A serial entrepreneur, he assists brands from emerging markets in making more informed decisions. His work in the digital sector has earned him numerous awards and distinctions.
Alex Mativo (photo) is a Kenyan computer scientist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Duck, a company specializing in data collection and management.
Founded in 2023, Duck provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with real-time market data on product performance, competition, distribution coverage, and customer expectations. The goal is to help companies understand what sells, where, and why, guiding their decision-making.
Duck enables retailers to monitor each of their stores and distribution centers to ensure shelves are well-stocked and products are moving. It offers performance, inventory, and expiration date tracking to help identify products nearing expiry and inform actions that quickly clear excess stocks.
Mativo is also the founder and CEO of E-LAB, an organization he established in 2014 that uses design and art to raise awareness about the harmful effects of electronic waste.
In 2018, he founded Ethnic Brand, a “virtual factory” dedicated to fashion brands. In 2020, he co-founded Nanasi.co, an all-in-one platform that enables restaurants to centralize their sales and payment channels, manage daily operations, and grow with the help of smart analytics.
Mativo holds a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, earned in 2018 from the African Leadership University. His work in the digital sector has garnered him multiple accolades.
In 2019, he received the "Under 30 Founder of the Year" award at the FOYA Awards, which honor young entrepreneurs contributing to Africa’s development. In April 2024, he was named on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list.
Melchior Koba
As the world increasingly embraces digitalization, Ethiopia envisions a promising future for its digital economy. Recent analyses project substantial growth in this sector, with significant positive impacts on the country’s GDP.
Ethiopia's digital economy could contribute 1.3 trillion ETB (approximately $10.8 billion) to the country's GDP by 2028, according to a report released on October 24 by the GSMA in partnership with Ethio Telecom.
The report, "Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Policy Reforms, and the Role of Mobile," attributes this growth to ongoing telecom reforms and investments in mobile technology, which are expected to boost sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and public services.
The report predicts that these developments could also lead to over one million new jobs while generating 57 billion ETB in tax revenue. Ethiopia’s telecommunications reforms, conducted under the Home-Grown Economic Reform (HGER) program, have already helped the sector contribute 700 billion ETB to the GDP and 57 billion ETB in tax revenue in 2023.
Mobile internet coverage has expanded significantly, with mobile connections growing by 65% and 4G coverage increasing eightfold due to intensified competition and substantial investments from Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia. If these efforts continue, GSMA estimates that 50 million Ethiopians will be connected to mobile internet by 2028. This increased connectivity is expected to fuel growth across sectors, adding 140 billion ETB to agriculture and 114 billion ETB to manufacturing.
Challenges in Digital Adoption
However, the report highlights significant obstacles to widespread digital adoption in Ethiopia. Despite network expansion, 76% of the population still does not use mobile internet. A substantial gender gap also remains, with internet usage among women lagging by 40%. Closing this gap is crucial to achieving broad-based digital inclusion.
To address these issues, GSMA’s policy recommendations include making mobile services more affordable, accelerating telecom reforms, improving device accessibility, and promoting mobile money services. Digitalization is seen as a key driver for Ethiopia’s Vision 2025, which aims to enhance productivity and create new economic opportunities for citizens.
Angela Wamola, GSMA’s Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, remarked, “Ethiopia is well-positioned to be a digital leader in East Africa. By implementing strategic reforms and improving access to digital tools and services, Ethiopia can unlock unprecedented opportunities for economic and social development.”
Samira Njoya.
As African nations increasingly turn to digital solutions for economic advancement, international partnerships are key to realizing these ambitions. Such collaborations also help link Africa’s tech ecosystems with global innovation hubs, fostering competitiveness in the worldwide digital economy.
Nigeria has formalized a partnership with Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park to accelerate its technological and economic development. The collaboration, announced on October 27 by Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, is designed to open extensive opportunities for Nigerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
According to Nnaji, the partnership provides access to European markets and mentorship, bolstering Nigeria’s global presence in the innovation space. He highlighted the initiative’s potential to bridge academic research with industry applications, enabling Nigerian startups to scale their operations internationally.
During discussions with Ms. Lan Zuo Gillet, Managing Director of Fondation EPFL Innovation Park, Nnaji explored mutual opportunities, including Swiss startups’ interest in Nigeria’s renewable energy and healthcare sectors.
The move aligns with the country’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) whose mission is to build a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship are used to create value and prosperity for all.
EPFL Innovation Park has established itself as a hub for over 280 startups in fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. By partnering with EPFL, Nigerian startups will benefit from its expertise, resources, and mentorship, particularly in areas like digital trust, healthcare, and sustainability fields crucial for creating market-ready innovations.
This partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s technological capabilities, create high-quality jobs, and catalyze a tech-driven economy that meets international standards, aligning with Nigeria’s broader economic goals.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Zambian government has formalized the Information and Communication Technology Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) Statutory Instrument Act of 2018, introducing vital regulations to establish professional standards and enhance cybersecurity in the ICT sector.
The new regulations mandate the registration of ICT professionals across Zambia. It aims to foster an accountable ICT sector, with standards professionals must adhere to as Zambia builds a digitally secure and ethical economy.
Digitalization has become an essential tool for enhancing service efficiency and attracting investment. By modernizing key sectors, governments aim to drive growth and ensure optimal resource management.
Gabon's Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Digital Economy on Friday announced a strategic partnership to create a unified digital platform for managing mining activities across the country. The platform will be used to map, monitor, and regulate all mining operations.
"This agreement aims to develop local, customized solutions for managing mining permit allocation and utilization, avoiding the high costs of outsourcing. Gabon possesses the necessary skills, staff, and knowledge to undertake this task,” said Mines Minister Gilles Nembe (photo).
This initiative is part of the transitional government’s digitalization program, aimed at modernizing key sectors to enhance their attractiveness and diversify the economy. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the mining sector contributed around 5% of Gabon’s GDP, 7% of employment, and 9% of exports in 2022, making it a central pillar of the national economy.
The upcoming digital platform will centralize and standardize mining permit management, simplifying information access for investors. It will feature online services such as permit applications, electronic payments, and the management of renewals, transfers, and extensions of permits. These features will provide mining sector stakeholders with simplified, secure access to administrative services, fostering a more transparent and efficient business environment.
Beyond boosting the sector’s appeal to private investors, this digital transformation is expected to improve governance of Gabon’s natural resources and enhance data management efficiency, meeting the growing need for transparency and resource control.
Samira Njoya
With the digital transformation sweeping the continent, various tech sectors are experiencing rapid growth. E-commerce is one of these expanding sectors, driving a need for logistical solutions to streamline deliveries and other related services.
Pargo is a digital solution developed by a South African startup that connects shoppers to major online retailers and facilitates delivery services. Founded in 2015 by Lars Veul and Derk Hoekert and based in Cape Town, Pargo recently secured $4 million in funding to expand into Egypt.
Speaking on the expansion, Lars Veul stated, “Egypt is one of the most exciting e-commerce markets in Africa, and we are thrilled to bring our Collect and Returns services here. Our mission is simple: create an affordable ecommerce delivery solution to increase access to the 500 million online shoppers across Africa that e-commerce companies currently struggle to service.”
Pargo integrates seamlessly with online retail platforms via Shopify and WooCommerce plugins. It also offers an API for those who prefer direct integration.
Customers choosing Pargo at checkout can follow the delivery process by filling out a form with personal details and selecting a nearby pickup point for delivery. The startup has over 4,500 pickup locations in its main market, South Africa. Delivery typically takes up to three business days from the date Pargo collects the package, with an additional two days required for peripheral areas. Recipients have up to eight days to collect their parcels. Additionally, Pargo’s relay points allow users to send or receive packages, and an online account enables real-time delivery tracking.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With a background in business and finance, he transitioned to entrepreneurship, focusing on developing tech solutions for African markets. He specializes in mobile games and apps.
Hugo Obi (photo) is a Nigerian serial tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Maliyo Games, a pan-African company developing mobile games for African and international markets.
Founded in 2012, Maliyo Games is dedicated to creating captivating and unique gaming experiences tailored for mobile players worldwide. The company stands out with its well-crafted narratives, immersive settings, and engaging visuals, aiming to become a pan-African leader known for quality and innovation in game development.
Maliyo Games has launched several notable initiatives. In 2021, the company introduced GameUp Africa, an intensive five-month program for aspiring game developers across the continent, which attracted over 5,000 African applicants. In 2023, Maliyo Games launched a Game Art Training program, a free three-month accelerated online course aimed at helping artists hone their skills.
Obi is also the Managing Director of Games Laboratories Ltd, an organization providing professional games and mobile applications development services. In 2008, he founded AC Company, a tech and information services startup based in Manchester, England. In 2023, he co-founded Ojemba, an organization training African software engineers to provide services to European companies.
Hugo Obi holds a degree in international business, strategy, finance, and economics from the University of Manchester, earned in 2007. He previously worked as a financial analyst at General Electric (GE) Capital, a finance company in Connecticut, USA.
Melchior Koba
As an entrepreneur, he leverages technology to serve communities by offering practical solutions tailored to their needs.
Pierrick Chabi (photo) is a Beninese-born creative engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Wakatoon, an immersive communication platform designed for children and families.
Founded in 2014, Wakatoon is an innovative company that blends technology and creativity by offering coloring books that encourage cultural awareness in young children. The company’s solution instantly transforms a traditional paper coloring book into a personalized animated cartoon on a screen.
This technology allows children to enjoy a hands-on activity by coloring and then watching their story come to life as a cartoon. Designed for children aged 3 to 9, Wakatoon’s books aim to reduce screen time while boosting creativity.
Before founding Wakatoon, Pierrick Chabi co-founded ArdoiseDuJour in 2013, a free website allowing users to discover daily menu specials from local restaurants. These digital blackboards are updated daily by the restaurateurs themselves. That same year, he also co-founded Startup Africa Paris, a community of over 250 entrepreneurs connected to Africa.
Chabi holds an engineering degree in image analysis and processing and computer-assisted vision, earned in 2005 from Télécom Saint-Étienne in France. Between 2007 and 2016, he taught as a part-time lecturer at his university, giving courses in image analysis and synthesis.
Melchior Koba
The Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, alongside the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA), inaugurated a Jitume Digital Hub at Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on October 25.
The event was led by ICT Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui. The Jitume hubs aim to enhance digital literacy and support employability and entrepreneurship for youth in the Rift Valley, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 for a skilled, tech-driven workforce.
As a landlocked country, Chad is focusing on interconnections with coastal neighbors that have direct access to submarine cables. These connections are currently limited, as the country is only linked to Cameroon and Sudan.
In Chad, the European Union (EU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), partners in the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone project, have expressed overall satisfaction with the progress of the work. On Thursday, October 24, a delegation from both institutions accompanied Boukar Michel, Chad’s Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, on a site visit in N'Djamena.
According to Brahim Abdelkerim, Secretary General of the Ministry, approximately 100 kilometers remain to be installed to complete Chad’s section of the backbone. The project includes a 559-kilometer stretch to the Niger border and a 50-kilometer metropolitan network in the capital. The completion is expected by the end of the year or early 2025.
This positive assessment comes around six months after Boukar Michel’s previous visit, during which he criticized the slow pace of work and hinted at potential “drastic measures.” In May 2023, the government revived the project, initially launched in 2020. The consortium CGPS/LORYNE, responsible for the execution, was originally scheduled to complete the work within ten months. The project, costing 20.5 billion CFA francs (approximately 33.9 million USD), is financed by the EU and the AfDB, with the Chadian government contributing 1.6 billion CFA francs.
This infrastructure is critical for strengthening Chad’s national telecom network. The landlocked country currently relies mainly on Cameroon and Sudan for international internet capacity, and disruptions in these countries’ fiber optic transport networks often cause significant telecommunications issues in Chad, particularly for internet access.
According to N'Kodia Claude, a representative from the AfDB, Chad will gain access to submarine landing points via Niger, facilitating its connection to international cables. Niger shares borders with coastal countries like Benin, Nigeria, and Algeria, each of which has access to at least three submarine cables. This interconnection is expected to improve the quality of Chad’s internet network while enhancing its redundancy.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the power of digital technology in education, in Africa as elsewhere. Since then, African governments have been launching initiatives to promote its development and improve access to quality education for all.
On Thursday, October 24, the Ivorian Minister of National Education and Literacy, Mariatou Koné (photo, center), officially presented and launched the National Digital Education Strategy of Côte d'Ivoire (SNDECI). This roadmap, based on recommendations from the National Education and Literacy General Assembly (EGENA), reflects the government’s commitment to elevating the Ivorian educational system to be among the world's best within the next five years.
“Digital education supports traditional teaching and will significantly enhance the quality of our education system without replacing in-person learning. By integrating modern technologies into our schools, we reduce geographical, social, and economic inequalities, allowing the education system to provide more interactive and engaging learning to every child, wherever they are,” stated Mariatou Koné.
The new strategy aligns with the 2021-2025 National Digital Development Strategy and the country’s national development plan, which aim to transform Côte d'Ivoire's economy through the integration of digital technologies across all sectors, including education. It is built on three pillars: infrastructure, organization, and training. The strategy, with an estimated budget of 220.7 billion CFA francs (about $364 million), will include training for teachers and administrative staff, the acquisition of digital equipment, and the installation of modern technological infrastructure in schools.
The implementation of this strategy is expected to bring multiple benefits, enhancing the accessibility and equity of the education system. It will bridge quality gaps between regions, particularly in rural areas, and provide students with the digital skills needed to thrive in a transforming economy.
According to United Nations projections, Africa’s population will reach 2.4 billion by 2050, with more than half under the age of 25. This youth demographic presents a significant opportunity for Africa, but it also underscores the urgency of developing modern, inclusive education systems capable of meeting the needs of a digital workforce and fostering sustainable economic growth on the continent.
Samira Njoya
Mandating tax compliance verification for mobile devices could increase tax revenue collection and reduce economic losses from illicit device imports. Counterfeit devices are often less secure and more vulnerable to cyber threats. Requiring a database of verified, tax-compliant devices can improve device authenticity and network security for end-users.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has instructed mobile network operators to connect devices only after verifying their tax compliance, according to a public notice posted on its X page on October 24. This directive, effective from November 1, 2024, requires operators to consult a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) database of compliant devices, ensuring that only tax-compliant phones are connected to their networks.
Under these new regulations, local device assemblers, importers, retailers, and wholesalers must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all mobile phones into a KRA-provided portal. All devices connected to networks before October 31, 2024, are exempt from these rules. Starting January 1, 2025, the KRA will track all locally assembled and imported devices to maintain tax compliance.
Operators will also have to implement a “gray-listing” system for non-compliant devices, granting a limited period for tax regularization. If compliance isn’t met, the devices will be blacklisted. Retailers and wholesalers are similarly required to verify the tax status of devices before sale, and the CA will provide a verification mechanism for end-users.
These measures are part of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to ensure regulatory compliance in the telecommunications sector, strengthen the National Master Database on Tax-Compliant Devices, and address device-related security and network integrity.
A study conducted by Kenya's Anti-Counterfeit Authority between October 2019 and February 2020 revealed that the energy, electrical, and electronics sector including mobile devices was the second most impacted by counterfeiting, accounting for 14.67% of the Kes 153.1 billion ($1.18 billion) the government lost in revenue in 2018. This poses risks not only to users but also to network integrity and security. Counterfeit devices are often less secure and more vulnerable to cyber threats. By requiring a database of verified, tax-compliant devices, the CA aims to improve device authenticity and network security for end-users.
Hikmatu Bilali
Encouraging women's participation in the tech sector is crucial today. To address this challenge, the South African entrepreneur is dedicating herself to training women in tech skills.
Zandile Mkwanazi (photo) is a South African entrepreneur and advocate dedicated to promoting women in technology. She is the founder and CEO of GirlCode Group, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering women through technology.
Founded in 2014 as a hackathon, the social enterprise GirlCode has set an ambitious mission to train 10 million women and girls in tech skills by 2030. The goal is to reduce inequalities and bridge the gender gap in the tech sector. So far, over 76,000 female students have benefited from GirlCode’s programs.
In 2020, Zandile Mkwanazi also founded GirlCode Talent, a startup where she serves as CEO. The company leverages artificial intelligence to connect women with employers, providing a dedicated platform for women’s employment in tech across Africa. GirlCode Talent’s mission is to facilitate access to professional opportunities for women while helping companies attract, develop, and retain female talent.
Zandile Mkwanazi holds a bachelor’s degree in computational and applied mathematics, which she earned in 2011 from the University of Witwatersrand. In 2020, she participated in a social entrepreneurship program at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in South Africa.
Her commitment and achievements have earned her numerous accolades. In 2020, she was ranked among the Mail & Guardian’s top 200 young South Africans. In 2021, she was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the Santam Woman of the Future Awards. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the ten most influential women by telecommunications operator Telkom and won the Digital Woman of the Year award at the GovTech Awards.
Melchior Koba
The lack of support is a key factor in the failure of many African startups. This includes inadequate regulatory policies, insufficient access to funding, lack of proper infrastructure, and a shortage of training programs.
The government of Zanzibar recently announced the launch of a national blockchain-based sandbox program. This initiative aims to provide startups with a secure environment where they can test and refine their technologies before deploying them on a larger scale.
The project, developed in partnership with the UAE-based company LedgerFi IT Solutions and powered by the XinFin XDC blockchain network, aspires to position Zanzibar as a regional hub for technological innovation. “The primary objective is to create a conducive environment for the development of cutting-edge technologies including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other emerging solutions. We are committed to collaborating with startups that will help us achieve our digitization objectives,” stated Seif Said, Director General of Zanzibar's e-Government Authority.
Startups participating in the sandbox will receive specialized technical training, including blockchain usage, enhancing their skills in security, data management, and regulatory compliance. Selected companies will also gain access to technology enhancement programs to boost their competitiveness. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and receive mentorship from industry leaders.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend of supporting innovation across Africa, where startups often face regulatory hurdles and market entry challenges. According to a 2023 Deloitte report, startups involved in sandbox programs experience a 30% reduction in time-to-market due to a framework that encourages experimentation and adaptability. Furthermore, the survival rate of young companies is significantly higher in such environments.
For Zanzibar, this initiative is a strategic opportunity. By offering a controlled experimental environment and a flexible regulatory framework, the sandbox will not only mitigate innovation-related risks but also strengthen public-private partnerships. It is expected to attract foreign investment and stimulate growth in the local tech sector, thereby positioning Zanzibar as a key player in Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Samira Njoya