The first-ever Arewa Tech Fest is scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2024, in Kano, Nigeria. To support young Nigerian innovators, a tech fund will be launched as part of the event.
On Monday, September 23, the Arewa Tech Fest, a technology festival in northern Nigeria, announced the launch of a $50 million fund named the Arewa Tech Fund. The initiative aims to foster a strong digital ecosystem in the region.
“The Arewa Tech Fund represents a significant step towards harnessing the potential of our youth and fostering a culture of innovation that will not only benefit Northern Nigeria but also have a far-reaching impact across the nation. We are committed to investing in solutions that drive sustainable growth, and this fund will play a vital role in building the next generation of tech leaders and innovators,” said Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State and one of the project’s initiators.
This initiative comes at a time when investment in Africa’s tech sector has been declining. According to the Africa 2023 Investment Report Crisis or Adjustment by Briter Bridges, this drop is not due to a lack of sector appeal but rather the absence of mega-deals ($100 million+ funding rounds) as global venture capital markets slow down.
This global slowdown has impacted African start-ups, with 89% of venture capital in the continent’s tech ecosystem coming from foreign sources, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In Nigeria, start-ups raised $1.8 billion in 2021, $1.2 billion in 2022, and just $469 million in 2023, according to Partech Africa data.
The Arewa Tech Fund will provide local innovators with the capital and resources necessary to develop their tech projects. In the long term, the fund is expected to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the region.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The ongoing digital transformation in Senegal requires significant funding to reach its full potential. To advance the projects, the country needs strategic partners.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (photo, left) met with Bill Gates (photo, right), founder of the Gates Foundation, on Monday, September 23, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to a statement from the Senegalese presidency, the meeting focused on several strategic areas of cooperation, including optimizing agriculture through artificial intelligence, improving sanitation infrastructure with digital solutions, and integrating technology to modernize other key economic sectors.
This collaboration aligns with the new government's ambitions to position Senegal as a digital hub in Africa, speeding up its digital transformation. The program outlined by President Faye includes international partnerships to support the digitalization of essential sectors, aiming to increase the digital sector's contribution to GDP to over 10% in the coming years.
If discussions progress as expected, the Gates Foundation could play a key role in this transformation, particularly by integrating artificial intelligence to boost agricultural productivity and improve access to essential services. The Foundation is also expected to provide technical and financial support to strengthen the country's technological capacities, accelerating the modernization of infrastructure and priority sectors.
Active in Africa since its inception in 2000, the Gates Foundation is one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. It has supported numerous projects across the continent, from fighting infectious diseases to improving access to information and communication technologies (ICT) for vulnerable populations.
Samira Njoya
After several years in the United States, he returned to Senegal to contribute to national development. He is using technology to modernize and revitalize the real estate sector.
Papa Kane (photo) is the founder and CEO of Kanimmo, a startup he launched in 2023 with the aim of revolutionizing property management in Senegal. Kanimmo is a tech platform designed for rental property owners and real estate agencies, simplifying and enhancing property management. It helps reduce administrative tasks, improve tenant relations, and make financial transactions more transparent.
“Kanimmo helps real estate agencies optimize their operations by automating up to 85% of their activities, reducing daily time-consuming administrative tasks and the resources required to complete them. Our mission is to save you time and money so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business, retaining property owners, and expanding your rental portfolio,” the startup explains.
In addition to his role at Kanimmo, Papa Kane also heads programs at Senstartup, an independent association promoting a favorable environment for the growth of start-ups in Senegal. Founded in 2018 by entrepreneurs and digital professionals, Senstartup plays a key role in supporting innovation.
Kane holds a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management from Franklin University in the U.S., earned in 2015. During his studies, he worked as a computer lab assistant at the university. In 2014, he joined HKT Teleservices, a tech company, first as a sales trainer, later becoming recruitment coordinator and senior recruiter.
Upon returning to Senegal in 2020, he became vice president of business process management at Digital Ubuntu, a company offering online learning solutions for teaching communities.
Melchior Koba
He is committed to helping African businesses secure the funding they need to grow. Based in Europe, he connects Western investors seeking to diversify their portfolios with African ventures.
Alain Nkurikiye (photo) is a Burundian-born social entrepreneur specializing in the finance sector. He is the founder and CEO of Wajenzi, a digital platform created to address the lack of investment in sustainable startups in Africa.
Founded in 2017 in the Netherlands, Wajenzi’s mission is to promote investment in African businesses. The platform connects innovative companies with individual and institutional investors in Europe and the United States, facilitating equity financing. Wajenzi offers a range of innovative financial tools that enable direct equity stakes in African startups. This not only accelerates the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) but also helps drive economic development.
“Africa, representing only 1% of the global stock market, is a largely untapped resource. Wajenzi is revolutionizing the scene by enabling African startups to access long-term capital from European retail investors. We offer a distinctive platform for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios and contribute to African entrepreneurship,” Alain Nkurikiye explained in March 2024.
In addition to his role at Wajenzi, Nkurikiye serves as a startup financing consultant for the African Development Bank Group. He graduated from Lumière University of Bujumbura with a bachelor's degree in business administration in 2004 and earned a master's in business strategy and economic policy from Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands in 2010.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, he worked as a consultant for various organizations, including the International Trade Centre, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Maastricht School of Management. From 2022 to 2024, he held the position of expert in inclusive entrepreneurship at Dorcas, a Dutch organization dedicated to fighting poverty.
Melchior Koba
Founded in Cameroon, in 2017, ST Digital has now expanded its operations to include Congo, Togo, Benin, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire.
Cameroon-based cloud service provider ST Digital launched, last week, operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company will leverage the OADC Texaf Kinshasa, a neutral, open-access Tier 3 data center inaugurated in August 2024.
"The DRC's digital transformation creates immense opportunities for content providers, and our expansion into this market is a key element of our growth strategy. By partnering with OADC Texaf Kinshasa, we can ensure that our content reaches audiences with the speed, security, and quality they expect," said Jean-Francis Ahanda (photo), general manager of data center services at ST Digital
With that launch, ST Digital continues to expand its African footprint that includes countries like Cameroon, Congo, Togo, Benin, Gabon and across Africa, already operating in several countries, including Cameroon, Congo, Togo, Benin, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The expansion comes at a time of rapid digital transformation, with growing demand for cloud services, particularly among businesses. According to the "Africa Cloud Business Survey 2023" by UK-based consultancy PwC, published in February 2024, 50% of companies in Africa have already adopted cloud services for all or most of their operations. Additionally, 61% of companies on the continent are expected to have fully migrated to the cloud within the next two years.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Developed to enhance youth education, the platform currently boasts more than 5, 000 users, with the goal to reach 20,000 in the next two years.
Farid is an e-learning platform targeting children aged 3 to 18. Developed by an Egyptian startup, it helps users build character, learn about human values, and maintain good mental health. The start-up was founded in 2024 by Mahmoud Hussein.
In September 2024, the company announced a successful $250,000 funding round, which will be used to enhance the platform and support its expansion in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The platform does not have a mobile app, so users must access it through a web browser. After creating an account with their personal information, they can enroll in courses. Parents can choose which workshops their children attend. Notably, Farid offers "individual sessions that ensure direct and effective interaction with each child, allowing them to receive personalized attention and one-on-one guidance."
As children progress through the training, the startup sends detailed reports to parents, outlining their children’s grades and areas for improvement. Since its launch, Farid has hosted over 400 workshops, attracted more than 5,000 users, and partnered with over 700 certified trainers. In addition to courses for children, the platform also offers training for recent graduates to become instructors.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
He aims to help tech entrepreneurs bring their innovative ideas to life and achieve their dreams. He has already invested in several startups in Africa.
Kwamena Afful (photo) is a lawyer by training, a businessman, and an investor from Ghana. He is the co-founder and CEO of PAVE Investments, where he focuses on investing in tech startups across Africa.
Founded in 2014, PAVE Investments is an investment platform that provides capital, strategic access, and resources to those creating opportunities to promote African talent on a global scale. The company also works with international businesses to help them succeed on the African continent.
PAVE primarily targets tech startups, supporting entrepreneurs in building their businesses. Among its investments are Nigerian fintech companies PaySack and Flutterwave, as well as Kenyan e-commerce platform MarketForce.
In addition to his role at PAVE, Kwamena Afful co-founded and is a partner at Microtraction, a Nigerian venture capital firm established in 2017. Microtraction provides pre-seed and seed funding to early-stage tech startups. He is also a co-founder and partner at MAGIC Fund, a venture capital fund launched in 2018, dedicated to supporting high-growth startups.
Afful holds dual bachelor’s degrees in law and in finance and international business from the University of Sydney in Australia. From 2004 to 2006, he worked as an accountant at First Data Corporation, an Australian fintech. In 2008, he joined the law firm Allens as a financial analyst, and from 2009 to 2013, he served as a team leader at Bain & Company, an international consulting firm.
Melchior Koba
To succeed in its digital transition, Morocco must rely on a skilled workforce in digital professions. By training talent tailored to market needs, the country aims to align the skills of its graduates with the growing demands of the digital economy.
The Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform and the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering (FRDISI), signed a partnership agreement on Friday, September 20, in Rabat. The initiative aims to support research and development in the field of digital transformation.
"The agreement will oversee 18 doctoral thesis projects in digital-related fields, with a monthly stipend of 7,000 dirhams (around $722), along with guidance and supervision over three years," the ministry said in a statement.
This new agreement is part of the Moroccan government's efforts to enhance the skills and talents of young people in the sectors of digitalization and new technologies. It is also a key component of the upcoming national digital strategy, titled "Morocco Digital 2030," set to be launched in the coming days.
The strategy aims to train 45,000 digital talents annually, transition 50,000 young people into digital professions, and attract 6,000 new foreign talents each year. It places a strong emphasis on developing a talented and creative youth to bolster Morocco's global competitiveness.
By investing in its youth, particularly through its doctoral candidates, Morocco is betting on innovation and advanced research to strengthen its international competitiveness. This strategy seeks not only to meet the job market's skills demands but also to cultivate a workforce capable of sharing its knowledge. The goal is to position the kingdom as a key player in the technology sector, attracting foreign investment and fostering the emergence of innovative solutions.
Samira Njoya
With several years of experience in the Algerian hospitality sector, he aims to help both tourists and his fellow citizens efficiently plan their trips.
Mohamed Abdelhadi Mezi (photo) is an Algerian entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of Volz, a tech startup specializing in online airline ticket sales. Founded in 2022, Volz provides a platform for purchasing plane tickets with various payment options, including credit cards and cash on delivery. The platform offers a wide range of airlines and flight options at varying prices, making travel planning more accessible for users.
In addition to its core services, Volz is developing fintech solutions to ensure its services are accessible across all economic levels. Its features include price freezes, transparent refunds via its Refund by VOLZ function, price tracking, and a “book now, pay later” option, catering to a broad spectrum of customers.
Mezi is also the co-founder and CEO of Hotelris, another startup established in 2022. Hotelris assists hotels and travel agencies in developing long-term digital marketing strategies aimed at generating revenue, enhancing brand visibility online, and converting leads into clients.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the National Higher School of Tourism of Algeria and studied digital marketing fundamentals at The Open University Business School in 2020.
His career began at KT Hotel in Algeria, where he worked as a restaurant manager and front desk agent. In 2018, he was appointed marketing director at Nreservi.com, an online travel agency. The following year, he joined Hyatt Regency Algiers Airport as a customer service associate.
In 2020, he joined Marriott International, where he served in various roles, including customer service associate, marketing specialist, and marketing manager for Algiers Marriott Hotel Bab Ezzouar and Residence Inn by Marriott Bab Ezzouar.
Melchior Koba
Integrating digital tools into education contributes to long-term economic development. It ensures that the youth - who make up a significant portion of the African population - are well-equipped for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
The government of Ghana launched on September 17 the Ghana Knowledge and Skills Bank portal, a platform providing free access to educational materials and tutoring services. The GKSB aims to improve learning for students from basic to tertiary levels, as part of Ghana’s digitalization efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, hailed the GKSB as a milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation, saying “This portal contains valuable information in line with the approved curriculum for Ghanaian students. It also grants access to over 5 millions online library archives, learning resources and tools.”
As part of the $200 million World Bank-backed Ghana Digital Acceleration Project, the GKSB seeks to expand digital infrastructure and educational access nationwide, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive education.
Developed by Npontu Technologies, the GKSB is designed to work offline, allowing students in remote areas to download materials without needing constant internet access. It will include educational materials from reputable sources like Cambridge University Press, Cengage Learning, and others. With this launch, Ghana becomes the 2nd African country after Egypt, to implement a national digital education system, reinforcing its leadership in digital innovation across the continent.
As of 2024, about 30.2% of Ghanaians (approximately 10.39 million people) remained offline, with rural communities being the most affected by this digital divide, according to DataReportal. Without consistent internet access, many rural students may struggle to engage with online learning opportunities, limiting their benefits from digital education initiatives. This underscores the urgency of expanding digital infrastructure in these areas, as part of projects like the GKSB, which aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance access to educational and economic opportunities across the country.
This initiative is expected to play a critical role in elevating educational standards in Ghana, aligning with international digital learning platforms, and contributing to the nation’s growing tech innovation capacity.
Hikmatu Bilali
More...
Wi-Fi, a ubiquitous wireless connection system, remains a subject of debate worldwide. Its increasing use has raised concerns about potential health risks. However, recent studies offer reassuring findings.
Wi-Fi waves are not carcinogenic and pose no health risks, according to a comprehensive study recently published by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research, led by Australian scientist Ken Karipidis and conducted by an international team of experts, aimed to assess the potential link between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and the risk of the most studied forms of cancer.
“The objective of this review was to assess the quality and strength of the evidence provided by human observational studies for a causal association between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and risk of the most investigated neoplastic diseases,” the report highlights.
This study is a large-scale systematic review, based on the analysis of more than 5,000 publications on the subject, spanning from 1994 to 2022. Focusing specifically on around 60 of the most comprehensive and exhaustive studies, researchers concluded that Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies are safe for human health.
Over a decade ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiation from mobile phones, cell towers, and Wi-Fi as “potentially carcinogenic,” fueling widespread public concern. However, the findings of this new WHO study put an end to such debates. The authors confirm that current scientific evidence demonstrates no increased risk of cancer from exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi.
A Necessary Clarification to Ease Concerns
This report comes at a crucial time, as concerns over the health impact of wireless technologies remain prevalent in some sectors of the population. The increasing number of connected devices in homes and workplaces has raised questions about the potential long-term effects of electromagnetic waves.
By definitively concluding that Wi-Fi and similar waves are safe, the WHO study offers reassuring insights and should help dispel lingering fears. However, the authors call for continued research to monitor the effects of emerging technologies, such as 5G, ensuring ongoing surveillance of any potential health impacts.
Samira Njoya
Amidst the rapid digital transformation, numerous projects and programs have been launched to equip African populations with digital skills. Various organizations are providing funding to support these initiatives.
Togo-based private university, Lomé Business School has secured €1.6 million in funding from the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) through the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) program. This funding, obtained in partnership with the Malagasy edtech startup Sayna, will support the "EduJobTech" project that aims to train young Togolese for careers in the digital sector.
The EduJobTech program plans to train 860 young people over two years, focusing on web development, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. The project also involves renovating and equipping 16 digital hubs across six cities in Togo, including Lomé, Atakpamé, Sokodé, Kara, and Dapaong. To promote gender inclusion in the digital sector, 30 percent of the program’s spots will be reserved for young women. Additionally, 1,000 Sayna licenses will be provided free of charge during the training.
Funding for the project comes from AUDA-NEPAD, the German development bank KfW, and the European Union. Notably, this is not the first time Lomé Business School has secured financial support. In 2022, it received funding from the European investment fund I&P (Investisseurs et Partenaires) to digitalize its offerings and launch an e-learning platform.
By equipping young Togolese with essential digital skills, the program aims to enhance their employability and contribute to the growth of the country's digital economy.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Africa lacks skills in emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, which are increasingly essential for the global economy. Developing a skilled workforce will enhance African nations' competitiveness, attract investment, and drive international collaborations as these technologies transform industries.
The Hub for Digital Excellence Academy (HFDE) has partnered with the India Blockchain Alliance (IBA) to advance digital education and training across Africa, the hub announced on September 5. The partnership aims to equip African youths with skills in emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing their employability in the digital economy.
"The collaboration aims to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster innovation. With Africa’s youth at the forefront, the partnership is set to position the continent as a major player in the global digital economy," said HFDE.
The collaboration follows the launch of HFDE's Digital Excellence and Emerging Technology (DEET) Academy, which focuses on providing practical, industry-relevant skills. Through this initiative, participants will gain hands-on experience in blockchain, AI, verifiable credentials, and real-world asset tokenization.
Founded in 2018, the India Blockchain Alliance is a leading organization in the blockchain sector. It will support HFDE's efforts by offering webinars and courses designed to address the growing demand for talent in tech-driven fields. The courses will cover topics including blockchain's global impact, AI’s applications across industries, and innovations in credential verification.
According to the 2023 report “Digitalization and Digital Skills Gaps in Africa” by the nonprofit Brookings Institution, the demand for jobs requiring digital skills grew significantly between 2010 and 2020. During this period, the percentage of jobs needing low digital skills declined from 47.6% to 31.6%, highlighting a shift toward roles that require higher digital competencies. The shift in job demand underscores the need for educational institutions to revamp curricula and prioritize digital skills training.
Additionally, the World Economic Forum notes that Africa has the world’s youngest population, with over 60% of its people under 25. By 2035, more young Africans are expected to enter the workforce each year than the rest of the world combined. The influx of young people into the workforce by 2035 underscores the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives in digital training.
Training in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies not only enhances employability but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, offering pathways out of poverty and into meaningful, high-value jobs. By equipping individuals with cutting-edge skills, this collaboration could stimulate economic growth across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and supply chain management.
Hikmatu Bilali
Latin America-based payment processor PayRetailers has expanded into eight more African countries, including Kenya, Cameroon, and Ghana, offering businesses scalable, localized payment solutions. This brings its coverage to 12 African countries.
PayRetailers now operates in Burkina Faso, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, and others, providing access to local payment methods like MPESA, Airtel, and MTN.
Founded in 2017 by Juan Pablo Jutgla, PayRetailers offers e-commerce solutions through local payment agreements.