News (1092)
Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East was launched in 2011 by telecom operator Orange. It supports digital entrepreneurs and startups in 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Orange Africa and Middle East has announced the launch of the 14th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM), according to a press release issued on Thursday, March 21. The competition, which is open for applications until May 26, aims to recognize the best technological projects with a social impact across the 17 countries where Orange operates.
POESAM is conducted in two phases: a national phase and an international phase. In the initial phase, three start-ups are awarded, and a prize for women’s entrepreneurship is given to the top digital project led by a woman. In the international phase, the three winners from each country compete before an international jury, led by Cheikh Tidiane Mbaye.
In a June 2023 interview with We Are Tech Africa, Mbaye discussed POESAM’s impact on technological innovation in Africa, stating, “The prize aids numerous entrepreneurs and startups. It’s not just the POESAM winners that benefit, it stimulates emulation by encouraging a large number of young Africans to take risks. Every Orange company in each of the 17 countries contributes to fostering this innovation and emulation.”
The 13th POESAM’s international grand prize was awarded to Cameroonian start-up Adinkra Jeunesse, which received a cheque for €25,000. The runners-up were Egrobots from Egypt (€15,000) and Smart WTI from Jordan (€10,000). The women’s prize was awarded to Tunisian start-up Bionic Soul. Additionally, the jury’s “Coup de Coeur” prize was given to the Cameroonian startup Services for Aged.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, Burkina Faso embarked on a process to clean up its transport sector. The aim is to safeguard government revenue.
The Republic of Burkina Faso launched a platform for authenticating provisional and permanent vehicle registrations on Thursday, piloted by the Ministry of Transport, Urban Mobility and Road Safety. The platform, accessible at www.dgttmverif.bf, is expected to reduce fraud and counterfeiting significantly, according to Roland Somda, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Transport.
The digital tool, open to the public, will allow citizens to ensure their compliance with the law by identifying plates of poor physical quality, false number plates, or plates fitted with false registration documents.
This initiative is a continuation of the 2018 Project to modernize and secure transport permits and re-register vehicles in Burkina Faso. The project’s goal, as stated by the ministry, is “to establish a modern, secure system for producing driving licenses and vehicle registration documents following international standards and in secure ID card format, and to re-register vehicles in Burkina Faso’s fleet.”
The ministry plans to launch a campaign to raise awareness about the use of the new platform.
Melchior Koba
African nations are increasingly digitizing public services but the initiatives require significant resources. For that purpose, governments are partnering with strategic allies to overcome the significant costs associated with them.
Zambia’s government and Trade Mark Africa, a trade aid organization, inked an $11 million deal on Wednesday to digitize the Nakonde border post, a strategic crossing point with Tanzania and Malawi. The project, funded by the British government and the World Bank, is expected to be completed in twelve months.
The initiative aims to streamline control processes and cut the transit time for goods at the Nakonde border from an average of three days to just ten hours. It includes a broad spectrum of interventions such as infrastructure upgrades, modern scanning systems, digitization of customs clearance processes, and cross-border interconnectivity for information exchange.
According to Zambia’s Finance Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, the initiative encompasses a wide range of interventions, including infrastructure improvements, modern scanning systems, digitization of customs clearance processes, cross-border interconnectivity for information exchange, smart digital solutions, change management, and integrated border management.
Nakonde facilitates trade between Zambia, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zimbabwe. It generates around 3.1 billion kwachas ($118.5 million) annually, with 65% of goods transiting through Zambia, of which 35% are destined for the country led by Hakainde Hichilema.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Since President William Ruto assumed office in Kenya in September 2022, the pace of the country's digital transformation has accelerated, with the digitization of numerous public services now a reality.
Kenya is set to digitize its judicial services starting July 1, 2024. The announcement was made by Martha Koome (photo, center), the President of the Supreme Court, on Monday, March 11. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance productivity, streamline processes through automation, and establish a paperless environment. These efforts aim to make justice more accessible in Kenya while reducing geographical barriers.
"I launched e-filing for all courts countrywide, a Data Tracking Dashboard and Causelist Portal marking a giant leap in our commitment to transforming how we deliver justice through the strategic use of technology, in alignment with the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint of the Judiciary," stated Martha Koome.
Furthermore, Koome emphasized that starting from July 1, 2024, courts will no longer print pleadings and documents. The resources previously allocated for paper and ink will now be redirected towards acquiring desktops and laptops, along with training initiatives.
These initiatives are part of Kenya's National Digitisation Plan (2022-2032), which was established shortly after President William Ruto assumed office in September 2022. As Kenya strives to position itself as a key player in the technological landscape, the digitization process has gained momentum across various sectors. The country has secured funding from diverse organizations and entities such as the World Bank and the European Union to support its digital transformation endeavors.
It is worth noting that the digitization of judicial services commenced last year with the introduction of e-filing in Mombasa County in April 2023. "We are now reaching a national scale with court stations in the remaining 34 counties being on-boarded today. This marks a transformative step in making our justice system more efficient and accessible," explained Martha Koome.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In a bid to diversify its revenue streams and modernize its economy, Congo, like many of its African counterparts, is turning to digital technology. The country is banking on collaborations with seasoned partners in the digital arena to yield positive outcomes in the near future.
U.S.-based Pay Rem Group Inc, a firm focused on modernizing financial services, is set to launch several digital initiatives in the Congo in the upcoming months, in collaboration with the government. A memorandum of understanding was inked on March 18 between the company, Congo’s Digital Economy Development Agency (ADEN), and the Congo Post and Savings Company (Sopeco), aiming to foster digital inclusion and bridge the digital gap in the country.
Héliodore Francis Alex Gouloubi, Managing Director of ADEN, outlined the agreement’s purpose, stating it would facilitate “the execution of a structuring project aimed at enhancing the digital start-up ecosystem through their participation in the operation of certain financial products designed to increase banking penetration.”
The initial phase of the three-way partnership will see the roll-out of several projects in Congo, including setting up a digital bank and a production unit for digital products. The partnership will also ensure the provision of broadband internet services in the country’s remote areas.
This agreement aligns with the Congolese government’s digitization efforts across all key sectors, with a particular emphasis on the financial sector. The modernization of these sectors and the growth of the digital economy represent the fifth pillar of the National Development Plan 2022-2026.
The implementation of projects under this agreement should help to revitalize and reinvent Sopeco, reduce the digital divide, develop financial inclusion for the population, and create jobs, among other things. The aim is to create 3,000 to 4,000 jobs in the first phase of the project and 20,000 in three years.
Samira Njoya
Start-up funding declined in 2023, yet the foodtech sector remains attractive due to innovation potential. In that context, a global competition has been launched to boost startups active in the sector.
Swiss flavor and taste specialist Givaudan and the FoodHack foodtech community announced on March 19 that applications for the foodtech world cup are open until April 11.
The competition aims to leverage local networks to highlight 60 foodtech founders from North America, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East on a global stage to boost their growth.
“We hope to discover groundbreaking solutions created by exceptional and entrepreneurial founders that have a tangible impact on a healthier and more sustainable future for all,” said Alexandre Bastos, Head of Open Innovation and Venture Capital at Givaudan, about the partnership with FoodHack and HackSummit.
After their pitch presentations, two solutions from each region will be selected to participate in the competition’s final in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a key technology of the fourth industrial revolution. While offering significant opportunities, AI also presents potential risks that require proactive mitigation.
Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has called on African nations to fully embrace artificial intelligence (AI). She made these remarks at a conference in Accra, Ghana, on March 18, 2023, co-hosted by the IMF and the Ghanaian Ministries of Finance, Communications and Digitisation.
"Artificial Intelligence is our best chance to overcome the long-term low productivity. When we think of what can lift productivity, by far, our best chance is in investing in green transition and in the adoption of AI. It (AI) can be the big bang that allows us to live longer, healthier, better educated, [and] more productive lives. We face, urgently, the necessity to embrace AI, and make the best out of it," she said.
The advent of generative AI, such as ChatGPT in November 2022, has raised public awareness of both the advantages and potential risks of this technology. Several African countries have implemented national AI strategies and are taking steps to regulate its widespread use. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, a member of the United Nations’ 38-strong AI advisory body, expressed concern that Africa could become a testing ground for new AI solutions without adequate control over the technology.
According to Ghana’s Finance Minister, Mohammed Amin Adam, AI could potentially generate nearly $1,200 billion for the African continent by 2030. However, as Georgieva noted, achieving this goal requires building more digital infrastructure, investing in human capital, fostering entrepreneurial innovation, and establishing a robust regulatory framework.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa's rapid technological growth underscores the need to educate young people about online risks and promote safe internet use. Organizations are working to provide safe access to digital opportunities for African youth.
The Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD) of the African Union Commission and TikTok, the popular short video sharing app, have recently entered into a partnership. The collaboration aims to promote digital safety on the internet through the “SaferTogether” campaign, targeting teenagers, teachers, and parents.
As part of this initiative, educational videos on online safety, along with content creator recommendations, will be published on TikTok. Additionally, TikTok and the African Union Commission will distribute digital safety toolkits to assist teachers and tutors in addressing key digital safety issues. These resources will be available on a dedicated microsite on TikTok, serving as an interactive guide for safer online practices.
This campaign is a component of the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa and its “1 Million Next Level” initiative. The goal is to enhance young people’s access to digital platforms and promote their safe use to mitigate internet-related risks.
The partnership is expected to equip young people with the necessary tools and confidence for safe internet surfing, fostering a more inclusive and safer online community for young Africans. Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Head of the African Union’s WGYD, stated, “While access to internet can help children and young people stay connected, improve their digital literacy, and diversify their livelihoods, it is crucial that they are provided with a safe environment to reap the benefits of digital platforms.”
Samira Njoya
Gabon's transitional government has revitalized the country's information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The move includes relaunching stalled projects, signaling a new dynamic in the sector.
Gabon is set to revive the construction of a cybercity on Mandji Island, aimed at becoming a hub for the country’s digital economy. On March 13, a delegation led by Bonjean Frédérik Mbanza, Minister for the Digital Economy, and an investor from Korean holding company M.K. International Inc., visited the site.
The project, first announced in 2012 by the previous government, plans to consolidate eight technology parks into one location. These include Gabon Internet City (GIC), Gabon Hosting Zone (GHZ), Gabon Outsourcing Zone (GOZ), Gabon Media City (GMC), Gabon Studio City (GSC), and Gabon Tech Zone (GTZ).
The GIC is expected to be an attractive platform for global ICT firms, fostering the growth of e-commerce and teleservices. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Cisco Systems, IBM, HP, Dell, Siemens, Sony Ericsson, Telemedicine.com, RAFT, and Resintel are expected to establish their presence there.
The revival of the cybercity aligns with the transitional government’s objectives of economic development through digital and technological innovation, providing a conducive environment for start-ups.
In January, the government secured a $68.5 million loan agreement with the World Bank for various digital initiatives. These include the provision of online public services, the introduction of a unified identity system for all citizens, and the construction of a data center.
Samira Njoya
Scattered patient data hampers public health efforts across Africa. To address the situation, many countries are turning to digitization to improve care coordination, reduce medical errors, and bolster healthcare systems.
Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action, Marie Khémesse Ngom Ndiaye (photo), officially launched a new digital platform for single patient record at the Abass Ndao Hospital in Dakar on Thursday, March 14. The platform aims to eliminate paper use in hospitals and enhance coordination between doctors and health facilities.
“This project promises significant benefits, such as the centralisation of medical data, the security of personal information, the reduction of waiting times, the facilitation of appointments via SMS, and the improvement of health statistics,” the ministry said in a press release.
The pilot phase of the project has been initiated in six hospitals across the country, including Abass NDAO, Hôpital Idrissa POUYE in Grand Yoff, and hospitals in Matam, Kaolack, Kaffrine and Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim in Touba with plans to extend it nationwide later.
The initiative is part of Senegal’s National Health System Digitisation Programme (PDSS), supported by the World Bank to the tune of XOF30 billion ($49.8 million). The program also aims to equip, connect, and interconnect the country’s hospitals.
Once fully operational, the initiative will align Senegal with international standards in medical information management. With the digitization of information, doctors will have access to a patient’s medical history, test results, medical prescriptions, allergies, vaccinations, previous consultations, and hospitalizations, along with any other relevant medical information.
Samira Njoya
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With AI increasingly being used for data analysis in digital services offered to citizens, there is an urgent need for collaboration to optimize administrative processes. In that regard, a growing number of institutions are partnering to make the jump.
Senegal Numérique SA (Senum SA), the state agency responsible for managing Senegal’s digital infrastructure, announced on Wednesday, March 13, a partnership with Galsen AI, a community of data science and IoT enthusiasts in Senegal. The collaboration aims to host Galsen AI’s AI platforms on Senum SA’s infrastructure, launch dedicated programs, and co-develop innovative AI-based services.
“Senegal and Africa should not be left behind in this technological revolution and should contribute to the AI revolution. This agreement will generate innovative projects and useful solutions for Senegal,” said Cheikh Bakhoum, Director of Senum SA.
The initiative is a part of GalsenIALab, a division of the community committed to innovative AI projects. It coincides with Senegal Numérique SA’s establishment of InnovLab, a laboratory for technology surveillance and innovation research.
Under the three-year partnership, the two entities will explore use cases related to artificial intelligence, aiming to apply them in contexts that will add value for Sénégal Numérique. Among other initiatives, the organisation is contemplating the creation of a sentiment analysis system to collect information on the quality of its public services by analysing data from social networks.
