The Royal Academy of Engineering has selected 16 innovators from 11 African countries for the 2026 edition of its Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, with a total prize pool of £85,000 ($112,774).
Their projects cover sectors including healthcare, digital education, public transportation, clean energy, water and waste management. The grand prize winner will receive £50,000 (over $66,000), while additional prizes will go to the most promising runners-up.
The investment firm Novastar Ventures has closed its third fund, worth $147 million, to back high-impact African startups, particularly in climate, clean energy, mobility, and logistics.
Backed by major Japanese investors and development finance institutions, the fund aims to accelerate the growth of companies delivering both financial returns and social and environmental impact.
South Africa is modernizing its ID card application process by offering it through selected banks. Citizens can either start the process online and complete it at a branch or, at selected banks, complete the entire process on-site using digital services. Applicants must bring their ID documents, proof of address, and pay the required fees; they will receive a text message once their card is ready for collection.
- Founded in 2024, JumlaJumla builds an integrated commerce and logistics platform in Tanzania.
- The company connects retailers directly with manufacturers and wholesalers to streamline supply chains.
- The platform combines order management, delivery coordination and electric-bike logistics to improve efficiency.
David Mallya is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and the co-founder and chief executive officer of JumlaJumla, a technology-driven commerce and logistics platform. The company develops digital infrastructure to facilitate the purchase, sale and transportation of goods.
Founded in 2024, JumlaJumla aims to operate as a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together consumers, retailers, suppliers and logistics partners on a single platform. This integrated approach reduces intermediaries, streamlines transactions and optimizes operations from initial order to final delivery.
For retailers and small businesses, the platform offers a wholesale purchasing system that connects manufacturers directly with wholesalers. This structure improves product access, secures supply chains and enables better management of volumes and costs.
On the logistics side, JumlaJumla relies on a system that combines order management, delivery coordination, route planning, service-level tracking and incident management. The company uses electric bicycles for deliveries, demonstrating its intention to combine operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.
Before founding JumlaJumla, David Mallya served as executive director of Gadgets Tanzania from 2019 to 2025. The company specializes in the repair and supply of IT and telecommunications equipment nationwide. It supports individuals, businesses, organizations and public institutions by providing technology solutions designed to enhance efficiency and productivity.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Nigeria commits 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national digital economy research program.
- The initiative supports a broader $2 billion plan to deploy 90,000 km of fiber optic infrastructure.
- Authorities target ICT contribution of 22% of GDP by 2027.
Nigerian authorities plan to allocate 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national research program on the digital economy. The program aims to strengthen institutions and ensure that the digital transition benefits the entire society by relying on scientific evidence rather than short-term decision-making.
The program, called the National Digital Economy Research Clusters (NDERC), forms part of the BRIDGE project, a national initiative that plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure across the country to improve connectivity and support the development of a modern digital economy. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced a call for expressions of interest on Sunday, March 29.
Today my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters— a ₦12 billion research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) March 28, 2026
This… pic.twitter.com/UfDrbPVHUX
“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage , thoughtful evidence based approaches are required to be deployed in society to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment. Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long-term thinking,” the minister said in a statement published on his social media channels.
The NDERC plans to establish six research clusters covering strategic areas, including connectivity, digital public infrastructure, digital skills and education, digital economy and employment, security and consumer protection, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The program will mobilize 36 professors from 36 Nigerian universities in collaboration with international academic partners. It will also involve more than 200 researchers to produce rigorous scientific work that policymakers can directly use.
The program aligns with the Nigerian government’s ambition to use digital technology as a driver of socio-economic development. The government expects information and communication technologies to contribute 22% of gross domestic product by 2027.
Meanwhile, authorities expect the BRIDGE project to create new employment opportunities, including up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, while also stimulating innovation. The project should increase GDP per capita by 1.5% and raise the country’s GDP from $472.62 billion to about $502 billion within four years.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Orange launches the 16th edition of POESAM and opens applications until May 10.
- The competition prioritizes projects using artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity.
- Winners receive up to €25,000 and access to funding and network support.
Orange announced on Monday, March 30 the opening of applications for the 16th edition of POESAM. Young entrepreneurs from the 17 countries where the telecom group operates have until May 10 to submit their projects through the dedicated platform.
For this edition, the initiative highlights projects that rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity. The program specifically targets solutions developed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and the environment, as these areas concentrate a significant share of Africa’s innovation needs.
The competition follows a two-phase structure. First, organizers conduct a national selection to identify the best projects in each country. Then, selected candidates advance to an international phase where the Grand Prize and a dedicated Women’s Entrepreneurship Prize are awarded.
Winners receive financial support, with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 for the top three awards, and €20,000 for the International Women’s Prize. In addition, the program provides support through Orange’s ecosystem, including networking opportunities and access to development resources.
Since its inception, POESAM has recorded more than 17,000 applications and has recognized numerous startups across the region. The initiative forms part of a broader effort by major telecom groups to support innovation in Africa and the Middle East, as technology ecosystems continue to expand.
Entrepreneurs can submit their applications online via the dedicated platform: https://POESAM.Orange.com/.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- HoneyCoin enables businesses to manage, convert and transfer funds across more than 22 markets.
- The platform provides liquidity of up to $5 million per day for large-volume currency transactions.
- The company integrates local payment systems, digital assets and APIs to streamline international financial flows.
David Nandwa is a Kenyan technology entrepreneur and the founder and chief executive officer of HoneyCoin, a digital startup specializing in financial solutions for businesses.
Founded in 2020, HoneyCoin provides finance teams with a comprehensive tool to manage, convert and execute payments in foreign currencies. The platform aims to simplify and secure international money flows.
The platform allows users to hold balances in local currencies and digital assets while using local payment methods across more than 22 markets to collect or settle transactions. It also enables users to manage funds, receive payments via bank accounts or mobile money services, send payments to local accounts or wallets on demand and convert currencies instantly within the same wallet.
For businesses handling large volumes, HoneyCoin offers a dedicated service for currency conversion and settlement. This service provides access to liquidity pools across multiple markets, reaching up to $5 million per day for exchanges between local currencies, stablecoins and U.S. dollars.
The platform also allows companies to issue virtual cards in their name, which facilitates team expense management. Moreover, for companies seeking direct integration, HoneyCoin provides a full application programming interface (API), including well-documented endpoints, automated event notifications and ready-to-use libraries for multiple programming languages.
David Nandwa earned a mobile technology certificate in 2020 through the Google Africa Developer Scholarship. He also graduated from Arden University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
He began his professional career in 2016 as a software engineer. He collaborated with Zapata Drinks, an e-commerce beverage platform based in Tanzania, and Eleza, an agricultural technology solution in Kenya. Between 2020 and 2021, he led the integration of Flutterwave technologies within development teams and partner companies.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kukubela offers courses in African languages including Kimbundu, Kikongo and Lingala.
- The app has surpassed 35,000 registered users, with strong adoption among African diaspora communities.
- Founder António Nicolau launched the platform in 2023 to combine language learning with cultural preservation.
Kukubela operates as an online learning platform developed by an Angolan startup. The platform offers courses in several languages spoken in Angola and Central Africa, including Kimbundu, Kikongo, Umbundu, Tshokwé and Lingala.
The application relies on content designed by native speakers, and it aims to deliver both linguistic and cultural learning. The startup, based in Luanda, was founded in 2023 by António Nicolau.
“Engagement remains strongest among diaspora users who seek to reconnect with their cultural identity, as well as among Angolans who want to formalize their knowledge of languages they heard growing up but never formally studied,” Nicolau said.
The application is available on iOS and Android, where it has recorded more than 5,000 downloads on Google Play. Unlike traditional apps that focus on grammar, Kukubela adopts an immersive approach. The modules incorporate cultural elements such as proverbs, traditional stories and everyday dialogues to contextualize learning.
The platform also offers interactive features, including an integrated dictionary, a translator, audio content for pronunciation and a community space that allows users to interact with teachers and other learners. The application targets mobile usage and relies on short learning formats of a few minutes per session to adapt to user constraints. It already reports tens of thousands of users worldwide, particularly within African diaspora communities.
“We currently count more than 35,000 registered users across Angola and the African diaspora abroad, mainly in Portugal, Brazil, the United Kingdom and France. We have around 220 active paying subscribers in Angola and within the diaspora, as well as a small number of trial users,” Nicolau added.
Beyond language learning, Kukubela aligns with a broader effort to promote African cultural heritage. By digitizing languages that remain underrepresented in technology solutions, the platform supports their preservation while facilitating their transmission.
In a context of rapid growth in online learning platforms across Africa, Kukubela illustrates an emerging trend: African startups are targeting cultural niches to deliver solutions tailored to local realities and diaspora needs.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Despite its leading role in advancing financial inclusion on a continent where banking penetration remains low, mobile money still faces major structural barriers that limit its full potential. Yet the service, which continues to expand with new offerings, particularly in banking, has the capacity to transform household economies and the broader financial landscape in Africa.
Africa's mobile money sector recorded strong growth in 2025, yet barriers to full adoption persist for millions across the continent.
Nearly $1.432 trillion flowed through mobile money accounts in Africa in 2025, up roughly 27% from 2024, according to the "State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2026," published Tuesday, March 24, by the GSMA, the global association of mobile network operators.
The continent accounted for nearly 66% of the $2.091 trillion in global mobile money transaction value, which itself rose 23% year on year. Africa also represented around 74% of the 125 billion mobile money transactions recorded worldwide, roughly 92 billion operations, up 16% from 2024.
The report also noted that Africa is home to 52% of mobile money accounts globally. At end-2025, the continent had approximately 1.2 billion accounts, up 18% from 2024, with 347 million active on a monthly basis. Worldwide, total accounts reached around 2.3 billion, up 13%, with 593 million active over a 30-day period.
Africa remains the epicenter of mobile finance. But this success masks a growing contradiction: the service is expanding rapidly while full adoption across the population and its real impact remain limited.
Barriers to inclusion
The first barrier is access to devices. The World Bank notes that 84% of adults in developing countries own a phone, but roughly one quarter of them still use a basic handset, "more affordable, with limited features and no internet browser." Only two-thirds of adults therefore own a full smartphone enabling access to apps and browsers. In sub-Saharan Africa, that figure drops to 33%. In that region, as in South Asia, the most commonly cited reason for not owning a smartphone is cost. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has also highlighted that across the African continent, one of the main obstacles to the adoption of digital services remains affordability, particularly that of devices.
The second barrier is digital financial literacy. The GSMA's 2026 mobile money report is explicit: low digital financial literacy remains a major obstacle to the adoption and use of the service. In African countries surveyed where uptake gaps persist, the data are clear. In Ethiopia, among people who are aware of mobile money but do not have an account, 60% of women and 54% of men say they do not know how to use the service; 45% of women and 50% of men say they struggle to use a phone or fear making mistakes. In Egypt, this barrier affects 21% of women and 15% of men; in Nigeria, 22% of both women and men. Compounding this, in Ethiopia, 24% of women surveyed cite the lack of a SIM card or phone as an obstacle.
Beyond the service, a human impact
A clear paradox emerges: mobile money first took hold through the most basic handsets. But its new frontier now demands more than a simple mobile phone. The range of use cases has expanded, and service providers increasingly rely on super-apps rather than USSD codes to deliver greater value, including bill payments, government social transfers, micro-insurance, micro-credit and micro-savings. The most dynamic segments are now merchant payments, up 42% to $155 billion in 2025, and interoperable transfers between banks and mobile wallets, at $167 billion. In other words, the sector has moved well beyond the simple peer-to-peer transfers of its early days, advancing into a more sophisticated phase where users must navigate interfaces, options, QR codes, virtual cards, security features and transaction records. Without adequate devices or basic digital fluency, a portion of Africans risk being confined to the most elementary uses as the ecosystem moves toward more complex services.
This divide is also social and gendered. Without suitable phones and basic digital skills, millions of Africans remain on the margins of what mobile money can offer. In low- and middle-income countries, the GSMA estimates that women remain 14% less likely than men to use mobile internet, leaving 885 million women still unconnected, of whom approximately 60% live in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. This creates the risk of a two-speed financial inclusion, uneven in practice.
Unlocking the full potential of mobile money in Africa therefore requires more than a commercial response. It must be industrial, educational and regulatory. The ITU advocates for cheaper entry-level smartphones, purchase options facilitated through microcredit or installment payments, lower costs for handsets and data, and the integration of basic digital skills into school curricula and training programs. The GSMA report echoes this view, stressing the need for digital financial literacy initiatives targeting women, rural populations and older people. The World Bank notes that cost, ease of use and security must be addressed together. The real challenge for Africa is no longer to prove that mobile money works, it is to ensure that everyone can genuinely use it.
Muriel Edjo
Tunisia’s state utility, Société tunisienne de l'électricité et du gaz (STEG), has deployed advanced technologies in the Moknine region as part of a broader effort to modernize its distribution network.
The project is part of a 15-million-dinar ($5 million) pilot program funded by the U.S. government to upgrade critical electricity infrastructure.
“This project is fully aligned with STEG’s strategic vision to modernize the national electricity network and support Tunisia’s energy transition through the deployment of Smart Grid technologies,” Chief Executive Faycel Tarifa said.
The centerpiece of the Moknine site is a FLISR system — Fault Location, Isolation and Service Restoration. Deployed in partnership with U.S. companies E3-International, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and G&W Electric, the technology automatically detects outages and restores power, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Nokia has installed a private LTE (pLTE) communications network to support operations, enabling real-time monitoring of the entire distribution system.
The project is part of a broader Smart Grid initiative to transform the electricity system into a fully connected grid capable of optimizing the entire power value chain, from generation to end users. Running from 2020 to 2026, the program combines technical studies, training and advanced technology deployment, with the aim of testing a model for nationwide rollout.
STEG accounts for nearly 96% of national electricity production, with installed capacity of about 5,944 MW across 25 power plants. The Smart Grid program aims to reduce energy losses, improve load management and support the integration of renewable energy, which is expected to reach 35% of the electricity mix by 2030.
STEG faces a dual challenge: improving efficiency to limit energy losses while supporting the energy transition through better demand management. Over time, the technologies are also expected to improve customer relations, notably through the rollout of smart meters enabling more accurate consumption tracking and billing based on actual usage.
Samira Njoya
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- Angola launches an innovation lab (i.Lab) to test and scale digital solutions in public finance.
- Authorities introduce digital signatures into internal document systems to enhance security and efficiency.
- The initiative aligns with a broader national strategy to modernize public administration through ICT.
Angolan authorities announced on March 27 the launch of an Innovation Laboratory for Public Finance (i.Lab). The Public Finance ICT Service (SETIC-FP), which operates under the Ministry of Finance, established the platform.
The lab allows authorities to test solutions, measure their impact, and deploy those that effectively improve public services.
During the launch ceremony, officials presented a proof of concept focused on integrating qualified digital signatures into the Integrated Document Management System (SIGD). SETIC-FP developed this platform internally to digitize document management processes within the ministry.
The solution aims to strengthen the authenticity and integrity of electronic documents. Moreover, it seeks to reduce manual validations and increase trust in digital processes.
Authorities said the creation of i.Lab forms part of broader efforts to accelerate the digital transformation of public finances, primarily driven by SETIC-FP.
SETIC-FP has already developed several tools. These include the Public Debt Management Unit Portal, a dedicated application for the Ministry of Finance, the Integrated Public Investment Program Management System (SIGPIP), and the Fiscal Council Management System (CGCF).
At the same time, SETIC-FP is expanding international cooperation and exploring new partnerships. In early March, Angola signed an agreement with Cape Verde to implement innovative technology solutions, provide technical training, and strengthen digital governance aligned with international best practices.
In addition, Angola has strengthened ties with Brazil to support its digital transformation agenda.
The public finance digitization process forms part of Angola’s wider national digital transformation strategy. The government aims to integrate ICT across all sectors to support socio-economic development.
In public administration, authorities view digitization as a key driver of modernization. They also see it as a tool to improve financial management efficiency, transparency, and results-based governance.
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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LinkSenAI targets global demand for digital talent by sourcing engineers based in Senegal.
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The company focuses on data, cloud, and software development services for European clients, especially in France.
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Founder Wedji Kane combines entrepreneurship with roles in major firms and tech ecosystem leadership.
Wedji Kane has built a model that connects Senegalese technology professionals with international companies seeking digital expertise. She leads LinkSenAI, an IT services company specializing in tech talent recruitment.
She founded LinkSenAI in 2025 to recruit qualified professionals in technology and data based in Senegal and deploy them on digital projects worldwide. The company targets European demand, particularly in France, while promoting local expertise.
Moreover, she positions Senegal as a competitive player in the global digital economy by aligning local capabilities with international business needs.
LinkSenAI delivers services across several technical segments. The company designs reports and performance indicators and implements decision-support tools. It also develops modern web applications and user interfaces.
In addition, the firm manages performance and cybersecurity requirements and deploys cloud-based solutions. Through this range of capabilities, the company addresses the full lifecycle of digital transformation projects.
Alongside her entrepreneurial role, Wedji Kane coordinates ecosystem initiatives. She served as coordinator of SALTIS 2025, a national summit focused on artificial intelligence and innovation.
At the same time, she works as a data engineer at Carrefour France. She previously held the same position from 2022 to 2025 at Onepoint. These roles strengthen her operational expertise and industry network.
Wedji Kane completed her engineering training in France. She graduated in 2021 from ENSEIRB-MATMECA with a degree in telecommunications engineering.
She then earned an engineering degree in artificial intelligence in 2022 from Mines Paris – PSL. This academic background supports her positioning at the intersection of data engineering, AI, and global tech talent development.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Niger rolls out a biometric ID system under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen digital sovereignty.
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The program integrates centralized biometric data, including fingerprints, facial recognition, and electronic signatures.
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Authorities combine infrastructure investment and local skills development to reduce reliance on foreign solutions.
Abdourahamane Tiani officially launched the rollout of the biometric national identity card of the Alliance of Sahel States on Friday, March 27 in Niamey. The government positions the initiative as a key step in modernizing identification systems and strengthening national digital sovereignty.
Moreover, the authorities frame identity management as a strategic pillar in the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The program relies on a secure biometric identification system that collects and integrates unique personal data. The system records fingerprints, captures digital facial images, and applies electronic signatures that comply with international standards.
According to authorities, centralized and secured databases store this information and enable reliable citizen identification. The system reduces identity fraud risks and facilitates access to public services. At the same time, it guarantees the authenticity of official documents.
Beyond the physical card, the government builds an advanced data infrastructure. The program includes the construction of a modern data center and the deployment of secure systems that ensure centralized and reliable management of national resources.
Furthermore, this architecture strengthens data sovereignty and improves the reliability of exchanges between government administrations.
The government adopted the project on December 26, 2025, during a Council of Ministers meeting. The initiative aligns with the digital transformation strategy of the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The bloc aims to build sovereign digital infrastructure across member states.
In addition, authorities plan to develop local expertise through training programs. They aim to ensure system sustainability and reduce dependence on external providers.
The government established a monitoring committee to oversee the production of biometric ID cards and electronic passports. Authorities report that e-passports have reached the finalization phase.
The project also benefits from technical expertise provided by Al Itisal Aljadeed, which specializes in network technologies, data centers, and biometric identification solutions.
Samira Njoya
The FINCA Ventures Prize supports for-profit startups in Africa with at least one African founder that are already generating revenue. Applicants must operate in Sub-Saharan Africa and focus on fintech for financial inclusion or sustainable agriculture. Finalists can receive up to $100,000 in grants. Applications are open until Friday, April 10.