Tech (919)
The centre is one of many steps Nigeria is taking to bridge the digital divide and build a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy.
The Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has announced plans to establish at least 1,600 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres across Nigeria in the coming years as part of its push for inclusive digital transformation.
Speaking on May 15 during the inauguration of a new ICT centre in Akesan, Lagos, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa said the initiative aims to ensure every Nigerian—regardless of location or background—has access to digital tools, skills, and opportunities. According to Inuwa, NITDA has already established 222 ICT centres in the last two years, spread across three categories: school ICT facilities, community centres, and innovation hubs. So far, 18 community centres and three ICT hubs have been completed.
“Our goal is to build over 1,600 centres nationwide. We want every Nigerian to be part of our digital prosperity,” Inuwa said, stressing the importance of a sustainable model to operate these centres efficiently without relying on NITDA for minor issues.
He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies economic diversification and digital inclusion as top priorities. One of the Agenda’s seven key pillars is focused on accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, innovation, and the creative economy. “That’s why NITDA is building these centres—to ensure no Nigerian is left behind in our digital economy,” Inuwa explained.
Also present at the event, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani—represented by Johnson Bareyei, Director of e-Government—described the centre as a vital extension of government policy aimed at decentralizing opportunity and embedding innovation in everyday life.
He noted that the centre will support the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, serve startups and tech entrepreneurs, offer regulatory guidance, and foster collaboration among government, private sector, and local communities.
The establishment of ICT centres aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030), which emphasizes digital literacy and job creation as key pillars. The centres are instrumental in supporting innovation ecosystems by providing co-working spaces, tech incubation, and mentorship for startups. This is vital for a country seeking to diversify away from oil, where the ICT sector already contributed 16.66% to GDP in Q4 2023.
Hikmatu Bilali
Africa has been progressing steadily in its digital transformation, driven by increased mobile internet usage, fintech advancements, and the rise of e-commerce platforms. However, internet shutdowns disrupt these vital sectors, create uncertainty, deter potential investors, and restrict growth opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs.
Tanzania has blocked access to X, formerly known as Twitter, following the hacking of the Tanzania Police Force’s official account, according to internet watchdog NetBlocks. The social media platform became unreachable across major Tanzanian internet service providers, including Halotel, Airtel, Liquid Telecom, Habari Node, and Vodacom.
⚠️ Confirmed: Live metrics show X (formerly Twitter) has become unreachable on major internet providers in #Tanzania; the incident comes as a compromised police account posts claims the President has died, angering the country's leadership pic.twitter.com/aLbrDmvkAd
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) May 20, 2025
NetBlocks reported that the police account, which has over 470,000 followers, was compromised early Tuesday and posted false claims, including that President Samia Suluhu had died. The account even broadcast live before authorities regained control and announced they were pursuing the hackers.
This incident occurred amid heightened political tension after several East African activists and lawyers were arrested or deported while attempting to observe opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s treason trial in Tanzania. Among those detained were Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire, who remain missing despite lawyers being informed they were to be deported, according to Amnesty International.
This development reflects a growing trend across Africa, where deliberate internet shutdowns have led to significant economic consequences. In 2024 alone, the continent suffered losses of approximately $1.56 billion, affecting more than 111 million users, according to Top10VPN data.
As mobile technology and internet access continue to expand, such disruptions pose a serious threat to Africa’s digital economy. They undermine communication, interrupt business operations, stall essential services, and ultimately deepen the digital divide, hindering inclusive economic growth and digital transformation efforts.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Benin launches new AI-powered customs platform
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The platform enhances data sharing among trade actors, aiming to reduce fraud, speed up goods processing, and attract investment.
Benin has rolled out a new national intelligent customs management system, developed by trade facilitation technology firm Webb Fontaine, marking a significant stride in the West African nation's digital transformation efforts.
Webb Fontaine announced the official launch of Customs Webb on Wednesday, May 21. The new system is now operational across all of Benin's customs offices, including ports, airports, and land border posts, replacing the older ASYCUDA (SYDONIA) software.
Anicet Houngbo, Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Benin, stated that Customs Webb is designed to foster a "more efficient, less burdensome, transparent, and intelligent environment for customs operations," enabling Benin to fully leverage this technological advancement.
The platform's deployment was accelerated over 14 months without any disruption to ongoing customs activities. It incorporates artificial intelligence tools aimed at boosting transparency, efficiency, and the fluidity of trade. Since its implementation, the system has already processed over 100,000 customs declarations, recorded more than 200,000 payments, and issued 100,000 vehicle passes. It currently supports 800 active users and connects 95 organizations.
This initiative aligns with the Beninese government's digital strategy, launched in 2016, with the goal of positioning the country as a regional hub for digital services in West Africa. As part of this broader strategy, Benin previously rolled out the Single Window for Foreign Trade between 2018 and 2024, also in partnership with Webb Fontaine. This process included the progressive integration of tools such as the Port Community System and an electronic cargo tracking solution.
The new system significantly enhances the interconnection of Benin's primary trade platforms, enabling automatic data sharing among customs, port authorities, transporters, and banks. This improved interconnection is expected to expedite goods processing, mitigate fraud risks, and optimize tax revenue collection. Ultimately, it aims to bolster Benin's appeal to investors by offering a more transparent, faster, and more secure business environment.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
This move marks a significant milestone in Nindohost’s pan-African strategy, positioning it as a key player in enabling reliable and scalable digital infrastructure for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises.
Moroccan-based hosting provider Nindohost announced, on May 19, its expansion into 13 African countries, reinforcing its mission to deliver robust, ultra-efficient, and locally adapted cloud and hosting infrastructure across the continent.
“For nearly two decades, Nindohost has been forging excellence in hosting in Morocco. Today, we export this know-how to 13 countries in Africa — from Senegal to Kenya, Ghana and South Africa,” the company stated.
As part of this expansion, users across Africa will experience ultra-low latency and full compliance with local data regulations through Nindohost’s strategic Points of Presence. The company’s service portfolio now includes multi-tenancy hosting, virtual private servers, dedicated servers, managed cloud solutions, and advanced cybersecurity services—all designed to meet a wide range of business needs. Customers will also benefit from 24/7 multilingual support in French, English, and Arabic, delivered by locally based expert engineering teams. To ensure accessibility and convenience, Nindohost has introduced flexible billing options, including local currency transactions and country-specific payment methods.
Traditionally, many African websites have relied on servers located outside the continent, resulting in higher latency, increased costs, and potential regulatory challenges. Nindohost's expansion into 13 African countries directly addresses these issues by offering localized hosting solutions tailored to the continent's needs.
Local hosting significantly strengthens Africa’s digital infrastructure by enhancing website performance, ensuring data sovereignty, reducing operational costs, and improving cybersecurity. It also enables better compliance with regional regulations while fostering local innovation and job creation through investment in tech infrastructure.
This expansion comes at a pivotal moment as Africa experiences a surge in digital transformation, driven by rising internet penetration and growing demand for secure, scalable digital services. Nindohost’s presence in new markets empowers businesses to scale their digital operations efficiently, while maintaining regulatory alignment and global standards. With the African web hosting market projected to reach $3.21 billion in revenue by 2025 and grow to $6.26 billion by 2029 at an annual rate of 18.14%, according to Statista, the need for robust, locally anchored hosting infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Hikmatu Bilali
As AI adoption grows across industries—from telecommunications and energy to healthcare and insurance—the demand for advanced GPU processing is rising rapidly. The partnership is set to accelerate the availability of powerful AI infrastructure to African businesses, making it easier and more cost-effective for them to adopt technologies.
Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sand Technologies, a global enterprise AI solutions provider. The announcement, made during the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, marks a major milestone in expanding access to AI and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) solutions across the continent.
“By providing Sand Technologies with access to our GPU solutions, we are enabling them to develop advanced AI applications for clients while expanding Cassava’s presence across multiple sectors,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “Our GPU-as-a-Service model offers African businesses scalable, affordable AI computing capacity essential for competing in a digital-first world.”
Sand Technologies will use Cassava’s NVIDIA-powered GPU infrastructure to build and deploy enterprise-grade AI solutions globally. The companies will jointly identify pilot projects and co-create industry-specific solutions that leverage AI to drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation across the continent.
AI development, especially machine learning and deep learning, requires powerful GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). These are often expensive and complex to maintain in-house. The delivery of AI solutions and GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS) across Africa significantly benefits African businesses by providing affordable, scalable access to high-performance computing power necessary for developing and deploying AI tools. This removes infrastructure and cost barriers, enabling startups and SMEs to integrate AI into operations such as customer service, data analysis, and automation.
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, unlocking new pathways for productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth. Yet access to scalable computing infrastructure remains a significant barrier. This partnership addresses that gap by combining Cassava’s GPU infrastructure with Sand Technologies’ enterprise AI capabilities.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Côte d’Ivoire signs three AI-related MoUs at first National AI Conference
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Agreements support rollout of National AI Strategy (SNIA)
On Monday, May 19, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization signed three memorandums of understanding with technology firms during the country’s first National AI Conference, held in Abidjan. These agreements are part of a broader push to foster local innovation, build digital skills, and support the rollout of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA).
The first agreement, signed with the Digital and Technologies Center of Excellence (CEDITECH), aims to launch training programs tailored to the needs of the Ivorian market while supporting digital entrepreneurship. A second deal, with Amini Corp—a startup specializing in AI-powered environmental data—focuses on strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty and promoting inclusive technological innovation. The third partnership, with local hardware distributor TBI, will provide training for public sector employees on how to use AI tools effectively.
These initiatives fall under the SNIA, adopted in March, which aims to build a robust ecosystem for innovation, digital inclusion, and youth capacity building. They also come amid growing interest in AI’s potential on the African continent. A recent McKinsey study estimates that AI could add as much as $1.2 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, representing a 5.6% increase.
Through this national strategy, the government seeks not only to modernize public administration but also to create high-quality job opportunities for young people, who account for over 70% of the population. The ultimate goal is to position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional tech hub in West Africa, as AI applications gain traction across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial services.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Kenya plans to establish a Regional Center of Competence focused on digital skills and AI.
• The center will back the Kenya Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, which aims to train 300,000 civil servants by 2030.
The Kenyan government is set to establish a Regional Center of Competence focused on advancing digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI), a move aimed at bolstering the capabilities of civil servants to enhance the quality of public services for the populace.
The initiative is backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and will be affiliated with the Kenya School of Government, an institution dedicated to the ongoing professional development of public administration executives and civil servants. The center's launch was discussed last week during a meeting between John Tanui (photo, right), Principal Secretary for Digital Economy and ICT, and his counterpart responsible for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Jane Kere Imbunya (photo, left).
This undertaking aligns with the Kenyan government's broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to harness digital technology for socio-economic progress. Cultivating the digital proficiency of civil servants stands as a key pillar of the "Kenya Digital Master Plan 2022-2032." The government has set an ambitious target to train 300,000 civil servants in digital services by 2030, representing 85% of public employees.
This approach finds support from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In its report, "Developing skills for digital government: A review of good practices across OECD governments," the OECD emphasizes that to facilitate the transition to digital administration, nations must invest in developing the skills of their civil servants. This comes against the backdrop of a World Bank estimation that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will demand digital skills by the year 2030.
However, the specific timeline for the center's operationalization remains undetermined. Furthermore, the OECD cautions that the effectiveness of civil servant training will hinge on its design and implementation. The organization recommends that governments identify crucial digital skills, assess the existing competencies of public employees, address any gaps with customized training programs, and subsequently evaluate the impact to refine future initiatives.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Egypt is investing $59 billion to build a futuristic smart city 45 km east of Cairo as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.
• The city will feature AI, IoT, connected transport, automated public infrastructure, and intelligent surveillance
Egypt is channeling $59 billion into the development of a futuristic smart city, a flagship project under its Vision 2030 strategy. This high-tech megacity, currently under construction 45 kilometers (about 28 miles) east of Cairo, is intended to ease congestion in the capital and establish Egypt as a frontrunner in digital urban planning across Africa.
Conceived as a regional technology hub, the new administrative capital will integrate cutting-edge digital solutions, encompassing artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), automated management of public utilities, interconnected transportation networks, and intelligent surveillance systems. The initial phase, requiring an investment of $8.4 billion alone, is largely complete, exceeding 70% progress. Subsequent phases are projected to continue until 2027, with potential adjustments based on economic developments.
This ambitious megaproject aligns with a rapidly expanding global trend. Worldwide, the smart city market is experiencing significant growth. Valued at $1.36 trillion in 2024, it is forecast to reach $3.84 trillion by 2029, demonstrating an average annual growth rate of 23.21%, according to data from Mordor Intelligence.
While Africa currently constitutes a modest portion of this global market, the continent is progressively emerging as a significant player. Countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Rwanda, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are prioritizing smart urban initiatives to tackle urban population growth, governance challenges, transportation issues, and sustainability imperatives.
In Egypt's case, this smart city is designed to accommodate 6.5 million residents. It will house key government functions, including headquarters and ministries, foreign embassies, and centers for digital innovation. Buildings throughout the city will be equipped with smart sensors to optimize energy and water consumption, enhance security, and manage mobility efficiently.
Despite criticism concerning investment priorities in a nation grappling with high inflation and increasing public debt, Egyptian authorities maintain a long-term perspective. They are banking on the project's potential to generate economic benefits, create skilled employment opportunities, and drive the digital transformation of government administration as catalysts for sustainable progress.
Samira Njoya
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Gabon signed a strategic partnership with Visa to enhance financial inclusion.
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The initiative includes distributing virtual bank cards to underserved populations, especially in rural and informal areas, and promoting electronic payments within public administration.
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The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between Mobile Money usage and the lower banking rate by integrating digital financial solutions into public services.
Gabon's Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation announced Thursday a strategic partnership with Visa, the U.S. electronic payments firm, on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum 2025 in Abidjan. The initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion through digital means.
The agreement notably includes the distribution of virtual bank cards targeted at populations currently underserved or inadequately served by traditional banking networks, particularly in rural and informal sectors. The partnership also seeks to accelerate the adoption of electronic payments within the public administration, with the goals of modernization, increased transparency, and improved efficiency of state services.
This collaboration aligns with the Gabonese authorities' ambition to democratize access to financial services through innovative and tailored digital solutions. According to the World Bank, Gabon's financial inclusion rate, including Mobile Money services, reached 66.09% in 2021. However, the overall banking rate, encompassing microfinance institutions, remained limited at 27.55% in 2021, compared to a reported 30% in 2024.
This partnership with Visa could help bridge this disparity by facilitating access to digital financial services for a wider segment of the population. By integrating digital payment solutions into public services and expanding access to modern financial tools, Gabon reaffirms its commitment to modernizing its economy and fostering more inclusive growth.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Huawei introduced digital solutions to tackle exploration inefficiency, pipeline security issues, and reliance on foreign data systems.
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Key innovations include an AI-based offshore exploration tool and 3D security platform.
Chinese technology firm Huawei has launched a suite of digital solutions aimed at bolstering the transformation of Nigeria's oil and gas sector. The announcement occurred in Lagos during the Oil and Gas Forum, a key event at Huawei Nigeria Day 2025, held last week.
These technological offerings are designed to tackle three significant challenges hindering the industry's efficiency: cumbersome exploration processes, persistent vulnerabilities in pipeline security, and a reliance on foreign systems for data management, which compromises digital sovereignty.
Among the showcased innovations is an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven offshore exploration solution. This technology promises to slash seismic data processing time from 21 days to a mere 72 hours, while achieving an impressive 92% accuracy rate. Pilot testing in the OML 130 block of the Niger Delta reportedly resulted in a 35% reduction in exploration costs. Huawei also presented a sophisticated three-dimensional security platform integrating fiber optic sensors and video analytics. This solution has purportedly reduced pipeline leaks by 60% and dramatically cut incident response time from 45 minutes to just 8 minutes.
Addressing the critical issue of digital sovereignty, Huawei introduced a localized cloud infrastructure that adheres to Nigerian regulations concerning strategic data. Information pertaining to oil and gas operations will now be stored within Nigeria, enhancing security and ensuring real-time accessibility.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader 2050 energy transition strategy, which seeks to strengthen domestic technical capabilities, ensure energy security, and modernize a vital sector of the national economy.
Oil and Gas: A Cornerstone of Nigeria's Economy
The oil and gas sector forms the bedrock of Nigeria's economy, generating over 90% of the nation's export revenue and approximately half of the government's income. As Africa's leading crude oil producer, Nigeria also holds the continent's largest proven natural gas reserves.
However, the sector grapples with long-standing structural challenges, including outdated infrastructure, insufficient investment in innovation, pipeline sabotage, and a dependency on foreign technology. By providing advanced technological solutions, Huawei aims to contribute to a more efficient utilization of national resources and improved governance within the sector.
To further this goal, the Chinese conglomerate intends to double incentives for its local partners and train more than 1,000 Nigerian professionals in energy technologies by the end of 2025. The objective is to cultivate a local ecosystem capable of accelerating the digital transition of Nigeria’s energy industry.
For Huawei, this strategic move aims to position Nigeria as a regional hub for energy innovation, leveraging technology to optimize productivity, secure critical infrastructure, and bolster data sovereignty.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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The U.S. announced over $550 million in trade agreements with Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on energy, digital transition, infrastructure, security, housing, and technology.
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Key partnerships include George Mason University, Cybastion, and the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Economy to train youth in AI and cybersecurity, alongside Cybastion’s ongoing projects in West Africa.
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These initiatives aim to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s digital sovereignty, secure critical infrastructures, and develop local digital talent.
The United States is deepening its engagement in Côte d’Ivoire's digital transformation, with a senior State Department official announcing and witnessing the signing of over $550 million in trade agreements during a recent visit to Abidjan. Troy Fitrell,acting Assistant Secretary for African Affairs , participated in key economic meetings where the deals spanned crucial sectors including energy, digital transition, infrastructure, security, housing, and technology.
A significant focus of the U.S. commitment lies in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Several initiatives were spotlighted, notably a memorandum of understanding between George Mason University, U.S. firm Cybastion, and the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Economy. This collaboration aims to cultivate young talent in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, providing Ivorian youth with the skills necessary to navigate the demands of the digital economy.
Adding to this momentum, Cybastion, an American company, has pledged to develop projects across several West African nations, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity, e-government solutions, connectivity enhancement, and technology-focused training programs.
This fresh wave of commitment builds upon existing cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and Cybastion. In 2023, the cybersecurity firm inked an agreement with Ivorian authorities for the development of a national data center and a digital administrative city. Further bolstering digital skills, a partnership with Cisco was launched in 2024 to train 3,000 women in various digital competencies.
The overarching ambition of these initiatives is to foster a more robust regional digital ecosystem. For Côte d’Ivoire, the key challenge lies in effectively leveraging these partnerships to fortify its digital sovereignty, establish secure critical infrastructure, and cultivate a substantial pool of skilled individuals capable of meeting the expanding needs of the digital sector, moving beyond isolated pilot programs.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- The Senegalese Data Protection Commission (CDP) partnered with the Pan-African NGO Paradigm Initiative (PIN) to enhance digital education, privacy protection, and awareness in Africa.
- The collaboration will involve joint awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and training for public institutions, private sector actors, and civil society.
- The partnership addresses challenges in Senegal's data protection culture and aligns with regional efforts to improve digital rights and security.
Senegal's Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CDP) announced Monday a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Pan-African non-governmental organization Paradigm Initiative (PIN), on the sidelines of the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP) General Assembly in Abuja. The partnership aims to strengthen awareness, digital education, and privacy protection amid the continent's rapid digital transformation.
"The government, the private sector, civil society, and the media must collaborate so that we can make the most of the digital economy. We cannot continue to talk about the digital economy without protecting it," said Gbenga Sesan (photo, center), the executive director of the NGO.
The collaboration will involve joint awareness campaigns, including information drives, capacity-building workshops, and training sessions targeting public institutions, the private sector, and civil society. The overarching goal is to embed a culture of data protection at both the national and sub-regional levels.
PIN, which operates in six African nations – Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – brings its expertise in advocating for digital rights to this partnership. The NGO also operates an online platform where individuals can report instances of abuse or unauthorized use of their personal data.
In Senegal, this collaboration coincides with the increasing digitization of public and private services, a trend supported by national policies aimed at leveraging digital technology for development. However, a robust data protection culture has yet to fully develop. While Law No. 2008-12 on personal data provides a legal framework, its full implementation is hindered by a lack of technical resources, training, and awareness within institutions and among the general public. Despite its active role, the CDP faces challenges in addressing all issues arising from the proliferation of digital platforms and the massive collection of data.
Across the African continent, the state of data protection is varied. According to the 2025 Yellow Card report, 39 of the 55 African countries now have personal data protection legislation in place. However, the enforcement of these laws differs significantly. While some nations, such as Morocco, South Africa, and Kenya, have active and well-structured regulatory authorities, others lack the necessary human and financial resources or independence, limiting their capacity to act effectively. Furthermore, the ratification of the Malabo Convention on cybersecurity and data protection, which entered into force in 2023, represents notable progress, although its implementation remains inconsistent.
Given these shared challenges, regional collaborations, such as the partnership between the Senegalese CDP and Paradigm Initiative, are seen as crucial for pooling resources, harmonizing practices, and fostering a digital environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful of rights.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- The strategy aims to fully digitize Algeria by 2030, fostering collaboration among government, tech experts, and the private sector, with strong support from the presidency.
- Priorities include training 500,000 ICT specialists, reducing tech talent emigration by 40%, and boosting the digital sector’s GDP contribution to 20%.
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