According to a press release from Sénégal Numérique SA, “in the long term, the partnership will help accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in Senegal, contributing to the country’s digital transformation and technological sovereignty.”
Samira Njoya
Artificial intelligence is now seen as an essential tool to effectively advance strategic sectors in Africa. Governments are therefore looking for partners capable of assisting them in harnessing this powerful tool.
Benin and Canada recently discussed cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, the Beninese Ministry of Digital Technology announced in a press release issued Tuesday. According to the release, the discussions were held during a round table on the sidelines of the visit, to Benin, by Raymonde Gagné (photo, left), President of the Canadian Senate.
"Benin's adoption of a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (SNIAM) in January 2023 positions the country to seize current and future opportunities in AI and big data processing. This makes it even more attractive for all types of investments, particularly from the private sector and development partners," the release states.
Benin recently launched the implementation of its National Artificial Intelligence and Megadata Strategy. The aim is to capitalize on current and future opportunities offered by AI to develop the digital economy and exploit technological solutions tailored to the country's needs, particularly in the fields of education, health, agriculture, the living environment, and tourism.
In considering collaboration with Canada, Benin hopes to benefit from the expertise of this country, which has strengthened its leadership in AI research and commercialization. According to the report "Impact and Opportunity: Canada's AI Ecosystem in 2023" published by British multinational firm Deloitte, Canada is home to around 670 AI startups. It also ranks third among G7 countries in terms of total funding per capita for generative AI companies.
A partnership between the two countries should also enable the exchange of knowledge and best practices in artificial intelligence. For Benin, this collaboration would be crucial to support the implementation of its strategy, which requires an estimated $7.8 million investment over five years.
Samira Njoya
Congo seeks assistance from experienced partners to bolster its ongoing digital transformation efforts, seeking improved outcomes for the initiative. The country is focused on making strides in its push for digitalization.
Agence de développement de l'économie numérique (ADEN), a public entity tasked with promoting innovation and digital transformation in the Republic of Congo, signed a partnership agreement with a subsidiary of the English company Regalli SA on Wednesday. The primary objective of this agreement is to establish a digital platform to enhance government communications.
Under this collaboration, the English company will provide funding and expertise to support the implementation of the platform, which will incorporate a local database. This platform will empower citizens to access online public and private services conveniently.
“We're optimistic that Regalli will empower users to access essential government services online. E-commerce is a particular area of focus, as the upcoming launch of the AfCFTA [African Continental Free Trade Area] means our artisans need international visibility for their products,” commented Héliodore Francis Alex Gouloubi (photo, right), Managing Director of ADEN.
This new agreement aligns with the Congo Digital Transformation Project initiated by the government in January 2023. The project aims to establish a unified online portal for citizen services, implement various information systems to enhance service management, expand 3G mobile broadband access to an additional 404,000 individuals, provide digital skills training to 3,000 people, and enable 75,000 individuals daily to utilize digital services.
The launch of this platform is expected to foster economic diversification in the digital sector and stimulate job creation in Congo. It is expected to make Congolese companies and services more visible on an international scale.
Samira Njoya
Burkina Faso has been working to digitize its land sector for several years. The government has launched multiple initiatives to streamline the process as part of these reforms.
Burkina Faso launched a digital platform on Tuesday to collect data on plots of land and housing from private property developers and housing cooperatives, dating back to 2008. The aim is to ensure the accuracy of information and increase transparency in assessing real estate liabilities in private property development.
According to Maxime Tiendrébéogo, Secretary General of the Ministry in charge of Urban Planning and Land Affairs, to collect data for the platform, a commission was set up to collect administrative data from various institutions, including the ministries of Territorial Administration, Economy, and Urban Planning. “At the same time, information was requested from previously approved real estate developers and housing cooperatives, following a certain number of templates.”
The platform will require buyers to provide information on the plot or dwelling, including surface area, cost, the name of the property development company or housing cooperative, and the state of site servicing, such as the opening and resurfacing of access roads, drinking water supply, electricity, and street lighting. All these data are due by March 22.
It is part of the "Fiscal Cadastre" project, which was validated in 2018 by the Burkinabe authorities to digitize the land domain and gain access to important data.
In December 2021, the government introduced an integrated cadastre and domain management system (SYC@D) to better manage the cadastral sections of communes and arrondissements. The system is part of the "Fiscal Cadastre" project, which aims to improve the management of land and real estate in Burkina Faso.
Adoni Conrad Quenum