Tech (1046)
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
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
The rapid expansion of digital services across Africa has led to a surge in online attacks, jeopardizing the security of individuals and businesses. Addressing these growing cyber threats requires immediate action.
Burkina Faso launched a new online platform, “Alerte-BCLCC,” on Tuesday to allow citizens to report cybercrimes and flag online content promoting terrorism. The platform, accessible at alerte.bclcc.gov.bf and available for download on Play Store (Android) and AppGallery (Huawei), was launched by the Ministry of Security through its Central Brigade for Combating Cybercrime (BCLCC).
"With this tool, our specialized forces will be able to intervene more quickly, analyze trends more effectively, and strengthen actions to combat these new forms of cybercrime," said Mahamadou Sana, Minister of Security, urging Burkinabè citizens to use the platform.
The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity amid rapid digital transformation, including increased use of electronic communication services and a rise in cyberattacks. According to national authorities, cybercriminals extorted more than 3 billion CFA francs (approximately $5 million) from Burkinabè citizens between 2020 and 2023.
Last November, Burkina Faso approved a National Cybercrime Strategy (2025-2029) to modernize its tools for combating digital threats.
The “Alerte-BCLCC” platform ensures user data confidentiality, allowing for anonymous and secure incident reporting. Users can transmit essential information to the BCLCC with a few clicks, enabling rapid and targeted interventions. The system reflects Burkina Faso’s commitment to protecting its citizens in cyberspace and adapting to evolving security challenges.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
More...
In Africa, digital identification is crucial for socioeconomic development. Many countries face challenges with financial inclusion and public service management, and are reforming their systems to provide citizens with secure, interoperable digital IDs.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving forward with plans for a national digital identification system. DRC Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs Augustin Kibassa Maliba met on Monday in Singapore with Soon Huat Lim, CEO of Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd., a Singaporean digital transformation company, to discuss the technical and operational aspects of deploying the system. The meeting is a key step before the anticipated signing of a collaboration agreement that will launch the project.
"We recognize that digital or electronic identification is one of the pillars of e-government," said Kibassa Maliba. "I took note of the CEO’s remarks about forming a commission to oversee the work since digital operations fall under the ministry’s responsibility. However, when it comes to identity, it is essential to involve other institutions so we can ensure a unified government vision for the development of the digital sector."
The initiative is part of the DRC's National Digital Plan Horizon 2025, reflecting President Félix Tshisekedi’s goal of making the DRC a leading digital player in Africa. The plan envisions digital technology as a driver of integration, good governance, economic growth, and social progress.
The Monday meeting follows a preliminary agreement signed in December between the DRC and Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd. That agreement established the groundwork for a partnership to develop and implement a platform for managing digital identities and citizen data.
Once operational, the DRC's system will join other African nations that have adopted or are developing digital identification frameworks, including Nigeria’s National Identity Management System (NIMS), Ghana’s National Identification Authority (NIA), and Rwanda’s e-ID system. These initiatives aim to improve public service efficiency, strengthen data security, enhance access to financial services, and promote digital and economic inclusion.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation has emerged as a key driver of economic and social development worldwide. In West Africa, it is now a crucial tool for strengthening governance, improving public services, and promoting digital inclusion.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plans to make digital transformation as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development across its member states. To accelerate its efforts in that direction, the institution is betting on the World Bank-backed West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (WARDIP).
This commitment was underscored at the ECOWAS Experts Forum on E-Government, held in The Gambia on February 6-7. The forum convened experts from member states and United Nations representatives to discuss the progress and future of e-government in the region.
Discussions focused on analyzing findings from the UN's 2024 E-Government Survey and enhancing data governance expertise. Participants explored critical areas including digital identity, system interoperability, data management, and developing citizen-centric digital content.
This initiative is in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the 2023-2027 Community Strategic Framework, both of which champion inclusive and sustainable development. The ECOWAS Commission aims to establish information and communication technologies (ICTs) as vital engines for economic growth and social inclusion. The ultimate goal is a unified West African digital market, promoting shared prosperity and boosting key sectors like e-commerce, e-health, smart agriculture, and online education.
However, significant challenges remain. ECOWAS nations must address coordination gaps between government institutions, inadequate digital infrastructure, a shortage of specialized digital skills, and growing data protection and cybersecurity concerns. To overcome these hurdles, the Commission is urging greater engagement from digital ecosystem stakeholders, stronger regional cooperation, and increased investment to ensure a successful and sustainable digital transition across the region.
Samira Njoya
Education systems worldwide face significant challenges, including limited access, geographic disparities, and disruptions caused by social unrest or security crises. To address these issues and ensure inclusive education, innovative solutions like remote learning are crucial.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a historic decree regulating distance learning for primary, secondary, and technical education, the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship announced on Wednesday. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize the Congolese education system, making it more inclusive and accessible to all, in line with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo’s vision.
"Through a multimodal model combining digital platforms, radio, television, and offline materials, this decree ensures that all students, including those in low-connectivity areas, can continue their education. This is a decisive step toward educational equity and reducing territorial inequalities,” the ministry said in a statement.
The decision comes at a time when the eastern part of the country is facing significant security challenges, including armed conflicts that hinder access to education for many children. According to UNICEF, approximately seven million children did not return to school for the 2023-2024 academic year due to factors such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, child labor, and, in some regions, ongoing instability.
Distance learning is thus emerging as a strategic solution to ensure education continues despite these obstacles. Moreover, this approach will help prepare Congolese youth for the challenges of the 21st century by fostering essential skills such as autonomous learning and digital literacy. UNESCO highlights that distance learning strategies strengthen the resilience of the education sector, offering opportunities to bridge the gap between rural and urban populations.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
African agriculture still faces numerous challenges that prevent the continent from achieving food self-sufficiency. Just as mechanization was key to the Industrial Revolution, digital technology in today's Fourth Industrial Revolution offers significant potential to transform the sector. Ethiopia is embracing this potential with an ambitious new strategy.
The Ethiopian government officially launched, on Tuesday, its Digital Agriculture Roadmap (DAR), a national plan to accelerate the digitalization of the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture said. Developed by the ministry in collaboration with the Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), the roadmap will be implemented from 2025 to 2032.
The government aims to enhance agricultural productivity through inclusive, accessible, and sustainable digital solutions, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente said. The strategy is designed to facilitate access to agricultural extension services via smartphones, improve input availability, strengthen financial services such as loans and agricultural insurance, and enhance coordination across the entire value chain, from production to commercialization, he said.
The DAR rollout will occur in two phases. The first, from 2025 to 2029, will focus on establishing basic digital infrastructure and developing priority services for agriculture. The second, from 2030 to 2032, aims to expand and diversify the digital ecosystem across the sector.
Authorities acknowledge that Ethiopia’s agricultural digitalization faces significant challenges, particularly limited connectivity and a lack of digital skills, which could slow technology adoption.
According to the report Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Policy Reforms and the Role of Mobile, published by the GSMA in October 2024, 76% of Ethiopians still do not use mobile internet.
GSMA also estimates that smartphone penetration, a key tool in the DAR, stands at just 36% in Ethiopia. Additionally, the association rates the population’s proficiency in basic digital skills at 41 out of 100.
By Stéphanas Assocle,
Editing by Wilfried ASSOGBA