Tech (950)
Morocco is stepping up efforts to make digital technology a key driver of development and technological independence. The country plans to open an engineering school focused on digital transition and artificial intelligence.
On July 4, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni signed a partnership deal with Minister of Higher Education Azzedine El Midaoui and André Azoulay, president of the Foundation for Research, Development and Innovation in Science and Engineering (FRDISI). The agreement sets up the Higher School of Engineers in Digital Transition and Artificial Intelligence and launches specialized training programs.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs said the initiative aims to align academic programs with real-world needs. The goal is to match training to the demands of local regions, the economy, and national technology priorities.
This project supports Morocco’s “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy, which targets training 100,000 young people annually by 2030 and creating 240,000 digital sector jobs. The plan follows the National AI Forum held last week in Salé, where nine agreements were signed with public and private partners. The forum stressed the importance of building human capital and developing a national roadmap for ethical and responsible AI use.
The new school will train engineers who can create and implement innovative digital solutions across sectors like public services, healthcare, industry, and education. Morocco aims to solve internal challenges while preparing young people for the jobs of the future.
Beyond education, the project will boost Morocco’s digital sovereignty, drive innovation, and help position the country as a magnet for tech startups and regional R&D centers.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- “Siraj” service covers 1.2 million students with tools for attendance tracking and records access.
- Part of a broader push to digitise education, including e-textbooks and diploma authentication.
- Low internet penetration and device access remain key implementation challenges.
Mauritania has launched a new digital service enabling parents to monitor their children’s school attendance, academic records and learning materials, authorities said on Tuesday, July 1, as the country accelerates efforts to modernise its education system.
The platform, called “Siraj,” is accessible via the government’s digital portal “Khidmati” and serves about 1.2 million students nationwide. Parents can view required textbooks, track absences, check annual grade averages, request school transfers, and locate schools on an interactive map.
The initiative is part of a national digital education transformation strategy under development. Earlier this year, officials began designing a roadmap to digitise the sector, including plans to introduce digital diplomas and an online training platform for primary school teachers. In October 2024, the government announced the rollout of e-textbooks.
Authorities said Siraj is intended to strengthen family engagement in education, a factor linked to improved academic performance. A 2023 UNESCO report, Edtech And Parental Engagement, cited strong potential for educational technologies to help parents better support their children’s learning.
However, implementation faces hurdles. UNESCO’s research on similar initiatives in Kenya highlighted obstacles such as limited parental involvement, lack of digital skills, and inadequate infrastructure.
In Mauritania, internet access remains uneven: only 37.4% of the population was online in 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union. Ensuring that parents have internet-capable devices and affordable connectivity will be critical to the programme’s success, officials said.
- MPs propose a West African pact for responsible AI and multilingual digital content.
- Initiative aligns with ECOWAS Digital Strategy 2024–2029 and $10.5 mln World Bank project.
- Region aims to equip 63% youth population with 21st-century digital skills.
Integrating digital technologies into African education systems is often presented as a panacea for the structural weaknesses of the sector. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) wants to make it a strategic lever for its youth.
As part of efforts to modernise schools and train young people for the digital economy, West African lawmakers recommend drawing a regional pact for ethical and sovereign use of artificial intelligence in education.
Meeting since June 30 in Dakar, members of the ECOWAS Parliament’s joint committee on Education, Health, Culture, Telecommunications, and IT discussed accelerating the integration of technology into education systems across the region.
The proposed West African Pact would promote responsible AI, develop inclusive multilingual digital content, and strengthen teacher training through a regional EdTech lab network, officials said.
Lawmakers also called for expanded electricity and internet access in schools, a comprehensive mapping of digital platforms, support for homegrown innovation in universities, and deeper regional cooperation to share educational resources.
The discussions align with the ECOWAS Digital Strategy 2024–2029, adopted last October, which positions ICT and digital education as pillars for growth, inclusion, and regional autonomy.
Funding will partly come from the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (WARDIP), a $10.5 million World Bank programme aiming to improve connectivity and promote an integrated digital market.
Some member states, including Senegal and Nigeria, have already deployed online learning platforms and distributed tablets in rural communities. ECOWAS now plans to expand these efforts through transnational e-learning initiatives and a regional fund to narrow the educational digital divide.
With about 63% of the region’s population under 25, ECOWAS faces a demographic imperative to equip youth with relevant digital skills. The African Union estimates that $60 million will be needed over the next five years to finance large-scale digital education programmes across the continent.
Officials said the investments should not only improve employability and foster EdTech innovation but also reduce inequalities, enhance academic mobility, and bolster the region’s technological sovereignty.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho
Senegal is ramping up partnerships to drive its digital transformation, and Visa is the latest global player to commit to this strategy. The move shows Senegal’s determination to modernize its financial system and boost digital inclusion.
On July 2, Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy Alioune Sall met with a Visa delegation led by Ismahill Diaby, Vice President and General Manager for West Africa, Francophone Central Africa, and Lusophone Africa. The meeting strengthened ties between Senegal and the global payments giant.
𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞́𝐠𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐮 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐞́𝐫𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞, 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐞𝐭 𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐞́𝐥𝐞́𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐞́𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐏𝐫𝐞́𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐞́𝐧𝐞́𝐫𝐚𝐥… pic.twitter.com/gY2JfaMtPT
— Ministère Communication - Télécoms et Numérique (@mctngouvsn) July 2, 2025
They discussed ways to improve Senegal’s digital payment infrastructure, digitize public services, and expand access to modern solutions like contactless and mobile payments. Both sides agreed to set up a joint working group to identify priority projects and launch pilot programs with strong economic and social benefits.
This partnership fits into Senegal’s New Technological Deal, an ambitious digital strategy launched in February 2025. The plan aims to establish Senegal as a hub of innovation in Africa.
Visa, active in Senegal since 2001, has partnered with banks, telecoms, fintechs, and government bodies to modernize payments and promote financial inclusion. The company wants to build on this work by helping digitize public payments and working with local startups to develop solutions suited to Senegal’s needs.
Through this agreement, Senegal hopes to tap into Visa’s technology to boost public revenues, reduce the informal economy, grow the digital sector, and strengthen financial sovereignty. These goals align with the New Technological Deal’s focus on modernizing public administration, developing a local digital economy, and upgrading payment systems.
Samira Njoya
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Morocco signed a $22 million deal with China’s Jungnong to boost precision farming
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The project targets drought-hit semi-arid regions with smart irrigation and soil tech
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A new training center will prepare local workers for high-tech agriculture jobs
Morocco is turning to agricultural technology as a tool to reinforce its food security in the face of climate challenges. Last week, the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture signed a $22 million investment agreement with Jungnong, the Hong Kong-based subsidiary of China Agricultural Development Group.
The project aims to deploy precision farming technologies in Morocco’s semi-arid regions, which are especially vulnerable to drought and water management challenges.
The plan includes digital platforms for soil nutrition management, remote monitoring systems, and real-time optimization tools for crop irrigation and fertilization. According to simulations provided by Jungnong, these technologies could boost agricultural yields by more than 20% per hectare. However, experts stress that these projections must be validated through field trials and independent assessments.
Beyond technology deployment, the partnership will also establish a training center focused on smart farming. The goal is to train several hundred Moroccan workers in new agricultural technologies. This is particularly relevant in a sector where 70% of farms are family-run, according to Morocco’s Economic, Social, and Environmental Council.
The initiative is part of Morocco’s “Generation Green 2020–2030” strategy, which emphasizes digitalization and skills development as key drivers for transforming the rural economy. Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari described the project as “an integrated development model combining technology with social impact.”
If successful, Morocco’s approach could serve as a model for other countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that face similar challenges with productivity, water scarcity, and climate resilience. However, the project’s success will depend on Jungnong’s ability to adapt its solutions to local conditions, ensure effective skills transfer, and deliver measurable results in yields and food security.
Benin is ramping up its digital transformation through strategic partnerships to strengthen cybersecurity, drive innovation, and train future talent.
On the sidelines of the fifth Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) in Cotonou last week, the Agency for Information Systems and Digital (ASIN) — the government’s operational arm in the digital sector — signed three key agreements.
“CAF 2025 was the perfect setting to sign these three partnerships,” said Marc-André Loko, Director General of ASIN. “Benin, like other African countries, is truly engaging in a dynamic to become a producer of technology. We no longer want to be mere consumers of technology.”
ASIN signed the first two agreements with Senegal’s Orbus Digital Services (ODS) and Benin’s Quality Corporate. These deals aim to build digital trust by strengthening cybersecurity, improving data governance, and ensuring regulatory compliance. This effort is crucial as West Africa faces a surge in cyberattacks targeting governments, companies, and citizens.
ASIN signed the third agreement with the Institute for Inclusive Digital Africa (IIDiA), backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This partnership will set up a digital innovation lab to spur innovation, train local talent, and modernize public services. The goal is to advance digital inclusion and develop new skills.
These agreements support Benin’s digital strategy, which aims to make technology a driver of inclusive growth. According to GSMA, digitalizing Benin’s economy could add up to CFA1,200 billion (around $2.2 billion) to the GDP by 2028, create over 300,000 jobs, and boost tax revenues.
With these new partnerships, Benin is laying the foundation for a stronger, more innovative, and more inclusive digital ecosystem. The deals reinforce Benin’s ambition to lead in technological innovation in West Africa, focusing on digital trust, inclusion, and local talent to build lasting digital sovereignty.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
The use of social media has become an integral part of daily life in Africa, especially among young people. As the continent's digital adoption accelerates, the stakes for mental health grow higher. Without coordinated efforts from governments, tech companies, civil society, and communities, the promise of social media could be overshadowed by long-term psychological and societal harm.
Social media has revolutionized how people communicate, learn, and connect, creating vast opportunities for education, social mobilization, and economic growth. Yet, beneath these benefits lies a growing concern: their impact on mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines mental health as a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals handle stress, learn, work effectively, recognize their potential, and actively participate in their communities.
A study by Ji Yuan of the Psychological Counseling Center at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China, titled Is there a relationship between social media user intensity and mental well-being? An exploratory study, published in April 2025, found a strong link between heavy social media use and increased mental health issues, including higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
In Africa, where social media use is rapidly expanding, these challenges are becoming increasingly visible and urgent. From cyberbullying and digital addiction to social pressure and misinformation, the continent must grapple with complex threats to the psychological well-being of its population, particularly young people.
Social networks: a double-edged sword
Opportunities
On the one hand, social networks have transformed Africa’s information landscape. They provide millions of young people with unprecedented access to educational resources, health information, and knowledge about their rights. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were widely used to spread vital health guidelines across countries such as South Africa and Kenya.
These platforms also act as powerful tools for self-expression and solidarity, empowering social movements like #EndSARS in Nigeria (a youth-led social movement that began online in 2020, demanding the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and #FeesMustFall in South Africa (a powerful student-led protest movement that began in October 2015 in South Africa), and enabling marginalized voices to be heard. Additionally, they serve as critical enablers for professional and entrepreneurial development through digital marketing, networking, and new business models. Countless young entrepreneurs in Ghana and Nigeria have leveraged Instagram and TikTok for digital marketing and to reach new customers.
Risks to mental health
On the other hand, the risks are substantial. Continuous exposure to idealized and carefully curated portrayals of others' lives often drives unhealthy social comparisons, fueling feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying is also on the rise among African youth, sometimes with devastating consequences, including depression and even suicide. According to UNICEF, more than one-third of young people in 30 countries report being victims of online bullying, with platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter cited as the most common spaces for this abuse. In sub-Saharan Africa, 34% of respondents reported experiencing online bullying.
Excessive use of social networks is also linked to addiction, social isolation, sleep disturbances, and chronic stress. Meanwhile, the rapid spread of misinformation and radical content fuels collective anxiety and distrust, further undermining mental well-being.
Moreover, exposure to violent or pornographic content, sexualized livestreams, and online child exploitation remains a serious and largely under-addressed concern. In March this year, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) launched an urgent investigation following a BBC report alleging that minors in Kenya were involved in sexualized livestreams on TikTok, with the platform reportedly profiting from digital gifts sent by viewers.
Online child exploitation is a growing concern in Africa. A 2024 report by ChildFund International and the African Child Policy Forum revealed a significant increase in online child sexual exploitation and abuse across the continent, with over 60% of unidentified victims being young children, including infants and toddlers, and 65% being girls.
Challenges specific to Africa
Africa faces unique obstacles in addressing these issues. There is a lack of harmonized legislation: most African countries do not have specific laws to effectively moderate online content, protect data, or combat cybercrime.
As of now, only 36 out of 55 African countries have enacted data protection laws, according to Data Protection Africa. Examples include South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), enforced since 2021; Kenya’s Data Protection Act of 2019; and Nigeria’s Data Protection Act of 2023. Many other countries (such as Chad, Malawi, Sierra Leone, and the DRC) have no comprehensive data protection laws or rely on outdated frameworks.
In addition, laws aimed at regulating social media often face criticism for stifling free speech rather than genuinely protecting users. Nigeria’s Social Media Bill (Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill, 2019), Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act (amended 2022), and Ethiopia’s Hate Speech and Disinformation Prevention and Suppression Proclamation (2020) have all been criticized for vague terms and potential misuse.
Governments often find themselves caught between censorship and inaction. Some states resort to internet shutdowns during political crises — as seen recently in Senegal (2023 and 2024), Ethiopia’s Amhara region (2023–2024), Sudan, the DRC, and Chad — disrupting civic life and further complicating mental health support. Meanwhile, others leave social media largely unregulated, exposing users to unchecked harassment, hate speech, and disinformation.
Furthermore, there is a heavy dependence on global tech giants. Major platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), often fail to enforce their moderation policies adequately in Africa, citing resource constraints or a lack of regional focus. As a result, reports of harmful content frequently go unaddressed, and algorithms can amplify divisive or damaging material. Al Jazeera reported that in 2022, a lawsuit claimed Facebook’s failure to effectively moderate content fueled violence during the conflict in Ethiopia, underscoring the serious real-world impact of unregulated online content.
A call for balanced action
Rising concern over these issues has fueled important conversations around digital well-being and responsible social media use. There is growing pressure on tech companies to introduce features that encourage healthier online habits, such as screen time management tools and content warnings. Reflecting this trend, TikTok recently organized its first-ever African Summit on Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health to promote healthier and more responsible use of social networks while addressing mental health challenges faced by young Africans in today’s increasingly connected world.
As Africa’s digital footprint grows, so does the need for a thoughtful, locally driven approach to mental health and online safety. Strengthening legal frameworks, improving digital literacy, and demanding greater accountability from global tech companies are crucial steps forward. Without these efforts, the promise of social media risks being overshadowed by its dangers, turning what could be a powerful force for connection and empowerment into a source of widespread psychological harm.
Hikmatu Bilali
Niger is launching a major overhaul of its identification system to boost security and improve administrative efficiency. The government will use biometric technology to modernize ID documents and better serve citizens.
On June 27, in Niamey, Niger’s Minister of State for the Interior, General Mohamed Toumba, signed two memorandums of understanding with Wissal Samtali, director of the Libyan firm Al Itissan Al-Jadeed, which specializes in biometric and digital identity solutions. These agreements set up a public-private partnership to revamp Niger’s identity documents.
Signature ce Vendredi 27 juin 2025 à Niamey, de deux mémorandums d'entente entre le Ministre d'État, Ministre de l'Intérieur de la Sécurité Publique et de l'Administration du Territoire, le Général de Division Mohamed Toumba et la Directrice de la société Al Itissan Al-Jadeed… pic.twitter.com/MYAo9k7ib1
— النيجر بالعربية Niger Fr (@NigerAR) June 27, 2025
The first memorandum covers the design, financing, construction, and maintenance of a system to issue electronic biometric passports. These e-passports will be made of polycarbonate and contain secure chips to fight fraud and improve the credibility of Nigerien travel documents internationally.
The second memorandum launches the creation of a new electronic national identity card (e-ID). The card will meet international security standards and enable secure online identification. Officials expect it to speed up administrative processes and lay a foundation for efficient digital governance.
These efforts go beyond simple document upgrades. Niger aims to build a digital ecosystem where secure identification supports services such as online authentication, e-government platforms, banking, social protection programs, and border control.
However, authorities must overcome challenges to make the new e-ID a true tool for development and inclusion. They must ensure fair access across the country, build a reliable and connected identification system, enforce legal protections, and secure citizens’ data—a crucial asset in today’s digital economy.
This partnership marks a key step in Niger’s modernization strategy and highlights the growing importance of intra-African cooperation. Wissal Samtali said the deal sends a strong signal that could encourage more cross-border projects in identification technology across Africa.
Samira Njoya
Through these efforts, TikTok is not just promoting digital safety but also actively contributing to mental health awareness and support across Africa, setting a new standard for global social platforms.
As Africa experiences a boom in digital connectivity and online activity, TikTok held its first-ever African Summit on Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health, bringing together mental health experts, NGOs, content creators, and institutional representatives.
Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the event, announced June 27, 2025, is part of the platform’s push to promote healthier and more responsible use of social networks while addressing mental health challenges faced by young Africans in today’s increasingly connected world.
With over 150 million (189.3M per Intelpoint data) monthly active users in Africa, TikTok has firmly established itself as a major player on the continent’s digital scene. Recognizing its influence on behavior, especially among teenagers and young adults, the company is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness around mental health issues and create safer online spaces.
The summit aimed to raise awareness about the effects of excessive social media use on mental health, promote healthy and responsible use of TikTok among young people, and create a safer, more supportive digital environment for African youth. Discussions covered topics such as screen time management and digital dependency, cyberbullying and online social pressures, the impact of algorithms on self-image, and ways to promote educational, positive, and culturally relevant content.
Key stakeholders involved included mental health professionals from the World Health Organization’s Fides Network. NGOs such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya’s Mental360 also took part, along with influential African content creators, including psychologists and doctors serving as new Mental Health Ambassadors.
During the summit, TikTok announced several major commitments. These included strengthening moderation, safety, and parental control tools on the platform, expanding the #MentalHealthMatters campaign across Africa (which has already inspired over 6.5 million posts globally), and launching a new Mental Health Education Fund to support local initiatives. Selected NGOs will receive funding and training to create culturally relevant mental health content and reach wider audiences.
In addition, TikTok is expanding in-app mental health helpline resources across Africa, connecting users directly to local support organizations in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius, and Malawi. Through these efforts, TikTok aims to empower young Africans to use social media more mindfully while building stronger, safer, and more supportive digital communities across the continent.
As more young people come online in Africa, they face increased exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges. The Digital Well-Being Summit and TikTok’s expanded mental health initiatives come at a critical time for Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
These efforts not only protect vulnerable users but also empower young people to engage online more confidently, supporting broader goals for digital inclusion, youth development, and community resilience across Africa. By taking a leadership role in mental health and online safety, TikTok demonstrates social responsibility and positions itself as a platform that genuinely cares about user well-being.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Côte d’Ivoire appeals for 100 billion FCFA fund ($178M) to support tech startups, calls for private investment.
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Aims to bridge seed funding gap and boost digital transformation.
The Ivorian government is betting on a new strategy to drive the creation and expansion of technology businesses. Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, the Minister of Digital Transition, has formally appealed to private investors to help establish a 100 billion CFA franc fund, approximately $178 million, aimed at supporting the country’s young startups and tech projects.
“Let’s have faith in our youth. They are creators. I call on the private sector to support Côte d’Ivoire’s digital startups. Together, we will build this powerful financial vehicle to accelerate our country’s digital transformation,” Konaté declared during a public address. In an interview with panafrican media Jeune Afrique, he added that the fund seeks to improve access to financing for entrepreneurs often hampered by a lack of seed capital.
The initiative comes amid strong digital momentum in the country. Ivory Coast now hosts nearly 300 active startups and some 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs in fields such as fintech, edtech, agritech, and healthtech. To structure this ecosystem, authorities adopted a Startup Act in November 2023, which introduced a “Digital Startup” label, fiscal and customs incentives, and a national labeling committee.
Despite these efforts, private funding remains scarce. While some young entrepreneurs already benefit from Startup Boost Capital, a fund launched in 2023 to improve access to financing, many startups remain underfunded and struggle to secure the resources needed to scale.
With this new fund, the government hopes to attract private and institutional capital to complement existing public support and foster the growth of high-potential startups with strong socio-economic impact. The target, as outlined in the Côte d’Ivoire Numérique 2030 strategy, is clear: make digital technology contribute 10% of GDP by 2028.
This article was written in French by Samira Njoya,
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
More...
• Oligui Nguema pushes Gabon’s digital agenda at US-Africa summit in Luanda.
• Eyes Botswana’s model, plans data center with U.S. firm Cybastion.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is intensifying diplomatic and economic engagements at the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, which began Monday, June 23, in Luanda, Angola. His objective is to strengthen bilateral partnerships and inject new momentum into Gabon’s digital strategy.
The head of state notably met with his Botswanan counterpart, Duma Boko. Botswana is frequently cited as a model for its advancements in public administration digitalization and public finance management. Impressed by this approach, President Nguema is considering drawing inspiration from Botswana to reform Gabon’s administrative system. He also met with Thierry Wandji, CEO of U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Cybastion. Cybastion has proposed designing a national data center and training 1,000 young Gabonese in digital careers. This initiative directly aligns with Gabon's national ambition to establish itself as a technology hub in Central Africa.
These initiatives unfold amid a broader economic transformation. To reduce its reliance on extractive resources, Gabon is focusing on diversification, placing digital technology at the core of its strategy. The sector currently contributes approximately 5% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, authorities aim to increase that share to 10-12% by the end of 2025 under the "Gabon Digital" program. This program, backed by 44 billion CFA francs (approximately $72.4 million) from the World Bank, includes infrastructure development, improved internet access, and the modernization of public services.
By leveraging both African and international partnerships, Gabon is working to accelerate its digital transition, strengthen its technological sovereignty, and create new employment opportunities for its youth. The real challenge now lies in the effective implementation of these commitments and their tangible impact on the daily lives of citizens.
This article was written in French by Samira Njoya,
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
Algeria is stepping up efforts to promote university-based entrepreneurship as a solution to high youth unemployment. By expanding a network of incubators across universities, the country aims to fuel innovation and diversify its economy through start-ups and technology.
Ahmed Mir, President of the National Commission for Innovation and University Incubators, reaffirmed on June 24 in Algiers, the government’s goal of reaching 20,000 start-ups by 2029. The target reflects the ambition of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to make entrepreneurship a driving force for economic growth.
Speaking during a parliamentary event focused on the role of university incubators, Mir said 124 incubators are currently active within Algeria’s higher education and research institutions. This network has already engaged 60,000 students whose final-year projects focus on launching start-ups, micro-enterprises, or patent applications. So far, these initiatives have resulted in 1,600 micro-enterprises, 130 start-ups, 1,175 certified “innovative” projects, and 2,800 patents filed with the relevant authorities.
This momentum follows three years of intensive work by the Ministry of Higher Education to instill an entrepreneurial culture within universities. Each year, Algeria produces around 250,000 graduates, including more than 110,000 in technical, scientific, and digital fields. These graduates are seen as a strategic resource to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The growing start-up scene carries important social implications. With youth unemployment remaining high, the development of start-ups and micro-enterprises offers a vital pathway to job creation and social stability.
However, despite the promising progress, significant challenges remain. These include improving access to financing, enhancing digital infrastructure, and providing better regulatory support for entrepreneurs.
Samira Njoya
One after another, major tech players like Oracle, Naver, Nokia, and Cisco are setting up operations in Morocco. In just a few years, the kingdom has positioned itself as a key digital hub in Africa, driven by a clear political vision, an appealing level of stability, and rapidly expanding infrastructure.
Last week, U.S. tech company Oracle announced the opening of a research and development (R&D) center in Casablanca, which will create 1,000 highly skilled jobs. This center will focus on cloud solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. The American giant is not alone in its investment. Just days earlier, South Korea’s Naver, a leading Asian digital technology firm, also revealed plans to build a next-generation AI data center.
These announcements reflect a broader trend: Morocco is establishing itself as a key platform for multinational corporations looking to expand their presence in Africa. Nokia launched an innovation center in Salé at the end of 2024. Cisco, Jumia, Atos, Huawei, and IBM have all strengthened their operations in the kingdom, drawn by a favorable and mature environment for digital activity.
A Clear Strategy for Attractiveness
Morocco is leveraging its strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. However, the quality of its digital infrastructure is primarily what attracts investors. The country hosts more than 20 data centers, one of the densest networks on the continent. It has committed to building two public cloud regions with Oracle, a first in North Africa. This momentum is part of an ambitious policy of digital sovereignty and data localization.
The kingdom’s connectivity is another major asset. According to the Digital 2025 Morocco report by DataReportal, the country had 35.3 million internet users at the beginning of 2025, representing 92.2% of the total population. Morocco is also connected to more than a dozen high speed submarine cables, including 2Africa, which is one of the world’s largest digital infrastructure projects.
A Favorable Investment Environment
Tax policy is one of the tools used to attract businesses. Morocco’s Finance Law includes tax exemptions or reductions for companies located in industrial or technology acceleration zones such as Casanearshore, Technopolis, or Tanger Med.
The country also relies on an increasingly skilled workforce. Around 10,000 IT engineers are trained annually, thanks to partnerships between universities and companies like Huawei and IBM, which offer certification and incubation programs.
Finally, the national strategy "Morocco Digital 2030" sets clear ambitions: to create 150,000 digital related jobs, digitize most public services, and position the country as a regional tech platform. The strengthening of the regulatory framework, including cybersecurity, e-government, and data protection, is helping build a climate of trust for investors.
This dynamic could make the kingdom a key player in Africa’s digital sovereignty and a driver of technological innovation across the continent. According to the latest ranking by financial website Insider Monkey, Morocco is the most technologically advanced country in Africa. With a total score of 208, it ranks first among 15 countries.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Africa's technological lag creates significant threats to its security, economy, and development. The continent's heavy reliance on foreign innovation also exposes it to the drawbacks of imported technologies. This is largely due to insufficient investment in regulation, research, innovation, and skills training.
Since 2020, Africa has been keeping a close watch on the rapid rise of artificial intelligence innovations. First came AI models generating realistic text, followed by tools that produce striking images. Now, video generation has entered the spotlight. During the Google I/O 2025 event, held May 20-21 in California, Google introduced Veo 3, its latest AI-powered tool capable of creating high-definition videos with natural, lifelike audio. This marks a significant improvement from its predecessor, Veo 2.
“We're entering a new era of creation with combined audio and video generation," said Josh Woodward, Vice President at Google Labs and Gemini, during the unveiling of Veo 3. He emphasized how this tool can generate “ultra-realistic” videos.
With Veo 3, Google joins the fierce competition among AI video creators. Other players include Synthesia, known for producing videos with highly realistic avatars; HeyGen, which offers multilingual dubbing with personalized avatars; Runway, offering advanced creative tools; and Kling AI, specializing in high-quality video generation.
These platforms have already captured the interest of African content creators, filmmakers, and media professionals. But beyond their creative potential, they reveal the alarming sophistication of deepfake technology, hyper-realistic fake videos that continue to improve in quality. Africa is no longer shielded from this threat, as deepfakes are now being deployed for various, often harmful, purposes.
In a world where voices, gestures, and faces can be digitally manipulated with shocking precision, the question is no longer whether African societies will be impacted by this digital revolution, but whether they are prepared to handle it.
Deepfakes: A New Era of Illusion
Deepfakes, a blend of the terms deep learning and fake, refer to videos, images, or audio content altered or entirely created by artificial intelligence to appear authentic. Thanks to breakthroughs in generative AI, anyone can now be made to say or do virtually anything on screen, with staggering realism.
While these technologies present exciting opportunities for film, education, and gaming, they also serve as powerful disinformation tools, especially dangerous in regions with fragile institutions and unequal levels of digital literacy.
Raphael Nkolwoudou Afane, a legal expert and digital law specialist, has raised concerns about the destabilizing effects deepfakes could have on Africa. The continent, with its unique mix of vulnerabilities, is fertile ground for the spread and influence of manipulated content.
“Deepfakes exploit our natural tendency to believe what we see and hear,” Afane explains. “For centuries, visuals equated to proof of authenticity. But today, technology can fabricate incredibly convincing realities. The human brain, untrained to tell the difference between digital trickery and genuine content, is an easy target for these sophisticated illusions.”
He warns that deepfakes could disrupt critical sectors. “Imagine this example in the financial sector. A fake video showing a CEO making controversial statements could tank stock prices or trigger a banking panic. In Africa, where markets are often more sensitive to rumors, the consequences would be devastating.”
Given the fragile trust in public institutions and the dominant role of social media in spreading news, deepfakes pose a direct threat to democratic stability. Targeted misinformation that exploits existing divisions could destabilize entire nations.
Ultimately, deepfakes risk triggering a deep crisis of confidence in political leaders, public figures, and institutions across Africa.
African Societies at Greater Risk
In Africa, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Messenger, and Instagram have become major sources of news and information. These channels help content spread rapidly, often far beyond its place of origin, amplifying both verified news and unverified claims.
During Donald Trump's presidency, content moderation on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook weakened, as free speech was prioritized over strict verification policies. This contributed to the loosening of controls on misleading content.
With many African countries lacking clear regulations for social media, while still aiming to protect free speech, the risk of deepfakes multiplying is high. Some nations have started taking steps. In 2022, Uganda updated its Computer Misuse Act, originally passed in 2011. The revised law penalizes the distribution of false information, including deepfakes, and also bans unauthorized access to data and sharing sensitive information about children.
According to the Digital Report 2025, the global number of social media users reached 5.31 billion in February. Africa accounts for 561 million of those users, based on Statista data.
Here is the breakdown of Africa's most-used platforms in 2025:
- Facebook: 294.1 million users
- Messenger: 104.5 million users
- TikTok: 189.3 million users
- Instagram: 91.1 million users
- X (formerly Twitter): 27.8 million users
It is important to note that users may be active on multiple platforms.
Limited Tools and Incomplete Laws
In July 2024, the African Union (AU) adopted its first Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, covering 2025 to 2030. The initiative aims to harness AI to drive Africa's development and prosperity.
Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, explains that the strategy “aligns with the AU's goals for inclusive development and reflects core values such as ethics, inclusion, diversity, human rights, dignity, well-being, peace, and prosperity.” A key priority is ensuring AI systems are designed and adapted for Africa's unique context.
The strategy promotes an inclusive, Africa-focused, development-oriented approach built on five pillars. Fully leveraging AI's benefits -Building AI expertise and capabilities -Minimizing risks associated with AI -Boosting investment in AI -Strengthening regional and international cooperation.
It offers a shared vision and outlines critical actions to help Africa unlock AI's potential while addressing the social, ethical, security, and legal challenges it presents.
However, despite this continental roadmap intended to guide and inspire African countries to address AI's growing challenges, progress remains uneven. Each nation moves at its own pace, balancing AI advancement with local development priorities.
The continent's readiness to manage AI risks, particularly misuse like deepfakes, remains inadequate.
Between 2018 and 2023, only six countries, Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, and Senegal, developed national AI strategies. Others, including South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia, have made notable strides in shaping policies and creating AI-focused institutions.
Still, the International Monetary Fund's AI Preparedness Index (AIPI) shows that nearly 80% of African nations lack sufficient regulatory frameworks, human skills, and innovation capacity to manage AI effectively.
Investments Must Match the Risks
On the technology front, local initiatives to develop deepfake detection tools or enhance institutional cybersecurity remain rare. Public awareness campaigns around manipulated content are also limited.
The African Union, recognizing these gaps, offers several recommendations in its AI strategy. Beyond adopting ethical guidelines for AI and related technologies, the AU emphasizes the urgent need to boost research and development, foster innovation, and build human expertise.
Such measures could help Africa develop deepfake detection tools and leverage AI to grow critical sectors across its economies.
The economic stakes are high. McKinsey estimates that generative AI could boost global productivity by 40% and add between $2.2 trillion and $4.4 trillion annually to the world economy. Even capturing just 5% of that potential could add $110 billion to $220 billion each year to Africa's GDP.
Smart use of AI could also accelerate industrialization, job creation, and improvements in public services, healthcare, education, and climate crisis management. In disaster-prone areas, AI can help better predict and respond to droughts, cyclones, and wildfires, saving lives and cutting costs.
Africa's AI ecosystem already shows promise. The AU counts over 2,400 organizations working on AI innovation, with 41% of them being startups in fields like healthcare, agriculture, education, law, and insurance. The security sector could also greatly benefit from AI advancements.
Faced with the rise of deepfakes, Africa cannot afford to remain passive. The fight for digital truth is deeply tied to issues of sovereignty, democratic stability, and public trust. It is not about rejecting AI progress, but ensuring its responsible use, and putting safeguards in place to prevent its abuse.
Muriel Edjo