The investment fund Catalyst Fund has crossed the $30 million mark to support green innovation in Africa. The capital will be used to back early-stage startups developing technologies to tackle climate challenges. The goal is to help vulnerable populations adapt to droughts and floods through projects in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and water management.
The international money transfer app YouSend is now available in the UK and Canada, enabling African immigrants to send money home quickly and securely. Powered by advanced digital payment technology, 95% of transfers to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania are completed in under two minutes. The company emphasizes fast transfers, transparent pricing, and 24/7 customer support.
Marrakech will host the Africa IT Meetings trade show in November 2026, bringing together IT managers, technology companies and digital experts. Participants will discuss data protection, cloud computing and cybersecurity. The event aims to foster business partnerships and support Africa's digital transformation.
- Benin’s National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN) says unauthorized AI-generated, modified, or distributed images of individuals can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of CFA25 million ($44,400).
- Authorities link the warning to the growing use of generative AI and deepfake technologies that can facilitate fraud, defamation, identity theft, and disinformation.
- Cybercrime cases in Benin increased from 347 in 2022 to 415 in 2023 and reached 576 cases by Sept. 17, 2024, according to the special prosecutor of the CRIET.
Benin’s National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN) has reminded the public of the penalties associated with using artificial intelligence to modify, generate, or distribute a person’s image without authorization, as authorities intensify efforts to curb cybercrime and digital identity fraud.
The agency said on Friday, Aug. 29, that such practices violate image rights and may trigger legal action under Article 576 of Benin’s Digital Code. Offenders face a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of CFA25 million, equivalent to about $44,400.
The warning comes as generative artificial intelligence tools capable of producing increasingly realistic images, videos, and audiovisual content become more widely accessible.
Deepfake technologies can replace a person’s face, alter their statements, or create fabricated scenes that criminals may use for manipulation, defamation, fraud, identity theft, or reputational damage. Researchers have warned for several years that distinguishing authentic content from AI-generated material is becoming increasingly difficult.
A Growing Threat for Authorities
The CNIN’s statement forms part of a broader effort by Beninese authorities to strengthen the fight against cybercrime. According to figures released by the special prosecutor of the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) in October 2024, cybercrime-related cases increased from 347 in 2022 to 415 in 2023. Authorities recorded 576 cases as of Sept. 17, 2024.
Meanwhile, Beninese authorities have expanded operations targeting online fraud networks and identity theft schemes operating on social media platforms.
In 2024, the CNIN announced the deactivation of approximately 600 fake accounts that criminals used for romance scams and fraudulent schemes linked to spiritual or marabout-related services.
Issues Extend Beyond Deepfakes
The rise of deepfakes reflects a broader set of cybersecurity risks that increasingly concern African governments. According to Interpol, online scams, digital fraud, ransomware attacks, and identity theft rank among the continent’s most significant cyber threats. Financial losses linked to cybercrime in Africa exceeded an estimated $3 billion between 2019 and 2025.
Against this backdrop, Beninese authorities seek to prevent the misuse of emerging artificial intelligence tools before they become an additional channel for fraud and disinformation.
Regulators now face the challenge of balancing the rapid growth of generative AI technologies with the protection of citizens’ rights in the digital space.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Senegal appointed Samba Diouf as Minister of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy as part of a government reshuffle announced on June 1.
- Authorities separated the digital economy portfolio from communications, underscoring the strategic importance of technology and digital sovereignty.
- Diouf takes charge of implementing Senegal’s New Technological Deal, a CFA1.1 trillion ($1.95 billion) program scheduled for 2025–2034.
The composition of Senegal’s new government was unveiled on Monday, June 1. Among the appointments announced by the administration led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, the nomination of Samba Diouf as Minister of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy has drawn particular attention.
Diouf succeeds Alioune Sall at the head of the ministry. Meanwhile, authorities have reconfigured the institution by separating the digital economy portfolio from the communications portfolio.
The restructuring reflects the increasing importance that Senegal places on digital transformation within its public policy framework. As a result, Diouf assumes responsibility for a sector that sits at the center of the government’s economic development and technological sovereignty agenda.
A Specialist in Digital Transformation
Before joining the government, Samba Diouf served as Minister-Counselor for Digital Affairs to the President of the Republic. Diouf built most of his professional career in digital transformation, telecommunications, and financial services. He held positions within several international technology groups, including Huawei Technologies, IBM, Oracle, Atos, and Ericsson.
Throughout his career, he led digital transformation projects for public administrations, telecommunications operators, and financial institutions.
His profile combines technical and managerial expertise. He holds a master’s degree in physics, a master’s degree in information and communication systems engineering, an Executive MBA in corporate strategy, and an MBA in finance. His qualifications provide expertise across technology, governance, and business development.
Strategic Projects to Advance
Diouf assumes office two months after the first anniversary of the New Technological Deal and the launch of its flagship projects.
Authorities launched the program last year around 12 priority projects and allocated nearly CFA1.1 trillion ($1.95 billion) in investment between 2025 and 2034. The initiative aims to strengthen connectivity, expand digital public services, support the digital economy, and enhance the country’s technological sovereignty.
However, significant challenges remain. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, Senegal ranked among Africa’s 15 most advanced countries for digital services in 2025. Nevertheless, gaps in internet access persist, particularly between urban and rural areas.
Cybersecurity, digital identity, artificial intelligence development, and support for technology startups also remain among the sector’s top priorities.
As head of a ministry now fully dedicated to telecommunications and digital development, Diouf must translate the government’s ambitions into measurable outcomes. His mandate comes at a time when digital technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in Senegal’s economic competitiveness and the modernization of public administration.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Lire aussi:
Last week, South African fintech firm Yoco announced the acquisition of Dyner.ai, a startup that develops AI-powered software for restaurants. Yoco, which already helps more than 200,000 small businesses accept card payments, plans to integrate the technology into its platform to simplify day-to-day operations for clients. The deal will give small merchants access to AI tools that can help manage inventory and reduce costs.
The CcHUB innovation center is expanding its long-standing headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. For the first time in fifteen years, the incubator is offering private offices to accommodate rapidly growing startup teams. The aim is to preserve its collaborative culture while providing spaces tailored to companies scaling beyond the startup stage, helping foster mutual support and local innovation.
Cape Town will host the Africa Tech Festival from November 16-19, 2026. The event will bring together technology executives, entrepreneurs and investors to discuss developments in artificial intelligence, internet connectivity and startup ecosystems. Participants will examine how digital technologies can support economic growth and expand access to digital services across Africa.
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Rwandan entrepreneur Dominion Paul founded LADX in 2024 to connect travelers with spare luggage capacity and individuals or businesses seeking to ship parcels across Africa.
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The platform uses a sharing-economy model to reduce cross-border delivery costs and improve speed in a market constrained by logistics infrastructure gaps.
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LADX combines profile verification, parcel screening and delivery confirmation procedures to strengthen security and regulatory compliance.
Dominion Paul, a young Rwandan entrepreneur and founder and chief executive officer of LADX, operates an African collaborative delivery platform established in 2024. The company connects travelers with unused luggage space and individuals seeking to send parcels across the continent. The platform aims to make cross-border shipping faster and more affordable.
LADX operates on a sharing-economy model. Travelers provide information about their routes, travel dates and available luggage capacity. Meanwhile, senders review those travel plans and submit delivery requests that match their needs. Travelers retain full control over the process. They select parcels according to their availability and carrying capacity.
LADX places security at the center of its business model in order to build trust among users. The startup relies on a rigorous verification system for both user profiles and parcels. In addition, the company subjects goods to strict inspection procedures to ensure compliance with customs and transportation regulations.
Furthermore, LADX conducts verification checks during parcel handovers and deliveries. The company notably uses photographic evidence to confirm transactions. For individual senders and small businesses, LADX offers a competitive alternative to traditional logistics networks by leveraging journeys that travelers have already planned. For travelers, the model creates an additional source of income. Users monetize unused luggage space and receive payment once recipients confirm that they have received the goods.
Dominion Paul currently studies entrepreneurship at the African Leadership University (ALU). Before founding LADX, she built her professional experience between 2019 and 2023 as a team leader at Alliance in Motion Global, a company specializing in the distribution of nutritional supplements.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Kenyan startup VunaPay helps cooperatives and smallholder farmers secure income through digital harvest tracking, data management and faster payments.
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The company, founded in 2023, aims to improve transparency, operational efficiency and cash flow across agricultural value chains.
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Founder and CEO Gatwĩri Njogu-Mokaya previously held senior business development and strategy roles at Oracle across Africa.
Kenyan entrepreneur Gatwĩri Njogu-Mokaya, co-founder and chief executive officer of VunaPay, leads a startup that supports agricultural cooperatives and smallholder farmers.
Founded in 2023, VunaPay helps producers secure their income through more efficient and transparent management practices. The company works closely with cooperatives to optimize harvest collection, centralize operational data and streamline income payments.
VunaPay structures its solution around three core services. The first service focuses on agricultural produce collection. The company provides tools that automate and simplify harvest registration when farmers deliver produce to cooperatives. This approach reduces manual processes and saves time for agricultural organizations.
The second service focuses on information management. VunaPay enables cooperatives to maintain accurate and up-to-date records on farmers, delivered volumes and available inventories. This centralized data management improves operational monitoring and strengthens transparency within cooperative structures.
The third pillar of the business focuses on payments. VunaPay launched its platform to address one of agriculture’s most persistent challenges: payment delays. The company offers a system that enables farmers to receive payments more quickly after delivering their produce. As a result, farmers improve their cash flow and gain faster access to their earnings.
Before launching her entrepreneurial venture, Gatwĩri Njogu-Mokaya built an international academic and professional career. She earned a master's degree in Medical Technology and Clinical Forensic Medicine from Michigan State University. She also began her professional career there in 2001 as a customer service representative for the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.
Subsequently, she joined Oracle, the U.S. technology company specializing in artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure, where she worked from 2017 to 2022. During her tenure, she served as Business Development Manager for the Public Sector in Africa, Director of Industry Strategy and Transformation, and Director of Business Development and Customer Experience for Africa.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Mauritius has launched a nationwide project to digitize more than 10.5 million social security records and integrate them into its future E-Social Security platform.
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Social protection spending reached 91.4 billion Mauritian rupees ($1.9 billion) in fiscal year 2024-25, representing 37.4% of total government expenditure and 12.8% of GDP.
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Authorities expect the digital transformation to improve administrative efficiency, strengthen financial oversight and support the long-term sustainability of the pension system.
Mauritius has officially begun the digital transformation of its social security system after thirteen years of waiting. The government formally launched the digitization program for social benefit beneficiary records on May 27 under the “Bulk Scanning of Beneficiary Files” project.
The initiative aims to integrate more than 10.5 million documents into the future E-Social Security system.
The project comes as social protection remains one of the largest components of public expenditure in Mauritius. Official data show that social protection spending reached 91.4 billion Mauritian rupees ($1.9 billion) during fiscal year 2024-25, accounting for 37.4% of total government expenditure and 12.8% of gross domestic product.
As of June 2025, 279,559 people received the Basic Retirement Pension. Until now, authorities have managed a large share of social benefits through paper-based archives. In some Social Security offices, files accumulated from floor to ceiling and complicated the daily work of employees responsible for pensions, social assistance and contributor records, according to Minister of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity Ashok Subron.
Administration Set to Gain Efficiency
The project will gradually digitize all records related to pensions, social assistance programs, disability benefits, as well as members of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and the National Solidarity Fund (NSF). Authorities estimate that the complete integration of data will require approximately 18 months.
Every month, government agencies process nearly 800,000 payments for at least 350,000 beneficiaries. Against this backdrop, digital procedures offer significant potential to improve public service delivery.
Instant access to information should reduce application-processing times, lower errors associated with manual operations and improve working conditions for public-sector employees.
Consequently, authorities expect the modernization effort to make public services more efficient and accessible.
A Tool to Support Long-Term Sustainability
Beyond operational gains, the project also addresses long-term financial concerns. The reform comes as Mauritius undertakes a gradual restructuring of its pension system. The 2025-26 budget includes a phased increase in the eligibility age for the Basic Retirement Pension from 60 to 65 years.
Authorities introduced the measure to address population aging and rising fiscal pressures.
Meanwhile, several observers have highlighted structural weaknesses in the financing of pensions and social assistance programs. They have also raised concerns about the sustainability, intergenerational fairness and economic coherence of the generalized social contribution scheme that authorities introduced during the COVID-19 crisis.
In this environment, a centralized database could improve beneficiary monitoring, accelerate the identification of duplicate records and administrative anomalies, and provide greater visibility into financial flows.
These capabilities have become increasingly important for managing a system that represents more than one-third of national public expenditure.
Another Pillar of Mauritius’ Digital Strategy
The E-Social Security project also forms part of the Mauritian government’s broader digital roadmap. The administration has placed administrative modernization, transparency and public-sector governance at the center of its policy agenda.
The initiative mirrors a broader trend across Africa, where governments are investing in digital social registries to improve the targeting of public assistance, reduce inclusion and exclusion errors, and strengthen the effectiveness of social policies.
For Mauritius, the objective extends beyond the digitization of paper archives. Authorities aim to build a data infrastructure capable of supporting the future evolution of the social protection system and improving public decision-making as demographic and budgetary pressures intensify.
Challenges of the Digital Transition
However, the success of the project will depend on several factors. Cybersecurity remains one of the most significant challenges. The centralization of sensitive information concerning hundreds of thousands of citizens requires robust safeguards against cyberattacks and data breaches.
Authorities must also ensure compliance with personal data protection requirements, support public employees during the adoption of new digital tools and maintain access to services for vulnerable populations, particularly older citizens.
If authorities meet these conditions, the social security digitalization program could become one of the flagship projects of Mauritius’ administrative modernization agenda and strengthen the effectiveness of a system that remains a cornerstone of national solidarity.
Muriel EDJO
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Kenya aims to increase international tourist arrivals from 3 million to 5 million and boost tourism revenue by 50% under its new tourism strategy.
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Google Kenya and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife signed a partnership focused on digital skills, artificial intelligence infrastructure and global marketing campaigns.
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Authorities plan to use AI, cloud technology and data analytics to strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness and expand tourism-related economic growth.
The East African nation has officially launched its new tourism strategy, "Magical Kenya – The Origin of Wonder," an ambitious roadmap that aims to increase international visitor arrivals from 3 million to 5 million and raise tourism revenue by 50%. Authorities plan to achieve those objectives through digital transformation initiatives and global technology partnerships.
At the center of the strategy, Google Kenya and Tourism and Wildlife Minister Rebecca Miano signed a partnership agreement on May 29. The memorandum of collaboration establishes joint investments across three key areas: digital skills development and youth empowerment, artificial intelligence infrastructure deployment through Google Cloud, and enhanced international visibility through Google Ads and market intelligence tools.
The program will run from May through December 2026. The initiative will rely on implementation partners including The Africa Growth Lab and Action Lab. The program will follow several phases, beginning with the development of technological and organizational foundations, continuing with the activation of the ministry’s cloud infrastructure and culminating in global marketing campaigns.
Consequently, authorities expect the initiative to transform Kenya’s tourism industry into a more competitive and digitally driven engine of economic growth.
Kenya Strengthens Its Tourism Appeal
To support the transformation, authorities have established a 22-member task force. The group will redesign the positioning of the "Magical Kenya" brand, strengthen the country’s international appeal and develop innovative strategies to boost tourist arrivals and youth employment.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Rebecca Miano welcomed the strategic collaboration and highlighted the central role of digital technology in diversifying Kenya’s tourism offering.
According to Miano, technology integration will help authorities better showcase all 47 counties through tourism experience mapping and the creation of more personalized visitor journeys.
Through the partnership, Kenya is reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most advanced adopters of digital technologies for economic development.
By investing in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and digital marketing, Nairobi aims to strengthen its competitiveness against leading global tourism destinations.
The strategy aligns with broader continental trends. Several African destinations, including Tanzania, Rwanda and South Africa, have accelerated investments in digital marketing and online booking platforms.
Kenya now aims to convert its established international reputation into more structured tourism revenues by leveraging Google's distribution capabilities and data analytics tools.
Authorities will evaluate the initiative’s effectiveness through the end of 2026, when the first global marketing campaigns are expected to become fully operational.
Muriel EDJO
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Côte d’Ivoire plans to establish a public university dedicated to artificial intelligence under its National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030.
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The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen digital sovereignty, develop local technology talent and support economic transformation.
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The government has allocated more than CFA114.8 trillion ($204 billion) to the PND, including major investments in digital infrastructure, higher education and public-sector digitalization.
Côte d’Ivoire is placing artificial intelligence at the center of its development agenda as the country seeks to address an urgent shortage of digital skills and strengthen its technological sovereignty.
The government plans to establish a public university dedicated to artificial intelligence under its National Development Plan (PND) 2026–2030, recently presented by Souleymane Diarrassouba.
The initiative aims to align the education system with the needs of an economy increasingly driven by data, automation and emerging technologies.
The proposed AI university forms part of a broader higher education expansion program.
Ivorian authorities plan to build new universities in Abengourou, Daoukro and Dabou. Authorities also plan to establish several university technology institutes.
The government pursues two objectives. First, it seeks to increase enrollment capacity. Second, it aims to direct more academic programs toward sectors considered critical for growth, including digital technology, agro-industry, mining, healthcare and services.
Beyond expanding the university system, the initiative supports the implementation of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy through 2030.
Authorities launched the framework last year and positioned artificial intelligence as a driver of digital sovereignty and economic competitiveness.
The strategy also provides for the creation of AI-focused centers of excellence within universities and technical institutions. These centers will support advanced training, applied research and technological innovation.
The planned curriculum will cover several key disciplines, including data science, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and intelligent systems.
Authorities aim to build a skills pipeline that reflects market demand at a time when demand for specialized technology professionals significantly exceeds available supply.
Consequently, the university could play a critical role in narrowing the country’s digital talent gap and supporting the growth of a domestic technology ecosystem.
The PND 2026–2030 allocates more than CFA114.8 trillion, equivalent to approximately $204 billion, to support the country’s long-term development agenda.
The plan also includes major investments in digital infrastructure.
Authorities intend to expand fiber-optic networks, develop data centers and deploy resilient technology solutions. At the same time, the government plans to accelerate the digitalization of public administration.
Within this broader framework, the artificial intelligence university represents a foundational component of an ecosystem that remains under construction.
The institution should strengthen links between academic training and productive sectors while enhancing research capabilities and encouraging the development of locally designed technological solutions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Chad held talks with major U.S. technology companies, including Starlink, InterSystems, Cybastion, Vertiv and 19Labs, to attract expertise and investment.
- Authorities discussed projects covering connectivity, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, e-government services and digital healthcare.
- Chad raised concerns with Starlink over service quality and pricing while seeking broader improvements in internet access and digital inclusion.
Chad intensified its efforts to establish partnerships with leading global technology companies during a mission to Washington from May 23 to May 31.
Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digitalization Minister Haliki Choua Mahamat led the delegation, which held discussions with several U.S. stakeholders operating in technology, infrastructure and digital healthcare.
The government sought to attract expertise and investment capable of accelerating the country's digital transformation and supporting broader economic modernization.
During the visit, Chadian officials met representatives from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce and several major technology companies, including InterSystems, Starlink, Cybastion, Vertiv and 19Labs.
Participants discussed a range of strategic projects focused on connectivity, digital infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity, public-service digitalization and digital health development.
One of the most sensitive issues involved Starlink's satellite internet services. Chadian officials raised concerns with representatives of the SpaceX subsidiary regarding service quality in Chad and pricing levels that authorities consider higher than those charged in several other African markets.
N'Djamena views improved internet access as a critical priority because existing telecommunications infrastructure remains insufficient to meet growing demand from government agencies, businesses and households.
The diplomatic outreach comes as Chad seeks to position the digital sector as a key driver of economic diversification.
Although the country has recorded progress in recent years, Chad still ranks among the least advanced African nations in terms of connectivity and digital development.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, internet penetration remains below the African average, while access to digital services remains particularly limited in rural areas.
The government also views digital technologies as a tool for modernizing the healthcare system. Discussions with specialized U.S. institutions focused on plans to digitalize the country's five university hospitals, 23 regional hospitals and more than 1,000 health centers.
Authorities aim to improve medical data management, strengthen patient monitoring and expand access to healthcare services through digital technologies.
Beyond infrastructure investments, Chad aims to strengthen domestic technological capabilities. Talks with U.S. partners included training initiatives and technology-transfer programs designed to develop national expertise in digital technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
The government considers those capabilities essential for reducing technological dependence and building a digital ecosystem capable of supporting its long-term economic modernization strategy.
Through this outreach mission, Chad seeks to secure a place within the global technology partnership landscape. The next challenge for policymakers will involve converting discussions held in Washington into concrete projects capable of delivering lasting improvements in connectivity, public services and national economic competitiveness.
Samira Njoya