The North African country aims to accelerate its digital transformation, a cornerstone of its socioeconomic development strategy. The government plans to invest approximately $25.8 million in digital projects during the 2025 fiscal year.
Tunisia plans to deepen its cooperation with China as part of its digital transformation strategy.
Sofiene Hemissi (photo, right), Tunisia's Minister of Communication Technologies, met with Wang Song (photo, left), China's Vice Minister of Cyberspace Administration, on Thursday during a two-day visit to Tunisia.
Discussions focused on the development of telecommunications infrastructure and artificial intelligence. Both sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation programs in information and communication technologies (ICT) while exploring new avenues for collaboration across various digital sectors.
Tunisia currently ranks first in North Africa and third in Africa in e-governance, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) report, "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development." The country has an e-government development index (EGDI) score of 0.6935 out of 1, exceeding the African average of 0.4247 and surpassing the global average of 0.6382. In ICT development, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranks Tunisia 8th in Africa out of 47 countries, with a score of 77.2 out of 100.
However, it faces challenges in cybersecurity. It is classified as Tier 3, comprising countries with a global score of at least 55/100, demonstrating basic cybersecurity engagement through government-led initiatives. The country needs to strengthen its organizational measures, capacity building, and cooperation to improve its standing.
China, by contrast, ranks 35th globally in e-government development with an EGDI score of 0.8718. The ITU gives China a score of 85.8 out of 100 for ICT development. In cybersecurity, China is categorized as Tier 2, representing countries with a global score of at least 85/100, indicating a strong commitment to cybersecurity through coordinated government actions.
Enhanced collaboration with China in the digital sector could help accelerate Tunisia's digital transformation, a key pillar of its socioeconomic development strategy. However, it should be noted that no new agreements or partnerships were announced or signed during this meeting.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
TelCables Nigeria, a subsidiary of Angola Cables, has launched a new Point of Presence (PoP) at the Lagos Rack Centre to improve low-latency interconnectivity and Cloud access across West Africa.
The PoP provides direct access to the South Atlantic Cable System (SACS) and West Africa Cable System (WACS) subsea cables, streamlining data traffic to South America, the U.S., and Europe, with added redundancy for better reliability.
This will strengthen the digital infrastructure of West Africa, providing faster, more reliable internet access.
He is an expert in digital marketing and UI/UX design, as well as a graphic designer and entrepreneur. He leads two companies and provides tailored digital services for both professionals and individuals.
Jihed Rahmouni (photo) is a Tunisian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Pepolls, a social media platform empowering users to share their opinions and actively participate in discussions.
Launched in 2020, Pepolls is an innovative poll-based platform allowing users to ask questions, share ideas, and express themselves freely. It features a unique rewards system where users earn "Pecoins" by engaging on the platform. These Pecoins can be used to monetize polls or purchase branded offers and coupons. Additionally, Pepolls leverages blockchain technology to enhance user data security.
Rahmouni is also the founder and CEO of District Agency, a digital agency he established in 2017. The agency provides a comprehensive range of services, including digital marketing, UI/UX design, graphic design, web and mobile app development, community management, and blockchain solutions.
A graduate of the Higher School of Commerce of Tunis, Rahmouni earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems in 2013. He began his professional career in 2014 as a communications manager at the Robert de Sorbon Institute in Tunis. At the same time, he served as the national client relations manager for AIESEC in Spain, a global network of young students and graduates. Between 2015 and 2017, he also worked as a web developer within the same network.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is a digital enthusiast driven by a desire to simplify people's lives. In Algeria, he has already co-founded two startups that continue to thrive.
Abdelhak Bendjebara (photo) is an Algerian tech entrepreneur with a degree in linguistics earned in 2010. He is the founder and CEO of Fridoc, an innovative startup simplifying administrative, technical, and legal procedures in Algeria.
Founded in 2021, Fridoc offers a platform accessible via a mobile app that centralizes administrative, technical, and legal documents available in the country. Its goal is to provide users with quick and convenient access to essential information and guidance on preparing required documents anytime, anywhere.
The Fridoc platform allows users to search for administrative information, easily download forms, and receive notifications to stay updated on the status of their files. Additionally, users can save important documents for simplified future access.
In addition to Fridoc, Bendjebara co-founded La Testeuse Dz in 2024, a digital creation and marketing agency. The agency specializes in producing product review videos for detergents and food products, shared on its Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages. It aims to provide authentic, informative evaluations while helping brands better understand consumer expectations.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Abdelhak Bendjebara began his career in 2006 as a tele-operator at Euran Call Center, a company providing outbound call services for French-speaking clients. In 2022, he joined N’startupiw, a networking platform for young entrepreneurs, where he worked in the public relations department.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
To help Algerian businesses easily apply for tenders within the country, a tech entrepreneur has developed a tailored solution.
Rhinotenders, a digital solution developed by an Algerian startup, helps companies find the best suppliers to respond to their tenders.
Founded in 2016 by Saïd Hamdani, the Algiers-based startup offers a mobile application available exclusively on Android, which has been downloaded more than 5,000 times, according to Play Store data.
Suppliers register on the platform by providing the required information. They can then discover various opportunities that match their profiles and receive notifications (via email and the app) whenever a new opportunity is posted.
Rhinotenders enables users to submit bids and quotes online with supporting documents, track projects and preferred companies, view buyer profiles with their project histories to improve commercial prospecting, and access a complete daily list of tenders in Algeria (without category restrictions) with advanced search features.
For companies, the process involves creating an announcement on the platform with all the required details, allowing Rhinotenders to identify suitable suppliers. Once this step is complete, suppliers submit their bids, and the company, through its dashboard on the app or web platform, selects the one that best meets its requirements.
The startup not only publishes tenders directly on the platform but also shares information about tenders available on the websites of public and private institutions, buyers, national and regional press, specialized publications, and official bulletins.
Since its launch, Rhinotenders claims to have 40,000 users and has published over 350,000 tenders.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Digital transformation has emerged as a key driver of economic and technological development across African nations. Through strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives are taking shape to enhance local skills and modernize digital infrastructure.
China has pledged to support Guinea in establishing a Digital Cooperation Academy to train local talent and bolster the country's technological ecosystem, the Guinean government said on Wednesday.
The announcement followed a meeting on Tuesday between Rose Pola Pricemou (photo, left), Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, and a Chinese delegation led by Mao Shanshui (photo, right), third secretary at the Chinese embassy in Guinea.
The academy will offer training programs in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, aiming to drive Guinea's digital transformation. It will also support local startups to foster innovation and promote digital entrepreneurship.
This project is part of the broader Guinea-China partnership, highlighted by the completion of the tenth phase of their technical assistance program. This collaboration has already modernized telecommunications infrastructure through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and improved connectivity services.
In addition to the academy, discussions yielded other key projects, including the construction of new data centers to expand Guinea's data storage and processing capacity.
Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration to accelerate knowledge transfer to Guinean professionals and enhance the performance of broadcasting centers, advancing local talent development and the modernization of the country's digital ecosystem.
Furthermore, an agreement was reached for the official handover of four modernized broadcasting centers in Sonfonia, Labé, Kankan, and Nzérékoré. This marks a significant milestone in upgrading Guinea's telecommunications infrastructure.
These initiatives align with Guinea's digital roadmap, which aims to position the country as a leading technological hub in West Africa. Beyond improving connectivity, they are expected to create new economic opportunities, bridge the digital divide, and enhance Guinea's competitiveness on the global stage.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
E-commerce has become an attractive sector for both local and international investors. With Africa's young population, increasing internet penetration, and mobile adoption, the continent is seen as a high-growth market, drawing investment that supports infrastructure, innovation, and business development.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has made its debut in Nigeria. The platform, known for offering low-priced products, is part of a strategic move by its parent company, PDD Holdings, to tap into Nigeria's growing e-commerce market.
Temu is positioning itself differently from other platforms by offering faster delivery, with products arriving in 7 to 15 days, compared to AliExpress’s typical 15 to 30 days. It provides more convenient payment options, accepting Naira debit cards and bank transfers for smoother transactions. By connecting buyers directly with manufacturers and bypassing intermediaries, Temu is able to offer lower prices and offer greater transparency in pricing, delivery, and quality. Thanks to strong supplier connections and significant investment from PDD Holdings, Temu offers products at heavily discounted prices, often starting at under $1. The app itself is lightweight, fast, and features a superior user experience, including image search. Additionally, users have praised Temu's seamless refund process, with refunds being processed in under 10 minutes.
Temu's aggressive pricing and direct-from-manufacturer model will intensify competition with local players like Jumia, Konga, and Jiji. This could lead to lower prices and a broader range of products for consumers.
The Nigerian e-commerce market is valued at USD 8.53 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to USD 14.92 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 11.82%, according to Mordor Intelligence's E-commerce in Nigeria Market Size & Share Analysis (2024-2029). This presents significant opportunities for both local and international businesses. It highlights the increasing adoption of online shopping among Nigerians, fueled by rising internet penetration and a shift toward more affordable, convenient purchasing options.
Hikmatu Bilali
The African education sector faces long-standing challenges in accessibility, quality, and equity in learning resources. Digital tools can be leveraged to address these challenges to overcome disparities in access to quality education, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The Ghana Ministry of Education officially launched, on December 2, Channel MOE, a dedicated television channel aimed at advancing education and fostering national development. The new channel will broadcast high-quality educational content for students, teachers, parents, and global audiences.
During the launch event, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, expressed enthusiasm for the channel's debut. He emphasized that Channel MOE would enhance learning opportunities by providing access to educational resources and showcasing advancements in education. It is designed to support teaching, learning, and broader information dissemination.
Dr. Adutwum credited the successful launch to Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, Executive Director of the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), and the agency’s dedicated staff. He also acknowledged key development partners, including Planned International, UNICEF, and CEMFED Ghana, for their contributions to the channel's establishment, including the procurement, installation, and test transmissions. He stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to education for all children, regardless of background, as part of Ghana's broader commitment to quality education.
According to Ghana’s Education Sector Report 2022, basic schools in the country have a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:27, and secondary schools 1:16. However, rural areas face a severe teacher distribution imbalance, leaving many public primary schools without teachers and causing 30 daily student dropouts. Additionally, 61% of rural children aged 7 to 14 lack core reading and numeracy skills, significantly affecting the country’s literacy rate. By broadcasting quality educational content, the channel has the potential to bridge the teacher-student gap, particularly in underserved rural areas.
The launch of Channel MOE marks a significant step in leveraging technology to bridge gaps in education and reach a broader audience. With the support of government and international partners, the channel is expected to play a vital role in enhancing educational equity and building a brighter future for Ghana.
Hikmatu Bilali
Many countries are now striving to modernize their administrative systems to better address the challenges of data and identity management. These efforts rely on the adoption of digital technologies to enhance efficiency and inclusion.
Cameroon is undertaking a significant overhaul of its civil registration system, with a draft law recently debated in the National Assembly. This ambitious reform aims to modernize the 2011 framework, which has become outdated, and align the country with international digital standards. The objective is to create a more efficient, inclusive, and secure system for managing essential citizen data.
According to the government daily Cameroon Tribune, the proposal includes adopting digital technologies for registering civil events such as births, marriages, and deaths. A key innovation is the introduction of a unique personal identification number assigned at birth. This numeric code will enable citizens to access various administrative services more easily, including those related to employment, health, and education. Additionally, the reform extends the deadline for declaring births to 12 months, a measure aimed at including more people in the national registry.
This initiative aligns with the Cameroonian government’s broader efforts to modernize public services. Despite recent progress, the country lags in digital governance. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Cameroon ranks 155th out of 193 countries in the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.4294 out of 1. This ranking reflects significant challenges related to digital infrastructure and connectivity, which the project seeks to address.
Beyond administrative streamlining, digitizing civil registration is expected to have positive socio-economic impacts for Cameroon. Centralizing data in a secure national digital registry will enhance transparency and protect personal information while reducing risks of fraud or data loss.
Samira Njoya
The solution aims to revolutionize the insurance sector in Africa. In 2022, it raised $1.5 million in pre-seed funding to develop its technology and support growth across the continent.
ETAP is a digital solution developed by a Nigerian startup, enabling users to purchase insurance policies in 90 seconds, file claims, process completed claims in just 3 minutes, and receive payouts quickly with a few clicks. Based in Lagos, the startup was founded in 2022 by Ibraheem Babalola.
Shortly after its launch, ETAP successfully raised $1.5 million in a funding round. The funds were used to develop its mobile application and support its growth. In a press release on Thursday, October 30, ETAP announced its expansion into Ghana through a partnership with the local subsidiary of South African insurer Hollard Insurance.
The mobile app is available on iOS and Android, with over 5,000 downloads on the Play Store, according to platform statistics. After downloading the app, users create an account to access the startup's services. ETAP offers both annual and short-term insurance coverage, ranging from one day to 28 days. Through the app, users can manage their insurance policies, renew them, and view their claims history.
The insurtech also rewards safe driving behavior with points for drivers who avoid accidents. These points can be redeemed for vouchers, fuel, movie tickets, concert access, and other attractive rewards at retail outlets. "You can accumulate these points to earn rewards at over 500 stores or compete with your friends and colleagues on the ETAP leaderboard," the startup explains.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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A qualified lawyer, she is actively committed to empowering young people in Africa through education. To date, she has trained thousands of young individuals and has received numerous accolades in recognition of her significant impact on youth.
Lusanda Magwape (photo) is an entrepreneur based in Botswana. She is the founder and CEO of Dream Factory Foundation, an organization that supports young people, whether schooled or not, in achieving their ambitions.
Founded in 2011, Dream Factory Foundation works with schools and rural communities to empower youth to realize their boldest dreams. Its mission is to empower young people through education, equipping them with skills and creating meaningful opportunities to help them become active citizens leading purpose-driven lives.
The organization designs and implements programs tailored to the socio-economic needs of young people while enabling them to contribute constructively to society. It places particular emphasis on digital skills training, notably participating in Africa Code Week, an annual event introducing millions of young people to digital tools.
To date, Dream Factory Foundation has trained 50,000 youth in digital skills, impacted more than 140,000 individuals through its various programs, and helped 320 young people access concrete economic opportunities. The organization's vision is to positively impact one billion young people worldwide by 2030.
In addition, Lusanda Magwape serves as CEO of 50-50 Farmers App, a digital platform dedicated to small-scale farmers in Botswana. The platform aims to boost agricultural yields by providing agronomic advice, specialized training, and easier access to markets. She is also a digital skills and entrepreneurship trainer and coach with UpSkill Digital, an agency specializing in designing learning programs.
Lusanda Magwape holds a Master’s degree in Commercial Law, earned in 2010 from the University of Cape Town. Her remarkable career has earned her numerous awards and distinctions. In 2017, she was named one of the 100 Most Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs in the World by Social Enablers and was a finalist in the Fairlady Santam Women of the Future Awards in 2019.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is a dedicated investor in Africa's growing tech ecosystem. Leveraging his expertise, he actively supports technology companies in South Africa.
Phiwa Nkambule (photo) is a tech entrepreneur, investor, and software engineer from eSwatini. He is the co-founder and CEO of Riovic Capital Group, a South Africa-based tech investment company.
Founded in 2015, Riovic Capital Group is committed to driving innovation and growth in Africa through its three main programs: a research and development program, a venture capital program, and a private equity program.
The research and development program, called Riovic Co-Build, invests in groundbreaking projects. It supports innovative ideas and promising talents capable of transforming industries and improving lives.
The venture capital program, Cybatar Seed Fund, targets early-stage tech companies with high growth potential. It provides them with funding, mentorship, and strategic advice to help them grow and disrupt traditional industries.
The private equity program, Riovic Exit Acceleration Capital Fund, focuses on mature companies with strong growth potential. By collaborating with management teams, this program aims to optimize operations, implement innovative strategies, and maximize value creation.
Before founding Riovic Capital Group, Phiwa Nkambule created Cybatar in 2014, a venture capital platform dedicated to helping tech founders launch their first product and attract initial customers. He also serves as Managing Director of IPOXCap AI, a company specializing in research and development of advanced artificial intelligence solutions tailored to specific industry needs.
Phiwa Nkambule holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Pretoria, obtained in 2012. In 2018, he served as Chief Technology Officer for Youth Employment Service (YES) South Africa, a social initiative aiming to create job opportunities for one million young South Africans.
In 2019, he joined the Royal Science and Technology Park, a public enterprise in eSwatini, as a non-executive director, supporting the design and patenting of inventions. Between August and November 2024, he also worked as an expert advisor for ALX Ventures, a tech training provider.
Phiwa Nkambule has been recognized for his impact and leadership. In 2018, he was listed among Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 most promising entrepreneurs in the technology category. He was also named on Destiny Man’s Power of 40, which celebrates 40 influential young leaders under the age of 40.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation of healthcare systems is becoming crucial for improving the quality and efficiency of care. Innovative technologies are modernizing data management and optimizing patient services.
Canadian multinational YULCOM Technologies has been selected to implement an information and patient file tracking system in five hospitals in Togo. This project, carried out in collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, aims to digitize hospital processes to enhance the efficiency and transparency of medical care.
"The digitization of hospitals is essential to improving healthcare coverage in all countries. This project will allow us to contribute to digitizing the patient journey and establishing digital health records in Togo," said Youmani Jérôme Lankoandé, CEO of YULCOM Technologies.
The hospital information system (HIS) developed by YULCOM will include key features such as managing admissions, diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions, as well as tracking patients after discharge. It will also incorporate advanced tools like decision-making algorithms, interactive dashboards, and integration with the DHIS2 platform, an open-source health information management system, to improve health data monitoring.
This initiative is part of a continent-wide movement to digitally transform Africa's healthcare infrastructure in response to the growing demand for modernization and efficiency in medical data management. Togo, which recently launched the construction of a National Digital Health Center, places this project at the core of its national public health strategy.
The global digital health market’s growth potential further highlights the significance of such initiatives. According to Fortune Business Insights, this market, valued at $234.5 billion in 2023, is expected to reach $559.52 billion by 2027, underscoring the increasing global interest in healthcare digitization.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The fintech sector is experiencing rapid growth across Africa, unlocking new economic and technological opportunities. Rwanda aims to capitalize on this momentum to position its economy as a key hub for financial innovation on the continent.
On Thursday, November 28, Rwanda unveiled a five-year national fintech strategy designed to foster a conducive ecosystem for financial innovation and position the country as a regional financial hub.
“This strategy is not just a policy document but also a commitment to positioning Rwanda as a leading financial technology hub in Africa. In 2014, we had only three registered fintech companies; today, we boast over 75 active fintech players serving more than three million users across the country,” said Paula Ingabire (photo), Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation.
Over the years, Rwanda has invested heavily in ICT to modernize its economy and expand access to financial services. This new strategy builds on these efforts, yielding significant results. Official data show that financial inclusion rates have risen from 93% in 2020 to 96% in 2023. These achievements reflect the country’s firm commitment to transforming itself into a model digital economy in Africa.
The strategy sets ambitious targets: hosting 300 fintech companies by 2029, creating 7,500 direct jobs, and attracting $200 million in investments. The government also aims to achieve an 80% adoption rate of fintech services, rank among the top 30 countries in the global fintech index, and become Africa’s foremost technological and financial hub.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji