Tech (1049)
Africa has been making significant strides towards digital transformation, with growing adoption of mobile internet, fintech innovations, and e-commerce platforms. Internet shutdowns hinder the everyday functioning of these sectors and create a sense of instability, discouraging investments and limiting opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs.
In 2024, Sub-Saharan Africa faced significant economic losses from deliberate internet shutdowns, totaling $1.56 billion, or 20% of the global economic impact, according to Top10VPN data. These disruptions impacted 111.2 million users -17% of the global total- across 32,938 hours of downtime, severely affecting the region's digital economy.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s internet disruptions were mainly driven by conflict and political unrest. Sudan was the hardest hit, losing $1.12 billion (71.8% of the region's total loss), as internet services were shut down to control protests and suppress information. This affected 23.4 million people over 12,707 hours. Ethiopia followed with a loss of $211.2 million, while Kenya experienced a $75 million loss. Although Ethiopia incurred a higher financial loss, the Kenyan outage affected 22.7 million people over 511 hours, compared to 3.3 million in Ethiopia over 4,680 hours.
In contrast to the frequent but less economically damaging shutdowns for exams, which are common in the region, conflicts and information control were the top reasons for internet restrictions. The ongoing Sudanese conflict, along with unrest in countries like Ethiopia resulted in some of the longest and most costly shutdowns in Africa. These shutdowns caused long-term disruptions in business, access to essential services, and social media platforms, which are increasingly vital for communication and economic activity.
Social media platforms like Twitter (X) and TikTok were often blocked, reflecting governments’ efforts to control information flow during political instability. For instance, Twitter’s extended shutdown in countries like Nigeria and Sudan led to significant disruptions for citizens and businesses that use the platform for networking, marketing, and information-sharing.
Internet shutdowns in Africa have significant economic and innovation costs, especially for startups in fintech and e-commerce. As mobile technology and internet access grow, these disruptions threaten the region's digital economy. Shutdowns disrupt communication, business activities, and essential services, deepening the digital divide and hindering economic growth.
In conclusion, the economic impact of internet shutdowns in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024 highlights the urgent need for resilient digital infrastructure, better governance, and greater advocacy for digital rights. These challenges serve as a reminder of the central role the internet plays in Africa's development and the risks posed by internet shutdowns to economic and social progress.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital transformation is a top priority for the Beninese government. To succeed, the nation is seeking the expertise of skilled professionals to drive this change and create a modern, efficient, and inclusive government.
As part of its strategy to become a regional leader in digital innovation, Benin, with the support of the European Union, seeks an expert to strengthen the development environment for digital public services. This recruitment aligns with the government's broader goal of modernizing its administration and accelerating digital transformation to benefit citizens.
"The Beninnovation project strengthens cooperation between the public administration and local private companies in the field of digital transformation, particularly in digitizing public services," states the official announcement. "To date, the main achievements in the digitizing of public services in Benin have been driven by the Agency for Information and Digital Systems (ASIN), with support from the Estonian Academy of e-Governance and advisory services provided by Cybernetica, an Estonian ICT company."
This initiative is part of a broader effort led by ASIN and financially supported by the European Union. It aims to industrialize electronic services and deliver high-performance digital solutions through a modern Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) architecture. Key responsibilities of the expert will include designing an innovative development environment, integrating solutions to enhance interoperability and system security, and building the capacities of both public and private stakeholders. These tasks are expected to be completed over 470 days.
Through this initiative, the government seeks to address gaps in technical expertise while increasing the involvement of local businesses in digital transformation efforts. This approach is poised to strengthen Benin's position as a leader in digital innovation in West Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In recent years, Senegal has entered a new phase, prioritizing digital technology as a cornerstone of its development strategy. The government aims to cultivate technological innovation and modernize public services to strengthen the country's competitiveness within the region.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presented his general policy statement (GPS) to the National Assembly on Friday, December 27. This document outlines an ambitious program of economic reforms designed to transform the country over the next five years, with digital technology at the core of Senegal's modernization efforts.
Key initiatives include digitizing major state registries and launching a pilot phase of the "Paperless" project, aimed at simplifying administrative procedures and improving the quality of public services.
The government has also expressed its commitment to building an ecosystem that brings together researchers, startups, and industrial players. This ecosystem will encourage investment in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, high-value-added outsourcing services, and big data management. The goal is to provide tailored solutions for businesses while positioning Senegal as a technological hub in West Africa.
Education system modernization is another priority, with plans to integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into school curricula. This initiative is intended to prepare Senegalese youth for the digital economy, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance human capital—a critical driver of technological and economic development.
The health sector will also benefit from this digital transformation. Projects include the comprehensive digitization of health records and scaling up electronic patient files, which aim to improve access to care, optimize hospital management, and boost the efficiency of the national healthcare system.
These reforms align with the Senegal 2050 framework, which envisions shared prosperity and inclusive modernization. Further details on this vision will be provided with the launch of the "New Technological Deal," set for January 2025. This strategy will outline how digital tools can serve as a cornerstone of Senegal's economic and social recovery.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Algerian authorities are intensifying their push to accelerate the country's digital transformation. After a year of significant progress on numerous projects, a clear vision for the future is emerging.
Algeria commits to accelerating its digital transition with the launch of more than 500 projects between 2025 and 2026, with 75% of them focused on the modernization of public services. The plan was announced on Tuesday by Meriem Benmouloud, High Commissioner for Digitalization, during a meeting between the government and provincial governors.
"Algeria is undergoing a clear transition toward digitalization, requiring collective efforts to achieve the desired digital transformation and position Algeria at the forefront of global rankings," said Benmouloud. She explained that these projects represent a major step forward in making public services more accessible and transparent.
The initiatives align with the “Digital Algeria 2030” strategy, which is currently under development. This strategy revolves around five key pillars: infrastructure, training, digital governance, digital economy, and digital society. One of its flagship measure is the creation of an Interactive National Portal for Digital Services and an interoperability platform. These tools aim to centralize administrative procedures, reduce unnecessary travel, and improve access to information, particularly for those in remote areas.
Despite this momentum, additional efforts are needed to strengthen e-governance. Algeria ranks 116th out of 193 countries in the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.5956. While this marks a modest improvement from its 2022 score of 0.5611, the new projects are designed to enhance Algeria’s competitiveness and establish it as a regional leader in digital transformation.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The e-commerce market in Nigeria is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a tech-savvy youth population and the growing adoption of online shopping. The entry of international players is intensifying competition, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the local economy.
Three weeks after its launch in Nigeria, Chinese online retailer Temu has soared to the top of download charts on both Android and Apple Store. Its swift success stems from a targeted marketing campaign combined with a compelling offer of low-priced products imported directly from China. By tailoring its services to local needs—such as payments in naira and home delivery—Temu has captured the attention of Nigerian consumers.
Temu’s entry into Nigeria is part of a broader strategy by Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein, Aliexpress, and TikTok Shop to offset increasing restrictions in Western markets. Following its debut in South Africa, Nigeria became Temu’s second African market, solidifying its foothold on the continent.
To break into Nigeria, Temu employed an aggressive launch strategy backed by massive advertising investments. In 2023, the company was Meta's largest advertiser, spending nearly $2 billion on ads. This approach has not only outpaced established local and international competitors but also driven up advertising costs for rivals.
Temu’s key advantage lies in its direct-shipping model, sourcing products directly from Chinese manufacturers. By cutting out intermediaries, it offers a wide range of ultra-competitive prices, appealing to a market characterized by high price sensitivity and low brand loyalty.
However, this model poses significant challenges for the local economy. The influx of low-cost imported goods puts pressure on domestic platforms like Jumia and threatens small Nigerian businesses, especially in the growing fashion and design sectors.
Temu’s arrival has drawn mixed reactions. While consumers applaud access to affordable and diverse products, analysts warn of long-term repercussions for local enterprises. Some experts urge the government to consider protective measures, inspired by countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, which have implemented taxes and tariffs to safeguard their domestic markets from e-commerce giants.
Policies requiring foreign firms to create local jobs or establish production centers could help mitigate the economic impact while leveraging foreign investment.
Nigeria’s e-commerce market, valued at $8.53 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $14.92 billion by 2029, growing at an annual compound rate of 11.82%, according to Mordor Intelligence's E-commerce in Nigeria Market Size & Share Analysis (2024-2029). This rapid growth reflects the increasing adoption of online shopping, driven by a young, tech-savvy population.
To ensure this growth benefits the local economy, Nigeria must strike a balance between welcoming international players and protecting local businesses. Temu’s rapid rise highlights the transformative shifts in Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape while raising critical questions about maintaining a sustainable economic ecosystem.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation offers unique opportunities to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion. In Côte d’Ivoire, new initiatives highlight the potential of digital technology to empower women.
The Ivorian Ministry of Women, Family, and Children (MFFE), U.S. companies Cybastion and Cisco Tech, signed a tripartite partnership agreement on Tuesday, December 17, in Abidjan. This initiative aims to train 3,000 women in digital skills by 2025 through Cisco's "Network Academy" (NetAcad) educational platform.
"Empowering women to master technology is an investment in the future. It is planting the seeds of sustainable prosperity for future generations," said Minister Nassénéba Touré. She emphasized that the program will have tangible and transformative impacts on Ivorian women and society as a whole.
The agreement is part of the MFFE's commitments to bridging the digital divide and empowering women through technological tools. It follows the launch of the "DigitFemmes" program, in partnership with Cybastion, which aims to train 1,000 women across Côte d’Ivoire.
Since its inception in 1997, the NetAcad platform has trained over 24 million people in 191 countries, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating career opportunities in the digital sector. The platform provides training in key areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Its deployment in Côte d’Ivoire is expected to equip Ivorian women with highly sought-after skills in the job market, strengthening their leadership, financial independence, and contribution to the country’s digital economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation has become a key driver for accelerating economic development. By leveraging strategic partnerships, countries aim to modernize their infrastructure and create an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.
Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou (photo, left), met with a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) on Thursday, December 12. The meeting aimed to explore new funding opportunities in key digital sectors, including education, e-agriculture, digital health, financial inclusion through postal networks, and the "Giga" program.
“The minister emphasized the 'Simandou 2040' vision, championed by the Head of State, which places digital technology at the heart of sustainable development and digital infrastructure, contributing to economic integration, resource management transparency, and Guinea’s global market competitiveness,” the ministry noted in a statement.
This meeting aligns with Guinea's ambitions for digital transformation, which focus on modernizing public services, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem. The Simandou 2040 program shares these goals, aiming to rally the nation—especially its youth—towards creating a prosperous and equitable Guinea by 2040.
However, significant challenges remain in digitizing public services. According to the United Nations' "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development," Guinea scores 0.4006 out of 1 in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), ranking 29th in Africa and 160th globally. This is below the African (0.4247) and global (0.6382) averages.
The IsDB could play a pivotal role in advancing Guinea’s digital transformation by mobilizing financial resources and providing technical expertise. Its support could target initiatives in e-agriculture, digital education, connected healthcare, financial inclusion, and the development of robust digital infrastructure—helping drive sustainable and inclusive transformation across the country.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The country aims to leverage international cooperation to advance its space technology program. In June, it signed an agreement with YahClick, a subsidiary of the Emirati company Yahsat, which specializes in providing satellite internet connectivity solutions.
Nigeria is seeking partnerships with France in the field of space technology, the Managing Director of NigComSat, Jane Egerton-Idehen (photo, center), said on Thursday.
During a meeting with French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier (photo, left) on Wednesday, Egerton-Idehen expressed interest in leveraging French expertise to advance Nigeria's satellite goals.
Nigeria plans to acquire two new telecommunications satellites by 2025 to replace NigComSat-1R, which is expected to reach the end of its 15-year lifespan in 2026. In October, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of four new Earth observation satellites to enhance the country's capabilities.
“[...] Sharing expertise allows us to learn from global leaders, which in turn accelerates innovation.It also matters because it boosts the economy. Satellite technology has the massive potential to transform industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare. And finally, it matters because of its global impact. Advancements in space technology improve connectivity and sustainability for everyone,” read a statement on Egerton-Idehen’s Facebook page.
Nigeria has shown particular interest in leading space companies such as Eutelsat and Thales. Thales, through its subsidiary Thales Alenia Space, has collaborated with several African countries, including Egypt, for which it built the NileSat-301 satellite launched in June 2022. In October, Thales signed a memorandum of understanding with Moroccan company Panafsat to develop a satellite communications system. The company has also partnered with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Monacosat on satellite internet projects.
While France possesses the expertise to assist Nigeria, the meeting between Egerton-Idehen and Fonbaustier was primarily described as a "formal courtesy." No official agreements have been signed.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The digital transformation of education has become a priority in addressing the challenges of inclusion and quality in teaching. In Africa, innovative initiatives are reinventing pedagogical methods by incorporating technological tools tailored to local needs.
The Imaginecole project, launched by UNESCO to address the educational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is entering a new phase. The initiative will now be managed by the Senegalese government and local education stakeholders, who are tasked with adapting it to the country's specific needs. This transition, marked by a dual workshop held in Dakar from December 9-13, reflects efforts to strengthen local capacity for integrating digital tools into education sustainably.
“We have reached a stage where we will hand over the project to Senegal. We have developed numerous training programs on digital tools, education, and even the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. It’s time for national authorities to take the lead and continue this momentum,” said Idalina Ndiaye Rodriguez, regional coordinator for the Imaginecole initiative at UNESCO.
Designed to ensure continuity in education during crises, Imaginecole is a regional platform accessible in 11 Francophone African countries. It provides teachers and students with a variety of digital resources, ranging from educational comics to AI-driven tools. This initiative aligns with Senegal’s broader efforts to build an inclusive and effective education system. Notably, the country recently secured €70 million in funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to support the digital transformation of its education sector.
The transfer of Imaginecole is expected to modernize education in Senegal, making learning more interactive and accessible. The initiative also aims to boost student engagement, reduce educational inequalities, and position Senegal as a key player in the digital transformation of Francophone Africa’s education landscape.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digitizing cultural institutions has emerged as a critical priority for many nations seeking to preserve their heritage and enhance public access to knowledge. International collaboration is essential to support these modernization efforts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has requested France’s assistance to modernize and digitize its National Library. The project was presented by MP Léonard She Okitundu during a visit by French Ambassador to the DRC, Remy Maréchaux, to this library on Monday, December 9.
"Equipping the Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest Francophone country, with a modern National Library is crucial for promoting and preserving the French language within the framework of global linguistic diversity," said Léonard She Okitundu. He also emphasized the urgency of digitizing the institution to meet current demands, noting that French President Emmanuel Macron has previously shown openness to supporting this initiative.
This appeal aligns with the DRC’s ongoing digital transformation efforts under its National Digital Plan "Horizon 2025." The National Library, established in 1989 and a cornerstone of the country’s heritage, faces significant challenges due to its deteriorating state. Housing over 120,000 books and 700,000 historical black-and-white photographs, the library urgently requires digitization to prevent irreversible damage or loss from potential disasters like fire, which could jeopardize decades of conservation and cultural enrichment efforts.
Should discussions about funding, raised by Remy Maréchaux, come to fruition, digitizing the National Library would bring several notable benefits. It would safeguard historical documents against the ravages of time and improve accessibility by making them available on digital platforms, thereby reaching a wider and more diverse audience. Furthermore, this digitization would enhance the dissemination of Congolese knowledge and culture on a global scale.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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While many African countries express growing interest in e-government initiatives, securing domestic funding for these projects presents significant challenges. Diversifying funding sources at the continental level could offer a viable solution.
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the German development bank KfW recently launched the Digital Transformation Fund (DTF), designed to serve the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region.
The launch, in Lome, follows years of development, with the project initiated in 2020. Envisioned as both a financial and strategic tool, the DTF aims to support digitalization projects across the eight WAEMU member states.
The fund is dedicated to transforming public administrations through the modernization of technological infrastructure, the development of information systems, and the implementation of innovative digital solutions. Its flexible and scalable resources will be tailored to the specific priorities of each participating country.
"The DTF embodies our collective ambition to build modern administrations capable of effectively meeting the needs of our populations in an ever-changing world," said BOAD Vice President, Moustapha Ben Barka, when presenting the initiative at the launch event.
In Togo, the fund arrives as the country strives to enhance its digitalization efforts and modernize public services. In recent years, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, supported by the operational efforts of the Togo Digital Agency, has implemented significant reforms, including the digitization of numerous administrative services. The country aims to digitalize 75% of public services by 2025.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Djibouti is proactively pursuing digitalization to modernize its public sector and drive sustainable growth. By cultivating strong partnerships with international leaders in technology, the nation aspires to become a beacon of digital transformation within East Africa.
Djibouti’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation (MDENI) announced on Tuesday, December 10, the signing of a memorandum of understanding with eGov Foundation, an Indian organization specializing in open-source solutions for public services. The partnership aims to accelerate Djibouti’s digital transformation by leveraging the DIGIT platform, developed by eGov, to enhance public service delivery, foster innovation, and advance the country’s national digital agenda.
"This partnership is a crucial step toward realizing our vision of a digitally autonomous Djibouti. Implementing solutions such as the building permit system will not only transform public services but also position Djibouti as a leader in using technology to drive sustainable urban growth," said Mariam Hamadou Ali (photo, left), Minister of Digital Economy and Innovation.
Founded in India, eGov Foundation is a globally recognized leader in open-source digital solutions designed to improve governance and citizen experience. This collaboration aligns with its mission to provide digital public goods and support developing countries in their digital transformation efforts by 2030. For Djibouti, the initiative is part of the "Djibouti Smart Nation" roadmap, which lays out the national digital sovereignty strategy.
Under the partnership, several projects will be launched, including a pilot phase for a building permit system aimed at streamlining administrative processes and enhancing transparency. The DIGIT platform will also be deployed across other key sectors such as healthcare, sanitation, public finance, and local governance. Additionally, a capacity-building program will be implemented, including knowledge transfer to local teams to ensure the autonomous management of digital tools.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Djibouti’s efforts to modernize its public services. While the country currently ranks 174th globally in the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.2911 out of 1—below the regional average of 0.3903 and the global average of 0.6382—this initiative underscores the government’s determination to tackle these challenges head-on.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
AI is revolutionizing economic and social models worldwide, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges. In Africa, it raises significant hopes for accelerating sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and fostering local innovation.
The Congolese government views artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic lever for accelerating digital and economic development, according to Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Léon-Juste Ibombo. Speaking at the 3rd African StartUp Conference held in Algiers last week, Ibombo outlined the country's AI vision, emphasizing innovation and international collaboration.
One of the key priorities identified is the improvement of AI research. To meet this challenge, Congo, in partnership with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has launched the African Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA). Located in Brazzaville, the center aims to act as a catalyst for innovation and south-south cooperation in fields such as computer vision, robotics, and genetic computing.
Léon-Juste Ibombo also highlighted Congo’s initiatives to direct AI toward economic and social development. For nearly seven years, the country has recognized digital innovation through the Sassou-Nguesso Prize, an initiative complemented by the Seeds for the Future program in collaboration with Huawei to promote local start-ups. In 2022, a specific law on start-up certification was enacted to encourage their growth and attract investments in this strategic sector.
Congo also seeks to play a key role in training and developing local skills by collaborating with Cameroon to establish an Inter-State University on Digital Technology. This strategic project aims to forge strong links between universities and industries to promote innovation and support young talent in fields such as AI and robotics.
Beyond research and training, the country aims to explore AI’s transformative potential in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and finance.
All these projects align with a continental momentum, where AI is seen as a technology capable of addressing major social and economic challenges. For Africa, leveraging this technology offers an opportunity to bridge the digital divide, modernize economies, and strengthen local capacities. According to Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, AI could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Information and communication technologies (ICT) hold significant potential to foster creativity and learning from an early age. However, in Africa, their integration into education remains limited, hindered by a lack of preparedness and inadequate infrastructure.
SCHOOLAP, a digital platform dedicated to remote education, announced on Friday, December 6, a strategic partnership with the National Union of Secular Private Educational Institutions (UNEPEL) in Burkina Faso. The project aims to modernize more than 1,400 private secular schools across the country through tailored technological solutions.
“Several pilot schools in Ouagadougou are currently being activated with data collection, training for stakeholders, and the provision of educational tablets. Initial feedback has been very positive, particularly regarding tools designed for school directors,” SCHOOLAP stated in a press release.
This initiative aligns with a broader continental push for educational advancement. The African Union has designated 2024 as the "Year of Education," urging nations to intensify efforts to ensure inclusive, quality education. As part of this momentum, the African Union’s Digital Education Strategy (2023–2028) prioritizes the development of digital infrastructure in schools. Goals include equipping at least 50% of schools with high-speed internet by 2027 and ensuring that one-third of students and all teachers have access to digital devices by 2030.
The partnership between SCHOOLAP and UNEPEL represents a significant step forward for Burkina Faso, where digital educational infrastructure remains underdeveloped. By modernizing school management and providing tailored educational tools, this initiative not only enhances teaching but also positions the country within a continental vision focused on the future of education in Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji