• The University of Botswana launched its first local virtual reality (VR) program in partnership with MDiHub.

• The solution enables remote, immersive access to UniPod laboratories without physical presence.

• The global VR market could reach $69.6 billion by 2028, highlighting strong growth potential.

The University of Botswana, through UniPod in collaboration with the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub (MDiHub), officially launched its first local virtual reality (VR) program on Thursday, April 16. The institution designed this immersive technology to allow users to visit and interact virtually with the center’s laboratories without physical presence. The program introduces a new approach to learning and access to research infrastructure.

According to UniPod Director Richie Moalosi, virtual reality represents one of the key technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, as it enables computers to simulate real-world environments. He emphasized the project’s novelty and described it as a first local VR experience accessible remotely. He added that the solution allows users to explore infrastructure without the need for physical travel.

The solution digitally replicates UniPod’s facilities, including its laboratories, and allows users to navigate them virtually. It creates opportunities across several sectors. In education, it facilitates interactive learning. In tourism and mining, it supports immersive simulations.

Moreover, the technology could support the emergence of new economic models. It enables opportunities in digital content creation and experience-based services, which could drive additional revenue streams.

The University of Botswana developed the project through collaboration with the Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub, whose expertise structured the solution’s development. At the same time, global virtual and augmented reality markets generate billions of dollars annually and continue to expand rapidly.

A report by Grand View Research published in March 2022 estimates that the virtual reality market could reach $69.6 billion by 2028, up from $15.81 billion in 2020, representing a compound annual growth rate of 18%.

In this environment, Botswana aims to position itself in emerging technologies to strengthen local capabilities, support innovation, and improve youth employability. The country sees virtual reality as a lever to diversify its economy and accelerate its transition toward higher value-added sectors.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Timart offers an all-in-one, offline-capable management platform tailored to African SMEs.

• The app has surpassed 100,000 downloads on the Play Store since its 2021 launch.

• The company plans pan-African expansion and integrated financial services rollout.

Timart delivers a digital solution developed by a Nigerian start-up that enables companies to manage operations through a single interface. The platform integrates key features, including inventory management, sales tracking, accounting, invoicing, accounts receivable management, and expense monitoring.

The company launched the platform in 2021 and based its operations in Minna, while founder Muhammad Ndako leads the initiative.

Timart differentiates its offering through an “offline-first” approach, which reflects African market realities. The application operates without an Internet connection and synchronizes data automatically when connectivity resumes.

The platform has recorded more than 100,000 downloads, according to Play Store data, which underscores growing adoption among SMEs. Ndako highlighted structural inefficiencies affecting the sector and explained the rationale behind the product. “Many SMEs operate with inefficient inventory management and unreliable Internet connectivity, which leads to stock losses, fraud, and revenue leakage,” he told Disrupt Africa.

He added: “We observed that many African SMEs still rely on traditional methods such as pen and paper or informal practices to manage operations, which makes it difficult to track inventory, detect losses, or assess performance.”

Timart integrates payment tools through connected point-of-sale terminals, which allow businesses to secure transactions and reduce fraud risks, particularly those linked to fake payment receipts.

Moreover, the platform leverages data analytics to improve business oversight. Users access real-time reports, track performance metrics, and make more informed decisions.

Timart plans to expand into additional African markets while enhancing its offering with integrated financial services. This strategy aligns with a broader structural trend, as African SMEs increasingly adopt digital tools and position themselves as a key driver of economic growth across the continent.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

• Mozambique’s parliament adopted new cybersecurity and cybercrime laws to strengthen legal protection of digital space.

• The legislation introduces enforcement tools, criminal provisions, and international cooperation mechanisms.

• Mozambique ranks mid-tier in global cybersecurity readiness, highlighting both progress and remaining gaps.

The Assembly of the Republic adopted laws on cybersecurity and cybercrime on Thursday, April 16. The move reflects the government’s push to secure digital infrastructure and regulate online activities more effectively.

In a statement, the National Institute of ICT (INTIC) said the cybersecurity law aims to equip the state with effective tools to address the challenges of the information society. The law will ensure the protection of the state, institutions, and citizens, while also defending information systems and critical infrastructure.

Furthermore, the law will help prevent risks, coordinate responses to cyber incidents, and improve the resilience of public and private entities that rely on digital platforms.

Meanwhile, the cybercrime law establishes substantive and procedural criminal provisions, including mechanisms for international cooperation. The law regulates investigations into cyber offenses and governs the collection of electronic evidence.

The legislation applies to all individuals and legal entities, whether public or private, that use data communication networks and information systems.

“The adoption of these two texts marks a decisive step in consolidating the country’s digital transformation and strengthens the confidence of citizens, businesses, and institutions in the use of information and communication technologies,” INTIC said in a statement published on Facebook.

The adoption follows a recent partnership announcement with the European Union aimed at developing national cybersecurity capabilities. Mozambique has also strengthened cooperation with the United States and Togo in the same area.

In parallel, the country participates in several international instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, the African Union Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection (Malabo, 2014), and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001).

Authorities view these efforts as part of a broader strategy to position ICT as a driver of socio-economic development. The government is currently drafting a national digital transformation strategy.

However, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said countries must strengthen cybersecurity levels to fully leverage ICT opportunities.

Mozambique currently ranks at the third level out of five in the ITU’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, with a score of 66.05 out of 100. The ITU considers the country’s performance relatively strong in organizational measures and cooperation. Nevertheless, challenges persist in legal, technical, and capacity-building areas.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

• Ilias El Makhfi develops AI-driven tools to streamline recruitment processes in Morocco.

• Linkopus Consulting offers platforms that automate sourcing, evaluation, and hiring workflows.

• The company expands into agritech with a connected irrigation solution based on real-time data.

Ilias El Makhfi is a Moroccan entrepreneur and engineer. He co-founded Linkopus Consulting and serves as chief executive in charge of strategy and partnerships. The company specializes in designing and developing digital solutions for professionals.

Founded in 2023, Linkopus Consulting supports companies in developing digital products. The firm delivers services that include website and web application development, digital transformation, and the implementation of tailored online solutions for business needs.

Among its innovations, LinkoJob stands out as an artificial intelligence-assisted recruitment platform. The platform simplifies the hiring process from candidate sourcing to onboarding. It allows companies to save time, reduce bias, and strengthen collaboration within teams.

In addition, the company offers LinkoPilot, a Chrome extension that optimizes the use of LinkoJob. The tool conducts automated searches across platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed, thereby expanding access to top talent.

Moreover, the firm provides LinkoSkill, an assessment platform that enables recruiters to measure candidates’ skills in depth through customizable tests.

At the same time, Linkopus Consulting has developed Farm Connect, a connected irrigation solution focused on precision, automation, and sustainable agriculture. The system uses real-time data and smart controls to deliver the optimal amount of water at the right time.

Ilias El Makhfi earned an engineering degree in computer science in 2015 from the National School of Applied Sciences in Fez. After graduation, he worked from 2015 to 2022 at SY by Cegedim, a French digital company, where he held roles as consultant and project manager.

Subsequently, he worked as a consultant at LexisNexis from 2022 to 2025, where he focused on artificial intelligence solutions applied to the legal sector.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum