Tech (907)
- Kenya launches 2025–2030 national AI strategy focused on ethical, inclusive, and innovation-driven adoption across key sectors like health, agriculture, and public services.
- Strategy emphasizes data sovereignty and responsible governance, outlining future regulations on privacy, cybersecurity, and cross-border data flows.
- Plan aims to position Kenya as a regional AI leader, aligning with African Union initiatives and aiming to attract global partnerships and investment.
Kenya has unveiled its inaugural national artificial intelligence strategy, covering the years 2025 through 2030. The document articulates a distinct vision for the ethical, inclusive, and innovation-led integration of AI technologies. This initiative forms part of the nation's wider digital transformation agenda and serves as a clear indicator to international technology firms closely observing regulatory developments within emerging markets.
While formulated at the national level, the strategy mirrors a broader trend: the adaptation of global AI governance norms to the specific circumstances of emerging economies. It organizes Nairobi’s ambitions around several core pillars, encompassing infrastructure development, data sovereignty, sector-specific applications, and responsible innovation. The strategy also lays the groundwork for future legislative action.
Data governance stands out as a pivotal element of the document. Kenya signals its intent to cultivate an AI ecosystem anchored in local frameworks, adhering to principles of privacy, cybersecurity, and ethics. This approach could introduce new obligations for multinational corporations operating through cloud infrastructure or engaging in cross-border data transfers, particularly concerning data localization requirements or consent protocols.
The sectors identified for targeted AI deployment are those where the technology has the potential for rapid and significant impact: healthcare, agriculture, financial services, and public administration. Use cases such as AI-assisted diagnostics, personalized medicine, and the automation of administrative processes are prioritized, with a strong emphasis on managing potential ethical risks.
The strategy also envisions the development of a robust national digital infrastructure, fostered through collaborations between the public and private sectors. Data centers, cloud computing resources, and technology research centers will be central to this transformation. These investments could unlock substantial commercial opportunities while simultaneously establishing new compliance requirements, especially for cloud service providers and telecommunications operators.
Although the document does not yet carry the force of law, it outlines a prospective regulatory framework for AI within Kenya. The strategy addresses sensitive areas including risk classification, regulatory oversight mechanisms, and algorithmic governance.
Through this strategic document, Kenya aims to position itself as a key voice in the African AI discourse. While other nations on the continent, including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Algeria, have already adopted their own national AI strategies, Nairobi seeks to assert its unique vision, strengthen international partnerships, and proactively anticipate evolving global standards. The strategy thus aligns with several pan-African initiatives, notably those spearheaded by the African Union, the East African Community (EAC), and the Africa Smart Alliance.
The primary challenge will be the practical implementation of this vision. Success may hinge on the ability to mobilize both public and private sector investments, establish a governance framework that is both open and rigorous, and enhance local expertise—particularly through training programs, research initiatives, and the development of technology innovation hubs.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Most African countries lack core AI infrastructure, including internet access, fiber networks, and data centers; Egypt and South Africa lead regional efforts.
- Low digitalization and weak data systems hamper AI development; only South Africa and Mauritius score high in e-government readiness.
- Africa faces a major AI skills gap, but hubs like Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt are expanding talent pools through tech partnerships and training.
As artificial intelligence reshapes global economies, its adoption in developing countries—particularly in Africa—raises critical issues. It can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting smart agriculture and energy networks, optimizing production and supply chains, improving water management and urban planning, and much more. Case studies show that AI boosts productivity and improves living conditions, if backed by suitable policies and skillsets. UNCTAD, in its Frontier Technologies Readiness Index, assesses countries' capacity to integrate AI. Three critical points emerge for the effective adoption and development of AI. The assessment for Africa on these indicators reveals striking disparities with the rest of the world, also highlighting crucial investments needed for a full and successful 4.0 transformation.
Infrastructure
This indicator refers to digital connectivity and computing power, as well as the networks, architecture, and associated resources needed to create, train, and use AI solutions within a community or country.
Countries best prepared for AI infrastructure
Source: UNCTAD
Many African countries rank among the least prepared for AI globally. In fact, the vast majority of the continent lags significantly in Internet penetration and investments in telecommunications services. In 2024, only 38% of Africans had Internet access compared to a global average of 68%, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). According to Africa Analysis, the total inventory of operational terrestrial fiber optic networks in Africa was about 1,337,158 km, with 112,373 km under construction. However, some North African countries, such as Egypt and Morocco, exceed global averages in Internet penetration and telecom investments, partly thanks to submarine cables. Egypt, due to its geographic position and connections with numerous submarine cable operators, could become a hub linking three continents. The country alone is connected to more than fifteen submarine fiber optic cables. It boasts nearly 90% Internet penetration.
Number of Cloud Infrastructure Services, mid-2024
Source: UNCTAD
Africa also lags behind other continents in terms of traffic and participation in Internet Exchange Points (IXPs). Despite its 53 exchange points located in 36 countries, according to the Internet Society, only three countries met the 2010 goal of localizing 80% of all Internet traffic by 2020, with just 20% going through international lines in order to reduce latency and costs.
In terms of cloud infrastructure services, Africa is also behind other regions. South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria currently host the largest number of data centers on the continent—more than ten centers. Nonetheless, some countries are speeding up digitization, attracting growing interest from investors in data storage and hosting.
Data
Data is essential for training AI models, with dedicated datasets required to apply models to various use cases. Data is not only an input but is also generated by AI systems. Most African countries are considered “laggards” in terms of data readiness for AI, with low potential for adoption and development. The low level of digitization in the majority of African countries deprives the continent of data to feed AI models essential for information analysis. According to the 2024 e-Government Development Index, only two African countries scored very high: South Africa and Mauritius. Seventeen countries had high scores. The remaining thirty-five countries on the continent scored below the global average.
Countries with Internet accessibility favorable for AI
Source: UNCTAD
With regard to fixed broadband data traffic—critical for data flow—Least Developed Countries (LDCs), many of which are African, lag behind other developing nations. In its Mobility Report from November 2024, Ericsson indicates that mobile data traffic will grow by only 21% between 2024 and 2028, rising from 5.4 to 17 gigabits per month. This volume remains well below other regions and even below the global average, which is expected to rise from 19 to 40 gigabits per month.
Internet Exchange Point traffic and number of members, mid-2024
Source: UNCTAD
Delays in Internet exchange points and their transformation also weigh on Internet consumption and data generation.
Skills
On average, LDCs—many of which are in Africa—score significantly lower than developing and developed countries across all dimensions of the Frontier Technologies Readiness Index, with the skills index showing the largest gap.
African countries record relatively low scores in terms of developers per working-age population and in the share of the working-age population with higher education, notes UNCTAD.
Countries with AI-related skills (AI readiness)
Source: UNCTAD
However, countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya have seen rapid growth in the number of developers, becoming promising hubs for tech companies and fertile ground for tech innovation. Ethiopia and Egypt are also seeing fast growth in the number of people with intermediate and high-level digital skills, thanks to a surge in international partnerships. Private initiatives such as Andela and others backed by major groups like Microsoft, Google, and Huawei also offer hope for Africa’s future workforce.
UNCTAD's report draws a clear conclusion: Africa is currently ill-prepared for the AI revolution. Yet strong signals suggest the continent can catch up by accelerating investments in digital infrastructure, unlocking the potential of data, and scaling up tech skill development. Countries like Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria are showing the way. If these efforts become widespread, Africa could not only adopt AI, but also become a major player, creating solutions tailored to its unique challenges.
Muriel EDJO
- Senegal has adopted a national digital health policy to coordinate health sector digitization and improve service efficiency and data governance.
- A draft digital health law is being finalized to regulate the use, security, and confidentiality of medical data.
- The $150M World Bank–funded PAEN project supports this effort, including expanding electronic patient records to six more regions in 2025.
Senegal has officially adopted a digital health policy framework designed to structure the digitization of its medical sector. Approved on Monday, April 28th, by Health and Social Action Minister Ibrahima Sy, this document aims to integrate digital technologies into healthcare services while enhancing their governance and efficiency.
Speaking about the new framework, Minister Sy stressed the importance of better coordinating the numerous digital initiatives already in progress, which are often implemented in a disjointed manner. A primary goal is to prevent redundancy and optimize resources. He also underscored the urgent need for a strong legal framework to ensure the security and confidentiality of citizens' health data.
In line with this, a draft law on digital health is being finalized and will soon be submitted to the General Secretariat of the Government. This legislation seeks to formally regulate the use of technology within the health system by establishing clear guidelines for the collection, storage, and utilization of medical data.
These initiatives are part of the Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAEN), a $150 million initiative financed by the World Bank through 2028. PAEN notably aims to strengthen high-speed connectivity resilient to climate risks and to promote the adoption of online public services, including the electronic patient record (EPR).
The program plans to expand the electronic patient record (EPR) to six additional regions starting this year, following a pilot phase conducted in several facilities in Dakar. These included the Abass Ndao and Thierno Birahim Ndao hospitals, the Khadim Rassoul health center, and the HLM Fass health post.
Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. A key concern will be preventing digitization from widening disparities in access to care, particularly in rural or poorly connected areas. The widespread availability of digital tools, the inclusion of the most vulnerable populations, and the training of healthcare personnel will be critical for the success of this transition.
Ultimately, the success of this transformation hinges on robust governance of health data to maintain public trust in these new systems. Therefore, its success will depend on its ability to effectively combine innovation, equity, and security.
Samira Njoya
- Tanzania collected $71.5 million in digital tax revenue from 1,820 online businesses, mainly in betting, between July 2024 and March 2025.
- A national e-commerce strategy is being finalized to modernize regulations, boost tax collection, and support digital sector growth.
- Digital services are taxed under a robust framework, including a 2% DST, 3% withholding tax, and 18% VAT on electronic services.
Between July 2024 and March 2025, the Tanzanian government collected 192.78 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately $71.5 million) in tax revenue from 1,820 businesses operating online, with the digital betting industry being the primary contributor. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Exaud Kigahe disclosed these figures in Parliament on Wednesday, April 29th.
During the same parliamentary session, Kigahe announced that Tanzania is in the final stages of developing a national e-commerce strategy. This plan seeks to adjust the regulatory environment to the evolving digital marketplace and to optimize tax revenue generated by this rapidly expanding sector.
Key components of the strategy include bolstering information and communication technology infrastructure, revising current public policies and regulations, and enhancing communication, transportation, and logistics services. It also underscores the importance of securing online transactions and increasing public awareness regarding the adoption of digital platforms.
This strategy will align with the existing tax framework governing digital services. Since July 2022, Tanzania has implemented a 2% Digital Services Tax (DST) on non-resident providers of electronic services, in addition to a 3% withholding tax on platforms facilitating transactions. These services are also subject to an 18% VAT. This framework is designed to ensure the fair taxation of locally generated revenue, particularly from foreign entities.
Through this strategy, Tanzanian authorities aim to stimulate the use of online commerce, enhance tax collection, and combat undeclared digital activities. The government's challenge now will be to solidify this growth while addressing the risks associated with the digital sector, particularly in sensitive areas like online gambling.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Senegal’s APROSI and Orange Business sign partnership to digitize industrial hubs
- Agreement signed April 28, 2025, to equip sites with fiber optics, private networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity
- Plan includes smart energy management, connected lighting, enhanced security, and improved mobility within industrial zones
On Monday, April 28, 2025, Senegal’s Agency for the Development and Promotion of Industrial Sites (APROSI) and Orange Business Senegal, the business-to-business arm of the SONATEL Group, entered into a strategic partnership to equip the nation's industrial hubs with next-generation digital services.
The alliance seeks to transform industrial sites into smart, connected, sustainable, and competitive platforms capable of meeting the demands of Industry 4.0. Orange Business will contribute its expertise in critical areas such as fiber optics, private networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity. The agreement extends further to include the deployment of intelligent energy management solutions, connected public lighting, security, and mobility within industrial sites.
The partnership also entails support for companies in their digital transition. Concrete applications involving the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive maintenance will be proposed to modernize production tools. A strategic committee and a monitoring and evaluation mechanism will be established to ensure the effective implementation of projects.
This initiative aligns with Senegal's 2050 Economic Transformation Agenda, which positions digital technology as central to the country's growth and competitiveness. It also responds to a regional landscape characterized by increasing competition among West African nations to attract industrial investment. In this strategic contest, the development of connected and high-performing industrial zones could provide Senegal with a significant advantage.
The industrial sector currently accounts for approximately 25% of Senegal's GDP. By equipping it with advanced technologies, the country aims to enhance its productivity, streamline logistics, optimize energy consumption, and strengthen the traceability of value chains. Digital technology thus becomes a strategic tool for building a more resilient, competitive, and future-oriented industry.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Côte d’Ivoire ratifies bill modernizing digital security framework
- National Assembly unanimously adopted the bill on April 24, 2025
- New framework aims to strengthen cybersecurity and align with international standards
Côte d’Ivoire's National Assembly unanimously approved on Thursday, April 24, a bill ratifying Ordinance No. 2024-950 dated October 30, 2024, concerning the security of its digital space. Presented by Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization Kalil Konaté, the legislation modernizes the legal framework for electronic transactions and bolsters cybersecurity measures within the country.
A key amendment involves the repeal of Article 50 of Law No. 2013-546, which had previously assigned the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority (ARTCI) responsibility for network security, the auditing and certification of information systems, and the issuance of electronic certificates. These responsibilities are now transferred to the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI), a specialized cybersecurity body.
Concurrently, Articles 3 and 17 of Ordinance No. 2017-500, pertaining to electronic exchanges between citizens and administrations, are amended to replace references to ARTCI with "the competent body," which now designates ANSSI.
ANSSI's mandate now includes safeguarding the State's networks and information systems, as well as critical infrastructure. It will also coordinate responses to cybersecurity incidents, conduct security audits, certify information systems, and issue electronic certificates to entities operating in Côte d’Ivoire. Furthermore, ANSSI is tasked with promoting cybersecurity best practices among government agencies and economic operators.
This transfer of responsibilities is intended to enhance the protection of Côte d’Ivoire's digital realm by entrusting it to a dedicated and technically proficient agency. It also aims to improve the interconnectedness of public information systems within a framework that ensures transparency, technological neutrality, and security. The ratification of this ordinance sets the stage for the implementation of strengthened digital public policies within a more cohesive legal environment aligned with international cybersecurity standards.
Samira Njoya
Since its inception in 2004, VITIB has aimed to position Ivory Coast as a key player in technological innovation. Now, it's intensifying efforts to attract strategic investments and evolve into a leading technology hub in West Africa.
The Information Technology and Biotechnology Village (VITIB), situated in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, is intensifying its drive to secure $311 million (180 billion CFA francs) to fund its development blueprint through 2028. The initiative aims to transform its special economic zone into a comprehensive technology hub, spurring innovation and economic expansion across West Africa.
To this end, a VITIB delegation recently travelled to India for discussions with investors and prospective collaborators. Conversations focused on investment prospects within the park, infrastructure development, modalities for industrial and financial alliances, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technological solutions. Among the entities engaged were AXL, OKAYA Group, and representatives from the Export-Import Bank of India.
"India occupies a significant chapter in VITIB's history. Shortly after its inception, Côte d’Ivoire’s first technology park benefited from crucial financial backing through a loan from Exim Bank of India, which facilitated the construction of essential infrastructure. As a tribute to this partnership, a section of the technology park was named after Mahatma Gandhi," VITIB stated.
Spanning more than 600 hectares, VITIB is organized into three distinct zones: manufacturing, administrative, and residential. It is home to pioneering enterprises in the fields of information technology and biotechnology. It provides a favorable tax climate, featuring a five-year tax holiday followed by a lowered rate, alongside contemporary infrastructure such as data centers, fiber-optic connectivity, and a single-window service streamlining business establishment.
Its strategic roadmap aims to generate 40,000 skilled employment opportunities and attract $1.6 billion (1,000 billion CFA francs) in foreign direct investment. VITIB thereby aspires to establish Côte d’Ivoire as West Africa’s technological vanguard by cultivating an environment that fosters innovation and competitiveness.
This promotional tour in India forms part of a wider campaign to raise the profile of the technology park, draw new participants from the technology and biotechnology sectors, and investigate novel financing avenues. Leveraging its established relationship with India, VITIB seeks to inject fresh impetus into its project and solidify Grand-Bassam's position as a pivotal innovation hub in Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- RASCOM and Egypt’s Nilesat sign MoU to boost Africa’s space sector
- Agreement signed April 23 aims to enhance satellite capacity use, training, and innovation
- Parties to collaborate on infrastructure, platforms, and marketing of satellite services
- A dedicated marketing services contract was also concluded alongside the MoU
The Regional African Satellite Communications Organization (RASCOM) signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, April 23, with Nilesat, the Egyptian national satellite operator. The two parties thus demonstrate their willingness to collaborate further to accelerate the development of the African space sector.
The main areas of collaboration focus on the commercialization of satellite capacities, training, innovation, and research. Both parties commit to pooling their expertise, platforms, applications, and satellite infrastructures. A marketing services contract was also concluded between them.
“This partnership marks a strategic convergence of our common objectives: to stimulate innovation, promote knowledge sharing, and advance satellite services in the region. Together, we aim to provide enhanced connectivity and promote skills development in the space sector,” said Hesham Lotfy Sallam, Commercial Director at Nilesat.
The establishment of this partnership comes shortly after the launch of the African Space Agency (AfSA), intended to structure the continent’s space initiatives. The agency is dedicated to the collection, analysis, and sharing of spatial data, in service of the continent’s sustainable development. This cooperative dynamic illustrates the growing momentum of the African space sector, with a multiplication of national initiatives. Last March, Botswana launched BOTSAT-1, its first satellite. Seventeen other countries on the continent have also already put satellites into orbit. Egypt leads the list with 14 spacecraft, followed by South Africa (13) and Nigeria (7).
Africa seeks to strengthen its position in the global space market, whose growth is accelerating. According to data recently cited by the Senegalese government, the global market is expected to exceed 737 billion dollars in the next decade. Space in Africa indicates that the value of the African market was estimated at 22.6 billion dollars in 2024.
Beyond these economic prospects, space technologies offer strategic advances in precision agriculture, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications. For this latter area, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) estimates that satellites have the potential to provide universal coverage in Africa, where a large part of the population is still deprived of mobile phone and Internet services.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- State Minister Nguilin met World Bank officials in Washington on April 24
- Discussions focused on overhauling public services, e-learning, and civil registry digitization
- World Bank signaled readiness to expand support beyond e-procurement to full-service digital platforms
Chad is accelerating its digital transformation efforts and is counting on enhanced support from the World Bank to modernize its public services. On the sidelines of the Spring Meetings in Washington, State Minister Tahir Hamid Nguilin met on Thursday, April 24, with Michel Rogy, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Digital Development, and Jana Kunicova, Sector Director for West and Central Africa, to discuss the way forward.
During the meeting, the Chadian official stressed the urgent need to overhaul financial administrations, improve connectivity, and leverage digital technologies to make government services more accessible, efficient, and transparent. The government has identified key priorities, including the digitization of civil registry records, the digital transformation of school curricula, the expansion of e-learning, and the promotion of local innovation.
These goals are part of the Digital Transformation Support Project, already funded by the World Bank. Launched six months ago, the project has reached a disbursement rate of 8%, which the institution has welcomed as a promising sign. The World Bank reiterated its willingness to go beyond e-procurement support by helping establish an integrated digital platform for public services.
Still, accelerating progress will require substantial technical assistance. Chad faces several hurdles: patchy internet connectivity, a shortage of digital skills, and fragile infrastructure. Enhanced backing from the World Bank could help foster a structured, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem—one designed to improve access to public services and strengthen governance.
According to the ICT Development Index 2024 published by the International Telecommunication Union, only 12.2% of Chadians currently have internet access. The country faces a stark digital divide between urban and rural areas. Additionally, Chad scores just 0.1194 out of 1 on the digital infrastructure development index—one of the lowest ratings globally. Against this backdrop, the World Bank’s support could play a critical role in building a coherent and resilient digital ecosystem that serves citizens and enhances effective governance.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Rwanda signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding with C4IR UAE and C4IR Malaysia during Dubai AI Week 2025.
- The partnership focuses on ethical, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to AI development.
- Key areas include governance frameworks, skills development, and technological innovation.
On Wednesday, April 23, during Dubai AI Week 2025, Rwanda inked a three-way memorandum of understanding with the Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) of the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia. Ambassador John Mirenge, representing the Rwandan government, finalized the agreement, signaling a significant stride in international collaboration on artificial intelligence.
This partnership aims to build on the momentum generated by Rwanda's AI fellowship program and foster deeper collaboration among the three nations. It will support joint efforts in areas such as governance frameworks, skills development, and technological innovation, with a focus on ethical, inclusive, and sustainable methodologies.
The agreement comes after Kigali hosted the inaugural Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Africa. That event, which convened experts, government officials, and private sector partners, underscored Rwanda's aspirations in AI and its increasing prominence in global discussions concerning technology governance.
Since 2022, Rwanda has operated its own Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, established in partnership with the World Economic Forum. This center spearheads AI projects and develops appropriate regulatory structures. An ambitious initiative to create 50 artificial intelligence applications over four years was launched this month, aiming to accelerate the digital transformation of key sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, finance, and public administration. This program aligns with the national digital development strategy and the country's Vision 2050.
This closer relationship could also enable Rwanda to leverage the advanced experience of the United Arab Emirates, which has already integrated AI into numerous government services, and Malaysia’s expertise in applying technological innovation to industry. For Kigali, this represents a strategic opportunity to expedite the growth of its own artificial intelligence ecosystem while solidifying its standing on the global technology stage.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
More...
- Morocco announced an international call for tenders to digitize the national civil registry.
- The digitization effort covers more than 38 million records across 1,821 civil registry offices.
- Phase one involves converting ~27 million paper documents (some dating to 1915) via manual entry and verification.
- Phase two targets ~11 million already-digitized records for auditing, indexing, and securing.
Morocco is launching an international call for tenders to select service providers for a national civil registry digitization project, the Directorate General of Local Authorities announced. The initiative, with a budget exceeding 194 million dirhams, or roughly $20.8 million, aims to overhaul the management of civil registry records and bolster the digitization of public services nationwide. Bids will be opened on May 29 at the Ministry of the Interior in Rabat.
"This project aims to establish a centralized and secure database, connecting all civil registry offices to a unified, high-performance information system," the Interior Ministry stated. "This will enable real-time data exchange with other public institutions, accelerating procedures, improving service quality, and strengthening the digital transformation of Moroccan administration."
The digitization effort will encompass over 38 million records spread across 1,821 civil registry offices throughout the country. It will proceed in two phases. The initial phase involves approximately 27 million paper documents, some dating back to 1915. These documents will undergo meticulous digitization, manual data entry, and rigorous verification to ensure data accuracy. The second phase will cover more than 11 million already-digitized documents, which will be audited, indexed, and secured to guarantee their integrity and traceability.
Selected service providers will be required to adhere to stringent cybersecurity standards and ensure the faithful preservation of the original documents. Payment for services will be phased, allowing for close monitoring of contractual obligations.
The project also includes the development of an integrated information system designed to centralize data while ensuring its seamless connection with other public services. This system will streamline administrative processes, reduce processing times, and ensure consistent service quality across the country.
Furthermore, an electronic portal will be created for citizens, enabling them to conduct various procedures remotely, including requests for birth certificates, family record books, and the registration of births and deaths. This portal is intended to enhance digital inclusion while alleviating pressure on physical administrative counters.
This project aligns with Morocco's national "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform. Through this initiative, the Kingdom seeks to solidify its ambition to become a leading regional player in the digital sphere, leveraging technological innovation to serve its citizens and modernize public administration. The country has already made strides in this direction, digitizing 600 public services, including 300 for citizens, 200 for businesses, and 100 for government agencies.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The reform represents a significant stride towards achieving equitable, accessible, and quality healthcare for all Kenyans, leveraging digital innovations to overcome longstanding challenges in the health sector.
On April 22, Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale held a consultative meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Hon. Samuel Chepkonga (MP, Ainabkoi), at Bunge Towers, Nairobi. The session focused on reviewing the Digital Health (Health Information Management Procedures) Regulations, 2025, ensuring they align with earlier parliamentary recommendations and effectively support the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
During the meeting, CS Duale announced the operationalization of USSD code *147#, now in use to help Kenyans transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA)—a major milestone in Kenya’s ongoing healthcare reforms. The discussions also emphasized the need for robust public awareness campaigns, particularly at the grassroots level, to increase understanding and uptake of SHA services.
Kenya’s journey toward UHC has been a long-standing national priority. The NHIF, established in 1966, served as the country’s primary public health insurer for more than five decades. However, persistent challenges, such as limited coverage among informal sector workers and operational inefficiencies, prompted comprehensive reforms. These efforts culminated in the creation of the SHA in 2023, designed to provide more inclusive and sustainable health financing.
To further support this transformation, Kenya enacted the Digital Health Act in October 2023, laying the legal foundation for the safe and effective use of technology in healthcare. The Act enhances data privacy and security while establishing standards for digital health services such as telemedicine and mobile health platforms.
Through the revision of digital health regulations and the integration of user-friendly access channels like the USSD platform, Kenya is building a more accessible, affordable, and efficient healthcare system—one that is digitally empowered and truly inclusive.
Hikmatu Bilali
- Algeria inaugurates rapid prototyping platform at Ouzera University
- The platform supports students with innovative projects, aligning with the national strategy to build a knowledge economy
- It features advanced tools including 3D printing, laser cutting, and modeling equipment
Algeria's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari (photo, center), inaugurated a rapid prototyping platform at the University of Ouzera in Médéa province on Tuesday, April 22, aiming to empower students with innovative projects. The facility aligns with the national strategy to position universities as key drivers of the knowledge economy.
"The launch of this technological rapid prototyping platform enhances the outcomes of scientific research, provides students with an avenue to establish startups, and reinforces the strategic role of students in wealth generation and the advancement of the knowledge and innovation economy," Minister Baddari said during the inauguration ceremony.
Equipped with sophisticated modeling tools, laser cutting, and 3D printing capabilities, the platform expedites the design and production of functional prototypes. This offers project developers the chance to realize their concepts more swiftly while lowering manufacturing expenses. It bolsters a growing technological ecosystem within Algerian universities, following the recent introduction of a national cloud computing platform, a drone design and control system, and a university incubator focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.
This initiative is part of a broader push to support the entrepreneurial landscape in Algeria. In recent years, the government has expanded support mechanisms for young project holders through the establishment of support structures such as the National Agency for the Promotion of Incubators (ANPI), startup development centers across various regions, and funding mechanisms like the Algerian Startup Fund, which has been allocated several billion dinars.
Currently, Algeria has several hundred officially registered startups operating in crucial sectors including digital technology, fintech, healthcare, and smart agriculture. The development of technological platforms within universities, such as the one in Ouzera, further strengthens an environment conducive to the emergence of a generation of innovators capable of actively contributing to the country's economic diversification.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- The Central Procurement Office for Medicines (CAMME) finalized the national installation of mSupply software across all healthcare facilities.
- The system enhances drug stock management, traceability, and supply planning, aiming to reduce stockouts and medication losses.
Djibouti's Central Procurement Office for Medicines and Essential Supplies (CAMME) announced Monday, April 21, the completion of the mSupply software installation across all healthcare facilities nationwide. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the digitization of Djibouti’s health system, an initiative that began in 2022 with technical and financial support from partners, most notably the World Bank.
"Thanks to our management system, stock levels, drug traceability, and supply planning are now optimized, thereby strengthening the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of the national pharmaceutical system," CAMME stated.
This modernization effort addresses several key strategic challenges, including preventing stockouts, minimizing losses from expired medications, ensuring the efficient distribution of essential medicines, and securing the tracking of health product flows from the central procurement office to healthcare facilities.
The mSupply software, already utilized in approximately 30 countries globally, has demonstrated its effectiveness, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Its implementation in Djibouti is a component of the 2023–2027 National Pharmaceutical Policy rollout. This policy aims to sustainably improve access to essential medicines while guaranteeing their quality, traceability, and availability. The initiative is part of the broader Health System Strengthening Project, financed by the World Bank and underway since February 2023, with the overarching goal of ensuring improved healthcare access for the entire population.
As numerous African nations increasingly adopt digitization to modernize their healthcare systems, Djibouti is underscoring its ambition to leverage technology as a strategic tool for enhancing health system efficiency and ensuring the continuous availability of essential medicines.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji