Collaboration between startups is a key driver of innovation and growth. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, startups can more effectively overcome challenges related to funding, expansion, and market access.
The Digital Tunisia program has officially launched its first phase, focusing on the agritech sector. Led by consulting firm STECIA International in partnership with Qawafel, a program supporting Tunisian startups, the initiative aims to facilitate market access for Tunisian companies in agritech, healthtech, and edtech in Senegal and Mauritania.
In this initial phase, five innovative Tunisian companies will receive tailored support, including specialized training and strategic guidance to help them break into the Senegalese market. A business prospecting mission is scheduled for May 2025, providing participants with the opportunity to meet local partners and explore collaboration prospects.
The second phase will shift focus to healthtech and edtech. Six Tunisian startups in these sectors will be selected for market entry support in Mauritania. A prospecting mission and B2B meetings will take place in October 2025, helping companies explore export and cooperation opportunities.
Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France, the program is part of a broader regional cooperation effort to strengthen trade and technological exchanges between North and West Africa. It aligns with Qawafel’s objectives of fostering economic development initiatives across the Maghreb and West Africa.
In the long run, the project aims to enhance cooperation among businesses in the three countries, position Tunisian startups as key players in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, and pave the way for future collaborations in other strategic sectors. By fostering interregional cooperation and technological innovation, the initiative seeks to develop solutions tailored to the needs of the African market.
Samira Njoya
The Italian government aims to position the country as a digital and innovation hub in East Africa, relying on international cooperation to achieve this goal.
Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide signed a €4.5 million ($4.6 million) grant agreement earlier this week with Italy’s Minister for Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. The collaboration aims to foster the emergence of startups and accelerate the adoption of digital services in Ethiopia.
Specifically, the partnership includes the establishment of an e-services and startup incubation center, a training hub, and a high-tech talent development center. It also involves the creation of a Fab Lab (Fabrication Laboratory) equipped with cutting-edge tools for manufacturing and prototyping.
This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s Digital Ethiopia 2025 plan, which seeks to harness digital opportunities to transform the country into a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. Ethiopia has already partnered with the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG) to strengthen its startup ecosystem and has launched a program to train five million coders by 2026.
According to the GSMA, investments in mobile technology and digitalization are expected to drive growth in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and public services. These efforts could create over one million new jobs and generate 57 billion birrs (around $446.4 million) in tax revenue. Additionally, digital expansion is projected to boost economic growth across various industries, contributing an estimated 140 billion birrs to agriculture and 114 billion birrs to manufacturing by 2028.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
African startups are increasingly vital to the continent's technological development, driving innovation, creating jobs, and attracting investment. Their growth requires a supportive environment to maximize their impact and strengthen their contribution to the digital economy.
Senegal's legal framework for startups is entering a new phase. On Wednesday, January 29, the government adopted the implementing decree for Law No. 2020-01 of January 6, 2020, governing startup creation and promotion. This long-awaited decree, years in the making, establishes a clear regulatory framework and introduces incentives for young, innovative companies.
The law aims to stimulate startup creation and growth in Senegal, focusing on creativity, innovation, new technologies, and national and international competitiveness. To qualify, companies must be based in Senegal, with at least one-third of their capital owned by Senegalese citizens, whether residing in the country or abroad. Existing businesses meeting the criteria can also benefit from startup status, which offers advantages such as streamlined administrative processes, preferential customs regimes, training and capacity-building programs, specific tax incentives, and access to financing.
This decree aligns with Senegal’s broader digital transformation strategy. In February, the country will launch the "New Technological Deal," an ambitious program designed to reshape the economy around four key pillars, including innovation and tech entrepreneurship. As part of this initiative, Senegal signed a memorandum of understanding with Google to provide artificial intelligence solutions and digital tools to accelerate the growth of local startups and SMEs.
The law's enactment is a major step forward for Senegal. By fostering a supportive environment for startups, it paves the way for increased entrepreneurial activity, greater competitiveness in global markets, and accelerated digital transformation. This structured legal framework is also expected to attract more investors and boost the tech sector, positioning Senegal as a leading innovation hub in West Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Mobility solutions provider Moove announced, on January 28, the acquisition of Kovi, an urban mobility provider based in São Paulo, in a move to strengthen its presence in Latin America.
This acquisition expands Moove’s total fleet to 36,000 vehicles, with operations now spanning 19 cities across six continents.
The deal remains subject to regulatory approval from Brazil’s antitrust authority before its final completion.
The digital solution aims to facilitate access to online administrative services.
Faso Arzêka is a digital payment platform launched by the Burkinabe government, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, through the General Directorate of Treasury and Public Accounting (DGTCP). It aims to centralize government and financial services, simplifying transactions for citizens while improving state revenue collection.
The platform also seeks to reduce travel and waiting times, enhance transaction transparency, and promote financial inclusion, particularly by increasing accessibility for rural populations.
Faso Arzêka offers a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over 500 times on the Play Store, according to available data. Users create an account using their phone number to access services such as eTimbre (electronic tax stamps), motor vehicle tax, residence tax, customs duties and taxes, and other administrative services.
Services are categorized by the responsible ministry, simplifying user navigation. The platform supports Arzêka Money, mobile money, bank cards, and bank transfers for payments.
In addition to the web platform and mobile app, authorities have introduced a USSD code for users without internet access. By dialing *700# and following the instructions, they can complete transactions. Users can call 700 for customer support.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
He is a tech entrepreneur specializing in finance in South Africa. His mission is to make freelancing sustainable across Africa.
Thulani Masebenza (photo) is a South African entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Bloo Money, a fintech startup simplifying payments between businesses and freelancers.
Founded in 2021 as Moya Money by Thulani Masebenza and Sabica Pardesi, Bloo Money offers a web-based application that streamlines invoice and payment management for freelancers. The platform enables them to request instant payments and get paid faster, helping them track their income more effectively and make more informed financial decisions.
For businesses, Bloo Money simplifies the administrative burden of managing freelancers, each with their own invoicing processes. The platform also facilitates the onboarding of suppliers and subcontractors while collecting valuable business data. By doing so, it aims to reduce paperwork and improve operational efficiency.
Thulani Masebenza holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of the Witwatersrand, earned in 2017. He also completed a postgraduate diploma in Management, Business Administration, and Management at Wits Business School that same year. In 2019, he completed Udacity's Nanodegree program in programming for data science with Python.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, he worked in 2018 as an associate consultant at Ernst & Young, specializing in audit, advisory, tax, and legal services. From 2019 to 2023, he served as director at Young Aspiring Thinkers, a nonprofit organization that helps South African high school students develop essential career skills and tackles youth unemployment.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
An engineer by training and passionate about problem-solving, he leverages his technological expertise to deliver high-impact digital solutions for businesses and individuals.
Thomas Brennan (photo) is a South African software engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Franc, a startup specializing in investment and financial technology.
Founded in 2018 by Brennan and Sebastian Patel, Franc aims to simplify investing and saving for South Africans. The platform offers a robo-advisor that helps users develop personalized investment strategies based on their financial goals. It provides access to a cash fund (money market) with higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, and an equity fund tracking stock market performance. Franc is fully digital and requires no minimum investment or administrative paperwork.
Thomas Brennan graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He then pursued further studies at the University of Oxford, earning a PhD in Engineering Science in 2008. His professional career began that same year at AHL, a British investment management firm, where he worked as a quantitative analyst. That same year, he also became an associate product manager at Google.
In 2009, he joined GeoMed, a South African IT company, as a research consultant. The following year, he became a research assistant at the University of Oxford. In 2012, he moved to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a research engineer. From 2015 to 2018, he served as head of research and development at Discovery Ltd, a South African insurance company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Morocco is banking on international cooperation to achieve its digital transformation ambitions. In recent months, the North African kingdom has strengthened ties with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Estonia.
Morocco is seeking closer cooperation with Finland on digital transformation. The topic was discussed on Tuesday, January 28, during a meeting in Finland between Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and Lulu Ranne, Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications. The meeting was part of a Moroccan delegation's visit.
Talks focused on research, technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and data, according to a statement from Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition. El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasized “the importance of leveraging Finland’s expertise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies while stressing the need to share best practices to strengthen Moroccan expertise in these fields,” the statement said. She also met with key Finnish technology players, including Nokia.
This initiative falls under Morocco’s broader international cooperation strategy for implementing its “Digital Morocco 2030” plan, officially launched in September. In December, Rabat signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia to enhance e-government collaboration. Morocco has also strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Estonia—widely considered a global leader in digital transformation.
Morocco currently ranks fourth in Africa and 90th worldwide in the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.6841 out of 1. This surpasses the North African average (0.5776), the broader African continental average (0.4247), and the global average (0.6382). However, challenges persist, particularly in developing human capital and improving online services. While the country has made significant strides in cybersecurity, positioning itself as a model in the region, further efforts are needed to strengthen measures and build capacity.
Finland, conversely, ranks ninth globally in e-government and is recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a benchmark in cybersecurity, having achieved a perfect score (20/20) across key pillars, encompassing legislative, technical, organizational, capacity-building, and cooperative measures.
Morocco’s push for international cooperation could accelerate its ambition to make digital technology a key driver of socio-economic development, targeting a contribution of 100 billion dirhams (around $10 billion) by 2030. However, discussions with Finland remain at an early stage, and no agreements have been signed or announced yet.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The 5th edition of the Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) will take place in Cotonou, Benin, on June 24-25, 2025, marking a major shift after previous editions were held in Abidjan. This key platform, dedicated to digital transformation and cybersecurity challenges in Africa, is backed by Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Digitalization.
With over 1,000 participants expected, this edition aims to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation, combat cyber threats, and harness opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI).
Panels and conferences will explore critical topics such as regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, green technology, local talent development, cybersecurity, and e-governance. Inclusion will also take center stage, with the Cyber Africa Women program promoting women’s participation in the digital sector.
The event will feature interactive initiatives, including a hackathon and a crisis management exercise, emphasizing innovation and cybersecurity. Additionally, the CAF CIO CISO CLUB will bring together industry experts to share best practices.
According to Franck Kié, General Commissioner of CAF, this edition is "an opportunity to strengthen pan-African cooperation and position Africa as a key player in the digital space."
Since its launch in 2020, the CAF has gathered over 6,000 participants and 100 partners, solidifying its status as a premier platform for digital decision-makers across the continent.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, officially commissioned the ICT Community Centre at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
The initiative, announced on January 28, was launched in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative. It aims to bridge the digital divide and address the gender gap by expanding access to digital skills and technology.
The centre will serve as a hub for IT programs designed to empower women and youth, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of driving economic diversification through digitization and innovation.
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X has announced a partnership with Visa as the first official partner for the upcoming X Money Account, set to launch later this year. This collaboration marks a significant step toward transforming X into an all-encompassing financial platform.
Linda Yaccarino, X CEO, revealed yesterday, January 28, that the X Money Account will enable secure and instant funding to the X Wallet via Visa Direct, allowing users to seamlessly connect their debit cards for peer-to-peer (P2P) payments.
Additionally, users will have the option to transfer funds instantly to their bank accounts, enhancing financial accessibility and convenience.
Agriculture remains the largest economic sector in Africa. However, climate variability and extreme weather events pose significant risks, reducing crop yields, increasing post-harvest losses, and threatening livelihoods. Leveraging digital tools could mitigate these challenges.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTN Nigeria and advanced weather intelligence company Tomorrow.io to develop a Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) System. The initiative, signed on January 24, 2025, at NiMet Headquarters in Abuja, aims to deliver localized, actionable weather advisories to farmers via mobile SMS to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.
NiMet Director General and CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the government’s food security agenda, ensuring farmers receive timely weather updates to make informed decisions.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting government initiatives and highlighted the broader impact of the project on agriculture, emergency management, and the Nigerian economy.
Nigeria is highly vulnerable to climate change, ranking 160th out of 181 countries in the 2020 ND-GAIN Index, which assesses nations based on their exposure to climate risks, global challenges, and their capacity to enhance resilience. This underscores the urgent need for adaptive measures to safeguard its economy and population.
The DCAS system is expected to empower farmers with real-time weather insights, mitigating climate-related risks and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. As per the MoU, the parties will work together to develop, implement, and test the DCAS platform, delivering weather-based advisories to farmers via SMS notifications.
This initiative represents a convergence of digital technology, climate resilience, and economic development. By leveraging mobile connectivity to deliver climate-smart solutions, Nigeria can modernize its agricultural sector, enhance food security, and build a more resilient economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
She promotes financial inclusion in Africa, leveraging technology to offer digital solutions to businesses and individuals in Nigeria.
Adaeze Onwumere (photo) is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Aku, a fintech company dedicated to accelerating financial inclusion and economic development across Africa.
Founded in 2019, Aku provides digital payment and banking solutions. Its platform enables users to send and receive money and pay bills via USSD, a mobile app, and other channels. By democratizing access to banking and digital payments, the company aims to foster greater financial inclusion.
Beyond payments, Aku also allows customers and merchants to save and access credit. Its accounts come with no annual or monthly maintenance fees, and all banking transactions are completely free. The Aku app has already been downloaded over 10,000 times on Google Play.
Adaeze Onwumere holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and African studies from Yale University (2012) and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2021.
She began her professional career in 2012 with Econet Global, a pan-African technology company, initially as an intern before spending five years in various roles. She later became head of commercial and operations at Cassava Fintech, a subsidiary of the group. Between 2018 and 2019, she served as chief operating officer at EcoCash Holdings, a company specializing in digital financial solutions.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is an experienced entrepreneur, an expert in strategic planning and sales management. He is actively involved in promoting entrepreneurship in Africa.
Jean-Patrick Ketcha (photo) is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and the founder and executive director of Le Boukarou, an organization dedicated to supporting businesses and innovators.
Founded in 2016, Le Boukarou assists young entrepreneurs and women in sub-Saharan Africa by providing modern co-working spaces, mentorship and training programs, as well as funding solutions to help them turn their projects into reality. The organization guides them through every stage, from structuring their ideas to launching their businesses. With the backing of 13 partners, Le Boukarou claims to have reached more than 42,000 people and supported over 40 startups. Among the entrepreneurs it has assisted is Arthur Zang, the inventor of the CardioPad, a connected electrocardiogram device.
Committed to fostering entrepreneurship in Africa, Jean-Patrick Ketcha serves on the strategic advisory board of the Centre d’Employabilité Francophone of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and is a board member of Afric'innov, an association providing support organizations with tools and resources to better assist entrepreneurs across the continent.
Before launching Le Boukarou, he co-founded Spread Ideas Kamer, a non-political association promoting idea-sharing, skill exchange, and the recognition of individual expertise.
Jean-Patrick Ketcha holds a master's degree in law from Paris Nanterre University (2006) and a master's in international business and trade from OMNES Education in France.
He began his professional career in 2010 as a sales manager at Société de Bétons Industriels du Cameroun, where he was promoted to operations director in 2014. In 2016, he joined real estate firm Millenium Immobilier as head of internal control.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji