Tech (808)
In Guinea, a large portion of its population lacks access to formal banking. To spur economic development, initiatives that improve financial inclusion are crucial.
On Tuesday, June 18, Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou (photo, center), met with a delegation from the Canadian company EZO, led by co-founder Charles-André Bergeron. The visit aimed to propose a financial solution tailored to the Guinean market, addressing the growing need for the digitalization of financial services in the country.
According to the Ministry of Digital Economy, discussions focused on the potential implementation of the EZO financial application in Guinea, the digitization of financial services, and the development of financial inclusion. Ms. Pricemou emphasized the importance of such initiatives in improving access to financial services for both rural and urban populations.
EZO's visit to Guinea is part of its international expansion strategy. The company plans to establish itself in Tunisia in the coming months and offers an automated and autonomous solution covering all financial activities. Its system comprises three main components: customer inclusion (swap system), payment, and savings. The application also allows users to receive money directly on their phones, with payment options available regardless of the currency origin.
Moreover, EZO integrates portfolio management and microcredit features, which could transform Guinea's financial landscape by offering comprehensive banking services via a digital platform.
In Guinea, the EZO delegation also met with officials from the Central Bank and other major banks to discuss solutions for providing all citizens with access to essential financial resources for their development.
Samira Njoya
The Moroccan government aims to connect educational institutions as part of its digital transformation ambitions. Starting in 2021, approximately 1.2 million SIM cards have been distributed to students, allowing them free access to the internet.
American wireless network provider Cambium Networks announced on Tuesday, June 18, the deployment of 18,000 Wi-Fi access points to provide high-speed internet connectivity in 12 major public universities in Morocco. The project covers over 200 campuses and benefits 1.3 million students, educators, and administrative staff.
The campuses are equipped with Cambium Networks' Wi-Fi 6 solutions, both indoors and outdoors. These solutions were designed and deployed in collaboration with 3GCOM, a service integrator and partner for the project. The partners integrated planning tools, contactless provisioning, streamlined installation, and centralized cloud management into the existing systems to ensure optimal performance.
The deployment of Wi-Fi access points in Moroccan universities is part of the "Connected Campus" program launched in 2021, aimed at providing students with free and secure access to digital tools. Over 1.2 million SIM cards have been distributed to students in partnership with telecom operators. This effort is part of the government's initiatives to accelerate the transformation of the higher education, scientific research, and innovation ecosystem.
"Flexible learning, online testing, and video collaboration with media-rich content requires stable, reliable and affordable performance. Our purpose-built technologies uniquely address density and scale while delivering best in class experience—ensuring uninterrupted learning while remaining affordable," said Morgan Kurk, CEO of Cambium Networks.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
The Ivorian government is intensifying its efforts to enhance the employability of young people and women through information and communication technologies (ICT). The goal is to reduce unemployment and stimulate technological innovation in the country.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization, launched the development of the National Industry 4.0 Strategy in Côte d'Ivoire on Friday, June 14. This initiative was introduced during a dedicated workshop.
The strategy, currently under development, will focus on skill development, support for investment and financing, and assistance to innovation and startup ecosystems to deliver 4.0 technological solutions tailored to business needs. It also emphasizes partnerships, alliances within the ecosystem, international cooperation with technical and financial partners, and awareness-raising efforts.
This initiative is part of the "Employment4Youth: Industry 4.0 to foster youth employment in Tunisia and Côte d'Ivoire" project, led by the Ivorian government and implemented by UNIDO. Launched in 2022, the project aims to increase youth employment and improve working conditions by structuring and consolidating a digital ecosystem, particularly within Industry 4.0. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the special initiative "Decent Employment for a Just Transition."
In Côte d'Ivoire, this project is expected to create 13,000 jobs, including 3,000 direct jobs, by 2025 across various private sectors such as social and ecological transformation, renewable energies, ICT, and agro-industry, with a total investment of USD 30 million.
Samira Njoya
Cybercrime is posing a growing threat across Africa, as the continent's rapid digitalization outpaces its cybersecurity preparedness. This vulnerability exposes nations to a range of attacks, from data breaches and financial fraud to more sophisticated assaults on critical infrastructure.
The Nigerien government announced on Wednesday a new ordinance amending Law No. 2019-33 on the repression of cybercrime.
The new ordinance aims to curb the spread of disinformation and online threats , seeking to "strike a balance between freedom of expression and the protection of individual rights, while preserving public peace and security," according to the Ministry of Justice.
Promulgated earlier this month by President Abdourahamane Tiani of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland in Niger, the updated legislation strengthens sanctions for online offenses. Disseminating content that disrupts public order or violates human dignity now carries a potential sentence of two to five years in prison and a fine ranging from two to five million CFA francs (approximately €3,000 to €7,600). Defamation and electronic insults can result in one to three years imprisonment and a similar fine.
Niger, like many African nations, faces a growing problem of cybercrime. During the Digital Week held from April 18 to 20, special emphasis was placed on cybersecurity. On this occasion, the Minister of Communication, Posts, and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, unveiled the government's ambitions, including the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Center.
By toughening the legislation, the Nigerien government hopes to effectively combat the spread of false information, hate speech, and content inciting violence. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance digital security and protect citizens from growing cyber threats.
Samira Njoya
Five years after the signing of the design protocol, Senegal’s first satellite is ready to be soon be launched into orbit.
GAINDESAT-1A, Senegal's first nanosatellite, is ready for its launch. Successfully integrated into an Exolaunch deployer in the United States, this development was revealed by the Senegalese Space Program (Sensat) on Thursday, June 13, via LinkedIn.
The 10 cm-edged nanosatellite will be launched into space in the coming days aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Its primary mission will be to collect data from state meteorology and water level measurement agencies, which have stations across the country.
Additionally, GAINDESAT-1A will capture satellite images of Senegal using an onboard camera. These images will serve as raw material for future developments. The satellite will take images of the country four times a day for six to seven minutes each time, over a five-year period.
This achievement is the result of a collaboration between the Senegalese government and the Space Center of the University of Montpellier (CSUM), where the satellite was designed and built by Senegalese engineers and technicians. Once in orbit, it will be monitored and controlled from Senegal, using a large control room.
With the launch of GAINDESAT-1A, Senegal will become the second Francophone sub-Saharan country, after Djibouti, to have its own satellite. In Africa, Egypt and South Africa were the first to embark on the space adventure in 1998 and 1999, respectively, followed by a dozen other countries.
Samira Njoya
Intra-African trade is confronted with numerous challenges, particularly regarding the management of goods transportation. To promote the emergence of a common market, it is urgent to identify and overcome existing barriers.
On Thursday, June 13, the Djiboutian Ministry of Infrastructure and Equipment, in collaboration with Djibouti Ports Corridor Road (DPCR) and the European Union, inaugurated a digital fleet management system named "Fleet Management System." This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of goods transportation between Djibouti and Ethiopia, marking a crucial step for regional trade.
“This modern system will allow us to better plan, manage, and the efficient flow of goods, contributing to our vision of making Djibouti a leading logistics and economic hub in Africa,” stated Aboubaker Omar Hadi, President of the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority (DPFZA).
The launch of this new system is part of a strategic partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Djibouti, supporting the implementation of the Ethiopia-Djibouti Transport Corridor Project. The European Union has invested €32 million in one of the programs aimed at promoting regional economic integration in the Horn of Africa. The objective is to reduce trade costs by 10%, transit times by 15%, and customs clearance times by 30% at certain border crossing points.
The new system, which utilizes radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, is expected to provide complete and instantaneous control of vehicle routes and transit times along the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor. This system will also enable all logistics stakeholders to have visibility over truck movements, optimizing logistics operations and reducing waiting times at ports.
Samira Njoya
Participation in programs like the AWS Generative AI Accelerator can help African startups gain visibility on a global scale, attracting investors and partners, and ultimately driving economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a $230 million investment to boost generative AI startups globally, AWS announced June 13. The move aims to accelerate innovative AI applications across sectors, supporting startups with AWS credits, mentorship, and resources.
"We'll assist startups in launching and scaling businesses, unleashing new AI applications," said Matt Wood, VP of AI Products at AWS.
The AWS Generative AI Accelerator, a 10-week program, will onboard 80 startups, offering hands-on expertise, mentorship, and up to $1 million in credits each. Applications are open until July 19.
Selected startups gain access to AWS compute, storage, and AI chips like AWS Trainium and AWS Inferentia2, plus Amazon SageMaker.
AWS's dominant 41.5% share of the cloud computing market underscores its significant influence. This level of control suggests that initiatives like the AWS Generative AI Accelerator can shape global AI innovation, including emerging markets like Africa.
Hikmatu Bilali
African countries are experiencing a substantial lag in digital development, a situation attributed to various factors. Effectively addressing these delays requires a clear understanding of these underlying issues.
Niger's Minister of Communication, Posts, and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, officially launched the Digital Economy Diagnostic of Niger (Niger DE4A) on Wednesday, June 12th, in Niamey.
This initiative aims to comprehensively assess the current state of digital services penetration and usage within the country. "The evaluation will provide policymakers with actionable and prioritized recommendations to accelerate the digital transformation of Niger's government and its socio-economic landscape," emphasized the Ministry of Digital Economy.
The program, supported by the World Bank, aligns with broader efforts to assist African nations in implementing the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy. This strategy seeks to equip every individual, business, and government body on the continent with the necessary digital skills by 2030, ultimately contributing to lifting Africa out of underdevelopment.
The digital economy diagnostic will unfold in three key phases. The first phase involves consultations with relevant stakeholders to gather essential data. This will be followed by the development of a detailed report outlining current challenges and opportunities in Niger's digital landscape. Finally, the program will propose concrete strategies and measures to maximize the country's potential for digital development.
The overall goal of the assessment is to identify and address obstacles hindering Niger's digital progress. Key challenges include insufficient technological infrastructure, limited digital skills among the population, and restrictive regulations. Overcoming these hurdles will not only enhance government efficiency but also stimulate innovation and drive economic growth in Niger.
Samira Njoya
In Côte d’Ivoire, digital talents, particularly data analysts, are among the most sought-after in the job market. To strengthen the workforce in this sector, Yango continues to pursue targeted training initiatives.
Ride-hailing platform Yango announced the expansion of its Yango Education program on Wednesday, June 12. The initiative provides free online introductory data analysis courses to Ivorian citizens aged 18 and over who have completed their basic education. The courses are designed by Yango engineers.
"This expansion allows us to offer free access to these courses to a wider community," said Kadotien Soro, Yango's National Director in Côte d'Ivoire. "We believe education is key to driving innovation and creating growth opportunities in the digital economy."
The program offers an 80-hour online data analysis course in Python and SQL, delivered over a one-month period. Yango will select over 1,500 students throughout the year through application reviews and personal interviews. Priority will be given to those aiming for careers in data analysis. The program is also open to Yango's partner drivers, couriers, and their families.
This initiative builds on Yango's commitment to fostering African entrepreneurship by equipping young people with skills to collect, analyze, and visualize data for business development. The first phase of the program benefitted approximately 250 participants.
Samira Njoya
Modernizing the administration to improve efficiency and equip it for the challenges of the new economy is a key focus for Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. President Faye is committed to implementing reforms that will optimize governmental effectiveness in this vital area.
Senegal Numérique SA (Sénum SA), the state-run agency responsible for managing Senegal's digital infrastructure, has a new leader. Isidore Diouf (pictured right) took the helm on Friday, June 7, succeeding Cheikh Bakhoum (pictured center) who served for nearly a decade (9 years, 11 months).
Diouf, tasked with executing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's digital policy, outlined his strategic vision. He views digital technology as an engine for development across various sectors, including economic, industrial, healthcare, and education. He positions Sénégal Numérique, designated a "strategic state enterprise," as central to this transformation.
Diouf identified key elements for success: building robust and secure digital infrastructure, acting as a central hub to coordinate government digital programs, fostering collaboration with Information Systems Departments (DSI) within the government, and establishing strong partnerships with stakeholders in the digital space.
Diouf will build upon the accomplishments of his predecessor, Bakhoum, whose initiatives have positioned Senegal as a leader in the West African digital landscape. Notable achievements include the Smart Senegal project, the deployment of nearly 4,400 kilometers of fiber optic cable, the SHARE submarine cable, the construction of the national data center in Diamniadio (commissioned in 2021), and the digitization of numerous administrative procedures.
The new director's focus is on bridging the digital divide within Senegal and diversifying state revenue. According to official 2021 statistics, the digital economy currently contributes about 3.3% to GDP, while internet penetration sits at roughly 46%. The Sénégal Numérique 2025 (SN2025) strategy aims to increase the digital economy's share of GDP to 10%.
Samira Njoya
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Digital transformation is a key focus of the development initiatives launched by the Burkinabé government. Ouagadougou aims to rely on World Bank assistance to successfully implement its digital strategy.
Burkina Faso is poised for a significant leap forward in its digital transformation journey. The Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) on Tuesday, June 11th, approved a $150 million loan from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) to fund the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACTDIGITAL).
This ambitious project aims to bridge the digital divide in Burkina Faso by improving accessibility and adoption of digital services nationwide. The focus will be on reaching underserved areas, particularly rural communities, and marginalized groups.
"PACTDIGITAL will directly benefit a wide range of individuals," explained Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane. "This includes women, youth, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and their host communities. Additionally, public employees - civil servants, teachers, and trainers - will gain valuable digital skills. The project also extends to private companies, formal and informal training institutions, local incubators, and associations. Notably, PACTDIGITAL covers the entire country, with security considerations factored in."
Building upon the successes of the West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Project (WARCIP - BF) and the e-Burkina project, PACTDIGITAL will serve as a springboard for further digital initiatives in Burkina Faso. The IDA funding is a critical step towards closing the country's significant digital divide. Official figures show a low mobile connectivity index of 26.2 in 2018. Additionally, 3G and 4G mobile network coverage rates remain low compared to neighboring countries, sitting at 64.3% and 41.5% respectively in 2022.
Samira Njoya
Jumia, which achieved unicorn status in 2016, has established itself as a leader in the African ecommerce sector. The startup is setting its sights on further growth in Nigeria and Morocco.
Last week, e-commerce platform Jumia announced the opening of two new integrated warehouses in Lagos, Nigeria, and Casablanca, Morocco, aiming to bolster future growth and meet rising demand across the continent.
The Casablanca facility spans 5,000 square meters and will house over 300,000 products. Jumia, which became Africa's first unicorn startup (valued over $1 billion) in 2016, did not disclose details on the capacity of the larger 30,000-square-meter Lagos warehouse.
This expansion aligns with Jumia's strategy to solidify its position as Africa's e-commerce leader. Following its 2016 unicorn status, Jumia made strategic adjustments, including exiting the Jumia Food venture in 2023 due to operational and macroeconomic challenges across its seven markets.
The new warehouses are expected to significantly enhance operations in both Nigeria and Morocco, leading to improved efficiency, cost savings, and faster delivery times. Notably, Partech Africa data shows a 53.29% decline in African e-commerce startup funding in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching $298 million.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The African Development Bank, in its efforts to support African countries in their digital transformation process, is entering into various strategic agreements.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and U.S. tech giant Intel have joined forces to equip 3 million Africans and 30,000 civil servants with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, according to a press release issued on June 7. The partnership was finalized during the recent AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi.
"With advancements in digital technology, our world is rapidly evolving, and so is our youthful population, projected to reach 830 million by 2050. To develop skills on a large scale and at the necessary speed, we need everyone's cooperation," said Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development at the AfDB. (Photo, Right)
"The Bank is thrilled to collaborate with Intel to work towards this shared commitment. Together, we are shaping the digital future of Africa and empowering our youth," Fall added.
Acquiring digital skills has become essential with the ongoing technological revolution worldwide. African countries are not left out of this revolution, and with the support of various institutions such as the AfDB, numerous projects are being implemented. In May 2024, the AfDB partnered with the American company Mastercard to implement the MADE (Mobilising Access to the Digital Economy) initiative, which aims to provide digital access to 100 million African people and businesses over the next decade.
This new initiative will, among other things, accelerate growth and productivity by positioning Africans as active contributors to the fourth industrial revolution in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the rise of digitalization, content creators have become an influential segment of the digital economy. However, they face challenges in financial management. Addressing these unique financial needs is crucial for African development, making initiatives like this highly significant.
Mastercard has invested $2.04 million in a partnership with Wowzi, Africa’s influencer marketing platform, and Masria Digital Payments (MDP), Wowzi announced on June 6. The five-year initiative aims to enhance financial management for content creators, providing them with advanced digital tools to manage their earnings.
“Our objective is to empower these digital trailblazers with the financial tools and security they need to thrive in the dynamic payments landscape. This investment aligns with our vision to promote financial inclusion and drive innovation in an ever-evolving digital economy,” said Shehryar Ali, senior vice president and country manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.
Mastercard’s investment supports the gig economy by offering digital card products (watch and ring cards) for secure and convenient transactions. These cards will allow content creators to receive payments directly from brands, fans, or sponsors, bypassing traditional gateways. Meanwhile, Wowzi will leverage its network to boost content creators' visibility and profitability and MDP will manage the technical aspects, ensuring secure and seamless transactions.
The IFC report "e-Conomy Africa 2020" reveals that Africa's internet economy could reach $180 billion by 2025, contributing 5.2% to the continent's GDP. This underscores the importance of Mastercard's investment in digital solutions for African content creators. This collaboration marks a significant step towards the future of digital finance, combining creativity and technology to empower content creators in Africa.
Hikmatu Bilali