Tech (885)
Kenya, in its pursuit of technological partners to aid its digital transformation, is turning to international collaborations and strategic investments to achieve its goals. Germany stands out as a potential key partner in this endeavor.
German company Lufthansa Industry Solutions, specializing in IT consulting and systems integration, has recently announced its intention to invest in Kenya. On July 9, a delegation led by CEO Jörn Messner (photo, right) and Chief Commercial Officer Joern-Matthias Derrer met with John Kipchumba Tanui (photo, left), Principal Secretary for Information Technology, Communications, and Digital Economy of Kenya, to discuss potential collaborations.
"They are exploring Digital investment opportunities in Kenya, seeking potential partnerships and planning to establish their center in the country, joining major players like AWS and Microsoft. Kenya is actively encouraging such investments to boost economic growth and innovation," John Kipchumba Tanui announced on X.
Lufthansa Industry Solutions, a subsidiary of the German national airline Lufthansa, assists clients in their digital transformation. Their expertise includes implementing integrated flight folders (iFF) for pilots, digitizing documentation processes for airlines, providing private 5G networks for businesses, and more.
The proposed partnership with Kenya could strengthen local technological infrastructure and enhance the country’s digital capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Kenya as a regional tech hub, supporting its vision to become a digital innovation center in East Africa.
Samira Njoya
The development of an indigenous blockchain is crucial for Africa. By controlling its blockchain infrastructure, African countries can ensure data security and reduce dependency on foreign technology to promote technological advancement.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is considering developing an indigenous blockchain named Nigerium to protect national data and enhance security. NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Abdullahi, announced this during a meeting with delegates from the University of Hertfordshire Law School.
During the meeting, the university delegation, led by Chanu Kuppuswamy, emphasized the importance of Nigeria controlling its blockchain to avoid foreign influence. “We want NITDA to consider developing an indigenous blockchain on which we can now think of putting all the public service and the land registries of the 36 states and Abuja,” Kuppuswamy said.
The delegation also suggested the creation of a "data embassy" to ensure digital continuity and protect data. This server, hosted in a third-party country but regulated by Nigerian law, would safeguard the nation's data. Additionally, the need for collaboration between government departments was highlighted to harmonize blockchain services.
A 2021 report by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA), a Nigerian Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) organization, reveals that Blockchain has the potential to increase Nigeria’s GDP by $29 billion by 2030, highlighting the significant economic impact of the adoption of a secure blockchain in the country.
This initiative falls in line with the country’s adoption of a national blockchain policy in 2023 and follows NITDA's plans to establish blockchain research centers across Nigeria, underscoring the country's commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for national development.
Hikmatu Bilali
By addressing crucial infrastructure gaps, rural communities gain access to global economic connectivity, digital services, and opportunities in digital education and e-commerce. These advancements establish the groundwork for sustainable socio-economic development in Africa, positioning these communities on the global stage.
Zambia inaugurated its first smart village project in Namwala, Southern District on July 5. Sponsored by Huawei Technologies, a leading Chinese firm, the initiative includes a communication tower and a solar power system designed to power numerous homes, marking a pioneering step in Zambia's rural development.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to Huawei Technologies Zambia for their support, which aligns with our government's digital agenda to foster rural development," stated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during the project's launch.
Deeply honored to have been the guest... - Hakainde Hichilema | Facebook
The launch event included the unveiling of a mini-solar plant equipped with solar panels as part of the Namwala project, underscoring Huawei's commitment to sustainable development. At the ceremony, Huawei Technologies Zambia also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Zambian government to establish 100 smart villages across the country's 10 provinces.
This initiative can accelerate the Zambian government's progress toward achieving the National Electronic Government Plan (NEGP) 2023-2026, which aims to leverage digital technologies for efficient public service delivery, with key focus areas including digital infrastructure and capacity building.
Zambia's progress in digital transformation has led to an improved ranking on the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), moving from 148th to 131st out of 193 countries between 2020 and 2022. It further reinforces Zambia's commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure and bridging the digital divide, contributing to its ongoing progress in e-governance and rural development.
Hikmatu Bilali
Affordable internet access is one of the top priorities of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite efforts by organizations and governments across Africa, the high cost of internet remains a significant barrier to widespread use.
Africa remains the continent with the highest fixed internet costs in the world, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). On the continent, users pay five times more than the global average for 5 gigabits (5 GB) of data. Globally, the price of broadband internet services averages 2.9% of monthly gross national income (GNI) per capita, while in Africa, it stands at a staggering 14.8%. The Broadband Commission, a specialized ITU body, considers internet costs affordable if they are equal to or below 2% of GNI.
In its June 2024 report, "The State of Broadband 2024: Leveraging AI for Universal Connectivity," the Broadband Commission attributes Africa's high internet costs to low purchasing power. "The lack of financial means remains a major barrier to internet access, especially in low-income economies. A significant gap persists between high-income economies and the rest of the world," the report states.
Beyond the issue of low purchasing power, the high cost of internet in Africa is also due to insufficient telecom infrastructure, which forces some markets to charge high prices to recoup investments. "Fixed broadband networks are very expensive to deploy, maintain, and upgrade, depending on the geography and extent of the territory to be covered," the ITU explains.
The Broadband Commission's October 2019 report, "Connecting Africa Through Broadband: A strategy for doubling connectivity by 2021 and reaching universal access by 2030," estimated that approximately $100 billion is needed to fully cover the continent with internet by 2030. Africa's reliance on foreign cables, with high international transit costs, remains a challenge for accessible fixed broadband on the continent.
This situation negatively impacts small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, as the internet is essential in the digital transformation era. According to a survey by the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank, internet use for business purposes among 3,325 microenterprises in seven African countries averaged 7%, ranging from 24% in South Africa to 1% in Rwanda.
The Broadband Commission's primary goal is to make broadband affordable in developing countries by 2025. While achieving this goal in Africa next year remains uncertain, the commission notes that "ICT services tracked by the ITU have become more affordable in 2023 than ever before."
In 2022, the cost of fixed internet in Africa was 16.3% of monthly GNI per capita, down from 18.3% in 2021 and nearly 483% in 2009. Despite these improvements, much work remains to make internet access truly affordable and widespread across the continent.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Tackling healthcare disparities intensified by conflict and displacement is crucial for building long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among refugees. Utilizing advanced technology allows for the provision of immediate medical aid, enhancing healthcare accessibility a vital element in the broader framework of African development and stability.
U.S. messaging platform Gupshup, Meta (formerly Facebook), the Sudan Medical Specialization Board, and Shabaka, a consulting and research organization dedicated to humanitarian issues, have jointly launched a telemedicine chatbot. The initiative, announced by Gupshup on July 3, aims to deliver medical assistance to Sudanese refugees.
“We are honored to be part of this humanitarian project that aims to provide essential healthcare services to Sudanese refugees in need. By leveraging the power of conversational AI and the reach of WhatsApp, we can make a significant impact on the lives of these individuals who have faced immense challenges,” said Beerud Sheth, Founder & CEO of Gupshup.
The chatbot, accessible via WhatsApp, targets refugees in Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Djibouti, and other neighboring countries. The telemedicine service offers a secure, regulatory-compliant platform supporting Arabic and English, with additional languages planned.
According to Gupshup, the project aims to meet the urgent healthcare needs of about 800,000 Sudanese refugees with limited access to medical services. The chatbot allows patients to connect with healthcare providers, who then route them to a triage team for assessment before linking them to one of over 18 specialty doctors.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reveals that the ongoing conflict has left nearly 25 million people in Sudan in need of humanitarian assistance, with severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel affecting millions. This underscores the importance of scalable, tech-driven solutions in humanitarian aid efforts to support vulnerable populations in crises effectively.
Hikmatu Bilali
Over the past two years, Algeria has doubled its international bandwidth capacity. In 2020, Algeria's international bandwidth was 1.5 Tbps (terabits per second). This has increased to 7.8 Tbps in 2022 and reached 9.8 Tbps in early 2024.
Algeria has made significant progress in strengthening its digital infrastructure by completing a 2,600 km segment of fiber optics, a key component of the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone project (DTS). Abdelouahab Bara, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, announced this achievement on Sunday, July 7, in Algiers during the opening of the 5th session of the project's Liaison Committee.
According to Bara, the project aims to "create a technological dynamic that fosters the emergence of a digital economy in the concerned countries, contributing to the development of e-commerce on the continent and online financial services, as well as improving the business climate."
This initiative is part of the African Union's New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), aimed at continental integration and the development of the digital economy in the region. It connects six countries: Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania. The 79 million euro project is co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (29 million euros) following a delegation agreement administered by the AfDB.
Algeria's connection to this trans-Saharan backbone aims to strengthen and diversify the national economy by increasing high-speed broadband connectivity. According to DataReportal, Algeria had 50.65 million active mobile cellular connections at the beginning of 2024, with a penetration rate of 110.2% of the population.
Once completed, the project will enhance regional connectivity with neighboring countries and support a range of electronic services. The agricultural, educational, health, and commercial sectors will benefit from this project, creating new opportunities, particularly new jobs, and improving incomes, especially in rural areas.
Samira Njoya
Satellite technology is crucial for developing societies, impacting agriculture, navigation, banking, and mining by enhancing resource management, productivity, and sustainability. It supports sustainable development goals and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote conservation.
EnduroSat, a Bulgarian aerospace company, announced on July 3 plans to partner with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) to build Botswana's first software-defined satellite, BOTSAT-1. The satellite, set to launch on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission by February 2025, will aid the country's mining and agricultural sectors.
“EnduroSat has been an exceptional partner in our journey to launch Botswana's first satellite. Their expertise and support have been invaluable, and we are excited about the progress we have made together. This partnership brings us closer to realizing our shared vision and underscores the strength of our mutual commitment to advancing space technology in Botswana,’’ said BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo
BIUST engineers will collaborate with EnduroSat for the satellite's assembly and payload integration. BOTSAT-1 will feature a hyperspectral sensory camera with a spatial resolution of 32 meters at an altitude of 500 kilometers. SpaceX will oversee launch logistics and conduct rigorous testing to ensure a smooth process.
The satellite will provide critical data for resource management and sustainable development, aiding Botswana in addressing developmental challenges. It will enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability by tackling low productivity, water scarcity, and soil quality. High-quality images will help geologists identify potential mineral deposits and map access routes, providing essential information on land cover, including roads, tracks, and fences.
In 2023, Botswana was ranked 85th on the Global Innovation Index (GII), which captures the innovation ecosystem performance of 132 economies and tracks the most recent global innovation trends. The BOTSAT-1 project is expected to boost Botswana's position by enhancing its technological capabilities and fostering innovation in key sectors.
Hikmatu Bilali
Madagascar and South Korea have maintained bilateral relations since 1993. Both countries aim to strengthen this collaboration in the digital sector.
A Malagasy delegation, led by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Raharinomena Fanja, made an official visit to South Korea from June 28 to July 5. This mission, funded by the Korea World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF), aimed to explore advancements in blockchain technology for managing agricultural input allocations.
"The mission illustrates how the Malagasy delegation is looking towards a foreign country, recognized for its expertise in the observed field, to explore a more efficient alternative approach than the one currently followed," the ministry stated.
During this visit, the Malagasy delegation met with various government and regulatory entities, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), and the Alliance of Blockchain Leading Digital Economy (ABLE). They also engaged with technology companies and startups specializing in blockchain, such as SK Telecom (SKT), SMART M2M, KONA I, and Ahnlab Blockchain Company, who showcased their innovations.
This visit aligns with the Malagasy government's efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector through innovative technological partnerships. Madagascar has faced numerous challenges, particularly climatic ones, with the country being the fourth most vulnerable to climate change according to the United Nations. Recurrent droughts and cyclones, whose frequency, duration, and intensity are increasing due to climate change, have significantly impacted agriculture.
In this context, the Rice Plus project for productivity and resilience of rural livelihoods, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and funded by the World Bank, aims to introduce smart agricultural technologies and blockchain-based electronic programs for input allocations (seeds and fertilizers).
The mission enabled the Malagasy delegation to discover blockchain as a promising technology for the effective and secure management of digital vouchers. It also paved the way for new collaborations and innovations, marking an important step towards the digital transformation of agriculture in Madagascar.
Samira Njoya
Enhancing internet connectivity promotes digital inclusion across regions, ensuring more people have access to online resources, education, and opportunities. This aligns with broader efforts in Africa to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through technology.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced, on July 2, a 2,400km fibre optic network initiative to provide free Wi-Fi across Anambra State. Revealed during the swearing-in of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 NYSC members, the project aims to address internet connectivity challenges.
Soludo, represented by Martin Agbili, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, emphasized youth empowerment and local enterprise support. He said, “My administration has articulated a deep-rooted policy towards the youths which corps members deployed to the state benefit.”
Nigeria, with its large population (accounting for 47% of West Africa’s total), a significant youth demographic (half of its 200 million people are under 30), and a robust mobile market, has immense potential in the digital economy. However, limited fixed broadband infrastructure in rural areas leaves many marginalized segments without Internet access. Strategic investments are crucial to fully unlock the country’s digital economic opportunities and transform lives, as highlighted by the World Bank assessment and Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020.
The network aims to boost digital infrastructure and economic opportunities in Anambra. It aligns with the ‘Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere’ vision of the state's governor.
Hikmatu Bilali
With less than a third of Africans having access to high-speed internet, broadband adoption remains uneven, with connectivity often being either costly or unreliable across the continent. However, initiatives are underway to address this disparity.
On Thursday, July 4, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the launch of the Africa Broadband Maps project in a statement made during the 2024 Global Symposium for Regulators in Kampala, Uganda. This broadband mapping initiative, supported by the European Commission, aims to establish mapping systems to encourage investment and digital transformation across Africa. With a budget of €15 million over four years, the project will initially benefit 11 countries: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The initiative, led by the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau (ITU BDT), aligns with the organization's efforts to improve digital connectivity on a continent where internet access remains limited in many regions.
According to the "Connecting Africa through Broadband" report published by the Broadband Commission in 2019, an estimated $100 billion needs to be invested over ten years to provide comprehensive broadband coverage across Africa. About 80% of this amount is earmarked for the deployment and maintenance of networks, 17.5% for developing local digital skills, and approximately 2% for creating an appropriate regulatory framework.
The Africa Broadband Maps project aims to identify areas with insufficient broadband coverage or substandard internet speeds. The findings will enable policymakers to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that investments in infrastructure expansion are both effective and equitable. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in closing the digital divide and fostering economic growth, education, and innovation across the continent.
Samira Njoya
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African startup funding continues to decline sharply with the first half of 2024 being the quietest semester since late 2020. This represents a significant drop from previous years, with the "Big Four" startup hubs of Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa continuing to dominate the funding landscape
African startups raised $780 million in the first half of 2024, a 57% decline compared to the same period in 2023, according to data released on Thursday, July 4, by Africa: The Big Deal, a database tracking investments of over $100,000 in the continent's startup ecosystem.
Of the total funds raised, 66% ($513 million) were in the form of equity, while $254 million (33%) were secured as debt. Startups in the Big Four countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa) accounted for 79% of the total funds raised during this period.
Kenya led with $244 million (32%), followed by Nigeria with $172 million (23%), Egypt with $101 million (13%), and South Africa with $85 million (11%). Among other countries outside the Big Four, Benin stood out with $50 million raised by the startup Spiro through debt from Afreximbank, while Ghana followed with $29 million, Uganda with $19 million, Morocco with $14 million, and Senegal with $11 million.
Transport and logistics startups, driven by Nigeria's Moove ($100 million) and Benin's Spiro ($50 million), led the sectors with $218 million, representing 28% of the total funds raised. Fintech followed with $186 million (24%), and startups in the energy and water sectors rounded out the top three with $132 million (17%)
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the acceleration of digital transformation, digital skills have become indispensable assets in Africa. To equip the population with these crucial competencies, strategic partnerships are being established.
Orange Mali, a subsidiary of telecom group Orange, has signed a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to train 3,000 young people, particularly young women, in digital skills over a two-year period. The announcement was made via a press release issued by the UN body on Monday, July 1.
"With great pride and immense satisfaction, we announce the signing of this partnership agreement between UNDP Mali and Orange Mali. [...] Women, while representing an essential force, are underrepresented in the technology sectors," stated Maleye Diop, UNDP Resident Representative in Mali.
He added, "Our goal is to create a coherent vision of youth integration through concrete programs that allow them to become operational quickly. This project is just the first step towards other promising initiatives to come."
In an increasingly digital world, having digital skills has become indispensable. All sectors of activity are moving towards digitalization, and it is urgent to adapt to this new world. The World Bank, in its 2021 report titled "Digital Skills: The Why, the What and the How," emphasized that significant deficits in digital skills on the continent expose the economies of many African countries to the risk of falling further behind as the digital frontier rapidly evolves.
Orange Group, through its strategic plan "Engage 2025," prioritizes the development of digital skills on the continent. The proliferation of Orange Digital Centers in many countries across Africa, including Mali, and the signing of this partnership with UNDP are part of this plan. The pilot phase of the program has already been launched, aiming to train 200 young women in areas such as digital marketing, web development, graphic design, and video editing.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa, rapid technological progress has delivered numerous benefits, but it has also introduced new threats that jeopardize individuals, businesses, and governments.
The Republic of Congo is taking steps to establish a National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data. The draft bill, presented by Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Léon-Juste Ibombo, was approved by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, July 3.
"Indeed, the protection of personal data has become a major issue in the digital age. With the multiplication of information exchanges on the Internet, it is essential to ensure the confidentiality and security of citizens' personal data," explained Ibombo.
The National Data Protection Commission will be responsible for ensuring that personal data processing does not infringe on citizens' rights and freedoms. It will collaborate with international institutions and other African countries to share best practices and relevant information on cybersecurity threats. The Commission will also raise awareness among citizens and businesses about cybercrime risks and provide training on protective measures.
The creation of this commission is part of the Congolese government's efforts to strengthen current legislation, promote an attractive and secure economic environment, and ensure rigorous control over personal data use. Congo already has a National Information Systems Security Agency (ANSSI) and a law on personal data protection. It has also ratified the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection.
The Commission's implementation is expected to bolster the fight against cybercrime in Congo and across Africa. According to the 2024 Security Navigator report by Orange Cyberdefense, extortion cases increased by 70% in 2023, resulting in a 10% GDP loss on the continent. This alarming rise underscores the urgency of having an effective regulatory body to protect citizens' and businesses' data.
In recent years, Africa has witnessed the launch of numerous smart city projects aimed at bridging the technology gap affecting the continent.
Brigadier General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies, made an official visit to Cameroon on Tuesday, July 2 to explore technologies for a Smart City project in Gabon. The visit aimed to examine existing technologies and draw inspiration to support the development of the project.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Digital Economy, the visit included an inspection of the National Command Center for Video Surveillance and the Data Center in Yaoundé. This visit is part of the Gabonese government's efforts to seek partners and expertise for implementing Smart City projects in several Gabonese municipalities. In April, the minister also visited Shenzhen, China, where he met with Huawei executives and toured the tech giant's advanced infrastructure.
By exploring various technological solutions offered by multiple partners, Gabon aims to select the most suitable one for its needs. Similar to Smart City projects already deployed in several African cities, the Smart City initiative in Gabon aims to address complex urban challenges by creating intelligent urban ecosystems. These ecosystems will focus on areas such as planning, infrastructure, population management, and more.
This ambitious initiative demonstrates Gabon's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its urban development strategy. The project seeks to improve the quality of life for its citizens and position the country as a regional leader in smart cities.
Samira Njoya