He has years of experience working in construction companies. With a focus on digital transformation, he helps modernize industry practices.
Nabil Hassoune (photo) is a Moroccan investor and serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of GRO’INO, which connects construction industry operators with the supplies and services they need.
Founded in 2022, GRO’INO is a B2B e-commerce platform tailored to professionals in construction and hardware. It provides merchants with centralized access to a wide range of supplies, competitive pricing, and flexible payment options. The platform offers an extensive product selection, including paint, sanitary materials, and various plumbing and carpentry tools, all with delivery service included. For exclusive hardware and DIY manufacturers and distributors, GRO’INO serves as a direct sales channel, providing targeted marketing tools and payment terms not exceeding seven days.
Hassoune is also the founder and CEO of AXURYS, an IT services startup, and an investor in PECSYS France, a company specializing in IT consulting, services, and digital transformation.
In 2018, he founded Nomalis International Group, a startup he led until 2023. This company focused on digitizing processes like logistics, B2B marketplaces, and integrated financial and insurance services.
Hassoune graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Électricité et de Mécanique in Casablanca, Morocco, earning an engineering degree in mechanical design and manufacturing in 2001. He also holds a master’s degree in management from Ecole Hassania des Travaux Publics, obtained in 2014.
Before his entrepreneurial career, he worked from 2002 to 2004 as a B2B business development manager for southern Morocco at Total Petrochemicals. In 2004, he joined OCP Group, a fertilizer supplier, as operations manager. By 2012, he had become CEO of Prefamar SA, a construction materials manufacturer and distributor, while also serving as CEO of BigMat Morocco, a retailer selling construction materials.
Melchior Koba
Between 2022 and 2024, African countries saw their average scores on the E-Government Development Index rise by 4.8%, from 0.4054 to 0.4247. Djibouti is keeping pace with this trend, ramping up efforts to digitize as many services as possible.
Djibouti announced, on November 14th, the pilot phase of a digital building permit platform. The platform is designed to streamline and speed up the permit process for both individuals and businesses. This move follows the May 2024 announcement at the 8th session of the Council of Ministers, where plans for an e-permit system were first unveiled. The platform is set to integrate into the national online services portal, which already offers a variety of digital public services.
To support this initiative, the Djiboutian government has sought technical and financial partnerships. Earlier this week, they reached out to the European Union as part of the "Global Gateway" investment strategy. The e-permit implementation is part of the broader "Djibouti Digital Foundation" project, which aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation.
A United Nations report released in September categorized Djibouti as a country with a medium E-Government Development Index (EGDI), scoring 0.2911 out of 1. However, Djibouti's Online Services Index, a component of the EGDI, remains low at 0.2092 in 2024.
During the pilot phase, building permits will be issued within seven days, as stated on Djibouti's national online services portal. Applications can be submitted from Saturday to Thursday between 7 AM and 2 PM.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
An IT professional by trade, she is passionate about no-code development. She now uses this technology to create digital solutions in Madagascar.
Amboara Rabe-Harinoro (photo) is a Malagasy software developer and entrepreneur. She serves as the CEO of Misaina Incorporation, a company specializing in digital solutions.
Founded in 2017, Misaina Incorporation is an innovative startup in the no-code sector, providing solutions tailored to the specific needs of businesses. Its mission is to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, allowing them to focus on their core activities.
Misaina Incorporation also offers no-code training courses aimed at entrepreneurs and freelancers, in addition to providing software development services.
In March 2024, Amboara Rabe-Harinoro launched NoCode Madagascar, the first no-code community in the country. She is also the lead developer of PayFacile, a platform that facilitates entrepreneurs' access to online payment solutions and subscription services. Simultaneously, she teaches software development at the IT University of Madagascar and serves as an IT consultant for BICI, a software development company.
She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science, obtained in 2017 from IT University Andoharanofotsy. She also graduated from Université Côte d’Azur, where she earned a master's degree in Mobility, Databases, and System Integration (MBDS) in 2019.
Amboara Rabe-Harinoro began her professional career in 2017 as a software developer at Madagascar Airport (ADEMA). In 2018, she joined BICI as a full-stack developer, where she also held the role of project manager. In 2019, she became a full-stack developer at iFox Code, a Mauritian mobile and web application development company, where she worked for three months.
Melchior Koba
In a context where access to technology remains uneven, countries are seeking innovative solutions to improve connectivity. International partnerships, particularly in satellite technology, are essential levers to bridge this digital divide.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Tuesday, November 12, signed a memorandum of understanding with Monaco's leading satellite operator, Monacosat, to expand satellite infrastructure in the country. The agreement, signed by Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Augustin Kibassa Maliba (photo, left), aims to bridge the digital divide in rural and remote areas.
The partnership will involve discussions to finalize the details of deploying a satellite telecommunications network in the DRC, leveraging Monacosat's satellite capacity. According to a statement from the Congolese Ministry of ICT, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in rural and hard-to-reach areas by leveraging Monacosat’s satellite capabilities to expand connectivity. “We have decided to work closely together and consult on matters of mutual interest, focusing on the deployment of a satellite telecommunications network in the DRC through the acquisition of satellite capacity from Monacosat,” the statement read.
This initiative aligns with DRC's “Horizon 2025” National Digital Plan, which seeks to develop a robust digital infrastructure to connect the country. It follows a recent cooperation agreement signed with the Polish government to support digital infrastructure expansion in the DRC.
Despite government efforts, the country continues to show low connectivity rates. According to the Congo Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), as of June 30, 2023, only 30.79% of Congolese had access to mobile internet, and a mere 0.0174% had fixed internet access. The United Nations' latest "E-Government Survey 2024," published in September, highlighted this gap, noting that the DRC’s telecom infrastructure development index stands at 0.1591, well below the African average of 0.4534.
If negotiations succeed, Monacosat would extend its coverage across the DRC using its TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite, which already operates in Africa. This initiative could not only connect millions of Congolese but also facilitate access to education, healthcare, and digital public services, contributing to the country’s overall development. It could also help offset delays in the fiber optic network expansion, which is estimated to require nearly 50,000 kilometers of additional coverage.
Samira Njoya
Insufficient information about market supply can fuel inflation. Sometimes, unscrupulous merchants exploit shortages to artificially inflate prices. Preventing such practices is crucial for economic and social equity.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has unveiled a new mobile app, TALO, developed by local talent to improve economic oversight. Presented to the Council of Ministers, last Friday, by Deputy Prime Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba, the app aims to improve transparency and price regulation through real-time monitoring of commercial practices and stock flows.
TALO comprises two modules: a mobile module for field investigators to collect and centralize price data weekly, and a platform for businesses to directly submit information on inventory, pricing, and pricing structures. The system aims to enhance transparency in commercial practices and strengthen economic regulation.
Its adoption demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and restoring trust in economic oversight for both businesses and the public. According to Mukoko Samba, the initiative seeks to turn oversight functions into genuine regulatory tools, free from abuses, to ensure a fairer and more reliable business environment.
TALO aligns with broader efforts to improve economic regulation in the DRC. By enabling more transparent and effective management of economic controls, the app supports adherence to standards, strengthens control missions, and safeguards due process for businesses. It also facilitates complaint collection and the detection of potential irregularities.
With this system, the government aims to create a more equitable economic framework that fosters transparency and strengthens the trust of economic actors. Raising operator awareness, through the distribution of a guide on economic oversight, is also essential to securing a more regulated and investment-friendly business environment in the DRC.
Africa's pharmaceutical market faces supply chain issues and counterfeit drugs, but technology offers a solution. Leveraging digital tools can address these challenges, create economic opportunities, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure - making a lasting positive impact on public health and economic growth.
Prosper Africa, a Presidential-level national security initiative focused on strengthening strategic and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, has launched a pilot project under its Africa Tech for Trade Alliance (AT4T). The initiative, announced on November 12, aims to digitize and improve transparency in Africa’s pharmaceutical supply chains. Launched in collaboration with USAID’s e-Trade Alliance, IBM Consulting, and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), it introduces the Pulse by NABP™ platform in South Africa.
British Robinson, Coordinator of Prosper Africa, highlighted the importance of partnerships in developing technology-driven solutions under the Digital Trade for Africa (DTA) initiative. “Through Prosper Africa’s Tech for Trade Alliance, we support partnerships that leverage technology to create products that yield both financial and social benefits for Africans and Americans alike,” he stated.
Designed to link U.S. and global pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Roche with African distributors and pharmacies, Pulse by NABP™ aims to foster transparency, improve communication, and establish a secure framework for medication distribution.
This initiative also includes AI-based training for African pharmacies and retailers through IBM’s watsonx.ai, empowering them with data-driven tools to optimize their sales strategies. The Pulse platform is set to address Africa’s complex pharmaceutical distribution challenges, paving the way for increased economic growth and access to healthcare across the continent.
Africa has one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets in the world, valued at approximately $26.85 billion in 2023, according to the Africa Pharmaceutical Market Size, Industry Report, 2030 by research and consulting company Grand View Research. This market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2030, fueled by an increasing demand for healthcare services as the population grows and ages.
However, the continent faces challenges, including fragmented supply chains, logistical barriers, and regulatory differences, which drive up costs and reduce product availability. The Pulse platform aims to address these challenges by increasing supply chain visibility, which could help African pharmacies minimize losses, maintain consistent stock, and forge profitable partnerships with international suppliers.
The initiative aligns with recommendations outlined in the African Development Bank Group's 2022 report, A New Frontier for African Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry. The report emphasizes that strengthening logistics integration is essential to developing Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, enabling efficient intra-African and international trade, particularly in pharmaceutical products.
Hikmatu Bilali
He leverages his real estate investment expertise to help South Africans boost their income, utilizing technology to achieve this goal.
Ezra Rasethe (photo) is the founder and CEO of investRand, a South Africa-based investment firm. Through his startup, he aims to help individuals build sustainable real estate wealth.
Founded in 2021, investRand offers a marketplace connecting real estate investors with income-generating properties, reliable service providers, and various financing options. The company's goal is to enable individuals to generate passive income through real estate investment.
"Our platform is revolutionizing the real estate and PropTech industries by making it possible, accessible, and profitable for every South African to invest in property. We are proud to offer exceptional investment opportunities within every budget and area of interest, empowering our clients to make informed decisions about property investing," the company explains on its website.
Rasethe is also the founder and CEO of Infinity Property Group, established in 2017, which includes companies specializing in proptech, affordable housing, and student housing. These firms help South Africans make informed choices in real estate investment through technology.
Rasethe holds a degree in real estate development and investment from the University of Cape Town, obtained in 2022. He also serves as president of the 4thDimension Toastmasters club, where he helps members enhance their communication and leadership skills through public speaking.
Melchior Koba
The volume of electronic and electrical waste is growing in Africa every year. Successfully giving this waste a second life could help ease current environmental pressures while creating wealth for young people.
On Wednesday, November 13, Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and German development agency GIZ announced the launch of the "Master Repair" project, backed by a joint €2.85 million investment. This initiative offers specialized training in electronic device repair, as well as in the installation and maintenance of solar panels and fiber optic networks. The program targets young men and women in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Egypt, with a particular focus on individuals with disabilities.
The project is positioned as an inclusive approach to enhancing youth employability and promoting the creation of micro-enterprises in electronic repair and sustainable technology sectors.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, stated, “This partnership with GIZ illustrates our commitment to supporting young people, especially women and persons with disabilities, towards sustainable professional integration and a more inclusive economic future. Together, we invest in skills that not only create opportunities but also strengthen the foundations of a circular and resilient economy for tomorrow.”
Master Repair is part of the develoPPP program, commissioned by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the "Decent Work for a Just Transition" special initiative. The project aligns with the mission of Orange Digital Center to promote digital inclusion and support digital skill development for employment, particularly among youth and women.
According to Market Research Network, the global market for electronic maintenance and repair was valued at $98.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $142.7 billion by 2030, growing at an average annual rate of 4.5% between 2024 and 2030. While specific data on Africa is unavailable, it’s evident that this market holds promise. With the World Bank reporting that a majority of Africans live on less than $5 a day, purchasing new devices often requires significant financial sacrifice, making repair a more affordable option than replacement.
Increasing the number of young people skilled in repair and maintenance is also expected to better meet the needs of households and businesses across the region.
Digital transformation is a top priority for the Djiboutian government, which aims to establish the country as a technology hub by 2035.
Djibouti wants to strengthen its cooperation with the European Union (EU) to accelerate its digital transformation. The goal was at the center of discussions between Mariam Hamadou Ali, Djibouti’s Minister Delegate for Digital Economy and Innovation, and Denisa-Elena Ionete, the EU ambassador to Djibouti.
This cooperation aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy, which aims to drive both digital and green transitions while delivering reliable, sustainable connections for partner countries. Key projects under discussion include e-permits, e-cabinet systems, cybersecurity, and digital skills training.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Djibouti currently ranks 17th out of 47 African countries in ICT development, with a score of 61.6 out of 100—down from 16th place in 2023, when it scored 63.6. Additionally, the United Nations places Djibouti among the countries with a mid-range e-government development index (EGDI), scoring 0.2911 out of 1.
In cybersecurity, Djibouti ranks as a Tier 4 country by ITU standards, reflecting a basic government-driven commitment to cybersecurity. Legislative measures are cited as a strength, but the ITU notes that additional progress is needed in technical measures, organizational frameworks, capacity development, and cooperative actions.
The EU’s support is expected to boost the Djibouti Digital Foundation project, which is already backed by the World Bank. This project is aimed at transforming Djibouti into a tech hub by 2035 through the expansion of digital services and the establishment of a supportive environment for private-sector ICT investment.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are key to modernizing nations and boosting their competitiveness. By investing in these areas, countries can upgrade infrastructure, improve public services, and strengthen their digital economies.
Tunisia plans to implement a digital transformation strategy and an artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, according to Communications Technology Minister Sofiene Hemissi. The announcement came on the sidelines of the 10th International Forum for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), held in Hammamet from Thursday, November 7 to Saturday, November 9. The initiatives aim to boost digital usage and leverage Tunisia’s AI potential.
Hemissi explained that the national digital transformation strategy will be built on several core pillars: digitizing administrative and public services, fostering the digital economy, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in digital fields, enhancing communication network infrastructure, and strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks to secure cyberspace.
The AI strategy, set for launch in 2025, aims to integrate AI into key sectors, including health, education, environment, and transport, while advancing digitalization and promoting open data usage. It also emphasizes creating business incubators and support programs for promising tech projects at the local level.
The upcoming digital strategy will replace the 2022-2025 plan, which positioned Tunisia among Africa's digital leaders. According to the latest report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), released in December 2023, Tunisia ranks 8th in Africa with a score of 77.2 out of 100 in ICT development. In e-government, Tunisia leads in North Africa and ranks third continent-wide, according to the United Nations’ E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development. The report gives Tunisia a score of 0.6935 out of 1, surpassing the African average of 0.4247.
Samira Njoya
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African and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs with innovative projects are being celebrated for solutions that blend social impact with digital transformation. By showcasing these startups, the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize highlights ingenuity aimed at addressing regional challenges.
The top international winners of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (OSVP/POESAM) have been announced. Moroccan startup SAVEY, Tunisia’s WeFix, and Côte d'Ivoire's Cocoa Shield were officially presented to the public on Tuesday, November 12, during an international ceremony held in Casablanca, Morocco.
According to an Orange press release, these winners were selected from a pool of 1,600 applicants from 17 countries. The awarded projects in this 14th edition of OSVP cover diverse fields, including education, health, e-commerce, agriculture, and environmental protection.
The Grand Prize was awarded to Moroccan startup SAVEY, which offers a digital and logistical solution to reduce food waste by selling unsold or near-expiry food items. This solution earned them €25,000 in funding.
The second prize went to Tunisian startup WeFix, which provides a digital solution to support individuals and companies in the sustainable management of electronic and household appliances. This start-up received €15,000 in funding.
In third place was Ivorian startup Cocoa Shield, which uses AI and IoT to monitor and track cocoa crops, helping to combat crop diseases. This start-up was awarded €10,000.
The International Women’s Prize, celebrating a female-led startup with significant impact, was awarded to MyTindy (Morocco), an online platform connecting artisans with international customers to facilitate direct and independent sales. This platform received €20,000 in funding.
Finally, the "Coup de Cœur" prize went to Intella, an Egyptian start-up developing a multi-dialect Arabic speech-to-text transcription engine, one of the most accurate in the world, aimed at bridging the gap between AI advancements and the Arab-speaking world.
In addition to these awards, the national winners of POESAM 2024 from Orange’s 17 markets in the Middle East and Africa will receive support from Orange Digital Centers. This support will help them expand their businesses beyond national borders through a network active in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Samira Njoya
After a few years in finance, he turned his attention to entrepreneurship. Leveraging technology, he developed innovative solutions in finance, logistics, and event management.
David Christian Mbang (photo) is a Cameroonian accountant by training and the founder and CEO of Adwa Sarl, a software development startup. Established in 2017, Adwa Sarl supports businesses in their digital transformation, offering IT audit and consulting services. The company designs custom technology solutions tailored to the needs of both businesses and individuals, guiding them through their digital projects.
One of its flagship products is AdwaPay, an online payment platform that enables businesses and e-commerce sites to manage financial transactions. AdwaPay supports payments through Orange Money, PayPal, Express Union, and various credit cards.
The startup also offers a range of other solutions, including Kwanza, a multichannel e-ticketing system, and Kiwoti, a web and mobile platform for ticket sales. Additionally, MyEvent, a platform dedicated to event promotion and ticket sales, is part of Adwa Sarl’s offerings. The company rounds out its service lineup with Mboa Taxi, a chauffeured vehicle reservation service providing air-conditioned cars for urban and intercity travel.
David Christian Mbang holds a master’s degree in finance and accounting, earned in 2012 from the University of Douala. Before founding Adwa Sarl, he served as Administrative and Financial Director at NG Conseil Sarl, a consulting firm operating in Congo and Cameroon, from 2016 to 2017.
Melchior Koba
Energy efficiency and smart resource management are top priorities for businesses. In Senegal, he leverages technology to meet these needs by delivering innovative solutions.
Bassirou Ba (photo) is a Senegalese tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Witniss IoT, a startup specializing in fleet and fuel management. Witniss IoT aims to transform business operations by harnessing the power of the Internet of Things (IoT). The company addresses the need for monitoring and optimizing mobile assets through two main solutions: iGeoTrack and Fuel-Route.
The startup’s flagship product, iGeoTrack, enables companies to track the real-time location of their vehicles and monitor fuel consumption. By installing submerged fuel sensors, this technology boosts energy efficiency and reduces operating costs.
Additionally, Witniss IoT offers predictive maintenance services, along with driver identification and management systems. The company is also expanding its focus to include smart home solutions, temperature management for cold storage, and promotes the recycling of electronic and tech equipment.
Bassirou Ba graduated from the Institut Supérieur de Management in Senegal, earning a master’s degree in international management in 2018. After completing his studies, he worked as a business engineer for Group I.C.R., an IT and industrial engineering company, from 2018 to 2022. He then served as the B2B sales manager at Huawei in Senegal from 2022 to 2023.
Melchior Koba
Mobile internet access in Africa is evolving rapidly, yet speed disparities persist. While some countries report strong connection speeds, others struggle to keep up due to infrastructure and technological challenges.
South Africa leads the African continent in terms of mobile download speeds, averaging 34.5 Mbps, according to a report published, on Monday, by mobile data analytics firm Opensignal. This speed is 50% faster than that of Zimbabwe, which ranks second, and four times faster than Angola, which is at the bottom of the list.
Titled The State of Mobile Network Experience in Africa, the report covers 27 African countries and attributes these disparities to differences in network infrastructure investments and spectrum management. In South Africa, sustained efforts to modernize infrastructure and the rapid adoption of 4G and 5G technologies have enabled faster, more reliable connectivity. Conversely, Angola remains reliant on older technologies like 2G, which limit speeds and hinder the use of modern applications—a challenge also affecting countries like Zimbabwe and Mali, where infrastructure still needs significant upgrades.
In terms of Consistent Quality (CQ), a measure of the stability needed for services like video calls, South Africa and Tunisia perform well, with CQ scores of 58.6% and 57.6%, respectively. However, in over half of the African countries analyzed, CQ scores fall below 30%, indicating unstable connectivity that limits user experience, especially in countries like Mali, Guinea, and Cameroon.
To address these gaps, Opensignal suggests governments should invest in infrastructure, ensure efficient spectrum allocation, create supportive regulatory frameworks, enhance digital skills, address device affordability, and promote wider adoption of 4G and 5G technologies.
According to the GSMA increased mobile internet use could add about $795 billion to Africa’s GDP between 2023 and 2030. This underscores the significant economic impact that enhanced connectivity could have across the continent.
Samira Njoya