The Kenyan government is seeking international partners to bolster its digital transformation efforts. In June, a partnership with Malaysia was established towards this goal.
Kenya and Belgium are exploring potential collaborations in the digital sector. Margaret Ndung’u (photo, right), Kenya’s Minister of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, met with Peter Maddens (photo, left), Belgium’s ambassador to Kenya, on Wednesday to discuss potential areas of partnership.
While specific details were not disclosed, the ministry indicated that the talks covered last-mile connectivity and other digital initiatives. The discussions come as Kenya actively seeks international support for its digital transformation.
In June, Kenya engaged in talks with Malaysia on cybersecurity and semiconductor production. In January, the Indian government approved a memorandum of understanding with Kenya focusing on the digital space.
International collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Kenya’s digital economy acceleration program. Since taking office, President William Ruto has made clear his ambition to leverage digital technology for socio-economic development by 2027. His plans include significant investments in infrastructure, such as deploying 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, setting up 25,000 Wi-Fi access points, and digitizing 5,000 administrative services.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
AI adoption has the potential to increase productivity and create jobs, especially in tech. By investing in AI infrastructure and promoting collaborations between the public and private sectors, Nigeria aims to position itself as an AI leader in Africa.
In partnership with Google, the Nigerian government has launched a ₦100 million ($59,500) fund to support 10 startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their technology solutions. The initiative was announced on September 10, 2024, by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy at the 2-day ‘Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa Conference’ in Lagos.
Today, we launched the N100million Artificial Intelligence Fund in collaboration with @googleafrica aimed at supporting Nigerian startups leveraging AI to build innovative solutions.
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) September 10, 2024
The AI Fund, which will be coordinated by @NCAIRNigeria, is a critical step in taking advantage… pic.twitter.com/pKyuz6SFhJ
Dr. Tijani emphasized the government's role in shaping AI policies that can influence both public and private sectors, stating, "If we get it right in the public sector, it will permeate the private sector and shape the future of things in our country."
The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) will coordinate the fund as part of the government's broader push to position Nigeria as a leader in AI technology.
Google's involvement in the fund reflects its commitment to Africa's digital future. In addition to the funding, the selected startups will gain access to Google's AI tools, mentorship, and a global network of experts.
Startups eligible for this funding must have at least one Nigerian founder and be focused on AI solutions with scalable potential. The application period will run from September 10 to September 25, with recipients announced in October.
This initiative is expected to accelerate AI adoption in Nigeria and further cement the country's position as a key player in Africa's digital economy. It aligns with broader strategies outlined in the country’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS).
Additionally, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, complements these efforts by focusing on building a skilled workforce in tech and AI. This aligns well with the AI fund, which targets startups with high-impact potential, as seen in the recent partnerships between Google and Nigeria.
According to multinational accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwC), AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with Africa benefiting from increased efficiencies and new business opportunities.
Hikmatu Bilali
Establishing innovation hubs and fostering tech education drives entrepreneurship by empowering individuals to create localized solutions to pressing challenges. This approach enables African nations to develop indigenous technologies in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education, decreasing their dependence on foreign innovations.
The Rwandan government, led by Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, has inaugurated the construction phase of the Kigali Innovation City (KIC), a major initiative aimed at advancing technological innovation in Rwanda. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 10 in Kigali’s Special Economic Zone, Gasabo District.
"Kigali Innovation City is more than just infrastructure; it is an ecosystem designed to promote innovation, attract top talent, and drive investment," Dr. Ngirente emphasized. He added that KIC aligns with Rwanda's vision of a prosperous, tech-driven future for the nation and the African continent.
Rwanda’s ICT and Innovation Minister, Paula Ingabire Musoni, underscored the importance of KIC as a catalyst for tech investment. She described KIC as a platform where multinational companies and startups can collaborate on solutions that will shape Rwanda's future technology agenda.
The KIC project, a 61-hectare smart city worth over $ 2 billion, is a master-planned city designed to create a hub for technological innovation. It will include universities, startup incubators, office spaces, and supporting facilities such as retail and hospitality services. Pioneering Infrastructure investor and asset manager Africas50, backed by African global capital, was granted exclusive rights by the Rwandan Government to develop, operate, and commercialize the city.
The project is expected to generate $150 million in annual ICT exports and attract over $300 million in foreign direct investment. The city is also projected to create more than 50,000 jobs upon completion and produce over 2,600 tech graduates annually, bolstering Rwanda's tech ecosystem.
This initiative aligns with government-led programs like the Smart Rwanda Master Plan, which aims to transform the nation into a knowledge-driven economy, and the One Laptop Per Child initiative designed to empower the population with digital literacy. By increasing digital proficiency, Rwanda can enhance the workforce available to innovation hubs like Kigali Innovation City (KIC), encouraging entrepreneurship and the creation of technology solutions that address African challenges. In the long run, this will cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem, strengthen Rwanda's position as a continental tech leader, and contribute to bridging the digital divide, fostering sustainable growth, and advancing Africa’s global technological presence.
The ICT sector in Rwanda has grown steadily over the years. According to the Rwanda Development Bank’s ICT Skills Snapshot 2022, the sector contributed 2% of GDP and employed around 8,962 workers (0.26% of employment) as of 2020. The government targets a higher contribution through its Digital Transformation Strategy and projects like KIC.
Hikmatu Bilali
To boost its economic growth and enhance its international visibility, Morocco is betting on the development of tourism. In this context, the country is investing in the modernization of its airports, which serve as key gateways to its territory.
The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has launched a strategy called "Décollage 2025," with a key focus on digital transformation, to create a seamless digital experience for travelers by 2025. This initiative was announced by Mohammed Abdeljalil, the Minister of Transport and Logistics.
"The Office has allocated substantial funds for the digital transformation, hiring specialized technical experts to manage its Digital Factory unit. This unit will oversee the implementation of projects aimed at bolstering the digital transformation of the Office across all its activities," explained the minister.
One of the first steps in this plan is the installation of "e-gate" smart portals at Moroccan airports. These automated systems use biometric technology to verify travelers' identities. The self-service devices allow passengers to pass through immigration without an agent, speeding up both boarding and disembarking processes.
The new terminal at Rabat-Salé Airport, set to open in 2025, will serve as a pilot project before the initiative is extended to other major airports, such as Mohammed V and Marrakech-Menara. The strategy also includes implementing a "SMART AIRPORT" information system that will provide real-time monitoring of airport facilities and collect data to enable quick responses in case of operational issues.
These initiatives aim to modernize Morocco’s airport infrastructure ahead of major events like the Africa Cup of Nations next year and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The improvements will enhance the travel experience and streamline data coordination.
By integrating e-gates, Morocco is following in the footsteps of many European countries that have successfully adopted this technology. This system marks a significant step toward the digitization of airport services, providing travelers with a more efficient experience while boosting security.
Samira Njoya
Due to a lack of information about patients' medical histories, doctors often find it difficult to provide appropriate care, which can lead to dramatic situations. To address this situation in Côte d'Ivoire, she set up a dedicated system.
Corine Maurice Ouattara (photo) is an Ivorian expert in digital health and an entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Pass Santé Mousso, a company specializing in digital health solutions.
Founded in 2016, Pass Santé Mousso offers a digital medical record system that allows patients to store all their medical and personal information in one place, accessible at any time via a web and mobile application. It also includes physical tools such as a bracelet, medallion, and card to facilitate access to medical information in case of emergencies.
Pass Santé Mousso’s mission is to “address the growing challenges of managing medical data and improve the quality of care, particularly in emergency situations. Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible and personalized through advanced digital solutions,” as stated on the company’s LinkedIn page.
The idea for Pass Santé Mousso emerged after a series of tragic events. Having suffered from recurring medical crises, Corine Maurice Ouattara once found herself in a hospital where, due to a lack of information, a doctor gave her the wrong treatment, leaving her bedridden for two days. In 2014, a young girl who had been assaulted in Côte d'Ivoire died because of inadequate care, which was partly due to the absence of medical information. These incidents motivated Ouattara to launch this project to prevent such situations from happening again.
Corine Maurice Ouattara also serves as the president of the Digital Health Association in Côte d'Ivoire, an organization dedicated to developing digital health solutions in the country.
She holds a degree in health information systems management from the National Institute of Health Training in Côte d'Ivoire, along with a law degree from the University of Abidjan. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, she worked as a personnel management officer at Etipack-CI, a company specializing in packaging and containers, from 2005 to 2006.
With Pass Santé Mousso, Ouattara has won numerous awards. She secured second place at the Ivorian TECHMOUSSO competition in 2016, third place at the Orange Entrepreneur Social contest in 2018, and was named a laureate of the Outstanding Young Person Award 2018 (TOYP) by the Junior Chamber International of Côte d'Ivoire. Also in 2018, she won second place in the health start-up Awards CASES.
Melchior Koba
In 2023, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiated a pilot project to train young people from 24 African countries in cybersecurity. The success of this initial phase has led to the launch of a larger initiative aimed at expanding the program.
The West and Central Africa Regional Bureau of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced Monday, its commitment to training 25,000 young people in cybersecurity across both subregions. To achieve this goal, the UNDP has partnered with Canada's Concordia University and the digital skills academy Give1Project. The training will last five months and will culminate in a certification.
The initiative follows the success of a 2023 pilot phase, which provided a four-month cybersecurity training program for youths from 24 African countries, including two weeks of in-person sessions in Saly, Senegal. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Africa faces a shortage of 100,000 qualified cybersecurity professionals.
In recent years, cybersecurity has become one of the most critical sectors in Africa’s tech landscape. With the continent's digital market expected to reach $712 billion by 2050, the ITU estimates that Africa’s lack of cybersecurity readiness costs its member states an average of 10% of their GDP. Beyond investing in local talent, African countries must also establish robust legal and regulatory frameworks to address cybersecurity challenges.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, fintech has rapidly grown across Africa. In Cameroon, Site Antipas is a leading figure in this new wave of tech entrepreneurs shaping this segment.
Site Antipas (photo) is a Cameroonian computer engineer and tech entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of fintech startup Noupia.
Founded in 2020, Noupia offers Cameroonians a seamless way to create and manage virtual credit cards, enabling users to make online purchases and send and receive money. Compatible with Apple and Google Pay, these virtual cards, which can be topped up via Mobile Money, are widely used for paying for services like Netflix subscriptions, and Facebook ads.
Noupia also simplifies bill payments in Cameroon, covering services like electricity, water, and Canal+, and allows users to purchase phone credit. Additionally, through its Noupia Actu feature, users can stay updated on financial news. The startup provides other services as well, including Ixtina, a digital platform where Cameroonians can offer various services.
Apart from his role at Noupia, Site Antipas is the lead web developer for First Hair, a company specializing in hair care products. He developed the company's e-commerce platform, facilitating online sales and deliveries of their products.
A graduate of HIBMAT University in Buea, Site Antipas earned his degree in computer engineering in 2016. He began his career in 2015 as a full-stack freelance developer and worked as a web developer for the Catholic University Institute of Buea from 2018 to 2022.
Melchior Koba
The Namibian government has made digital transformation a cornerstone of its socioeconomic development. To ensure the security of individuals and systems, the administration plans to implement robust safeguards.
amibia is on the verge of implementing regulatory frameworks for cybersecurity and data protection. Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Emma Theofelus announced on Monday, September 9, that two draft laws are nearing completion.
Speaking at the launch of the eighth National ICT Summit, Theofelus stressed the importance of these laws in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. "To thrive in this new era, we must not only adapt to technological changes but also build a resilient framework capable of keeping pace with advancements," she stated.
The cybersecurity and data protection laws are part of the National Digital Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. Their development comes amid a fast-paced digital transformation, marked by the rapid adoption and diversification of ICT usage. For instance, mobile internet subscriptions in Namibia rose from 934,000 in Q2 2016 to 1.532 million in Q2 2024, a 64.1% increase. By the end of June, the number of mobile subscribers had reached 2.47 million.
This rapid growth in digital adoption brings new challenges, particularly the rising threat of cybercrime. According to Interpol’s "African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2024," cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities in individuals, organizations, and states.
Strengthening cybersecurity and personal data protection is essential to achieving the Namibian government’s digitalization ambitions. The government aims to leverage digital technologies to drive economic growth, promote social inclusion, and foster overall societal progress.
“From e-government to digital health and education, these technologies offer new ways to enhance service delivery and improve the quality of life for our population. We must harness these technologies to make government services more accessible, efficient, and responsive to citizens' needs,” added Emma Theofelus.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Digital transformation, particularly in healthcare, is crucial for development. Implementing Digital Health Systems is expected to improve access to medical care and reduce inefficiencies. By tracking pharmaceuticals using digital tools and AI, the government can better manage resources and ensure that essential medicines reach patients, thereby improving public health outcomes.
Zambia has begun rolling out Digital Health Systems in hospitals nationwide to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure the availability of essential medicines. The project was announced on September 4 by the Ministry of Science and Technology. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, it aims to digitize healthcare services and combat drug pilferage.
At the launch of the project in Gwembe, Southern Province, Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati highlighted the role of modern technology in transforming healthcare. He noted that hospitals would now use digital tools to extend healthcare access to more Zambians. Additionally, the system will track pharmaceuticals from procurement to patient use, aiming to curb drug theft in healthcare facilities.
Access to basic healthcare services in Zambia is unevenly distributed between provinces and between urban and rural areas. According to the International Insulin Foundation report on Zambia’s Health System, in urban regions, 99% of households are located within 5 kilometers of a health facility, whereas in rural areas, only about 50% of households have similar proximity to healthcare facilities. The digitization initiative aims to bridge this gap by utilizing digital tools to reach more citizens, especially in underserved rural regions
Meanwhile, drug theft has been a longstanding issue in the Zambian health sector whose national drug stock level was 53.1%, below the World Health Organization’s minimum threshold of 70%. Transparency International highlighted the concerns in 2020 when Zambian journalists uncovered irregularities in a US$17 million health kit procurement. By digitizing health services and leveraging AI technologies, the government improves accountability in the pharmaceutical supply chain, ensuring drugs are tracked from procurement to patient use, ultimately boosting transparency and curbing mismanagement.
This move aligns with Zambia’s ‘Health Information Systems Strategy 2022 – 2026’ vision of “a national health information system that harnesses digital innovations to support evidence-based decision making for quality and equitable health services.”
Hikmatu Bilali
Morocco is facing a persistent problem of school dropouts, particularly in rural areas. Efforts are underway to reverse this growing trend.
Orange Maroc Foundation announced on Thursday plans to equip 55 new schools with computer equipment for the 2024-2025 school year as part of its "Digital Schools" program. The announcement came during the launch of the project's second phase.
“This program aims to democratize access to digital technologies in rural primary schools, ensuring equal learning conditions for all students, regardless of their environment. Strengthening our partnership with the Ministry of National Education is further proof of our commitment to supporting the Kingdom in the successful digital transformation of Moroccan schools,” said Hind Lfal (photo), Secretary General of Orange Maroc.
Launched in 2022 in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, the project provides digital equipment, including computers for teachers, tablets for students, and online educational resources. It aims to enhance learning in rural areas, which often face challenges in accessing modern educational tools.
This initiative aligns with Orange Maroc's corporate social responsibility strategy to promote digital inclusion and combat school dropouts. According to the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, 249,458 students dropped out of school in 2022/2023, with 45.5% coming from rural areas. UNESCO estimates the economic impact of this issue in Morocco at $196 million annually.
With this new phase, 55 additional schools will be equipped, 200 teachers will receive training, and 17,000 students will benefit from the initiative. Since its launch, the program has already digitized 16 rural schools, benefiting over 4,000 students and 30 teachers.
Samira Njoya
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He aims to boost intra-African trade by connecting truck owners and traders across the continent through technology. By leveraging digital platforms, he streamlines logistics and transportation, enabling businesses to move goods more efficiently across borders.
Robert Okello (photo), a Kenyan entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Rudi Trip, a company addressing the high costs and environmental impact of freight transportation in Africa. Founded in 2022, Rudi Trip connects shippers, truck owners, and drivers through a digital platform, aiming to reduce cross-border transportation costs and boost intra-African trade.
By minimizing empty trips, cutting carbon emissions, and optimizing the time spent finding cargo, Rudi Trip streamlines the logistics process. The platform matches loads with reliable trucks, offers fast payments to truck owners, and ensures transparency in the industry. The company specializes in domestic and cross-border transportation across various sectors, including grains, cement, tiles, steel, and consumer goods. Users can track the real-time location of trucks transporting their goods via the Rudi Trip app.
Prior to founding Rudi Trip, Okello gained experience in the technology and business development sectors. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and chemistry from the University of Nairobi. After graduating, he worked at I Can Fly, a university guidance platform, as a business development manager. He subsequently joined Gorilla Africa BPO, a provider of tech solutions and marketing services, where he served as head of partnership development across Africa.
In 2019, Okello joined Razzo Africa, an IT services and consulting firm, as head of business development and African partnerships. He later worked as head of growth for the Middle East and Africa region at Pieme, a blockchain platform.
Melchior Koba
He is an environmentalist and social entrepreneur, dedicated to addressing issues related to solid waste. He promotes the circular economy and incorporates technology to optimize his efforts.
Allen Kimambo (photo), a Tanzanian engineer and entrepreneur, is at the helm of Zaidi Recyclers, a social enterprise dedicated to driving the transition to a circular economy. Founded in 2014, the company offers comprehensive recycling solutions, industrial waste management, and sustainability initiatives for businesses.
Zaidi Recyclers provides clients with a range of services, including safety, quality, and environmental management systems. The company also assists businesses in obtaining ISO certifications and other industry compliance standards. Through a user-friendly mobile app, clients can report available waste streams for collection.
The company handles various types of waste, including electronic and electrical equipment, car batteries, paper, cardboard, glass bottles, and plastics. To date, Zaidi Recyclers has collected over 2,200 containers and recycled 700 tons of waste.
Beyond his role as CEO of Zaidi Recyclers, Kimambo is actively involved in the Tanzanian startup ecosystem. He is a founding member of the Tanzania Startup Association and serves as a solid waste consultant for Tetra Tech. Additionally, he is an associate consultant with Adam Smith International and a project manager for the TakaNiAjira Foundation in Uganda. Kimambo also chairs the Tanzania Recyclers Association.
Kimambo holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry and processing from the University of Dar es Salaam. In 2021, he furthered his expertise by earning a diploma in sustainable development through the Swedish Institute Management Programme.
Melchior Koba
In September 2023, Burkina Faso's government introduced an online platform for obtaining criminal records. The service was initially launched in Ouagadougou and is expected to expand to all regions of the country.
Justice and Human Rights Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced on Friday the nationwide expansion of the country's online criminal record system. The initiative aims to streamline the process of obtaining this vital administrative document for citizens.
The e-criminal record service was initially launched in September 2023 in the Ouaga I and II high courts. Following a successful pilot phase, the government decided to extend the service to all regions of Burkina Faso.
“Online requests have reached around 105,000 since the platform's launch. This demonstrates significant interest, as the system reduces costs, makes justice more accessible, and curbs corruption in the judicial sector,” Minister Bayala explains.
The expansion of the e-criminal record service aligns with the government's National Strategy for the Modernization of Public Administration (SNMAP) 2021-2025. One of the key objectives of the SNMAP is to enhance the accessibility of public services through information and communication technologies.
According to the United Nations' E-Government Development Index, Burkina Faso ranked 166th out of 193 countries in 2022, with a score of 0.3476.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
An IT specialist by training, he uses his skills to serve his country, Senegal. He is behind various technological solutions in sectors such as finance and mobility.
Mouhamet Mbow (photo), a Senegalese IT specialist and entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of InTech Group, a tech company that focuses on web and mobile development as well as software deployment. Launched in March 2016, InTech has grown into a dynamic startup offering diverse technological solutions in sectors like finance and mobility.
InTech’s journey began with the creation of Samataxi, a real-time, geolocated taxi-hailing app. In 2019, the company rebranded to InTech following the launch of InTech API, an aggregation, distribution, and management solution for payments, which has since become the company’s core service.
In July 2019, InTech launched Yonema, a platform that allows users across Africa to recharge mobile money accounts using a bank card. Two months later, it introduced Pointech, a geolocated time-tracking solution for businesses to better manage employee attendance.
In 2020, InTech continued expanding with the launch of PayTech, a solution offering businesses a simple, streamlined payment experience for their clients, and InTech SMS, a gateway for sending personalized SMS messages from apps or software.
Most recently, in January 2022, InTech launched PayTick, a platform that enables users to create, sell, and manage event tickets online.
Before founding InTech Group, Mbow launched ReveiL Ton Style in 2012, an online fashion store, and co-founded the news site DakarFlashNews in 2014. In 2016, he created Wmakit, a startup focused on web and mobile application development.
Mouhamet Mbow holds a degree in computer science from Paris-Est Créteil University, obtained in 2013. Between 2014 and 2015, he worked as a web developer and designer at Sen ID's, an innovation hub in various development fields.
In 2021, he was named Senegal's Best Entrepreneur of the Year at the second edition of the Meet Up Septafrique, organized by the digital media group Septafrique Groupe.
Melchior Koba