Tech (1073)
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Senegal’s Ministry of Education launched PLANETE 3, a digital platform to modernize school management.
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The system offers real-time monitoring of attendance, grades, and student performance, with UNICEF’s support.
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The initiative is part of a CFA130 billion ($233 million) national digital education strategy for 2025–2029.
Senegal’s Ministry of Education officially launched “PLANETE 3” on Friday, October 3, a digital platform designed to modernize the management of schools and educational institutions. Developed by local engineers, the system aims to end the fragmentation and isolation of the country’s education network.
“PLANETE 3 is not just a technological upgrade. It represents a fundamental shift and marks the irreversible transition toward a more connected, participatory, and dynamic educational community,” said Education Minister Moustapha Guirassy during the launch ceremony in Dakar.
The platform provides each education stakeholder with a personalized interface. It includes features for real-time tracking of attendance, grades, and report cards, as well as remote learning tools for struggling students, developed with UNICEF’s support. Intelligent dashboards will also allow education officials, including the minister, to monitor the entire system nationwide.
The initiative is part of the National Digital Strategy for Education 2025–2029, unveiled in January with an estimated budget of CFA130 billion (about $233 million). The strategy seeks to modernize Senegal’s schools and improve their appeal. It also follows the launch of a large-scale program to train 105,000 teachers in digital tools and artificial intelligence to support the country’s educational transformation.
For teachers, PLANETE 3 is expected to reduce administrative burdens, freeing more time for innovation in the classroom. Parents will gain real-time visibility through instant notifications, while students will receive more personalized support, especially those facing academic challenges. For administrators, the tool provides a powerful decision-making and management instrument, helping to build a more efficient and inclusive education system.
However, several challenges remain to ensure the platform’s success. Connectivity issues, limited computer access in some schools, and potential overload during peak usage periods will need to be addressed to guarantee smooth and equitable implementation across the country.
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Zambia and Ethiopia signed a cooperation deal to develop national digital ID systems.
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Ethiopia shares experience from its Fayda program, with 25 million citizens already enrolled.
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UNECA estimates digital ID could add 3–7% of GDP by cutting costs and boosting inclusion.
Zambia and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding on October 2 to work together on developing national digital identity systems. The agreement, reached under the Permanent Joint Commission of Cooperation, aims to improve citizens’ access to essential services while strengthening transparency and public accountability.
The partnership will involve a transfer of expertise from Ethiopia to Zambia, particularly in biometric enrollment, open standards, and interoperable systems. Zambia expects to draw on Ethiopia’s experience to accelerate its identification infrastructure.
Ethiopia has moved ahead with its Fayda national digital ID program, launched in 2023, which seeks to provide secure digital identities to the entire population. More than 25 million people have already registered, with a target of 90 million by 2027.
In Zambia, progress is more recent but notable. In 2024, the country digitized 81% of its old paper identity cards within just three months. However, challenges remain, including a low birth registration rate of 14% in 2024, which limits overall coverage.
Beyond improving public services, the initiative is expected to support financial and social inclusion. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), a well-designed digital ID system could generate value equivalent to 3–7% of GDP in African countries by reducing administrative costs and better integrating citizens into the formal economy.
For both Zambia and Ethiopia, the project is seen as a driver of development and aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes local digital solutions to foster regional integration and sustainable growth. By adopting interoperable digital identities, the two countries are laying the groundwork for inclusive ecosystems that can stimulate economic activity and strengthen trust between citizens and institutions.
If fully implemented, the initiative could place Zambia and Ethiopia at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation. Still, challenges remain, including ensuring data protection, achieving cross-platform interoperability, preventing the exclusion of rural and low-connectivity populations, and securing sustainable financing for large-scale deployment and maintenance.
• Senegal launched a $233 million national program to train 105,000 teachers and administrators in digital tools and artificial intelligence.
• The program is part of the government’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029 and includes distributing computers to science students.
• Connectivity gaps remain a challenge, as 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023, according to the ITU.
Senegal’s government is accelerating its digital transformation strategy through new capacity-building initiatives. In August, authorities already organized digital training for members of parliament.
On September 30, the Ministry of National Education (MEN) officially launched a national program to train teachers in digital skills and artificial intelligence. The initiative also includes providing computers to students in science tracks. Officials described the program as the operational start of the country’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029, which carries a budget of CFA130 billion (about $233 million) announced in January.
The program stems from a partnership signed in March 2025 between the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. It targets 105,000 teachers and administrative staff to integrate digital tools and AI into teaching and school management.
The online training will be accessible via computers, tablets, or smartphones connected to the internet. It includes interactive content, self-learning modules, and certified assessments. Teachers will learn to adapt their methods to technological changes, use digital resources to enrich learning, raise student awareness of digital and AI issues, and strengthen cybersecurity and data protection in schools.
“The final objective of this initiative is to integrate digital tools directly into the classroom, not only to modernize teaching but also to create an ecosystem adapted to 21st-century requirements,” the ministry said. “This program is not limited to teacher training. It represents a paradigm shift that will allow Senegalese students to move from being simple consumers of technology to becoming creators and innovators.”
Successful implementation depends on several factors. Access to compatible devices, the cost of internet connections, digital literacy, and telecom coverage remain significant barriers. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
• Tunisia opens Smart Industry 4.0 training center in Sfax
• First 13 trainees focus on IoT, robotics, automation skills
• Part of Swiss-backed Takween program to boost youth employability
The Sfax governorate in Tunisia inaugurated a new specialized training center on Tuesday, September 30, focusing on Smart Industry 4.0. The hub aims to prepare young people for careers related to the digital transformation of manufacturing and enhance their employability in a rapidly evolving market.
Elyes Chérif, Director General of the Tunisian Professional Training Agency (ATFP), emphasized that the project directly addresses the evolving needs of Tunisian businesses, which face increasing automation and digitalization of their processes. “The objective is to equip young people with the specialized skills that correspond to the requirements of Industry 4.0 and offer them better professional integration prospects,” he stated.
The new facility will welcome a first cohort of 13 trainees selected for programs centered on automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and the maintenance of smart industrial systems. This laboratory is the fourth of its kind in Tunisia, following centers established in Sidi Thabet (Ariana), Monastir, and Sousse.
The program is part of the Swiss-backed “Takween” program, launched in 2020. Takween adopts an innovative, work-study approach to vocational training, aiming to strengthen the employability of higher education graduates, particularly those from professional training tracks, and align young Tunisians’ skills with the standards of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Such initiatives are critical in Africa, where the African Development Bank forecasts that more than 30 million young Africans will enter the labor market annually by 2030. In Tunisia, a country with a young population and a changing industrial base, these specialized labs are designed to bridge the skills gap and stimulate local innovation.
With this new base, Tunisia aims to cultivate a talent pool capable of meeting the challenges of the digital revolution, fostering the emergence of technology startups, and contributing to the development of smart industry both nationally and regionally.
Samira Njoya
• TikTok to train 120 Ghanaian creators on October 12
• Sessions cover engagement, algorithms, and monetization skills
• Ghana eyes digital growth; GCB proposes creator payment system
TikTok plans to host a training session for local content creators in Ghana on October 12, an initiative designed to enhance digital skills, engagement, and monetization on the platform.
The training was disclosed by Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communications, Digital Technologies, and Innovation, during a meeting with members of the New Media Association of Ghana, the Ghana Bloggers Association, and independent creators earlier this week.
Targeting 120 content creators, the session will be delivered by a technical team from TikTok traveling from South Africa. The training will focus on platform optimization to help participants improve their reach, engagement, and monetization strategies.
“This will be the first time a government in Ghana has facilitated TikTok’s direct engagement with local creators. The training will give you practical insights into how algorithms work, how to boost your engagement, and how to monetise effectively,” Minister Nartey George said.
The move is part of the government’s effort to support the nation’s burgeoning digital creative industry. The availability of relevant digital content is a key factor in mobile internet adoption; approximately 70% of Ghana's population were using the internet at the start of 2025, according to DataReportal.
In a related development in early September, Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) proposed a mechanism to allow Ghanaian TikTok creators to receive their earnings securely and transparently. Leveraging its extensive network and connectivity with MasterCard, Visa, mobile money wallets, and bank accounts, GCB is positioning itself as the ideal payment gateway to facilitate withdrawals and manage earnings from creator gifts.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Startups are reshaping Africa’s economies, generating opportunities for young people and driving into new markets. Yet their potential is still held back by funding gaps, a shortage of skilled workers and weak infrastructure.
Sub-Saharan Africa faces a spiraling youth employment crisis, with technology startups emerging as a promising, yet geographically concentrated, source of new jobs and innovation.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), approximately 27 million young people in the region were unemployed in 2023, representing a jobless rate of 8.9%. Compounding the issue are 62 million NEETs (Not in Employment, Education, or Training), accounting for about one-quarter of the population aged 15 to 24. With over 30 million new entrants expected to join the labor market annually by 2030, pressure is steadily mounting.
Tech's Real Impact: Job Creation Data Confirmed
Recent data confirms that African startups are increasingly impacting employment figures. The African Tech Startups Funding Report 2022 found that the 633 funded startups across the continent employed 34,201 people at the time of their first capital raise, nearly double the workforce recorded in 2021. On average, funded startups employed 54 people in 2022, up from 32 the previous year, signaling a growth in the ecosystem's robustness and absorption capacity.
Nigeria exemplifies this trend. According to Partech, its startup ecosystem alone generated over 19,000 direct jobs in 2022, with nearly half concentrated in fintechs. Egypt followed closely with 11,153 jobs recorded across 131 funded startups that year, while Kenya and South Africa also showed significant job creation levels. These figures show that startups, particularly in the most dynamic digital hubs, are already absorbing some of the young workforce often marginalized by the formal sector.
Persistent Challenges Hinder Widespread Growth
Despite these advances, significant obstacles remain. Partech’s Africa Tech Venture Capital Report 2023 highlighted that four countries—Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa—captured over 80% of the funding raised on the continent. This concentration excludes many young entrepreneurs in still-emerging ecosystems.
The mismatch between training and market needs is another major concern. The World Bank notes that many African companies identify the digital skills deficit as a constraint on their growth. The Brookings Institution estimates that 230 million jobs will require digital skills by 2030, generating a demand for 650 million training opportunities. Furthermore, the issue of sustainability is critical: startups, dependent on financing and markets, remain fragile and often short-lived.
A less visible but equally crucial challenge is inclusion. Barriers to entry for young people without networks or collateral, particularly regarding gender, locality (rural vs. urban), and access to finance, remain serious. Post-training support, market linkage, and sustained entrepreneurial coaching are often insufficient.
Path Forward Requires Strengthened Strategy
Addressing these limitations requires massive investment in training and support. Initiatives like the Orange Digital Centers, 42 Campuses, and the Andela program seek to close the skills gap by offering practical, accessible curricula aimed at aligning youth competencies with actual business needs.
The focus on inclusion remains central. Young women, rural inhabitants, and those excluded from traditional financing often miss out on entrepreneurial dynamics. Without proactive policies to broaden access to innovation beyond the established hubs, the disparity risk is likely to worsen.
Samira Njoya
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Blademy partnered with FasterCapital under its EquityPilot program to scale Bluetooth-enabled health devices for chronic disease management in West Africa.
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The partnership will provide capital, mentorship, commercialization support, and fundraising assistance to accelerate deployment.
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Pilots will launch in Ghana and Senegal within 6–18 months before scaling to Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.
The World Health Organization warned that Africa could face a shortage of 6.1 million health workers by 2030 if urgent action is not taken. Digital health is emerging as a key lever to close the gap and expand care access across the region.
Blademy, an initiative of Côte d’Ivoire’s Agence Digitale N’zassa (ADN), signed a strategic partnership with global incubator FasterCapital through its EquityPilot program. The agreement seeks to strengthen digital health in West Africa with locally adapted and affordable solutions.
“Blademy illustrates the kind of pragmatic, high-impact innovation we seek: simple hardware, smart software, and a business model tailored to underserved markets. Our EquityPilot program will provide the capital, network, and technical guidance required to transform demonstrable pilots into scalable impact on health systems,” said FasterCapital founder and CEO Hesham Zreik.
The collaboration will give Blademy growth capital, international mentorship, commercialization support, and fundraising assistance. These resources aim to accelerate the rollout of its offline, Bluetooth-enabled health platform designed to manage diabetes, hypertension, and gout.
Blademy’s solution combines low-cost Bluetooth glucometers, blood pressure monitors, and uric acid testers with an Android/iOS application that functions offline. Data is stored locally and later shared with clinicians, enabling patient monitoring in rural and peri-urban areas while reducing chronic care costs.
The initiative comes as digital health grows rapidly in West Africa but remains hindered by weak connectivity and reliance on imported equipment. Millions in the region suffer from chronic diseases, while shortages of health professionals add pressure to fragile systems. Blademy’s model addresses these local realities by focusing on affordability and offline functionality.
With FasterCapital’s support, Blademy will implement a 6–18 month roadmap starting with pilot projects in Ghana and Senegal. Expansion is planned for Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso. Long term, the company aims to become a leading digital health player in West Africa, strengthening prevention and reducing the economic burden of chronic illnesses.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Egypt unveiled a national strategy to modernize existing cities and build new smart cities.
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The plan addresses rapid urbanization, climate pressures, and aims to foster economic growth and social inclusion.
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The government seeks to position Egypt as a regional hub for smart cities in North Africa and the Middle East.
Egypt launched a National Smart Cities Strategy on Sept. 30 to integrate advanced technologies, sustainability, and citizen-centered governance into urban planning. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Communities said the strategy will apply to both existing and new cities across the country.
Local Development Minister and acting Environment Minister Manal Awad said the initiative represents “a transformative shift in Egypt’s urban agenda. It responds to rapid urbanization, climate pressures, and spatial justice while opening new opportunities for economic growth and social inclusion. Citizens remain at the center of this approach.”
The plan aims to modernize current cities by upgrading infrastructure, improving services, and restructuring informal areas. In parallel, the government will create new smart cities to manage population growth and promote innovation.
Authorities said the new cities will combine connected infrastructure, intelligent transport, optimized energy and water management, and digital public services.
The initiative comes as African cities face rapid urbanization and growing digital challenges. UN-Habitat projects Africa’s urban population will double by 2050, underscoring the urgency of adopting smart technologies to manage mobility, energy, and public services.
Egypt, the third most populous country in Africa with over 110 million people, is confronting similar pressures. The government seeks to establish itself as a North African and Middle Eastern hub for smart cities.
If fully implemented, the strategy could ease congestion, improve access to services, create jobs in digital and smart urban development sectors, and strengthen resilience to climate challenges. Officials said the plan is designed to make cities more efficient, safe, and inclusive for residents.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Côte d'Ivoire launches government data-sharing interoperability platform
- Estonian-developed UXP enables secure, real-time exchange across agencies
- Pilot covers 12 institutions, supporting 2030 "zero paper" ambition
Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, launched a public administration interoperability platform on Thursday, Sept. 25, in Abidjan. The tool is designed to enable the secure, real-time exchange of data between the information systems of various state entities.
According to the Minister, the platform is intended to break down the siloed operation of government agencies, which causes delays and increases costs for both the state and citizens. It is seen as a central lever for simplifying procedures, improving service quality, enhancing transparency, and supporting the Ivorian ambition to achieve "zero paper" by 2030.
The chosen solution, named UXP, was developed by Estonian company Cybernetica. The open-source and adaptable system allows information systems to communicate and securely exchange data in real-time. Practically, citizens will no longer need to provide the same documents multiple times to different administrations. Data recorded by one service can be automatically shared with another, with the user's consent.
The pilot phase involves 12 public institutions, including the Directorate General of Taxes, the National Office of Civil Status and Identification (ONECI), the National Social Security Fund (CNPS), and the Abidjan Commercial Court. The project is led by the National Computer Development Company (SNDI), as part of the digital roadmap adopted in 2022 with support from the Estonian firm Digital Nation.
The initiative is central to the Côte d’Ivoire 2030 Strategic Plan, which places digitalization at the core of modernization and inclusion efforts. Ultimately, the platform is expected to significantly reduce processing times for administrative procedures, limit costs related to administrative duplication, and strengthen user trust in public administration. However, it must address several challenges, including its adoption by all administrations, data security, and its gradual extension to all public structures.
Samira Njoya
- Guinea-Bissau launches national pharmaceutical traceability system with AVG
- Mandate requires full drug tracking; regulations effective March 2026
- Initiative targets counterfeits, strengthens healthcare and patient access
Guinea-Bissau last week enacted a national pharmaceutical traceability mandate, a regulatory system that requires the tracking and authentication of every medicine throughout the supply chain. Officially announced on Friday, Sept. 26, the initiative, undertaken in partnership with Italy's Antares Vision Group (AVG), aims to secure patient access to treatments and modernize the management of the pharmaceutical sector.
"Pharmaceutical safety and transparency are the foundation of a modern healthcare system. With the National Drug Catalogue at the center of ARFAME’s oversight role, Guinea-Bissau is creating a model that ensures compliance, protects patients and provides sustainable access to medicines," said Gianluca Mazzantini, CEO of Antares Vision Group.
The system relies on several key tools, including the National Catalogue of Medicines, a centralized platform for all health product data. Beginning in October 2025, this will be supplemented by the AVGroupHub, a digital interface accessible to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and dispensers. This system will mandate product registration, complying with regulations set to take effect in March 2026, ensuring complete traceability and strengthening the fight against illegal distribution channels.
This initiative addresses Guinea-Bissau’s significant challenges in pharmaceutical regulation, which include parallel distribution circuits, a lack of centralized control, and an absence of reliable data on drug availability. It is part of the country’s National Digital Health Strategy, launched in January 2025, which aims to modernize data management, improve coordination between health facilities, and enhance the supervision of pharmaceutical supply chains.
Ultimately, the program is expected to boost sector transparency, combat counterfeiting, secure access to essential treatments for the population, and lay the groundwork for modern, sustainable digital healthcare in Guinea-Bissau.
Samira Njoya
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Equipping youth with AI and robotics training prepares them for the 230 million digital skills–based jobs expected in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. It also ensures underserved groups, including girls, gain equal opportunities to participate in the digital economy and drive local innovation.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Google, and musician-turned-tech entrepreneur will.i.am have unveiled a new programme designed to give young people across Africa hands-on training in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.
The initiative, launched during the Digital@UNGA Anchor Event at the UN General Assembly, held September 23, targets underserved communities, particularly in countries where the ITU-UNICEF Giga project is working to connect schools to the internet.
“This programme will unlock new opportunities for AI literacy among young people, empowering them to lead the digital transformation that is reshaping our societies,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “Our aim is to equip youth across Africa with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in an AI-driven world.”
The effort tackles two major hurdles—connectivity and digital skills. While demand for AI expertise is soaring globally, ITU says 2.6 billion people remain offline, including 1.3 billion children. In Africa, six in ten young people are still without internet access, restricting their participation in the digital economy. For many students, this programme will mark their first opportunity to get online, learn coding, and experiment with robotics.
Through Giga-connected schools—UNICEF and ITU’s initiative to link every school to the Internet and give every young person access to information and opportunity—students aged 10 to 18 will be able to take AI courses offered under ITU’s AI Skills Coalition and the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, part of its flagship AI for Good programme. The programme will also give special attention to girls and other groups underrepresented in STEM education.
Will.i.am, ITU’s AI Skills Coalition Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the i.am Angel Foundation, will help deliver robotics kits, localized curricula, and teacher training to schools. “In today’s tech-driven economy, it’s urgent to ensure young people in underserved regions gain STEM, robotics, and AI skills,” he said. “These skills are the key to helping them thrive and address the world’s toughest challenges.”
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, is contributing USD 1 million alongside technical expertise. “We must democratize access to AI to ensure its benefits reach everyone, everywhere,” said James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Labs, Technology & Society.
The rollout will begin in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, with activities including teacher training, distribution of robotics kits, localized course development, and national showcases. Over time, the programme is expected to expand across Africa and beyond, building on ITU’s Robotics for Good competitions in more than 60 countries and Giga’s partnerships in 45.
By 2030, up to 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills, according to the World Bank and IFC, underscoring the urgency of equipping the region’s youth with future-ready training. For many students, this will be the first opportunity to access the internet, code, and experiment with robotics.
By equipping millions of young Africans with future-ready skills, the initiative seeks to narrow the digital divide while fostering innovation ecosystems across the continent. Organizers say it could accelerate progress in fields ranging from education and entrepreneurship to healthcare and climate resilience.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Bill will make Ghana more attractive to investors, foster stronger collaboration between innovators and policymakers, and build an enabling environment where young entrepreneurs can grow and succeed.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations is inviting the public to take part in nationwide validation workshops on the country’s Draft Innovation and Start-Up Bill, it announced on September 25.
Developed in collaboration with private sector actors, the legislation seeks to create a legal and regulatory framework to support research, startups, and innovation enterprises. The bill is designed to promote entrepreneurship, strengthen Ghana’s innovation ecosystem, and position innovation as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
Workshops will bring together government agencies, academia, research institutions, technology hubs, private sector players, and civil society. Members of the public are also encouraged to participate and share feedback.
The consultations come at a time when Ghana’s tech and start-up sector is gaining momentum. According to the global startup research platform StartupBlink, Ghana is home to 136 startups, representing 12% of all startups in West Africa—approximately one startup for every 100,000 people. The ecosystem grew 14% in the past year, ranking 81st globally in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, up seven spots from 2024. Ghana now holds the 3rd position in Western Africa, trailing Cape Verde and ahead of Senegal.
Over the past decade, Ghana has attracted more than US$535.5 million in startup investment, accounting for 4.67% of Western Africa’s total. Between 2023 and 2024, funding rose 7.85% even as deals dropped 40.91%, reflecting larger investments despite fewer transactions.
Ghana’s move mirrors trends across Africa, where countries are adopting laws to formalize and strengthen their startup ecosystems. Nigeria’s Startup Act 2022, for example, offers tax holidays, seed funding, and a certification system to ease regulatory processes and boost investment. In Kenya, for instance, a Startup Bill is under discussion that would require qualifying startups to allocate at least 15% of expenses to research and development while offering incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and incubation support. Such regional efforts signal a growing recognition of the role startups and innovation play in addressing youth unemployment, boosting competitiveness, and driving inclusive development.
By inviting broad input, Ghana aims to ensure its new law reflects the needs of innovators and entrepreneurs nationwide. Developing its own Startup Bill will position Ghana to attract investment, strengthen collaboration between innovators and policymakers, and create a supportive environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive.
Hikmatu Bilali
Morocco is positioning itself as a digital transformation leader, showing that countries in the Global South can set the pace in AI cooperation and sustainable development.
On September 26, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80), the Kingdom of Morocco unveiled its new Digital for Sustainable Development (D4SD) Hub, a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Hub is designed to help countries in Africa and the Arab States harness digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The adoption of Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a decisive global issue, and Morocco is determined to play an active role by harnessing this technology in the service of inclusive and sustainable human development,” said HE Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of Morocco.
The D4SD Hub, backed by a US$38 million budget over three years, will serve as a collaborative platform to co-create, pilot, and scale inclusive digital solutions. It will apply AI tools to health, education, climate resilience, and governance while empowering women and youth as digital leaders. The initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding signed in July between Morocco and UNDP during the country’s National AI Conference, signaling early alignment on the country’s AI priorities.
“Digital transformation is a cornerstone of UNDP’s newly adopted 2026–2029 Strategic Plan—an essential accelerator of systemic change across all areas of development. We are committed to helping governments harness AI in ways that build trust, ensure transparency, and promote equity,” said Haoliang Xu, UNDP’s Acting Administrator. “Through the D4SD Hub, Morocco and UNDP are creating a platform for countries to co-design, test, and scale digital solutions that serve people and the planet.”
The launch brought together ministers, UN officials, private sector leaders, and civil society partners to deliberate on the creation of an AI and Data Science Alliance for Arab States and Africa, a platform to harmonize standards, boost talent development, and ensure the responsible use of AI.
Morocco’s new hub is part of a broader wave of digital initiatives across Africa. In Kenya, UNDP is helping establish a GreenTech Hub and AI Skills Centre at Konza Technopolis. Similarly, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Google, and innovator will.i.am recently unveiled an AI and robotics training programme for young people across the continent. Within Morocco itself, grassroots initiatives like AI4Morocco are nurturing local AI ecosystems through training and collaboration for startups.
The launch comes as Morocco deepens international partnerships to accelerate its AI strategy. Also on the sidelines of UNGA-80, the government held talks with U.S.-based OpenAI on research, innovation, and ecosystem development, following a recent cooperation deal with French startup Mistral AI. These partnerships align with Morocco’s “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy, which aims to make AI a pillar of national development by strengthening local skills, fostering startups, and ensuring ethical adoption.
The D4SD Hub aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, UNDP’s Global Digital Strategy, and the digital agendas of both the African Union and Arab League.
Hikmatu Bilali
• Algeria launches “DZ Travellers” platform for citizens abroad
• Portal offers emergency info, risk guidance, and consular support
• Part of broader push to digitize public services and crisis response
Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially launched a new digital platform called "DZ Travellers" on Thursday, Sept. 25, to support Algerian citizens traveling abroad. The portal centralizes essential information, recommendations, and instructions for travelers in case of an emergency or crisis.
"This new service is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen existing mechanisms and procedures adopted to ensure the protection and security of our citizens, as well as their support, in accordance with the instructions of the country's high authorities," the Ministry indicated.
The platform's creation aligns with the nation’s broader policy of modernizing consular services and digitizing support systems, as well as its National Digital Transformation Strategy, which prioritizes e-services and full administrative digitization.
According to the ministry, DZ Travellers will improve consular services’ responsiveness during emergencies, facilitate risk prevention, and optimize assistance for Algerians abroad. It is also expected to contribute to a more efficient digital management of critical situations and consular operations.
Samira Njoya