasized. He added that KIC aligns with Rwanda's vision of a prosperous, tech-driven future for the nation and the African continent.
Rwanda’s ICT and Innovation Minister, Paula Ingabire Musoni, underscored the importance of KIC as a catalyst for tech investment. She described KIC as a platform where multinational companies and startups can collaborate on solutions that will shape Rwanda's future technology agenda.
The KIC project, a 61-hectare smart city worth over $ 2 billion, is a master-planned city designed to create a hub for technological innovation. It will include universities, startup incubators, office spaces, and supporting facilities such as retail and hospitality services. Pioneering Infrastructure investor and asset manager Africas50, backed by African global capital, was granted exclusive rights by the Rwandan Government to develop, operate, and commercialize the city.
The project is expected to generate $150 million in annual ICT exports and attract over $300 million in foreign direct investment. The city is also projected to create more than 50,000 jobs upon completion and produce over 2,600 tech graduates annually, bolstering Rwanda's tech ecosystem.
This initiative aligns with government-led programs like the Smart Rwanda Master Plan, which aims to transform the nation into a knowledge-driven economy, and the One Laptop Per Child initiative designed to empower the population with digital literacy. By increasing digital proficiency, Rwanda can enhance the workforce available to innovation hubs like Kigali Innovation City (KIC), encouraging entrepreneurship and the creation of technology solutions that address African challenges. In the long run, this will cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem, strengthen Rwanda's position as a continental tech leader, and contribute to bridging the digital divide, fostering sustainable growth, and advancing Africa’s global technological presence.
The ICT sector in Rwanda has grown steadily over the years. According to the Rwanda Development Bank’s ICT Skills Snapshot 2022, the sector contributed 2% of GDP and employed around 8,962 workers (0.26% of employment) as of 2020. The government targets a higher contribution through its Digital Transformation Strategy and projects like KIC.
Hikmatu Bilali
To boost its economic growth and enhance its international visibility, Morocco is betting on the development of tourism. In this context, the country is investing in the modernization of its airports, which serve as key gateways to its territory.
The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has launched a strategy called "Décollage 2025," with a key focus on digital transformation, to create a seamless digital experience for travelers by 2025. This initiative was announced by Mohammed Abdeljalil, the Minister of Transport and Logistics.
"The Office has allocated substantial funds for the digital transformation, hiring specialized technical experts to manage its Digital Factory unit. This unit will oversee the implementation of projects aimed at bolstering the digital transformation of the Office across all its activities," explained the minister.
One of the first steps in this plan is the installation of "e-gate" smart portals at Moroccan airports. These automated systems use biometric technology to verify travelers' identities. The self-service devices allow passengers to pass through immigration without an agent, speeding up both boarding and disembarking processes.
The new terminal at Rabat-Salé Airport, set to open in 2025, will serve as a pilot project before the initiative is extended to other major airports, such as Mohammed V and Marrakech-Menara. The strategy also includes implementing a "SMART AIRPORT" information system that will provide real-time monitoring of airport facilities and collect data to enable quick responses in case of operational issues.
These initiatives aim to modernize Morocco’s airport infrastructure ahead of major events like the Africa Cup of Nations next year and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The improvements will enhance the travel experience and streamline data coordination.
By integrating e-gates, Morocco is following in the footsteps of many European countries that have successfully adopted this technology. This system marks a significant step toward the digitization of airport services, providing travelers with a more efficient experience while boosting security.
Samira Njoya
In 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiated a pilot project to train young people from 24 African countries in cybersecurity. The success of this initial phase has led to the launch of a larger initiative aimed at expanding the program.
The West and Central Africa Regional Bureau of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced Monday, its commitment to training 25,000 young people in cybersecurity across both subregions. To achieve this goal, the UNDP has partnered with Canada's Concordia University and the digital skills academy Give1Project. The training will last five months and will culminate in a certification.
The initiative follows the success of a 2023 pilot phase, which provided a four-month cybersecurity training program for youths from 24 African countries, including two weeks of in-person sessions in Saly, Senegal. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Africa faces a shortage of 100,000 qualified cybersecurity professionals.
In recent years, cybersecurity has become one of the most critical sectors in Africa’s tech landscape. With the continent's digital market expected to reach $712 billion by 2050, the ITU estimates that Africa’s lack of cybersecurity readiness costs its member states an average of 10% of their GDP. Beyond investing in local talent, African countries must also establish robust legal and regulatory frameworks to address cybersecurity challenges.
Adoni Conrad Quenum