Côte d'Ivoire and China have maintained strong bilateral relations across various fields for several decades. Recently, the two countries decided to strengthen their cooperation in the digital sector.
Chinese tech firm Huawei will train 1000 Ivorians by 2035– at the rate of 100 yearly– in digital skills. This initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding signed on Tuesday, July 30, between the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization and Huawei, on the sidelines of the China-Africa Digital Cooperation Forum recently held in Beijing, China. Training will cover areas such as data center management and cybersecurity.
"China has made significant technological advancements. It is crucial for us, African countries aiming for acceptable development levels, to pursue enhanced cooperation with them," stated Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, the Ivorian Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization.
The partnership aligns with the objectives of the China-Africa forum to deepen digital cooperation between the two parties. It follows a meeting a few months ago between Terry He, Huawei's president for the Africa region, and Ibrahim Kalil Konaté in Abidjan. During this March meeting, the Chinese tech company reaffirmed its commitment to support Côte d'Ivoire in achieving its digital projects.
This new partnership will benefit Côte d'Ivoire, which launched the construction of its national data center, the largest in West Africa, in December. This Tier 3 certified facility will cover an area of 20,000 square meters and boast an impressive capacity of 220,000 terabits.
The training is expected to enhance local expertise in managing this national asset and support the country's digital development by offering growth and innovation opportunities. Côte d'Ivoire aims to become the digital hub of West Africa by 2025.
Samira Njoya
Egyptian AI startup Synapse Analytics has secured $2 million in new investment to expand its AI-powered solutions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Africa, focusing on the financial sector. The investment was led by venture capital firm Silicon Badia and Hub 71, Abu Dhabi.
Synapse Analytics partners with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Crealogix, offering digital banking and application processing software. As part of Hub71, the company addresses financial inclusion by offering AI software for credit scoring, cross-selling, dynamic pricing, and eKYC/eKYB processes.
The expanding digital economy in Africa is creating new wealth, prompting many governments to view it as a fresh source of revenue. In response, they are intensifying tax reforms to effectively capture this growing economic sector.
The Lagos State Government has unveiled an ambitious strategy to generate an additional N200 billion ($120.4 million) annually from the digital sector. This initiative includes the introduction of taxes targeting remote workers, foreign companies, and digital influencers. To facilitate this, the government plans to develop a Resident Global Digital Citizen Tax Management System.
The budget for this digital taxation initiative is estimated at N250 million ($147,000). It aims to capture revenue from approximately two million digital economy participants. This system will include the accreditation and licensing of digital economy operators, supported by an e-portal, a Marketplace, and a Recovery Platform.
The initiative to boost tax revenues from the digital sector is a key element of Lagos State's strategy to achieve N5 trillion ($2.94 billion) in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). This plan is outlined in the EKO Revenue Plus Summit synopsis document, with the summit set to take place on September 25-26, 2024. The event will focus on exploring new revenue streams under the theme “Unlocking New Revenue Streams for Lagos State.”
In addition to the new tax measures, the Lagos State Government is also planning various investments to boost the digital sector's contribution to local finances.
Digitalization of Government Services and Data Monetization: Lagos State plans to develop a public data marketplace to license and monetize data from various government services. This initiative is expected to cost N500 million ($294,000) and potentially generate N50 billion ($29.4 million) per year.
Lagos State Fintech Hub: The state plans to establish a fintech hub to support digital payments, mobile money, lending, and crowdfunding. The projected budget is N5 billion ($2.94 million), with an estimated annual revenue of N100 billion ($58.8 million) from vendor transaction fees and platform services.
Lagos State Software Development Center: This targets a new hub focused on developing software solutions for finance, SMEs, and retail sectors. With a budget of N500 million ($294,000), the initiative aims to generate N150 billion ($88.2 million) annually from subscriptions and service fees.
Lagos State Digital Economy Acceleration Hub: This initiative involves selecting and developing 100 innovative startups through a hackathon and subsequent support, with an estimated cost of N12 billion ($109.2 million) and expected revenue of N100 billion ($58.8 million) per year from profit-sharing models.
Lagos State Advertisement Network: The creation of a state-owned advertisement network and approval management platform is anticipated. With a budget of N500 million ($294,000), the projected annual revenue is N15 billion ($8.82 million) from income fees and permits.
Blockchain and Tokenization Agenda: Lagos State plans to implement tokenization for real estate, infrastructure, and intellectual property. This project will require N500 million ($294,000) and aims to generate N100 billion ($58.8 million) annually from income fees and permits.
Collaboration with FGN on Digital Service Tax (DST): The state plans to work with the Federal Government to implement DST, generating revenue from global digital platforms operating in Nigeria. This collaboration has a budget of N750 million ($441,000) and is projected to bring in N50 billion ($29.4 million) annually.
This comprehensive approach underscores Lagos State's commitment to leveraging technology and innovative revenue mechanisms for substantial financial growth. In Q4 2023, Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector made a significant impact on the country’s economic performance, contributing 16.66% to the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This substantial contribution highlights the increasing importance of the ICT sector in Nigeria's economy and its vital role in driving economic growth and stability.
Hikmatu Bilali
In 2015, he left Cameroon for the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he earned his doctorate in medicine. Passionate about technology, he developed an innovative application that allows patients to easily locate nearby pharmacies and purchase medications.
Ulrich Kouesso is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and expert in preventive medicine. He co-founded LukaPharma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he serves as CEO. Established in 2021 alongside Christian Kouesso and Charlotte Nsongo, LukaPharma aims to enhance access to quality medications through digital solutions. The startup offers a mobile application that enables patients and caregivers to quickly locate the nearest pharmacies with the required medications. The platform connects users with pharmacies, allowing them to compare medication prices, pay remotely, and arrange for delivery. This service helps prevent complications from delayed medication intake and reduces healthcare costs.
LukaPharma exclusively partners with pharmacies owned by licensed pharmacists recognized by the National Order of Pharmacists of the DRC. To date, the company has over 40 partner pharmacies in Kinshasa.
In addition to his role at LukaPharma, Ulrich Kouesso works as a freelance consultant in medical data collection. In 2019, he launched My Virtual Planning, a digital sexual education platform aimed at reducing unwanted pregnancies. This platform assists with pregnancy and menstrual cycle tracking, as well as family planning, and earned the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in 2020.
Kouesso moved to the DRC from Cameroon in 2015, holding a public health degree from the University of Dschang. He graduated from the Bel Campus Technological University of Kinshasa with a doctorate in medicine in 2021. From December 2021 to January 2022, he served as a consultant for the Ishango Startups Center in the Healthtech Meetup program.
In 2022, Ulrich Kouesso received the Best Start-up of the Year award from the Federation of Congolese Enterprises for LukaPharma. In May 2024, he participated in GITEX Marrakech in Morocco.
Melchior Koba
Gabon is currently one of the African leaders in the development of information and communication technologies (ICT). With the support of strategic partners, the country is undertaking the digitization of its judicial sector.
Gabon has obtained a ¥331 million (about $2.2 million) grant from Japan to modernize its judicial sector through digital technology. According to a release, dated Junly 29, from the justice ministry, the project will be carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“This is a process we began with a symposium last November. The signing of this aid agreement will allow us to achieve our goals for the justice system in our country,” Justice Minister Paul-Marie Gondjout (photo, center) said.
The initiative aligns with Gabon’s “Gabon Digital” strategy, which aims to establish the country as a Central African hub for the digital economy. In June, the government approved a €56.2 million ($61 million) loan from the World Bank to finance the broader strategy.
Gabon ranked 10th among African countries with a score of 74.7 out of 100 in the 2024 ICT Development Index published in the "Measuring Digital Development: The ICT Development Index 2023" report by the International Telecommunication Union. This score improved from 72.9 in the 2023 edition of the report.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many African nations have accelerated their digital transformation efforts. Recognizing the challenges inherent in this process, China is committed to supporting these countries in achieving a unified and cohesive digital future.
On Monday, July 29, China and 26 African countries jointly approved an action plan to accelerate their digital cooperation in the coming years. The decision was made during the China-Africa Digital Cooperation Forum, held on July 29-30 in Beijing, under the theme "Jointly Drawing a Digital Blueprint and Sharing Development Achievements."
The action plan outlines six focus points: digital policy cooperation, digital infrastructure, digital innovation, digital transformation, digital security, and digital capacity building.
The event, organized as a precursor to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation scheduled for September, also provided an opportunity to discuss crucial issues concerning digitalization in Africa. China's Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Jin Zhuanglong, announced that companies would receive support for pragmatic cooperation in areas such as mobile communications, data centers, and both submarine and terrestrial cables. Joint efforts will also be made to advance the development and application of digital technologies such as 5G, 6G, network security, high-performance computing, and quantum communication.
For several years, Africa has been central to China's cooperation strategy known as the "New Silk Roads." Digital technology, a sector in which China excels, is often leveraged in this initiative. This strategy has improved connectivity between Africa and key regions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas through the deployment of several submarine cables totaling over 60,000 kilometers.
Despite this ongoing collaboration, most African countries lag in digital development, as indicated by the "Measuring Digital Development: The ICT Development Index 2023" report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), while China ranks among the leading countries. The action plan approved by China and the African countries aims to bridge this gap by offering opportunities to enhance digital infrastructure, improve skills, stimulate innovation, ensure digital security, and promote research and development as well as e-government. This initiative is expected to enable Africa to unleash its digital potential and accelerate its socio-economic development.
Samira Njoya
In a context marked by a thriving tourism industry in Africa, the solution was developped by two Kenyan tech entrepreneurs to streamline travel agency operations and enhance the overall traveler experience.
Triply is a digital solution created by a Kenyan startup that enables travel agencies to manage their operations through a unified platform. It assists travelers in organizing business trips or vacations. Founded in 2021 by Peter Wachira and Collins Muthinja, the startup is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
"We help travel companies manage their online operations, collect payments, and access financial services, while increasing their bookings through our marketplace," the founders explain.
The solution features a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. Users can create accounts to access a range of features that support various businesses, including travel agencies, short- and long-term accommodation rental platforms, and event planning companies.
For businesses, Triply streamlines payment collection, messaging management, flight and hotel bookings, as well as customer identity and human resources management. It also includes a marketing management tool that allows clients to make strategic decisions by integrating with major social networks like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Additionally, Triply provides specialized tools for payment collection and accounting management.
Travelers can book vacation accommodations and access travel packages and hotels through its web and mobile platforms. The start-up's financial tools facilitate payments in multiple currencies, simplifying transactions for travelers. In April 2024, Triply was selected to join the Winter 2024 cohort of the California-based accelerator Y Combinator.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Czech Republic has awarded 25 scholarships to Zambian professionals for studies in Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati announced on July 28.
Czech Ambassador Pavel Prochazka announced the scholarships, covering both Bachelor's and Master's degrees, during a meeting with Minister Mutati. He stressed the Czech Republic's commitment to partnering with Zambia's Ministry to enhance technical skills to bridge the digital divide.
The telecommunications sector is thriving in Gabon, which aspires to become a hub for ICT. The country is supported by partners whose assistance is crucial for achieving its ambitions.
On Wednesday, July 24, Gabon’s postal operator La Poste SA, and the Equatoguinean company Inverfin signed a memorandum of understanding to expand internet access in the tri-border area, which lies at the crossroads of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon.
Backed by the gabonese ministry of communications, the partnership is the culmination of discussions that began last May during an Inverfin visit to Libreville. Inverfin proposed to fully fund La Poste SA's digital projects in the tri-border area. They also expressed interest in supporting the Economic Interest Group (GIE) Poste Télédiffusion Services Universels, established in February, in its efforts to expand telecom network coverage in underserved areas nationwide.
"La Poste SA, known for its expertise in covering underserved areas, will leverage its know-how to assist Inverfin in connecting this strategic region, thereby reducing the digital divide," stated the Ministry of Communication.
This collaboration comes as Gabon intensifies its initiatives to improve connectivity across the country. Poste Télédiffusion Services Universels is particularly committed to enhancing access to telephony and internet services in rural areas at low cost, aiming to bridge the digital divide by providing broader network coverage.
The partnership is expected to enable La Poste SA, whose development is currently weak according to the 2023 Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) by the Universal Postal Union, to move closer to its objectives. It would also allow the 30% of the population still lacking access to audiovisual, telephony, and internet services to benefit from these essential services.
Samira Njoya
After completing his studies in Benin and Senegal, he ventured into entrepreneurship, focusing on financial technologies. He simplifies digital payments in West Africa, making transactions easier for everyone.
Aziz Yérima (photo) is a Beninese consultant specializing in card payment systems, marketing, and digital transformation. He is the co-founder and CEO of PayDunya, an innovative Senegalese fintech focused on digital payment solutions.
Founded in 2015 by Yérima, Youma Fall, Christian Palouki, and Honoré Hounwanou, PayDunya aims to tackle financial inclusion challenges in Africa. The startup offers a technology platform that enables businesses to accept payments securely and transparently, providing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the African market.
"Our PayDunya platform is designed to strengthen the African digital ecosystem by supporting the digital transformation of both formal and informal businesses, as well as financial institutions," Yérima explains. Currently, PayDunya operates in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Mali.
The concept for PayDunya emerged in 2013 when Yérima, then a student, participated in a project to aid a group of women in Pikine, Senegal. Encountering difficulties in integrating online payment solutions, he recognized the need for a payment system adapted to African realities.
In addition to his role at PayDunya, Yérima serves as the president of the SEN FINTECH association, which unites stakeholders in financial technology. This organization advocates for the interests of its members and represents them to regulators and other stakeholders in the fintech sector.
Yérima holds a bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University Institute of Technology in Lokossa, Benin, which he obtained in 2011. He also earned a master's degree in multimedia networks in 2014 from the Ecole Supérieure Multinationale des Télécommunications in Dakar, Senegal. In 2016, he completed a training program on mobile money from GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications).
Melchior Koba
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Created by three tech entrepreneurs from Nigeria, it aims system to verify the authenticity of medications and food products. Its goal is to safeguard African consumers. Its founding team rapidly teamed up with the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to implement their solution.
Chekkit is a health-tech solution created by a Nigerian startup that enables users to verify the authenticity of the medications they consume. Founded in 2018 by Dare Odumade, Tosin Adelowo, and Samuel Ukhueleigbe, the company operates out of Lagos, Nigeria, and Houston, Texas. In 2023, Chekkit secured an undisclosed amount of funding aimed at enhancing its technology and supporting its growth.
"...We develop unique technological products to protect the lives of millions and also directly improve the business operations for several brands by understanding consumers in the largely informal African markets," said Dare Odumade.
The solution features a mobile application available on both iOS and Android, which has been downloaded over 10,000 times, according to Play Store data. Users can access the app without creating an account. After downloading, they simply scan the QR code on the medication packaging. If the product is authentic, all manufacturing information and the expiration date will be displayed, helping to prevent the use of counterfeit and expired medications.
The application only authenticates products with labels from Chekkit. The start-up has established contracts with various companies across the continent to assist consumers in distinguishing authentic products from counterfeits. Notable partners include Indomie, Nivea, and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. These companies or their distributors are required to affix stickers with unique codes on their product packaging.
In addition to its core functionality, the Chekkit app allows users to participate in consumer surveys. Users can answer a series of questions and receive various rewards in return. They also have the option to file complaints against companies or pharmaceutical laboratories. In September 2022, Chekkit Technologies Corp was selected as one of thirty startups to participate in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Investing in Innovation (i3) program, culminating in a $50,000 grant.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa Data Centres, a unit of Cassava Technologies, announced, on July 25, the expansion of its CPT1 facility in Cape Town.
Supported by a loan of up to $300 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the project will add three new halls and increase the IT load by 6MW, doubling the current capacity.
The CPT1 expansion is part of Africa Data Centres’ strategy to increase data centre capacity across the continent, addressing the growing demand for data services in Africa.
Equipping African youth with cutting-edge skills is set to drive innovation and economic growth, creating opportunities for the youth to join the global workforce. These advancements are pivotal for driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.
Nigeria has partnered with Gluwa, a decentralized financial platform, to train 1,000 youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other technologies. The country is poised to outpace global peers in both economy and technology, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared on July 23.
We are proud to partner with VP @KashimSM’s Presidency Office to train 1,000 Nigerian youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies, preparing them to contribute to the global workforce.
— Gluwa (@Gluwa) July 23, 2024
Through this collaborative AI Expertise… https://t.co/nLDZFVqPqA
The VP announced this while launching the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, Jigawa State, as part of the country's digital transformation strategy. He urged youths to embrace the program, calling it vital for Nigeria’s economic future.
“We are poised to overtake the rest of the world. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to join a global workforce and drive innovation,” he said.
Shettima emphasized the federal government’s vision to create a network of tech hubs nationwide and lauded Gluwa for its significant impact. He highlighted the goal of transforming Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, combining global expertise with local talent.
Nigeria has made significant progress in its digitization efforts. This move aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030 (NDEPS), which aims to “transform the country into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.” Improving digital literacy and skills is one of the eight guiding pillars of the strategy, intending to reach a 95% digital literacy level by 2030.
Hikmatu Bilali
Improving regional cooperation leads to better connectivity across African countries. This connectivity is vital for economic growth, as it facilitates trade, communication, and access to information. Through such collaborations, African countries can leverage collective resources to foster economic growth.
Zambia has ratified the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), strengthening its commitment to advancing telecommunications and ICT development in Africa. The instruments of ratification were deposited at the ATU headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, today July 26, and received by ATU Secretary General John Omo.
The Republic of Zambia... - African Telecommunications Union | Facebook
Alfred Musemuna, Zambia's Charge d'Affaires in Kenya, delivered the instruments on behalf of the Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati. Musemuna conveyed Mutati's message, emphasizing Zambia's dedication to regional cooperation and connectivity. "Zambia recognizes the critical role of the ATU in promoting connectivity for the benefit of all African countries. We are excited to contribute to the Union’s goals of a digitally inclusive Africa," said Mutati.
Countries ratifying the ATU's foundational instruments gain benefits, including full engagement in Union activities, voting rights, eligibility for elections within the Union's Permanent Organs, and the ability to nominate candidates for elective roles.
“ATU is the leading continental organization fostering the development of information and communication technologies infrastructure and services.” With Zambia's ratification, 32 out of 52 African countries represented by ATU have now ratified or acceded to the Union's Constitution and Convention, initially signed by ATU Member States in 1999 and revised in 2014.
This step underscores Zambia's commitment to technological advancement and regional integration through active participation in international forums. As a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Zambia engages in the Regional Standardisation Forum for Africa. The country has also adopted several ITU conventions and guidelines, such as the Guidelines on Child Online Protection, which have been localized and implemented by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, as outlined in the National ICT Policy 2023 Republic of Zambia Implementation Plan 2022 - 2026.
Hikmatu Bilali