Tech (1052)
• Japan to train 30,000 AI experts in Africa by 2028
• Program includes AI courses in universities, $5.5B in development loans
• Strategy targets job creation, green energy, and rivals China’s influence
Japan plans to train 30,000 artificial intelligence (AI) experts in Africa over the next three years to accelerate the continent’s economic digitization and create jobs, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
"Japan's goal is to support the training of 30,000 AI experts over the next three years to promote digitization and create jobs," Ishiba said in a speech opening the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), held in Yokohama, 40 kilometers south of Tokyo. The conference runs through Friday, August 22.
Ishiba also stated that Japan would share its digital expertise to "co-create solutions" for challenges facing Africa.
According to government sources cited by Japan’s Kyodo News agency, Tokyo intends to launch courses on AI and data science at African higher education institutions. This effort will be in cooperation with Yutaka Matsuo, a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering and a leading Japanese AI expert.
These courses will be offered at dozens of universities in several countries, including Kenya and Uganda, and will focus primarily on integrating AI into the manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics sectors, the sources said.
In addition to developing AI talent, Ishiba revealed that Japan will train 300,000 people in other fields, including 35,000 in healthcare and medicine, over the next three years. The Japanese prime minister also proposed the creation of an "economic zone" linking the Indian Ocean to Africa, which would "contribute to Africa's integration and industrial development." He pledged to promote free trade and private investment on the continent.
Japan's strategy aims to differentiate itself from China
Ishiba also announced that Japan will provide loans of up to $5.5 billion to several African countries in coordination with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to promote sustainable development and address debt issues. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and private financial institutions also plan to provide $1.5 billion in impact investments to help African nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet sustainable development goals.
Unlike previous TICAD conferences, which have been held every three years since 1993, the Japanese government did not announce the total amount of funds it plans to inject into African economies over the next three years.
By focusing on investments in human capital, green energy, and improving living conditions, Japan is seeking to distinguish its approach from that of its powerful rival, China. In recent years, China has increased its influence on the continent by providing massive funding, often in the form of loans for infrastructure projects that have contributed to excessive debt in several countries.
According to Ecofin Agency, leaders from about 50 African countries are attending TICAD-9, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Kenyan President William Ruto.
• Nigeria, DLN launch national “Free Laptops” program for students
• Plan targets 47M beneficiaries, with devices, training, and 50 Mbps access
• Project aims to bridge digital divide, modernize public education
Nigeria’s Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and U.S. company Digital Learning Network (DLN) signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday in Abuja to launch a national “Free Laptops” program. The initiative aims to provide digital devices to nearly 47 million students and teachers across the country.
“This initiative is more than technology, it is a promise to every Nigerian child: a promise of access, equity, and opportunity,” said Aisha Garba, UBEC’s executive secretary. “By bridging the digital divide, we are unlocking unlimited potential and positioning Nigeria as a leader in educational innovation in Africa.”
The agreement also includes provisions for teacher training, the creation of regional hubs for assembling and distributing the laptops and tablets, and the deployment of a hybrid internet infrastructure. This network will combine 5G, local telecommunication providers, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. The goal is to guarantee a minimum speed of 50 Mbps for schools, including those in the most remote rural areas.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize Nigeria’s public education system, where fewer than half of all public primary schools currently have digital equipment. The government aims to equip 95% of Nigerians with digital skills by 2030, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Touted as Africa’s largest digital education project, the program could boost digital inclusion in a country still grappling with a significant digital divide. It could also promote technological self-reliance by developing local infrastructure and serve as a catalyst for educational and economic transformation.
However, its success hinges on the ability to overcome several challenges, including unequal access to high-speed internet, securing sustainable funding, and providing adequate teacher training to ensure effective adoption of the digital tools.
Samira Njoya
- Senegal launches digital plan to revive La Poste.
- Postal bank, e-commerce, fintech upgrades key pillars.
- Africa’s e-commerce seen doubling to $113B by 2029.
Senegal is pushing a sweeping digital transformation of its state-owned postal company in a bid to restore its relevance and position it at the center of the country’s e-commerce and financial inclusion drive.
The government unveiled the plan on Sept. 1 under the leadership of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, highlighting technology as the core lever to modernize postal, financial, and logistics services while expanding access to digital tools for citizens.
The strategy includes rolling out a national certified e-mail service to provide secure official addresses, overhauling Postefinances to improve banking access and transaction reliability, and establishing a postal bank—open to private capital by 2029—to expand digital financial services.
La Poste also plans to partner with small businesses and startups to strengthen delivery services and facilitate cross-border e-commerce, tapping into Africa’s fast-growing online trade. Cooperation with SENUM SA, the state’s digital implementation agency, is expected to accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
The initiative comes as private couriers and fintech players expand rapidly in a region where postal services have lagged technologically. Africa’s e-commerce market is projected to double to $113 billion by 2029 from $55 billion today, according to TechCabal Insights, driven by mobile commerce, super apps, and the African Continental Free Trade Area’s new e-commerce protocol.
Senegal’s plan aims not only to boost trade flows and restore public trust in the postal system, but also to generate skilled jobs and support broader economic growth. Its success will hinge on execution, stakeholder buy-in, and the ability to adapt to Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Alexander Hizikias co-founded eQub, a fintech digitizing Ethiopia’s traditional equb savings circles.
- The mobile app secures transactions, integrates mobile money, and offers access to extra financial services.
- Hizikias, an Addis Ababa University economics graduate, previously launched ventures in textiles and coffee.
Alexander Hizikias, an Ethiopian economist and entrepreneur, is co-founder and chief executive of eQub, a fintech launched in 2020 that brings the country’s traditional savings groups into the digital era. Known as “equb” in Amharic, these rotating savings circles are a long-established form of community finance in Ethiopia.
The eQub mobile app allows users to organize savings groups, secure their transactions, and reduce the risks linked to cash handling. It helps participants manage their finances more effectively and extends access to services for people outside the formal banking system.
The app integrates mobile money payments, automates contributions, and provides transparent tracking of group activities, strengthening trust among members. It also includes a points-based system that unlocks additional financial services such as credit or payment facilities.
According to the company, the eQub app is the first platform that helps people draw on their future savings. It allows users to set up and manage their personal groups in just a few clicks, while making it easier to interact with fellow eQubers.
Hizikias graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Addis Ababa University. Before launching eQub, he created Alexander Hizikias Couture, a textile design and manufacturing company active from 2016 to 2019. In the same year, he co-founded The Goat Cafe, a coffee business.
- Benin report flags top five critical cybersecurity flaws, 2021–2024
- Broken access control most common, 41 cases out of 207
- Urges stronger digital hygiene, two-factor authentication, better configs
A new report from the Benin Agency for Information Systems and Digital Technology (ASIN) has identified remote code execution, SQL injection, broken authentication, broken access control, and sensitive data disclosure as the country’s five most critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The findings were published in a "Vulnerabilities and Incidents Report" presented at the recent Cyber Africa Forum.
The report highlights these issues as major entry points for threats like data theft and hacking. The Benin Computer Security Incident Response Team (bjCSIRT) recorded 207 critical vulnerabilities between 2021 and 2024, representing 23% of all vulnerabilities identified during that period. The data was compiled to propose concrete solutions for strengthening the protection of state computer systems.
The document notes that the "identified vulnerabilities reveal the extent of the exposure surface of the affected sectors and highlight the urgency of strengthening digital hygiene at all levels, from individual practices to organizational mechanisms."
Key Vulnerabilities by Case Count
Broken Access Control was the most common critical vulnerability identified, with 41 cases, accounting for 19.8% of the total. This flaw allows unauthorized users to access sensitive data and functions, often due to poor web application configurations.
Sensitive Data Disclosure accounted for 26 cases. This vulnerability is typically related to configuration errors or unprotected files that expose confidential data such as passwords, emails, and internal documents, putting users at risk of blackmail, fraud, or identity theft.
With 24 cases, Broken Authentication refers to weaknesses in login systems, such as the use of weak passwords, that make it easy for hackers to bypass access controls or steal a user's identity. To counter this flaw, the bjCSIRT recommends using two-factor authentication.
Remote Code Execution, which allows a hacker to take remote control of a server, was identified in 23 cases.
SQL Injection, a hacking technique that manipulates user inputs to inject malicious code, allows for the unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of database information. This flaw can enable hackers to steal large amounts of data.
- African proptech funding surges 3,650% to $75M in H1 2025
- Growth driven mainly by $75M round for Egypt’s Nawy
- Sector promising but fragile, reliant on few large startups
The African proptech sector experienced a massive investment surge in the first half of 2025, with funding jumping 3,650% to $75 million from just $2 million in the same period last year. The growth was highlighted in the "State of Tech in Africa H1 2025" report published by TechCabal Insights in July 2025.
The spectacular growth was driven by only two startups, indicating that investors are becoming more selective. They are now favoring larger funding rounds for companies they deem mature, rather than spreading smaller amounts across numerous players. The most significant deal was a $75 million investment in Nawy, an Egyptian proptech startup, which will use the funds to expand its operations in the Middle East and North Africa. The deal showcases the increasing ability of some African companies to raise substantial capital and pursue a regional strategy.
A Promising but Fragile Market
Proptech is attracting investors amid rapid urbanization and a growing deficit of affordable housing on the continent. Digital solutions offer new approaches to improve access to housing and optimize property management. The rise of fintech, which is closely linked to proptech, also supports the development of new financing, payment, and risk management tools. These innovations are making real estate investment more accessible and transparent. The African real estate sector, still largely undigitized, provides a favorable environment for companies that can offer tailored solutions.
The concentration of funding on a limited number of players raises questions about the diversity and resilience of the African proptech ecosystem. This dependence on a few major companies exposes the sector to increased risks in the event of an economic downturn or regulatory changes. Additionally, rural areas and some emerging markets remain largely untapped despite their potential. The evolution of legal frameworks related to financing and urban planning will play a key role in sustaining this momentum.
A key challenge for African proptech will be to turn this influx of capital into sustainable growth. Partnerships with fintech players, banks, governments, and real estate operators will be essential to strengthen the sector’s social and economic impact. A more balanced distribution of funding between established technology hubs and developing markets could help build a more equitable and competitive industry. The current trend is more than a passing fad; it represents a strategic opportunity to use technology to address the continent’s housing crisis.
Melchior Koba
• Government unveils 12 flagship projects as part of its digital roadmap to 2030.
• Priorities include nationwide connectivity, data sovereignty, digital ID, and cashless payments.
• Plans also target cybersecurity, AI adoption, IT talent development, and digital literacy.
Burkina Faso has set out a digital transformation roadmap with 12 major projects aimed at accelerating its shift to a modern economy and improving governance. The plan was presented on Monday, August 25, during a government seminar on digital transformation under the theme On the Road to 2030 (En route pour 2030).
The first initiative targets the elimination of “white zones” to ensure nationwide connectivity. It also seeks to repatriate and secure all sensitive data under the principle of “zero data abroad,” guaranteeing that national information is hosted locally. Alongside this, the government pledged to connect every public building through a “zero building unconnected” policy, and to phase out paper use in administration under the “zero paper” initiative.
Digital financial transactions form another central pillar, with the “zero cash” plan aiming to make all public payments cashless. Cybersecurity has also been elevated as a national priority through the “zero unprotected critical infrastructure” program to guard against cyber threats. To support these reforms, authorities plan to provide every citizen with a unique digital identity to serve as a gateway to public and financial services.
Inclusivity is another key goal. The government aims to ensure equal access to public digital services, including in rural areas, while building a critical mass of IT talent through training programs for youth and professionals. Improving telecom quality and access is seen as essential for fostering innovation.
Artificial intelligence also features in the agenda, with plans to use AI in priority sectors such as education, health, and security. The government further intends to promote digital literacy to prepare the population for full participation in the new economy.
These 12 projects build on the National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy (SN@DEN), designed to make digital technology a driver of modernization. According to the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), active SIM cards across the three mobile networks reached 27.36 million in the second quarter of 2024. At the same time, 18.94 million subscribers had internet access via mobile technologies, confirming the central role of connectivity in the country’s digital transformation.
While these figures show progress, the success of Burkina Faso’s digital transformation will depend on how effectively the government implements the 12 projects in a coordinated and inclusive manner. This approach is expected to help the country harness digital technology as a lever for economic growth, administrative efficiency, and social inclusion.
Samira Njoya
-
Africa’s digital content market hits $5.1B, may reach $30B by 2032
-
Growth fueled by youth, internet access, and social media use
-
Monetization uneven; most creators earn under $62 monthly
Africa's digital content creation market is valued at $5.10 billion in 2025 and could reach nearly $30 billion by 2032, according to projections from the analytics firm Coherent Market Insights. With an estimated annual growth rate of 28.9%, the continent is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic hubs in the global creator economy.
This growth is driven by several key factors, starting with Africa's youth population. Nearly 60% of residents are under the age of 25, a generation that is highly connected and consumes digital content. The increasing access to the internet and the high penetration of smartphones have also paved the way for an explosion in content production. Social networks from Facebook to Instagram and YouTube act as catalysts for this economy, joined by local platforms like Boomplay and Mdundo, which enhance opportunities for distribution and monetization.
According to the study, the continent now accounts for 17% of the world's internet users and has approximately 385 million active social media users, a penetration rate of 27.7%. This momentum is fueling a rapid diversification of business models, including online videos, music, tutorials, podcasts, and influencer campaigns, as well as entrepreneurial ventures such as digital agencies, production studios, and digital training academies. Some creators are managing to generate several thousand dollars a month from YouTube alone, confirming the potential of this economy.
However, significant challenges remain. Monetization is highly uneven, with more than half of African creators earning less than $62 per month—a figure far below their potential. Low advertising rates on the continent limit financial returns, while the gradual saturation of platforms, regulatory uncertainties, and a lack of structured support mechanisms are hindering the emergence of viable ecosystems.
To transform this momentum into a genuine economic driver, Africa will need to strengthen digital infrastructure, encourage partnerships between platforms and local players, and, most importantly, create environments that are conducive to innovation and equitable monetization. This also requires better regulation, including copyright protection, adapted tax policies, and transparent compensation models.
Samira Njoya
The MoU establishes a strong framework for collaboration in equipping Kenyans with internationally recognized digital skills certification, ensuring the country is well-positioned to harness digital opportunities and accelerate its path toward a knowledge-driven economy.
Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) Africa, a digital literacy provider that offers certification programs that verify an individual’s proficiency in essential computer skills. The agreement, announced on August 26, was finalized at a ceremony held by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy (MICDE). It aims to advance digital skills development across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Principal Secretary of MICDE underscored the government’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure and the digitization of public services. He emphasized that building a digitally skilled population—particularly among the youth—will be critical for unlocking opportunities in the growing Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, as well as emerging fields such as software development and Artificial Intelligence.
“ICDL certification will play a vital role in developing the talent pool Kenya needs to compete and thrive in the digital economy,” the PS noted, adding that the Cabinet Minister has given full backing to the partnership.
ICDL CEO Damien reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to supporting Kenya’s digital transformation journey: “A digital economy can only be achieved through digitally skilled people, and ICDL has been building those skills globally for many years.”
The MoU aligns closely with Kenya’s Digital Masterplan 2022–2032, which seeks to digitize 80% of government services over the next decade. While investments in infrastructure and platforms are critical, their impact depends on citizens and civil servants having the right skills to adopt and use them effectively. By introducing internationally recognized ICDL certification, the partnership ensures that Kenyans—particularly youth—are equipped with practical digital competencies in areas such as productivity tools, cybersecurity, and online collaboration.
This comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to position itself as a regional hub for digital and AI-driven governance. Just last week, the government launched an ambitious plan to equip 100,000 public servants with AI and digital competencies through the Regional Centre of Competence (RCOC) based at the Kenya School of Government for Digital and AI Skilling.
These efforts underline Kenya’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce and accelerating its digital transformation agenda.
Hikmatu Bilali
The new platform from PayLogic enables interoperability between banks and mobile money wallets, a critical step for financial inclusion in a nation where cash is king.
Global payment solutions provider PayLogic announced on Monday the launch of the National Payment Switch, a new national payment system in the Comoros. The operational platform aims to reduce the country's reliance on cash and accelerate financial inclusion.
"The successful go-live of the National Payment Switch in Comoros reflects PayLogic’s commitment to advancing secure and interoperable payment infrastructure across emerging markets," said Mohamed Mekouar, PayLogic's executive chairman. "By partnering with central banks and financial institutions, we help deliver systems that drive inclusion, efficiency, and long-term financial innovation."
The platform provides interoperability between banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile money operators, enabling real-time digital transactions such as transfers, merchant payments, and remittances from the diaspora. The goal is to reduce dependency on cash and make financial services more accessible for both households and small businesses.
This initiative is part of the Financial Sector Development Support Project in the Comoros, which is backed by the World Bank. It comes as financial inclusion remains limited in the archipelago. To address this, the Central Bank has launched a policy of free bank account openings for individuals and fee-free money transfers for the diaspora. The objective is to raise the banking rate to 50% by the end of 2025.
However, several challenges could hinder the system's success. Internet penetration remains low at 35.7% as of early 2025, despite relatively high mobile coverage at 77.6%. Public distrust of digital payments could also slow adoption. The project's success will ultimately depend on financial institutions' ability to offer services that are accessible, affordable, and tailored to local needs.
With this launch, the Comoros joins a growing list of countries that have selected PayLogic as a partner for their national interoperable payment switches, including Lesotho, Eswatini, and six central African states through a regional switch.
Samira Njoya
More...
-
AfDB, Japan’s Aerosense partner on drone-based infrastructure management
-
Drones to support road maintenance, disaster response, agriculture, health
-
Initiative tackles Africa’s infrastructure deficit, boosts trade and resilience
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japanese drone company Aerosense Inc. signed a letter of intent on Thursday, Aug. 21, to promote the use of drone technology in managing Africa’s infrastructure. The agreement was concluded on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan.
"The program is a bold response to Africa’s growing infrastructure challenges. By partnering with Aerosense, we will not only promote efficient road management but also consider promoting other unique solutions such as disaster management, river/flooding control, agricultural sensing, and medical equipment delivery," said Solomon Quaynor, AfDB's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization.
Under the agreement, the AfDB will coordinate relations with African governments, facilitate project financing and build local capacity. For its part, Aerosense will conduct feasibility studies and adapt its drones to local geographical and logistical conditions. The company's technology was selected in June 2025 as part of the Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA), where it will be used to collect precise data on road conditions to facilitate more efficient and less costly predictive maintenance.
The initiative comes amid a chronic infrastructure deficit on the continent. According to the Africa Finance Corporation’s "State of Africa’s Infrastructure 2024" report, the majority of paved roads are concentrated in the continent's northern and southern regions, with nearly 40% of the total in South Africa and Algeria. Every year, Africa loses up to 2% of economic growth due to the poor quality of its infrastructure. Climate change further accentuates this vulnerability, as seen in 2022 when floods in Nigeria destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of farmland and damaged several strategic road arteries.
The use of drones in African public services has already proven effective. In Rwanda, Zipline has delivered more than 500,000 bags of blood to remote areas, while in Ghana and South Africa, drones are used for vaccine distribution and agricultural surveillance. The AfDB-Aerosense agreement aims to expand these applications, particularly for road maintenance, a strategic sector for intra-African trade often slowed by logistics bottlenecks.
Ultimately, the widespread deployment of drones could transform infrastructure management and climate risk prevention on the continent. Regular aerial surveillance would not only reduce maintenance costs but also build resilience in the face of disasters, while promoting economic development and the fluidity of regional trade.
Samira Njoya
-
Interpol operation recovered $97.4M, found 88,000 victims
-
1,209 arrests, 11,432 cybercrime networks dismantled across Africa
-
Major scams uncovered in Angola, Zambia, and Ivory Coast
Interpol announced on Friday, August 22, that a massive anti-cybercrime operation across 18 African countries led to the recovery of $97.4 million and the identification of nearly 88,000 victims.
Codenamed "Serengeti 2.0," the operation, which ran from June to August 2025, also resulted in the dismantling of 11,432 criminal infrastructures and 1,209 arrests.
"Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing and developing investigative skills across member countries. With more contributions and shared expertise, the results keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims," said Valdecy Urquiza, the organization’s Secretary General.
Major Scams Exposed
In Angola, authorities discovered 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining farms, operated by 60 Chinese nationals and powered by 45 clandestine mini-power plants. The operation caused an estimated $37 million in damages. The seized equipment will be repurposed to improve electricity access in vulnerable areas.
In Zambia, investigators uncovered a massive online investment scam that affected nearly 65,000 victims and generated an estimated $300 million in losses. Fifteen suspects were arrested, and digital evidence was seized. Investigations are ongoing to trace financial flows and dismantle any international ramifications of the network.
In Ivory Coast, a transnational inheritance scam operating from Germany was neutralized. The main suspect was arrested, and valuables including jewelry, vehicles, and cash worth an estimated $1.6 million were seized.
Regional Cooperation and International Support
Supported by the United Kingdom as part of the African Joint Operations against Cybercrime (AFJOC), the initiative involved private sector experts in cryptocurrency tracing, ransomware analysis, and open-source intelligence. Interpol also collaborated with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), a consortium of 36 countries tasked with anticipating and neutralizing digital threats before they materialize.
The operation comes just a few months after "Operation Red Card," which led to the arrest of 306 people and the seizure of nearly 2,000 electronic devices in seven African countries: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Cybercrime is a critical issue for African economies, which are already weakened by unevenly developed digital infrastructures. According to the African Union, it costs the continent nearly $4 billion each year. A Cybersecurity Ventures study estimates that the rise of artificial intelligence will further exacerbate the situation, with global losses expected to increase by 11% to $10.5 billion in 2025.
Samira Njoya
• Guinea launches platform for public access to draft constitution
• Citizens can ask legal experts questions via the site
• Platform supports local languages to boost participation rates
In a push to engage citizens ahead of a constitutional referendum scheduled for September 21, Guinea has launched a new digital platform, "maconstitution.info". The online tool gives the public easy access to the full draft of the new constitution, allowing them to understand its key issues and submit questions directly to legal experts. This initiative is a key part of the country's strategy to broaden citizen participation despite limited internet penetration in many rural areas.
The project, a joint effort by the Government's Secretariat General, the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, is part of a broader digital inclusion strategy.
"We are crossing a threshold: marrying technology with democratic values to give every Guinean clear and direct access to the draft of the new constitution. This platform stems from our commitment to comply with Article 18 of Law L/012 of April 25, 2025. It provides everyone with a simple and transparent tool," said Tamba Benoît Kamano, Minister Secretary General of the Government.
The platform offers full access to the constitutional draft and an interactive space for users to ask questions. These questions are handled by legal experts from the Secretariat General, with a commitment to respond within 48 hours.
To ensure the widest possible participation, the platform's content is available in several national languages, which helps reach citizens who do not speak French and reduces linguistic barriers to accessing information. If successful, this approach could become a model for other public consultation processes in Guinea or inspire similar initiatives in the sub-region.
According to DataReportal, Guinea had about 3.96 million internet users at the beginning of 2025, a penetration rate of 26.5%. While this figure is growing, it highlights the challenges of equitable digital access, particularly in rural areas. It is in this context that "maconstitution.info" stands as an innovation aimed at broadening citizen participation, despite current infrastructure and connectivity limitations.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Partnering with the ILO brings international expertise and credibility to Rwanda’s digital skills drive. It ensures that Rwanda’s training aligns with global labor standards while opening doors to wider support and partnerships.
On August 19, the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen collaboration on digital skilling and SME digitization through the One Million Rwandan Coders (1MRC) initiative.
“At the heart of this partnership is a shared goal: empowering more women and girls to take up space in Rwanda’s growing ICT sector,” the ministry said, reaffirming MINICT’s mission to leverage ICT for inclusive social development, accessible education, and accelerated job creation.
The agreement, signed by Permanent Secretary Yves Iradukunda and ILO representatives, aims to expand opportunities in Rwanda’s rapidly growing ICT sector. At the core of the partnership is a commitment to equip more Rwandans—especially young women and individuals with disabilities—with the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s economy, while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting technology.
Launched as part of Rwanda’s broader digital transformation agenda, the 1MRC programme aims to equip Rwandans with digital skills, create jobs, and build a strong pipeline of local digital talent to drive the country’s knowledge-based economy. By integrating ILO’s expertise, the initiative will further enhance training quality, with a focus on preparing women and girls to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Although Rwanda’s ICT sector is growing rapidly, its impact on employment is still limited. According to Rwanda’s ICT Skills Snapshot 2022, ICT workers accounted for only 0.2–0.5% of total employment between 2018 and 2022, underscoring the need for stronger investment in digital skills and workforce development. The partnership between Rwanda and the ILO through the 1 Million Rwandan Coders initiative is therefore crucial—not only to bridge the gender gap in technology but also to expand the sector’s contribution to jobs, inclusivity, and national growth.
This latest MoU builds on an ongoing collaboration between Rwanda and the ILO focused on youth employment and digital skills development. In April 2024, the ILO launched the Boosting Decent Jobs and Enhancing Skills for Youth in Rwanda’s Digital Economy project, backed by the Government of Luxembourg, with a €4 million budget running through 2028. The initiative targets youth across Kigali and secondary cities, emphasizing digital skills, entrepreneurship, and pathways to decent work within the digital economy
The initiative builds on Rwanda’s digital transformation agenda, which seeks to position the country as a regional technology hub while ensuring no one is left behind in the digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali