High Commissioner for Digitalization Meriem Benmouloud unveiled Algeria's National Digital Transformation Strategy (SNTN) on Monday, a blueprint aiming to fully digitize the nation by 2030. The strategy seeks to galvanize all stakeholders – from government ministries and tech experts to public and private sector players – around a shared vision for the future.
Benmouloud emphasized the strong presidential backing for this initiative, stating, "The significant importance the President of the Republic places on digitization, personally monitoring its progress, underscores the unwavering political will at the highest levels to achieve a comprehensive digital transition in Algeria."
The SNTN is built upon five foundational pillars: the development of robust digital infrastructure, the cultivation of digital skills and training, the establishment of effective digital governance, the promotion of a thriving digital economy, and the inclusive integration of all citizens into the digital realm.
Central to the strategy is the development of human capital. The government aims to train 500,000 information and communication technology (ICT) specialists while simultaneously working to decrease the emigration of these skilled workers by 40%.
Economically, the SNTN envisions digitalization as a key engine of growth, targeting a 20% contribution from the digital sector to Algeria's gross domestic product. This will be achieved by digitizing public services and nurturing a dynamic environment for tech entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, a top priority is the complete digitization of government administration, a move expected to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and improve the quality of services delivered to both citizens and businesses.
Underpinning these ambitions are significant infrastructure projects, including two national data centers. The facility in Mohammadia is reportedly 80% complete, while the Blida center is 50% finished, according to the High Commissioner. These strategic assets are designed to bolster Algeria's national capacity for secure data storage, processing, and the hosting of digital platforms.
Supporting the entire strategy are two critical cross-cutting elements: first, the creation of a suitable legal and regulatory framework, with a draft law on digitization currently under development; and second, the strengthening of cybersecurity defenses, deemed essential for protecting data and information systems against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Through the SNTN, Algeria envisions itself emerging as a leading digital hub in North Africa. Benmouloud asserted that the progress made to date positions the country to achieve continental leadership in digital transformation by the target year of 2030.
This strategic roadmap aims to provide a sustainable structure for government action in the digital sphere, with a clear focus on inclusive development, technological sovereignty, and the modernization of the Algerian economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
AI fairness and inclusivity depend on diverse datasets. With Zindi crowdsourcing local data challenges and Cassava powering the infrastructure, the continent is poised to create context-aware AI tools.
Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zindi, a professional network for data scientists. The MoU, announced May 12, aims to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and Graphics Procesing Unit (GPU)-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) solutions across Africa.
“For Africa’s AI ecosystem to grow and thrive, it’s essential to provide platforms and resources,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “Combining our data centres’ advanced GPU capabilities with Zindi’s innovative data science platform creates a powerful foundation for digital advancement.”
The partnership aims to empower African developers and startups with the tools and infrastructure needed to build scalable AI solutions. Through this collaboration, Zindi will leverage Cassava’s GPUaaS infrastructure to enhance its AI model development, while both organizations will explore opportunities to cross-integrate platforms and expand access to talent, data, and innovation.
Zindi, known for organizing AI challenges in partnership with companies, NGOs, and governments, sees the partnership as a catalyst for unlocking locally-relevant AI solutions.
“Zindi is thrilled at the opportunity to partner with Cassava Technologies to strengthen African datasets, address local problems with locally-developed solutions, and help more African AI builders access the resources they need to succeed,” said Celina Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Zindi.
As digital transformation accelerates across Sub-Saharan Africa, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key driver of economic opportunity. The United Nations projects that AI could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to the region’s economy by 2030, a figure that underscores the urgency of building the infrastructure, talent pipelines, and innovation ecosystems needed to capture this potential.
The Cassava–Zindi partnership is a timely response to this opportunity. By combining Cassava’s GPU-as-a-Service capabilities with Zindi’s pan-African network of data scientists, the collaboration directly supports scalable, locally driven AI development, a critical step toward unlocking the region’s projected AI-driven growth.
This announcement follows Cassava’s 2024 launch of its AI business and its bold plans to build Africa’s first AI factory. The Zindi partnership supports Cassava’s broader vision of fostering responsible AI innovation and digital transformation across the continent.
Hikmatu Bilali
Orange Tunisia last week unveiled a new, advanced data center in Kalâa Kebira, Sousse governorate, local media reported. The TIER III certified facility aligns with the operator's strategy to bolster Tunisia's digital transformation by increasing domestic data hosting capabilities.
The 1,000 square meter data center is built to international standards for security, energy redundancy, and service continuity. It will offer cloud hosting, backup, disaster recovery, and connectivity services, catering to both Orange Tunisia's internal operations and businesses seeking secure outsourcing for their information systems management.
"We are particularly proud of this data center for several reasons. Firstly, it was designed and built entirely from the ground up. This isn't a renovation or adaptation of an existing site, but a completely new project conceived from the start to meet the most stringent standards," stated Thierry Millet, CEO of Orange Tunisia. The company holds a 26.5% share of Tunisia's mobile telephony market as of January 2025, according to the National Telecommunications Authority.
This development occurs amidst an accelerating digital transformation within Tunisia. Orange Tunisia aims to support this momentum and contribute to enhanced digital sovereignty. "Our pride lies in having executed this impressive TIER III data center with 100% Tunisian talent, utilizing Tunisian companies for design, control, and implementation," said Adel Akrout, the company's network and services director.
With the demand for digital services rapidly increasing, this initiative could position Tunisia as a key regional data hub. It also sets the stage for future sovereign cloud endeavors and strengthens the role of operators in the country's digital advancement.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Estonian ride-hailing application Bolt ceased operations in Tunisia on Friday, May 9, with a complete deactivation of the app confirmed on local devices. Since that date, the application is inaccessible, displaying the message "Bolt is not yet available here" to Tunisian users.
This shutdown follows nearly six weeks after the government's decision on March 24 to suspend several transport platforms, including Bolt, amid suspicions of money laundering, tax evasion, and illegal operation. Despite the announced suspension, the application had remained partially active, creating legal ambiguity regarding its status. This deactivation marks the effective end of Bolt's activity in the country, although the company has not yet publicly stated the specific reasons for its withdrawal.
Tunisian authorities had previously initiated stringent measures against platforms operating without legal authorization. In Bolt's case, the company was removed from the national business register, its offices were closed, and assets estimated at 12 million Tunisian dinars (approximately $3.9 million) were seized. Bolt, for its part, had denied the accusations, asserting its compliance with Tunisian law while criticizing a process conducted without due legal recourse.
Bolt, which entered Tunisia in 2019, had rapidly become a significant player in urban transportation, particularly in Tunis, Sfax, and Sousse. The application provided income for over 5,000 drivers, many of whom were independent contractors, in a challenging socio-economic environment. Its suspension heightens uncertainty for these workers, especially given that the national unemployment rate had already reached 16% in the third quarter of 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
Bolt's departure has reignited discussions about the legal framework for digital platforms in Tunisia. The absence of clear regulations leaves companies operating in a precarious gray area, susceptible to administrative actions and regulatory shifts. To fully leverage the digital economy and attract foreign investment, Tunisia will need to strike a balance between regulatory oversight and economic appeal.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Aligning with global tech leaders can position Nigeria to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), encourage local innovation, and integrate more deeply into the global digital economy.
Nigeria and Google are continuing their discussions to make the country a hub for digital innovation in Africa. During a two-day workshop held on May 6th and 7th, 2025, they explored refining a draft implementation framework. The partnership stems from a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Google CEO Sundar Pichai in Paris in February 2025
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), acting under presidential directive, is coordinating the project with Google, identifying practical use cases and stakeholder needs across sectors. During the workshop, Google showcased successful global digital interventions to demonstrate how targeted investment in technology can improve economic resilience, institutional efficiency, and social inclusion.
Structured around five core pillars, the collaboration focuses on building scalable digital infrastructure, empowering the workforce with digital skills, driving AI innovation and research, promoting cloud adoption for digital government, and strengthening investment frameworks for sustainable growth.
The collaboration builds on Google's earlier commitment of ₦2.8 billion (approximately $3.6 million), announced in October 2024, to support Nigeria’s digital economy—an investment aligned with the Federal Government’s Strategic Blueprint for Digital Transformation.
The partnership marks a pivotal step in fast-tracking digital transformation, economic growth, and job creation within Africa’s largest economy. With the World Economic Forum projecting that AI and automation will generate 97 million new jobs globally by 2025, equipping Nigerians with AI and digital skills is critical, not only to bridge the digital divide but also to future-proof the workforce and ensure inclusive participation in the digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Innovation Center aligns with Nigeria’s digital strategy and the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing Huawei’s role in building an intelligent, inclusive future for the country.
Huawei has launched an Innovation Center in Lagos as part of the inaugural Huawei Day Nigeria 2025, a three-day event held May 6-8, which marks 25 years of Huawei’s presence in Nigeria.
The Centre is intended to function as a collaborative hub where customers, partners, and ICT professionals can engage with emerging technologies and co-create innovative solutions across key sectors, including education, energy, finance, governance, and oil & gas. It underscores Huawei’s commitment to advancing local technology and co-innovation.
Speaking at the launch, Huawei Nigeria CEO Chris Lu highlighted the company’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria, stating, “This Innovation Center marks the start of our next chapter—ushering in an AI-driven era with local cloud and green energy solutions.”
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Tijani praised the center as a platform for co-creating technologies that address local needs, helping Nigeria transition from tech consumer to creator.
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has become a significant contributor to Nigeria's economy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the digital economy contributed 13.12% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2024, underscoring the sector's potential to drive economic growth. Huawei's Innovation Center is poised to play a crucial role in this growth by fostering technological innovation and supporting the digital ecosystem.
Hikmatu Bilali
Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone (OMFSL) introduced "Kwik Moni Loan" on Thursday, May 8, a digital microcredit service targeting agents and merchants who utilize Orange Money. The new financial product offers users immediate loan access through their Orange Money mobile wallets by dialing the shortcodes #145# for agents and #146# for merchants.
David Mansaray, CEO of OMFSL, stated that the 24/7 service provides swift and convenient access to working capital for a range of professionals, including shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and store owners. The initiative seeks to facilitate business growth without the complexities of traditional loan processes.
The launch of "Kwik Moni Loan" aligns with Orange's wider strategy to enhance financial inclusion in West Africa. In 2020, Orange previously launched "Orange Money Lajor" in Sierra Leone, a microcredit service for Orange Money customers in collaboration with Empire Solution. Additionally, Orange Bank Africa, the group's digital banking arm, was established in Côte d'Ivoire in 2020 to provide savings and credit services accessible via mobile, with plans for regional expansion.
Through this latest initiative, Orange Mobile Finance Sierra Leone aims to bolster financial inclusion by enabling quick credit access for small merchants and local agents. By offering solutions tailored to their specific needs, the service intends to support entrepreneurship, improve the financial stability of unbanked populations, and stimulate commercial activity nationwide.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Starting June 1, 2025, Google will levy an 18% value-added tax (VAT) on all its digital services for users based in Senegal, signaling a significant step in the Senegalese government's push for digital taxation.
The U.S. tech giant will now require its business clients in Senegal to provide their local tax identification details, specifically the national identification number for businesses and associations (NINEA) or the commercial register number. This information will be used to generate invoices compliant with Senegal's General Tax Code. The VAT will apply across Google's digital service portfolio, including Google Ads, Google Cloud, software subscriptions, and streaming platforms.
This move follows the implementation in July 2024 of a new tax framework that mandates VAT on digital services provided by foreign companies without a physical presence in Senegal. To date, few multinational digital firms have officially complied. Google's adherence to this regulation positions it as one of the first major industry players to do so, potentially setting a precedent for others that have yet to follow suit.
According to Senegal's Directorate General of Taxes and Domains (DGID), the digital VAT has already generated over 1 billion FCFA (approximately $1.7 million) in its initial year. The government's medium-term objective is to increase these revenues to 10 billion FCFA as part of its broader strategy to modernize its tax system and broaden the digital tax base.
Google's compliance, as a global leader in digital services, is therefore considered a pivotal development for the success of this tax reform. It is anticipated to not only increase tax revenues for Senegal but also to foster greater parity between local businesses and multinational corporations operating online.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Morocco has invested 34 million dirhams (approximately $3.6 million) to digitize auctions in 45 wholesale markets as part of its efforts to modernize the fisheries sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries, aims to boost transaction transparency, improve product traceability, and optimize distribution across the national market.
State Secretary Zakia Driouich announced the plan on Tuesday, May 6, before the Chamber of Advisors, specifying that the digitization encompasses all documents used within these facilities. This move will enable better tracking of seafood product flows and help to curb informal practices that persist in some marketing channels.
This investment aligns with the Halieutis strategy, launched in 2009, which seeks to establish Morocco as a competitive and sustainable fisheries hub. Beyond its contribution to food security, the sector accounts for about 2.3% of the national GDP, providing 220,000 direct jobs and over 500,000 indirect jobs. In 2024, national production reached 1.42 million tons, valued at 16.3 billion dirhams, solidifying the kingdom's position as a leading global exporter of processed and frozen seafood products.
More than just digitizing paperwork, this initiative sets the stage for a broader transformation of the sector. By automating sales processes, the government hopes to not only enhance the operational efficiency of wholesale markets but also to create a foundation for interconnecting various stages of the value chain, from catch to final distribution. Over the long term, this approach could facilitate the integration of new technologies, such as real-time traceability systems, logistics management platforms, and tools for monitoring prices and traded volumes.
To date, 45 of the 70 existing wholesale markets have been included in this operation. The project is ongoing, suggesting further investment phases to extend digitization across the country, particularly in landing sites and fishing villages.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Two days after his inauguration as the fourth President of the Gabonese Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguéma on Tuesday unveiled the first government of his seven-year term. A key appointment was Mark Alexandre Doumba as Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation. He succeeds Brigadier General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, who held the same portfolio in the preceding transitional government.
Prior to this appointment, Mark Alexandre Doumba briefly served as Minister of Economy and Participations. His reassignment to head this strategic ministry underscores the authorities' intent to bolster the nation's modernization through innovation and technology.
Mark Alexandre Doumba, 38, is recognized as an experienced entrepreneur and a digital finance strategist. As the founder of the ClikAfrik group and the neobank ClikPay, he has made financial inclusion through digital technology a central focus of his work. Notably, he contributed to the establishment of the Digital Investment Window, a platform that facilitated the formalization of tens of thousands of Gabonese micro and small businesses. He holds degrees from George Washington University, the London School of Economics, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
The new minister assumes a substantial portfolio with several priority initiatives, including the revitalization of the national fiber optic backbone, the construction of sovereign data centers, and the modernization of public services through digital technology. These projects are among the key priorities outlined in the transitional president's roadmap.
Mark Alexandre Doumba will also be tasked with revitalizing the Gabonese Innovation Center and bringing to fruition the digital and industrial technopole project, which aims to establish Libreville as a significant regional hub for innovation. His pragmatic approach and expertise in digital transformation and strategic partnerships position him to play a crucial role in Gabon's emergence as a major innovation player in Central Africa.
Samira Njoya
Cape Verde officially inaugurated TechPark CV on Monday, a regional technology center designed to boost innovation and digital transformation both within the island nation and beyond its borders.
The project, backed by a 45.59 million euro ($51.7 million) investment from the African Development Bank (AfDB), is a key strategic move for Cape Verde as it aims to establish itself as a technology hub in West Africa.
"TechPark CV offers a welcoming space where innovators from diverse backgrounds and cultures can collaborate and flourish together," stated Carlos Monteiro, President of TechPark CV. "Through this initiative, we are not simply constructing a digital center; we are cultivating a community where technology fuels economic growth and sustainable development for Cape Verde and our international partners."
The technology park aligns with the nation's broader economic diversification strategy and is a component of Cape Verde’s 2030 digital economy development plan. The investment represents nearly 2% of the country’s gross domestic product, underscoring the significant emphasis placed on digital technology within its growth model.
International-Standard Infrastructure
The technology park features data centers, co-working spaces, a training facility, a business center, and a conference center, all interconnected by high-speed infrastructure. Its designation as a Special Economic Zone for Technologies (ZEET) provides appealing tax benefits, including VAT exemption, reduced import duties, and a lowered corporate tax rate of 2.5%.
Operating across two campuses located in Praia on Santiago Island and Mindelo on São Vicente Island, TechPark CV already houses 23 companies and has the capacity for up to 1,500 professionals. It aspires to become a focal point for innovation, training, and experimentation, while also attracting foreign investment.
Beyond attracting domestic and international businesses, TechPark CV aims to be a catalyst for the development of crucial technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, fintech, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Cape Verde also intends to strengthen its regional cooperation through a partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to contribute to the expansion of digital innovation in West Africa.
The project prioritizes the integration of local talent. It fosters partnerships with academic institutions and seeks to create job opportunities for Cape Verdean youth, thereby contributing to the development of human capital and the strengthening of the national economy.
Samira Njoya
India has pledged to share its expertise in digital public infrastructure with Angola. The announcement came after a meeting in New Delhi on Friday, May 3, between visiting Angolan President João Lourenço (photo, left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (photo, right). The initiative aims to enhance e-governance and streamline citizen access to public services in Angola.
According to a joint statement, India has "approved a $200 million credit line for Angola's defense and will collaborate in the areas of digital public infrastructure, space, and healthcare." The partnership seeks to introduce Angola to India's model of digital public infrastructure (DPI), an interoperable system that digitizes administrative services, promotes financial inclusion, and connects citizens with essential services.
This collaboration could enable Angola to implement digital identification systems, electronic payment platforms, and unified social registries. It also includes provisions for cooperation in the space sector and training in digital skills.
The announcement underscores a growing strategic alignment between the two nations, which are marking 40 years of diplomatic ties this year. It also reflects India's ambition to expand its technological influence across the African continent. India has already deployed similar systems in Africa, notably through its Modular Open Source Identity Platform (MOSIP), which countries like Morocco, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ethiopia have adopted or are in the process of implementing. Furthermore, India is collaborating with several African nations to develop digital payment systems inspired by its Unified Payments Interface (UPI), with advanced discussions underway, particularly with Rwanda.
Ultimately, this partnership has the potential to accelerate the modernization of Angolan government services, improve administrative efficiency, and stimulate local innovation. It represents strategic support for Angola as it strives to improve its standing in international digital governance rankings. According to the United Nations, Angola currently ranks 156th out of 193 in the 2024 e-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.4149, falling below both the African average (0.4247) and the global average (0.6382).
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A recent dip in funding for African tech startups reflects a broader slowdown in venture capital and increased investor caution due to global economic uncertainties. Following a boom in investment in 2021, the global venture capital market, including in Africa, underwent a correction in 2022 and 2023.
"Two years into the global downturn, it's clear the African tech ecosystem is experiencing the full severity of it even though it's faring much better than the Latin America and Southeast Asia regions," Cyril Collon, General Partner at the transatlantic fund Partech, noted in 2024.
He added that "despite this correction, over the last 10 years, the African tech ecosystem has still grown nearly tenfold in transactions and funding amount with about $20 billion invested in roughly 3,000 deals, 68% of it in the last three years."
According to Partech Africa, African startups collectively raised $5.2 billion in equity funding in 2021, a figure that dropped to $2.2 billion in 2024. Fintech, historically the most attractive segment for investment on the continent, also felt the impact of this capital squeeze. In 2021, African fintech companies raised $3.2 billion, representing 63% of total funding, compared to $1.35 billion in 2024.
A Resilient Ecosystem
Despite the funding pullback, healthtech has attracted over $1 billion in Africa over the past five years, according to Ecofin Agency. From $18 million in 2018, funding surged tenfold the following year to $189 million, peaking at $230 million in 2021. These investments have enabled innovators to proliferate e-health solutions across the continent, ranging from telemedicine platforms to drone delivery of medication and blood in road-inaccessible areas.
In Kenya, Ilara Health provides affordable diagnostic tools to healthcare providers in rural areas. The company partners with artificial intelligence services integrated into its technology platforms distributed to doctors, thereby improving the organization of patient care in rural settings. Since its 2019 launch, Ilara Health has secured approximately $10.8 million in investment to fuel its activities.
Cameroonian healthtech startup Waspito connects patients and doctors for instant video consultations through its mobile app available on iOS and Android. Launched in 2020, Waspito has raised around $8.7 million, according to Crunchbase, to develop its technology and expand into other African countries such as Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal.
These startups are tackling the critical shortage of healthcare professionals and infrastructure across the continent. In 2021, sub-Saharan Africa averaged 2.3 doctors and 12.6 nurses/midwives per 10,000 inhabitants, compared to 39.4 and 89.5 in Europe, for example. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that Africa will face a deficit of 6.1 million health professionals by 2030, a 45% increase from 2013 estimates.
"The severe shortage of health professionals in Africa has disastrous implications. Without adequate and well-trained staff, tackling challenges such as maternal and infant mortality, infectious and non-communicable diseases, and the provision of essential health services like vaccination remains a difficult battle," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, in 2022.
Scaling Healthtech: Overcoming Hurdles
Expanding access to healthtech solutions faces the significant challenge of limited internet access across the continent. Data from the GSM Association (GSMA) indicates that sub-Saharan Africa had 320 million mobile internet users in 2023, with a penetration rate of 27%. This figure is projected to grow annually by 6.2% to reach 520 million by 2030, representing a penetration rate of 37%.
This limited access is attributed to the cost of smartphones, the price of internet service, and infrastructure limitations. The GSMA emphasizes "an urgent need to reform taxation to improve the affordability of smartphones and mobile services, whose cost is a major barrier to mobile broadband adoption."
Africa's Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII) score in 2024 was 0.4534 out of 1, according to the United Nations. This represents a 27.8% increase from 2022, when the score was 0.3548. The global average, in contrast, was 0.6896 out of 1.
If these various obstacles can be overcome, healthtech has the potential to become a strategic cornerstone for the sustainable improvement of Africa's healthcare sector. By leveraging digital tools to bring care closer to the population, startups in this sector are reinventing healthcare delivery. The crucial question remains whether the ecosystem can once again attract the necessary funding to move beyond pilot projects and achieve systemic integration.
Madagascar's customs authority is currently receiving technical support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to accelerate its digital transformation. Two specialists, Victor Budeau and François Chastel, began their mission in Antananarivo on Thursday, April 24th. Their assignment, scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, May 7th, includes intensive training focused on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into customs procedures.
The objective is to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of operations. During a working session, the Director General of Customs, Ernest Zafivanona Lainkana (pictured, center), underscored the significance of centralizing data within a unified database to fully harness the potential of AI. He also affirmed that this technology must now become a fundamental component of customs tools.
This initiative is not merely an experiment but rather part of an ongoing strategy. The customs administration is already using several AI-driven solutions: automatic image analysis (RESNET), Smart Scanning, and the Enhanced Risk Assessment (ERA) system. These tools have contributed to a 68% increase in customs revenues in January 2025 compared to January 2024.
Given these positive outcomes, the IMF has designated Madagascar as a pilot project in Africa for the integration of AI into customs services. This strategic recognition could lay the foundation for a continent-wide strategy. By 2029, Madagascar's customs authority aims to extend these technologies to additional control sectors, strengthen its digital infrastructure, and share its expertise at the regional level.