In Africa, low birth registration rates prevent many people from accessing essential rights such as education, healthcare, and social protection. New technologies can play a crucial role in overcoming this challenge.
Senegal has already digitized and indexed over 19 million civil status records, announced Moussa Bala Fofana, the Minister of Urbanism, Local Government, and Land Management, on Tuesday, June 25, during the 5th meeting of the national steering committee for the project.
According to the minister, this initiative aims to ensure that every Senegalese citizen has an identification document enabling them to exercise their civil, political, and social rights, while also providing the state with the capability to plan and direct public policies more effectively.
The initiative is part of the "Nekkal" program launched in 2021, which aims to interconnect civil status centers and systematically digitize registers. The 42-month program is funded by the European Union to the tune of 18 billion CFA francs (27.4 million euros).
Once completed, the program is expected to address, among other issues, the problems of birth traceability and ensure data reliability. According to UNICEF figures, in 2019, one in five children (20%) in Senegal was not registered at civil status, thereby being deprived of their fundamental right to an identity. In rural areas, three out of five children (77%) are not officially recognized. For those who are registered, issues such as multiple identification numbers and loss of identifications due to file deterioration are common.
The second phase of the program, currently under consideration, will establish a service platform for all users, allowing citizens, whether in Senegal or abroad, to request civil status documents without needing to travel.
Samira Njoya
Using his IT expertise, he develops solutions that help companies enhance their performance. One of his innovations enables professional fleet monitoring and management through GPS technology
Tumaini Maligana (Photo), a Tanzanian computer scientist and tech entrepreneur, is the founder of Alpha Track, a fleet management and asset tracking platform offering various solutions to meet business needs.
Founded in 2020, Alpha Track provides several services aimed at optimizing fleet management and asset tracking, including GPS tracking, fuel control, temperature monitoring, and security. With these solutions, companies can manage their resources more efficiently and improve their operational performance.
In addition to Alpha Track, Maligana founded Alpha Digital Support, also in 2020. This company specializes in customer support for various businesses, helping to increase retention, loyalty, upselling, and brand awareness through quality customer service.
Maligana is also the national director of Neo Group in Tanzania. Neo Group encompasses companies offering B2B services in marketing, technology, data analysis, customer support, human resources, and compliance.
Holding a degree in computer science from Mbeya University of Science and Technology, which he obtained in 2013, Maligana began his career in 2012 as an IT intern at LafargeHolcim before becoming an IT assistant in 2013. He then held executive positions in several betting companies, including 22Bet Africa as operations director for East Africa, and Betika as national director.
Melchior Koba
The solution was developed to help young Africans study in countries across the continent. It connects students with educational opportunities abroad, bridges gaps in access to quality education and fosters greater academic exchange.
Esseyi is an edtech startup developed by a Beninese company. It aims to connect African students with universities across the continent for various degree programs. Founded in 2023 by Emeric Koda and Max Agueh, the startup is based in Cotonou. The name "Esseyi," which means "knowledge," is derived from Ikposso, a language commonly used in Togo.
"We are convinced that by capitalizing on its youth, Africa will accelerate its economic and social development. Many countries currently experiencing strong development, such as Tunisia, Kenya, and Turkey, have invested in efficient and local higher education systems. Through this project, we also aim to limit Africa's brain drain to the west," says Emeric Koda.
Unlike many digital solutions, Esseyi does not have a mobile application. Instead, users access the platform through a web browser. By creating an account and filling out their student profile, users can access over 10,000 degree programs at 2,000 public and private institutions in 52 countries across the continent. Depending on their study plans, students can find suitable courses and proceed with the application process with the startup's assistance.
"We hope our platform will become a companion for students throughout their academic journey. In the medium term, students using Esseyi will be able to find housing, benefit from health insurance, open a bank account, and search for internships or jobs in Africa," explains Emeric Koda.
In June 2024, Esseyi was selected, along with five other Beninese edtech startups, to participate in the first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship program at the Beninese incubator EtriLabs, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The eight-month program includes non-equity funding of $75,000.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Across Africa, new digital technologies have enabled countries to move past outdated tools and progress toward modern innovations. This digital transformation has now reached all sectors, including identification systems, which have become fully digitized.
Gabonese citizens can now obtain the new Electronic National Identity Card, President of the Transition, Brigadier General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, announced on Monday, June 24th.
The government touts the new ID card as "highly secure," featuring an electronic chip storing each citizen's digital identity and a unique 14-digit Personal Identification Number (NIP). This NIP certificate, issued upon capturing biometric data, serves as the key document for applying for the card.
This initiative fulfills the government's pledge to provide a secure and multifunctional national ID card to all Gabonese citizens. It comes after a near decade-long gap in card renewals, following the 2015 termination of a contract with a Belgian service provider.
Gabon joins a growing trend of African nations adopting biometric data collection through the national id card. According to a 2020 report by the American research firm Global Industry Analysts, the biometrics market in Africa and the Middle East is expected to experience a 21% annual growth rate, with the global industry projected to reach $82 billion by 2027.
Beyond secure identification, the electronic national identity card will empower citizens to access digitized administrative services while safeguarding their personal data. This card marks a significant milestone for Gabonese governance, with guaranteed nationwide coverage reflecting the government's commitment to modernization, efficiency, and transparency.
Samira Njoya
Egyptian fintech startup Connect Money announced on Tuesday, June 25th, that it successfully raised $8 million in a funding round. The funds will be used to develop an integrated financing platform.
A medical doctor by training, he has developed a passion for technology. He creates technological solutions to improve patient care in hospitals.
Gracien Kibala Katanga (photo) is a trained medical doctor and a passionate tech entrepreneur from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is the founder and CEO of the healthtech startup Mavimpy Care.
Established in 2020, Mavimpy Care develops web and mobile applications to digitalize medical practices. It enhances emergency medical services, geolocates nearby hospitals, facilitates appointment scheduling, and offers online consultations throughout the DRC.
At the forefront of technology, the startup integrates artificial intelligence into its solutions. "With the connected bracelet that digitizes medical records, we personalize our health forms. Our connected bracelets provide information about your health; just scan a QR code to access your medical history," reveals Kibala Katanga in February 2024.
In addition to Mavimpy Care, Gracien Kibala Katanga serves as an administrator at Cortex Corporate, a tech solutions company. Their main application, Yangela App, assists merchants in managing stock, monitoring transactions, controlling inventory movements, and identifying sources of losses. The app also enables the management of multiple sales points and inventory control.
Before founding Mavimpy Care, he established Kibal’s and Mak Business in 2018, a telecommunication and mobile money transfer company, where he served as CEO until 2022. He is also a co-founder of Lubumbashi Trading, an academy for forex trading training.
Gracien Kibala Katanga graduated from the University of Lubumbashi with a degree in medicine. His career began in 2016 at the same university, where he was a mobile security coordinator. From 2018 to 2019, he worked as a marketing and sales agent at Kwakoo Group, an organization developing tech solutions for e-commerce businesses.
Melchior Koba
Digital transformation is enabling multinational companies to operate without a physical presence in the countries where they do business. This poses a significant fiscal challenge for African economies. As a result, it is urgent to regulate the activities of these digitally-enabled multinational firms.
The Senegalese Directorate General of Taxes and Domains (DGID) recently announced the introduction of a digital services tax, effective from July 1st. This measure aims to tax the revenues of foreign digital companies and platforms operating in the country, in accordance with Article 355 bis of the General Tax Code (CGI).
The tax will apply specifically to online marketplaces facilitating transactions between suppliers and customers, platforms for downloading and streaming music, movies, and online games, as well as data storage and processing services via cloud and database management services. It will also cover online learning and teaching platforms, and content hosting services such as websites, images, and text. Digital giants like Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft are particularly targeted by this tax.
The taxable base will be determined based on the actual revenue of non-resident suppliers or foreign digital platform operators, evaluated according to the consideration received or to be received. The VAT rate in Senegal is 18%, with a specific reduction to 10% for the hospitality and restaurant sectors, which have struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic.
This regulation, introduced by the new government, is expected to have a positive impact on the Senegalese economy by generating additional tax revenue for the state and contributing to a fairer business environment. It will also allow the country to better regulate the activities of foreign digital companies on its territory and ensure they contribute fairly to the Senegalese economy
Samira Njoya
African populations are increasingly relying on fintech solutions to access financial services. From mobile money transfers and digital savings accounts to online loans, this Nigerian startup has taken steps to provide these services to underserved communities across the continent.
AwaCash is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup. It allows users to make payments, transfer money, and manage their finances via a mobile application. The startup, based in Lagos, was founded in 2021 by Dayo Okunfolami, Bonaventure Igboanugo, and Oladele Dada.
AwaCash aims to simplify the lives of Nigerians by providing customized on-demand banking experiences and expanding its range of services in the dynamic fintech sector. "We understand the obstacles encountered by the average Nigerian in obtaining credit and efficiently managing their finances. Our primary objective is to streamline their lives by offering an on-demand banking experience that is tailor-made to meet their ever-evolving needs," said Dayo Okunfolami.
The solution features a mobile iOS and Android application, which has been downloaded over a thousand times from the PlayStore. Users can create an account in just a few clicks to access various services. Among other things, they can pay electricity bills and various subscriptions, buy airtime and mobile data, save money, access loans, and obtain virtual bank cards for online purchases.
In June 2024, the fintech was selected by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) for its eponymous award. AwaCash will benefit from an acceleration program that includes a five-week training course at Draper University in Silicon Valley, USA.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
African nations are actively driving digital development to unlock its full potential. Close collaboration is key to maximizing these efforts.
Egypt and Burkina Faso are committed to bolstering their cooperation in the digital sector. The commitment was the focus of discussions between the Egyptian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Shérif Abdel Kader Abdel Latif Nada, and the Burkinabe Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, on Friday, June 21.
"I came to discuss with the minister the opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of digitalization between our two countries. We want to further strengthen this cooperation. Egypt intends to share its expertise in digitalization with Burkina Faso," stated the Egyptian diplomat following the meeting.
This initiative is part of the Egyptian government's efforts to implement its digital transformation strategy, known as "Digital Egypt 2030." Cairo aims to develop its ICT sector and modernize its national telecom infrastructure, making digitalization the driving force behind the country's socio-economic development.
In this context, Egypt is seeking partnerships with countries like Burkina Faso, which is also actively working to develop its digital sector. Burkina Faso is striving to modernize its public services through various projects aimed at improving administrative efficiency and providing better services to its citizens.
The cooperation between the two countries could enable Burkina Faso to benefit from Egyptian expertise in implementing large-scale digital projects. It could also pave the way for technological partnerships, knowledge exchanges, and joint investments in digital infrastructure, creating new economic opportunities for both nations.
Samira Njoya
Through his pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), he supports young entrepreneurs in creating and developing their projects.
Fabrice Ntchango (photo) is a Gabonese serial entrepreneur and the founder and general coordinator of Akewa Accélérateur, an innovation hub supporting businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations, and project leaders in developing innovative initiatives.
Founded in 2013, Akewa Accélérateur is an incubator for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that promotes innovative entrepreneurship in Gabon. As a member of the Afric’innov network, it offers a wide range of support programs. "Akewa Accélérateur provides services ranging from ideation and incubation to the growth acceleration of startups and other organizations. Additionally, our hub offers tailored advice, open innovation, seed funding services, and training for young entrepreneurs and startups," Ntchango stated in May 2024.
Akewa Accélérateur's services primarily focus on sectors such as cultural industries, renewable energy, agri-food, information and communication technologies (ICT), and the environment. Since its inception, Akewa Accélérateur has supported around 100 projects. In 2022, it won the "Tech Company" award from the Alpha Blue Foundation and the African Digital Conference & Awards, recognizing it as Africa's best tech company of the year.
Fabrice Ntchango is also the co-founder and general manager of Iboundji Technologie, a company providing IT and technological engineering services. He serves as the permanent secretary of the One Forest Youth Initiative (OFYI), an international NGO for youth, and the national coordinator for Gabon programs within the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.
Ntchango holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance, obtained in 2009 from Groupe SupDeco Dakar, a business school in Senegal. He also graduated from Alioune Diop University of Bambey (UADB) in 2012 with a master's degree in legal engineering and project management, with a focus on economics.
Before founding Akewa Accélérateur, Ntchango worked as an accounting assistant at Tradecorp International, a Spanish company specializing in crop biostimulation and sustainable nutrition, in Senegal from 2008 to 2009. Concurrently, he interned as a technical sales representative at Africaine de l’Automobile du Sénégal. In 2010, he was appointed executive director of Gabon Ecologie, where he worked until 2013.
Melchior Koba
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In 2019, two tech entrepreneurs, a Moroccan and a Senegalese, embarked on a mission to track informal buses in Dakar, Senegal, to estimate their arrival times and develop a solution for this pervasive issue. Later, they relocated the project to Morocco.
Weego is an e-mobility solution developed by a Moroccan startup, enabling users to navigate cities by choosing the optimal mode of transportation. Founded in 2020 by Saâd Jittou and Mor Niane and based in Casablanca, Weego aims to enhance the use of public transport and reduce travel time to less than thirty minutes.
"The solution ensures that at least one virtual station is within two minutes of users' homes, assigns them a bus and a driver, and designates a station where the minibus will pick them up. No human intervention is required," explains Saâd Jittou.
The mobile application is available on both iOS and Android, with over 10,000 downloads on PlayStore. After downloading the app, users create an account and access various services. "WeegoMaas" is the basic service that offers users ride-hailing options, carpooling, buses, or trams depending on their city.
To provide this service, Weego has integrated several e-mobility applications available in different regions. Apps like Heetch, Pip Pip Yalah, Train, and Tramway contribute to Weego's offerings. The startup also offers "WeegoLines," a service that helps companies reduce their employees' commute times and lateness. Employees can use the mobile app to track company shuttles in real-time, knowing arrival times and any delays.
Since its launch, Weego claims over 100,000 corporate shuttle trips, significantly reducing lateness and absenteeism and lowering transport costs by 30% for employees. Weego also offers "WeegoPro" for users with a fleet of vehicles, and "WeegoSchool" is slated for future release. The app includes a digital wallet that can be recharged via bank cards.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
On Monday, June 24, Chadian Minister of Communications, Digital Economy, and Administrative Digitalization, Boukar Michel, met with Wang Xining, the Chinese Ambassador to Chad. The discussions covered various topics, focusing primarily on strengthening Sino-Chadian cooperation.
During the talks, Boukar Michel assured the ambassador of his Ministry’s commitment to working synergistically to meet the expectations of the Chadian population in the areas of digital economy and communications.
At the forefront of the financial sector's digital transformation, the Bank of Mauritius has launched initiatives for years to make financial services more accessible and improve citizens' everyday lives.
The Bank of Mauritius, the central bank of the Republic of Mauritius, plans to open a fintech innovation center on September 4. The plan was unveiled by Harvesh Seegolam, Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, during the "Digital Finance in Africa" workshop organized on Thursday, June 20 by the Regional Centre of Excellence and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The goal is to facilitate brainstorming sessions, hackathons, and regional collaborations to address digital issues in Mauritius.
This decision comes at a time when fintech is increasingly dominating the financial sector in Africa. Traditional financial institutions, led by central banks, want to be included in this technological revolution affecting all sectors on the continent. The establishment of such a center by the Bank of Mauritius will promote innovation and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in the country's banking sector.
According to the "Africa Tech Venture Capital" report published in January 2024 by Partech Africa, African fintech fundraising dropped by 56% to $852 million in 2023. Despite this significant decline, fintech remains the most capital-attractive segment on the continent due to its appeal. This attractiveness is partly due to the low banking penetration rate and the exclusion of the informal sector, which fosters the development of crypto assets on the continent.
The Bank of Mauritius confirmed through Harvesh Seegolam the commencement of the pilot phase of its digital currency implementation in January, following its launch in December 2023 with a commercial bank.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In an effort to help her mother, who had become blind, continue enjoying African books and novels, she came up with a brilliant idea. She developed a digital platform that provides all reading enthusiasts with access to a vast collection of African audiobooks.
Ama Dadson (photo) is a Ghanaian computer scientist and tech innovator. She is the founder and CEO of AkooBooks Audio, a digital streaming platform dedicated to African audiobooks.
Established in 2018, AkooBooks Audio uses machine learning to connect African authors and voice talents with new readers and listeners. The platform offers audiobooks in several African languages, making literature accessible to both literate and non-literate Africans, as well as the global African diaspora.
The idea for AkooBooks Audio was born from Ama Dadson's desire to entertain her mother, a children's book author who had become blind. While searching for audiobooks for her mother, she quickly realized that most of them were foreign and not suited to her mother's tastes.
"All the book titles I found for my mother had nothing to do with Africa. Yet, she wanted to immerse herself back in the atmosphere and imagination of our continent. So, I realized that there was a lack of essential content, adapted to our needs. This is how AkooBooks was born in 2018. Our continent is immense, we have so many talented authors and publishers. The field is vast and I took the plunge," explains Ama Dadson in 2023.
Ama Dadson graduated from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with a bachelor's degree in computer science in 1986. She was also certified as an IT business manager in 2014 by the IT Manager Institute, created by the IT management training company, MDE Enterprises.
Following her studies, she worked as a regional computer trainer for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from 1991 to 1996. Between 2005 and 2022, she held various positions at the University of Ghana, including Deputy Director of IT Services and Head of IT Service Delivery.
In 2018, Ama Dadson received the African Entrepreneurship Award in the "High Potential" category from BMCE Bank of Africa. In 2021, her startup won the Startup of the Year award at the Women in Tech Africa Awards. In 2023, she won the AFD Digital Challenge Africa, organized by the French Development Agency.
Melchior Koba