Drawing on a robust background in pharmacy and a knack for innovation, he's taking on the core challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. His startup uses technology to broaden access to medications and boost the efficiency of local pharmacies.
George Kesse (photo), a trained pharmacist and Ghanaian medical technology entrepreneur, is the driving force behind AdvancePharma Innovations. As founder and CEO of the startup, established in 2020, Kesse aims to enhance medicine accessibility and affordability in community pharmacies through digital solutions.
AdvancePharma Innovations focuses on developing technological tools to bolster pharmacies' digital infrastructure and regulatory systems. Its offerings include a digital platform for medicine traceability and verification, enabling pharmacies to track and analyze supply chain data. This information, in turn, facilitates improved care management, supports patient adherence to treatment, and assists in the management of chronic diseases.
Kesse earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in 2000. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in health services administration from Strayer University in 2010. In 2020, he completed an executive master’s in business and leadership from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. He also holds a professional certificate in strategic marketing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
His career began in 2001 as an inspector pharmacist at the Pharmacy Council of Ghana. In 2002, he moved to Novartis as a medical representative in Ghana. From 2013 to 2019, Kesse was part of the digital health startup mPharma, initially as country director in Ghana and later as global head of business development. Most recently, from 2020 to 2023, he served as growth lead at BroadReach, a health innovation company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Mauritania to digitize justice system under reform program led by President Ghazouani
• Key measures include IT infrastructure assessment, online nationality request system, and websites for courts and judicial services.
The Mauritanian government is set to integrate digital technologies into its justice reform program, one of the key directions adopted during a meeting of the High Committee for Justice Reform and Development, chaired on Tuesday, May 20, by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (photo).
According to the official statement released after the meeting, several measures are planned to modernize the justice system. These include conducting a diagnostic study to identify needs in IT equipment and digital infrastructure, creating an online system for processing nationality requests, and developing websites for courts and judicial services.
This initiative aligns with the Mauritanian government’s broader ambition for digital transformation. Authorities aim to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, boost transparency, and stimulate social and economic development. Several services have already been digitized in recent months, including criminal record requests.
The digitization of the justice sector is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The agency notes that digital tools can enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. “When implemented strategically, digital justice can advance the rule of law and protect human rights, while strengthening the effectiveness of judicial systems and institutions.”
However, the UNDP also warns of the risks linked to digitization. Digital systems may expose personal and legal data to abuse, including privacy violations, hacking, data sales, or biased predictive tools. Additional challenges include limited Internet coverage, lack of compatible equipment, high costs of digital services, and insufficient user skills.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
This move marks a significant milestone in Nindohost’s pan-African strategy, positioning it as a key player in enabling reliable and scalable digital infrastructure for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises.
Moroccan-based hosting provider Nindohost announced, on May 19, its expansion into 13 African countries, reinforcing its mission to deliver robust, ultra-efficient, and locally adapted cloud and hosting infrastructure across the continent.
“For nearly two decades, Nindohost has been forging excellence in hosting in Morocco. Today, we export this know-how to 13 countries in Africa — from Senegal to Kenya, Ghana and South Africa,” the company stated.
As part of this expansion, users across Africa will experience ultra-low latency and full compliance with local data regulations through Nindohost’s strategic Points of Presence. The company’s service portfolio now includes multi-tenancy hosting, virtual private servers, dedicated servers, managed cloud solutions, and advanced cybersecurity services—all designed to meet a wide range of business needs. Customers will also benefit from 24/7 multilingual support in French, English, and Arabic, delivered by locally based expert engineering teams. To ensure accessibility and convenience, Nindohost has introduced flexible billing options, including local currency transactions and country-specific payment methods.
Traditionally, many African websites have relied on servers located outside the continent, resulting in higher latency, increased costs, and potential regulatory challenges. Nindohost's expansion into 13 African countries directly addresses these issues by offering localized hosting solutions tailored to the continent's needs.
Local hosting significantly strengthens Africa’s digital infrastructure by enhancing website performance, ensuring data sovereignty, reducing operational costs, and improving cybersecurity. It also enables better compliance with regional regulations while fostering local innovation and job creation through investment in tech infrastructure.
This expansion comes at a pivotal moment as Africa experiences a surge in digital transformation, driven by rising internet penetration and growing demand for secure, scalable digital services. Nindohost’s presence in new markets empowers businesses to scale their digital operations efficiently, while maintaining regulatory alignment and global standards. With the African web hosting market projected to reach $3.21 billion in revenue by 2025 and grow to $6.26 billion by 2029 at an annual rate of 18.14%, according to Statista, the need for robust, locally anchored hosting infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Hikmatu Bilali
As AI adoption grows across industries—from telecommunications and energy to healthcare and insurance—the demand for advanced GPU processing is rising rapidly. The partnership is set to accelerate the availability of powerful AI infrastructure to African businesses, making it easier and more cost-effective for them to adopt technologies.
Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sand Technologies, a global enterprise AI solutions provider. The announcement, made during the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, marks a major milestone in expanding access to AI and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) solutions across the continent.
“By providing Sand Technologies with access to our GPU solutions, we are enabling them to develop advanced AI applications for clients while expanding Cassava’s presence across multiple sectors,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “Our GPU-as-a-Service model offers African businesses scalable, affordable AI computing capacity essential for competing in a digital-first world.”
Sand Technologies will use Cassava’s NVIDIA-powered GPU infrastructure to build and deploy enterprise-grade AI solutions globally. The companies will jointly identify pilot projects and co-create industry-specific solutions that leverage AI to drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation across the continent.
AI development, especially machine learning and deep learning, requires powerful GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). These are often expensive and complex to maintain in-house. The delivery of AI solutions and GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS) across Africa significantly benefits African businesses by providing affordable, scalable access to high-performance computing power necessary for developing and deploying AI tools. This removes infrastructure and cost barriers, enabling startups and SMEs to integrate AI into operations such as customer service, data analysis, and automation.
As digital transformation accelerates across Sub-Saharan Africa, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key driver of economic opportunity. The United Nations projects that AI could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to the region’s economy by 2030, unlocking new pathways for productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth. Yet access to scalable computing infrastructure remains a significant barrier. This partnership addresses that gap by combining Cassava’s GPU infrastructure with Sand Technologies’ enterprise AI capabilities.
Hikmatu Bilali
She uses technology to uncover and nurture talent. Through her initiatives, she actively helps strengthen the role of women and youth within the digital ecosystem.
Bénie B. Koy (photo) is a strategy consultant and tech entrepreneur from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is the founder and CEO of Diamant Brut, a start-up specializing in educational technologies.
Founded in 2024, Diamant Brut is an online learning platform that helps its users identify, develop, and showcase their natural gifts and talents. The goal is to turn them into concrete, actionable, and marketable skills. All the training programs offered are entirely digital.
Before launching Diamant Brut, Bénie B. Koy founded Talentus Consulting in 2019, a strategy and management consulting firm, where she serves as president. The firm supports companies in their digital transformation projects. In 2023, she also co-founded the Congolese branch of the international organization Women in Tech, where she holds the position of strategic director. The organization works toward greater inclusion of women in the tech sector.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management obtained in 2002 from the University of Littoral Côte d’Opale in France. She then pursued her studies at IAE Paris-Est, earning a master’s in marketing in 2006. She is also a graduate of ESSEC Business School, with a master’s in information systems management obtained in 2018.
She began her professional career in 2007 at Randstad, a talent placement company, as a junior product manager. In 2018, she joined CGI Business Consulting as a strategy consultant, then in 2019 moved to Capgemini, a French tech services firm, as an information systems consultant. In 2023, she worked for the Legrand Group, specialized in electrical and digital building infrastructures, as a change management consultant.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Orange Liberia announces $200M investment to expand rural network coverage
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The investment aims to boost customer experience, expand subscriber base, and drive uptake of high-value digital services as traditional telecom revenues stagnate
Orange Liberia has unveiled a $200 million investment blueprint for the next six years, targeting accelerated growth and extensive network expansion throughout the nation, with a particular focus on underserved rural communities.
The ambitious plan was announced by CEO Jean Marius Yao last week during the inauguration of the company’s new headquarters, baptised "Icon 16." The event marked a strategic milestone for the operator. "This is more than just a corporate facility. […] It's a bold commitment to Liberia's digital vision and a symbol of faith in our future," stated Abdullah Kamara, chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority.
This significant investment arrives as telecommunications operators across Africa contend with plateauing or declining voice revenues. Orange is strategically pivoting towards data services and mobile money as primary engines for growth and profitability. Upgrading the network is expected to not only improve the customer experience but also draw new subscribers and stimulate the adoption of high-value digital services.
The initiative expands upon an existing collaboration with Chinese technology giant ZTE to deliver connectivity to Liberia's remote regions. Since acquiring Cellcom in 2016, Orange Liberia has solidified its position as one of the country's preeminent telecom providers, alongside Lonestar Cell MTN. As of early 2025, Liberia recorded 1.84 million internet users, translating to an internet penetration rate of 32.4%, according to DataReportal.
Ultimately, this strategic investment is poised to help Orange reinforce its market standing amidst the accelerating digital transformation and heightened competition within Liberia's telecommunications sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
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Côte d’Ivoire signs three AI-related MoUs at first National AI Conference
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Agreements support rollout of National AI Strategy (SNIA)
On Monday, May 19, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization signed three memorandums of understanding with technology firms during the country’s first National AI Conference, held in Abidjan. These agreements are part of a broader push to foster local innovation, build digital skills, and support the rollout of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA).
The first agreement, signed with the Digital and Technologies Center of Excellence (CEDITECH), aims to launch training programs tailored to the needs of the Ivorian market while supporting digital entrepreneurship. A second deal, with Amini Corp—a startup specializing in AI-powered environmental data—focuses on strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty and promoting inclusive technological innovation. The third partnership, with local hardware distributor TBI, will provide training for public sector employees on how to use AI tools effectively.
These initiatives fall under the SNIA, adopted in March, which aims to build a robust ecosystem for innovation, digital inclusion, and youth capacity building. They also come amid growing interest in AI’s potential on the African continent. A recent McKinsey study estimates that AI could add as much as $1.2 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, representing a 5.6% increase.
Through this national strategy, the government seeks not only to modernize public administration but also to create high-quality job opportunities for young people, who account for over 70% of the population. The ultimate goal is to position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional tech hub in West Africa, as AI applications gain traction across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial services.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Czech Republic’s support is expected to enhance Zambia’s capacity to develop digital tools, strengthen cyber resilience, and accelerate digital public services aligning with Zambia’s vision of building an inclusive, tech-driven economy.
The Czech Republic has committed to deepening its partnership with Zambia through enhanced technology transfer and capacity building, signaling a stronger bilateral focus on digital transformation. This commitment, announced May 14, was made during a high-level meeting between Czech Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jureka and Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati.
“We have prioritized several areas to advance our ‘Digital Zambia’ agenda,” Mutati stated. “We’ve laid the groundwork with forward-thinking legislation, including a national AI strategy, Cybersecurity and Cyber Crimes Law, and policies that support trust and safety in cyberspace.”
Minister Mutati expressed appreciation for the Czech Republic’s continued support in fostering digital inclusion in Zambia, highlighting scholarships already awarded to Zambian professionals in key tech areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology, and Cybersecurity.
The Minister also emphasized Zambia’s focus on digitizing government records, a presidential priority under President Hakainde Hichilema, and an area where further Czech cooperation is welcome.
Deputy Prime Minister Jureka shared how digitalization and AI have enabled the Czech Republic to improve public services and reduce government workforce size by 10% without compromising efficiency.
Jureka pledged cooperation in Data Management and Processing – including best practices for central administration and provincial service delivery, and cybersecurity – ensuring safe digital environments as Zambia expands its digital infrastructure.
Digital technology is increasingly becoming a key driver of economic progress. According to Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, the ICT sector grew 17.8% in 2024, contributing 3.5% to GDP. This underscores the importance of continued investment and international collaboration in digital transformation.
By strengthening technical capacity and digital infrastructure, this partnership has the potential to accelerate economic diversification, enhance public sector efficiency, and expand digital access to underserved regions—ensuring the ICT sector continues to be a catalyst for inclusive, tech-driven growth in Zambia
Hikmatu Bilali
In Mali, the Blood Shortage Remains a Critical Challenge for the Healthcare System. In response to this ongoing emergency, a local digital solution is stepping in to help.
Djooli, a digital health solution developed by a Malian startup, is leveraging mobile technology to streamline blood donation requests and connect patients with willing donors. Founded by Abdourahamane Boubacar Diarra and Soumaila Abdoulaye Diarra, the platform enables users to issue blood donation requests by specifying blood type, city, and the hospital involved. Registered donors within Djooli's database then receive notifications inviting them to respond on-site.
The solution, available as a mobile application on both iOS and Android, has already garnered over 500 downloads on the Play Store. Users create an account and become a "djool", the term the startup uses for blood donors on its platform. Djooli collects all essential information for blood donation from its "djools," ranging from medical details to their city of residence.
When a patient requires blood, they initiate a request through the app, providing the necessary blood type, city, and hospital. Subsequently, registered donors in the database receive a notification to respond. Beyond simply matching supply with demand, Djooli aims to cultivate a national community of solidarity centered around blood donation.
Supported by awareness campaigns and partnerships with healthcare facilities, the app seeks to modernize the blood donation chain through digital technology. This initiative also aligns with the broader trend of the gradual digitization of health services across West Africa.
As calls for mobilization intensify to address Mali’s chronic blood shortage, Djooli exemplifies how technological innovation can address a pressing public health need by emphasizing proximity, responsiveness, and civic engagement. In 2024, the startup secured second place at the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East (POESAM), receiving a grant of 4 million CFA francs (approximately $6,850).
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Through an innovative platform, he aims to address critical needs and bring lasting change to people’s daily lives. His ambition: to harness the power of tech to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and inclusive across the continent.
Rwandan tech entrepreneur Biganza Papy is the founder of AfiaPharma, an e-commerce platform specializing in medicine distribution, with the goal of improving access to healthcare across Africa.
Launched in 2020, AfiaPharma facilitates access to quality medicines at affordable prices for African populations. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to offer a reminder system, helping users adhere to their treatments. It currently lists over 40,000 medical products.
The inspiration for AfiaPharma stemmed from a personal tragedy: the death of Papy's grandfather. "He died of an asthma attack because he couldn’t afford his medication and didn’t have easy access to a pharmacy in the city," Papy explained. "That’s what pushed me to create a digital platform that makes it possible to get medication anytime and anywhere."
AfiaPharma enhances the medicine search experience with automatic spelling correction, enabling users to quickly find needed products. Beyond sales, the platform provides confidential online consultations with partner pharmacists, particularly for sensitive issues like erectile dysfunction or performance problems.
The platform also offers a home delivery service, proving especially useful for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. AfiaPharma is certified and authorized by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority, the country’s pharmaceutical regulatory agency.
Biganza Papy holds a master’s degree in business management and administration from the University of Kigali, obtained in 2022.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
More...
- Liberia launched community Wi-Fi hotspots in Bong and Nimba counties with CSquared Africa.
- Initiative aims to expand affordable Internet in public spaces like schools and health centers.
The Liberian government has begun rolling out community Wi-Fi hotspots across the country in an effort to enhance Internet access for its citizens. The initiative, launched last week in Bong and Nimba counties, is a partnership with telecom infrastructure provider CSquared Africa and other stakeholders. Its unveiling coincided with celebrations for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.
"With new low-cost WiFi access at health centers, schools, and community spaces, we are actively working to enhance digital literacy and economic participation in underserved communities. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that every Liberian can benefit from and contribute to the digital transformation," Liberia's Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications said in a statement published on Facebook.
Internet penetration in Liberia stood at 23.5% in 2023 for an estimated population of 5.6 million, according to data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The high cost of Internet services is considered one of the main barriers to adoption by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). The ITU estimates that in 2024, mobile Internet expenses accounted for 8.2% of monthly gross national income (GNI) per capita, significantly higher than the 2% threshold considered affordable by the organization. Fixed Internet costs were even more prohibitive, at 153% of GNI per capita.
While community Wi-Fi hotspots could accelerate Internet adoption in Liberia, their deployment is currently limited to specific areas. The government has not yet specified a timeline for expanding the initiative nationally or provided details on access terms, particularly regarding potential costs for users.
Beyond affordability, service cost is not the sole obstacle to Internet adoption. The GSMA also highlights the limited availability of Internet-compatible devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. According to the ITU, only 59% of Liberians owned a phone in 2023, without specifying the proportion of smartphones. Other barriers include a lack of digital skills, limited user experience, and concerns about online security.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Driven by a powerful personal experience, she has chosen to take action, leveraging technology to better support women on their journey to motherhood. Her mission: to reimagine maternal healthcare across the continent and ensure that no woman is left behind.
Ifunanya Lilian Igweze, a Nigerian physician and tech entrepreneur, has launched Preggify, a healthtech startup aimed at supporting working women and young professionals through their maternity journey. Founded in 2022, Preggify seeks to help African women of reproductive age balance their health and careers by offering accessible, affordable, and user-friendly maternal health services. The platform provides personalized medical monitoring and tailored resources from preconception to postpartum.
The inspiration behind Preggify emerged from a deeply personal and painful experience for Igweze: the loss of her own pregnancy. "I think my most recent challenge was losing my pregnancy while working in the hospital. Although this was a devastating experience for me, but it also turned out to be a game-changer in my career. The pain of my loss made me to resign from my job, I had time to read books and meditate. It was at this point that Preggify was birthed to solve problems like this for other women," she shared.
Igweze earned her master’s degree in medicine and surgery in 2017 from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Nigeria. Between 2019 and 2020, she worked as a front desk officer and assistant to the social welfare head at Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital. In recognition of her dedication to maternal health, Igweze was honored with the Exceptional Woman Award in 2023.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
MaxAB-Wasoko, Africa’s retail e-commerce and supply chain super app, announced, on May 19, the acquisition of Egypt-based B2B marketplace Fatura from EFG Finance, a subsidiary of EFG Holding. As part of the deal, EFG Finance becomes a significant shareholder in MaxAB-Wasoko and gains a seat on the company’s board.
MaxAB-Wasoko’s embedded financial services will extend credit access to its growing merchant base, enabling retailers to restock faster and grow sustainably. The acquisition also enhances operational efficiency, strengthens supplier networks, and positions the company for continued top-line growth over the next 12–18 months.
The move strengthens MaxAB-Wasoko’s ambition to unify the fragmented B2B commerce and fintech landscape across Africa.
• Kenya plans to establish a Regional Center of Competence focused on digital skills and AI.
• The center will back the Kenya Digital Master Plan 2022-2032, which aims to train 300,000 civil servants by 2030.
The Kenyan government is set to establish a Regional Center of Competence focused on advancing digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI), a move aimed at bolstering the capabilities of civil servants to enhance the quality of public services for the populace.
The initiative is backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and will be affiliated with the Kenya School of Government, an institution dedicated to the ongoing professional development of public administration executives and civil servants. The center's launch was discussed last week during a meeting between John Tanui (photo, right), Principal Secretary for Digital Economy and ICT, and his counterpart responsible for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Jane Kere Imbunya (photo, left).
This undertaking aligns with the Kenyan government's broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to harness digital technology for socio-economic progress. Cultivating the digital proficiency of civil servants stands as a key pillar of the "Kenya Digital Master Plan 2022-2032." The government has set an ambitious target to train 300,000 civil servants in digital services by 2030, representing 85% of public employees.
This approach finds support from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In its report, "Developing skills for digital government: A review of good practices across OECD governments," the OECD emphasizes that to facilitate the transition to digital administration, nations must invest in developing the skills of their civil servants. This comes against the backdrop of a World Bank estimation that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will demand digital skills by the year 2030.
However, the specific timeline for the center's operationalization remains undetermined. Furthermore, the OECD cautions that the effectiveness of civil servant training will hinge on its design and implementation. The organization recommends that governments identify crucial digital skills, assess the existing competencies of public employees, address any gaps with customized training programs, and subsequently evaluate the impact to refine future initiatives.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji