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The University of Botswana launched its first local virtual reality (VR) program in partnership with MDiHub.
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The solution enables remote, immersive access to UniPod laboratories without physical presence.
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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
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Timart offers an all-in-one, offline-capable management platform tailored to African SMEs.
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The app has surpassed 100,000 downloads on the Play Store since its 2021 launch.
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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
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Mozambique’s parliament adopted new cybersecurity and cybercrime laws to strengthen legal protection of digital space.
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The legislation introduces enforcement tools, criminal provisions, and international cooperation mechanisms.
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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
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Ilias El Makhfi develops AI-driven tools to streamline recruitment processes in Morocco.
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Linkopus Consulting offers platforms that automate sourcing, evaluation, and hiring workflows.
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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
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NowPay enables Egyptian employees to access earned wages on demand through employer partnerships.
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The platform also supports instant payment of essential bills and peer-to-peer transfers.
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The fintech model targets financial stress amid rising cost-of-living pressures.
Mostafa Ashour is an Egyptian computer engineer and entrepreneur. He co-founded NowPay and serves as its chief executive officer. The platform provides financial services to companies and their employees.
Founded in 2019, NowPay positions itself as a solution designed to improve employees’ financial well-being by reducing cash flow constraints during the month. The company aims to offer greater flexibility in accessing earned wages.
The model relies on partnerships with employers. Companies register on the platform, and their employees create accounts on the NowPay application. Employees can then request salary advances at any time. Employers reimburse the startup for advanced amounts, which the system deducts from salaries during the monthly payroll cycle.
In addition to early wage access, the platform enables users to pay a wide range of essential bills instantly. These include mobile phone, internet, electricity, landline, water, and other household services.
Moreover, the application allows users to transfer money to other users, including colleagues, through fully digital and secure transactions.
At the same time, Mostafa Ashour co-founded Tryvin and serves as its managing partner. The company specializes in software development. He also holds a position as a market lead at Microsoft.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Cairo University. He began his professional career in 2004 as a software engineer at The Steel Network, a U.S.-based construction company.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
From Tuesday, May 5 to Thursday, May 7, GISEC GLOBAL will bring together governments, businesses, experts and startups at Dubai Expo City. Conferences, workshops and demonstrations will focus on AI in security, protection of critical infrastructure, and resilience to cyberattacks, with an emphasis on knowledge sharing and international networking.
From May 19 to 21, AI Everything Kenya and GITEX Kenya will bring together policymakers, startups, investors and digital experts in Nairobi. Conferences, workshops, exhibitions, pitch sessions and investment forums will focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, agritech, and digital health and education, aiming to foster collaboration and support tangible projects across East Africa’s digital economy.
Qualcomm has unveiled 10 African startups selected from more than 1,200 applicants for the 2026 edition of its Make in Africa mentorship program. They will receive free support, including business coaching and technical guidance on edge AI, the Internet of Things, and Arduino, as well as a grant for each startup and additional funding for the most impactful social project.
- Rafode utilizes mobile money and ICT to digitize lending for rural Kenyans and micro-entrepreneurs.
- The startup links financial services with green energy by financing solar kits and clean cooking tools.
- The company mitigates risk through innovative group-lending models and mutual borrower guarantees.
A Kenyan startup developed the Rafode solution to serve marginalized communities. The company operates as a non-banking microfinance institution. Rafode primarily targets rural populations and micro-entrepreneurs who remain outside the traditional banking system. Furthermore, the firm uses information and communication technology (ICT) to digitize its operations and scale its services. CEO Antony Mayodi leads the Kisumu-based enterprise and oversees its strategic growth.
Rafode offers a diverse range of financial products to meet local needs. These products include individual loans, group loans, asset financing, and education credits. The solution distinguishes itself through its specific integration of renewable energy products. Specifically, the startup facilitates access to solar kits and clean cooking equipment for rural households. These families often lack a reliable connection to the national power grid.
The company relies on innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability. Beneficiaries utilize group loans where members provide mutual guarantees for one another. This community-based approach reduces the risk of default. Additionally, Rafode uses mobile money platforms to distribute funds and collect repayments. This digital approach enhances transaction efficiency and provides clear financial traceability for all parties.
The platform aims for a broad social impact beyond simple credit access. Rafode supports small businesses, local agriculture, and rural energy access simultaneously. Ultimately, Rafode represents a growing trend of hybrid fintech solutions across the African continent. These companies combine financial inclusion with energy transition and local development goals. This successful approach offers a potential model for other African markets facing similar economic challenges.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
- Refiant optimizes existing AI models to significantly reduce operational costs and energy consumption.
- The startup provides edge and cloud-based AI products designed for critical industrial applications.
- CEO Viroshan Naicker leverages his mathematical background to improve computational performance for global hyperscalers.
Viroshan Naicker serves as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Refiant. The South African entrepreneur specializes in energy-efficient and high-speed artificial intelligence solutions. His startup also prioritizes data privacy for all users. Consequently, these core values define the company's position in the competitive global technology market.
Naicker founded Refiant in 2025 with a primary focus on optimization. The startup improves existing AI models to make them lighter and more powerful. This process reduces operational costs for businesses. It also expands available computing capacity for complex tasks. Specifically, the technology manages large volumes of text and extended contexts with high efficiency.
The company offers a suite of AI products through flexible delivery methods to ensure maximum utility. Clients run these tools either at the "edge" on their own equipment or within the cloud. Refiant designs its products for easy deployment and simple configuration. Furthermore, the company provides an application programming interface (API) for seamless integration. This allows clients to connect Refiant’s tools to their existing legacy systems without friction.
Refiant targets critical use cases within industrial and professional environments where reliability is paramount. These sectors require high speed, data confidentiality, and energy efficiency. The startup actively pursues partnerships with major digital hyperscalers. It also markets its services to large corporations and public institutions. Interested parties may request dedicated demonstrations to evaluate the technology’s impact on their specific operations.
Viroshan Naicker earned a doctorate in mathematics from the University of Johannesburg in 2015. He worked as a lecturer at Rhodes University in South Africa from 2011 to 2017. Later, he served as a product director at the solar-focused insurance platform Aphelian between 2024 and 2025. These academic and professional experiences provide the mathematical and industrial foundation for his current leadership at Refiant.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
More...
- Agreement sets technical support framework through 2035
- Plan includes tech hubs, AI training, support for local solutions
Guinea's Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy signed an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme on Wednesday to advance digital innovation and artificial intelligence in the country.
The document was signed by Minister Mourana Soumah and UNDP Resident Representative Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah. It establishes a technical support framework to guide the country's digital transformation through 2035.
The agreement includes support mechanisms for the technology sector, focusing on developing technology hubs and the rollout of AI training programs across the country.
The new cooperation framework builds on earlier joint efforts. In May, the Higher Institute of Technology in Mamou launched UniPod Guinea, the country's first university-based technology innovation hub, supported by the UNDP's pan-African Timbuktoo program. The center serves as a prototyping and incubation space for student and entrepreneurial projects in areas such as agritech, green technologies and applied artificial intelligence.
Through the agreement, Guinean authorities and the UNDP aim to better coordinate initiatives in research, training and digital entrepreneurship. The goal is to support the development of locally developed technology solutions capable of addressing economic and social needs, while integrating emerging technologies into public policy.
Samira Njoya
- Ubiquity AI uses artificial intelligence to anticipate repayment risks and reduce loan defaults.
- The company positions its model upstream to limit losses and avoid excluding vulnerable borrowers.
- Its conversational agent SimONE combines behavioral science and AI to improve repayment outcomes.
Kaveer Beharee operates as a South African entrepreneur and leads Ubiquity AI as co-founder and chief executive officer. The company develops fintech solutions that support financially vulnerable individuals and the institutions that serve them.
Ubiquity AI launched operations in 2024 and set a mission to promote financial inclusion by helping struggling clients remain within the credit system rather than facing exclusion. The company differentiates its approach from traditional debt collection firms by intervening early, before missed payments escalate into critical defaults.
This model allows lenders to reduce losses, lower recovery costs, and limit provisions for non-performing loans.
SimONE serves as the core product of Ubiquity AI and operates as a conversational agent designed with behavioral science principles. The tool identifies at-risk clients, supports them in preventing or managing payment delays, and delivers solutions that outperform internal teams or external collection agencies in cost efficiency.
Ubiquity AI collaborates with banks, credit providers, and other financial institutions to improve collection performance and prevent over-indebtedness. The company works in partnership with ResolvSA, an outsourced services provider, to deliver a seamless customer experience that combines human expertise with technology.
Kaveer Beharee graduated from the University of Johannesburg with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2001. He held the position of strategy director at Draftfcb, an international advertising network, from 2006 to 2008. He also served on the provincial committee of the Black Management Forum from 2012 to 2014, where he contributed to strengthening management and leadership capabilities among members.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Rwanda signed a strategic agreement with Ansys to integrate simulation tools into higher education.
- Universities will gain access to advanced software, licenses, and industry-linked training programs.
- The initiative aligns with a global simulation software market projected to exceed $36 billion by 2030.
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda announced on Tuesday, April 14, in Kigali that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Ansys, a U.S.-based firm specializing in digital simulation. The partnership aims to integrate advanced engineering simulation tools into the curricula of universities and polytechnic schools across the country.
Minister of State @yves_Iradukunda welcomed a delegation from @ANSYS led by Mr. Lou Major, Managing Director for Africa, for the signing of an MoU between MINICT and Ansys. The agreement establishes a single framework through which universities and polytechnics can be onboarded… pic.twitter.com/is1CiD2GEZ
— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) April 14, 2026
The agreement, which Minister of State Yves Iradukunda and Lou Major signed, establishes a centralized framework to connect Rwandan universities and polytechnic institutions to Ansys platforms.
Institutions will access advanced simulation software and associated licenses, while the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of these technologies across the education system.
The agreement also includes training programs, conferences, demonstrations, and industry engagement sessions. These initiatives aim to expose students and faculty to real-world applications of simulation and strengthen alignment between academic training and labor market needs.
This project forms part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to strengthen alignment between university curricula and industry requirements, particularly in engineering and technology sectors. The government seeks to improve practical skills development suited to an increasingly digital economy by embedding simulation tools into academic programs.
Ansys solutions already support industrial groups across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy by simulating product behavior before manufacturing. These tools help companies reduce development costs and accelerate innovation cycles.
Their introduction into Rwanda’s higher education system aims to familiarize students with widely adopted industry technologies amid rising demand for advanced engineering skills.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Ivory Coast partners with University of Montpellier to train space engineers and develop its first satellite.
- The initiative supports the rollout of the national space agency and existing satellite projects.
- African countries plan more than 100 additional satellite launches by 2030, reflecting rapid sector growth.
Ivory Coast seeks to leverage the expertise of University of Montpellier in France to train its first cohort of space specialists. The collaboration will also cover the development of the country’s first national satellite.
Authorities discussed this cooperation on Wednesday, April 15, during a meeting between Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and a delegation from the Space Center of the University of Montpellier led by its director Laurent Dusseau.
This meeting marked an initial step in launching the activities of the Ivorian Space Agency (ASCI), which authorities established to structure the sector.
According to the Ivorian government, Dusseau emphasized that the University of Montpellier provides infrastructure capable of training technicians and engineers by combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
He stated: “We deliver this training through a specialized master’s program designed for engineers who already hold degrees in various fields and who complete an अत्य intensive one-year course to acquire space expertise that enables them to access highly specialized roles such as IT engineer or systems engineer.”
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to develop the space sector in Ivory Coast. In May 2023, the country announced a partnership with Universal Konstructors Associated (UKA) to build Yam-Sat CI 01, the first national satellite, with a launch initially scheduled for August 2024.
Earlier, authorities announced plans in 2021 to establish a national space agency, and they formalized the creation of the agency by decree in June 2025. The agency oversees capacity building and infrastructure development in the space sector.
The Council of Ministers outlined the agency’s scope in its June 4, 2025 report and confirmed that its activities cover key pillars of the space sector. “Its scope of activity covers essential pillars of space applications, namely Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, space exploration, as well as satellite navigation and communication,” the report stated.
The government added that these capabilities will address economic development challenges, strengthen national security, and support environmental protection.
Ivory Coast’s efforts align with a broader continental trend. A report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies published in September 2025 indicated that African states allocate approximately $500 million annually to space programs.
The study reported that more than 21 African countries have established space programs, while 18 have launched at least one satellite. African nations have launched a cumulative total of 65 satellites and plan to deploy more than 120 additional satellites by 2030.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum