Egyptian startup Lucky has raised $23 million in a funding round to expand its credit offerings and grow across North Africa. The app already allows millions of users to save money, make payments and access flexible lines of credit. The new funding will support its technology, licensing and compliance efforts as it moves toward becoming a digital bank.
- Namibia plans to invest about $1 million to boost cybersecurity capabilities.
- The initiative forms part of a broader 682 million Namibian dollar ICT budget for 2026/2027.
- Authorities aim to strengthen NAM-CSIRT and address rising cyber threats, including 1.2 million attacks recorded in 2024.
Namibian authorities plan to invest 17.4 million Namibian dollars (about $1 million) in cybersecurity and other key areas in the coming months. The government aims to expand national capabilities in this strategic sector.
This funding forms part of the 682 million Namibian dollars allocated to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus presented this budget to Parliament last week, according to local media.
The minister stated that authorities will center actions around the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT). The government will use the funds to support the implementation of the cybercrime bill, establish a 24/7 security operations center, and develop a national digital forensics laboratory. Authorities will also strengthen national cybersecurity frameworks.
This budget supports broader efforts to secure Namibia’s cyberspace. Authorities launched NAM-CSIRT in July with an initial budget of 20 million Namibian dollars. The government created this entity as the central national authority responsible for managing cyber threats and cybersecurity incidents.
NAM-CSIRT aims to strengthen the security and stability of critical infrastructure and information systems across Namibia, including public institutions, agencies, and other key sectors.
Authorities are also developing complementary initiatives. These include a mobile application that allows users to report scams, receive real-time alerts, and access online safety guidance. The government is also advancing public awareness campaigns and drafting legislation on cybercrime and data protection.
These efforts come amid accelerated digital transformation and a rise in cyber threats. NAM-CSIRT detected 549,556 IT vulnerabilities across Namibia’s digital landscape between April and June 2025. This figure represents a 1.62% increase compared with the previous quarter.
Authorities recorded 1.2 million cyberattacks in 2024. These figures highlight growing risks to the country’s digital infrastructure.
Namibia currently ranks in Tier 4, the second-lowest cohort, of the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index. The country performs relatively well in organizational measures, with a score of 16.35 out of 20.
However, Namibia must improve in other areas, including the legal framework, technical measures, capacity building, and international cooperation. The country recorded an overall score of 36.93 out of 100.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Nigeria plans to deploy more than 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras in Plateau State.
- Authorities will begin deployment in Jos before expanding nationwide.
- The initiative raises questions over infrastructure, data reliability, and short-term effectiveness.
The Nigerian government plans to deploy a network of more than 5,000 digital cameras integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen security in Plateau State, in central Nigeria. Authorities state that this initiative builds on systems already deployed in Lagos and Enugu states.
President Tinubu: FG to Deploy AI-Enabled Camera Networks to Combat Insecurity in Plateau. pic.twitter.com/608mMEHPxX
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) April 3, 2026
President Bola Tinubu announced the plan on Thursday, April 2, during an address in Jos, the state capital recently hit by a deadly attack. He stated that Communications and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijjani will oversee the installation of the devices in coordination with local authorities and security agencies.
The government will begin deployment in Jos before extending the system across the state.
However, authorities have not provided details on the system’s technical specifications or operational framework.
Nguuma Tyokaha, an ICT expert, said in a March interview with Radio Nigeria that Nigeria can significantly reduce kidnappings and other security threats through artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and locally adapted smart surveillance systems.
He stated that AI can analyze large volumes of data, identify patterns, and support decision-making despite not being human. He added that these capabilities make AI a strategic tool for modern security operations.
Tyokaha explained that these technologies can anticipate kidnapping hotspots by using historical data such as locations, timing, victim profiles, and criminal methods. He said systems can generate “heat maps” to identify high-risk areas, enabling authorities and communities to implement preventive measures.
Authorities are introducing this technology within a broader digital transformation strategy. The government aims to expand ICT integration across sectors to support socio-economic development and address structural challenges.
Insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues. For example, an armed attack on March 29 killed around 30 people. The country also faces ransom kidnappings, intercommunal violence, and attacks attributed to armed and terrorist groups.
Authorities have not specified a deployment timeline, although the government statement refers to “immediate” implementation. This lack of clarity raises questions about execution modalities and short-term effectiveness.
Observers also question whether existing infrastructure can support such a system. They highlight concerns about local technical capacity and the availability of reliable and up-to-date data required to ensure system relevance.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Gabon is finalizing a national digital strategy structured around five core pillars.
- The government has increased its 2026 digital economy budget by 156.2% to CFA82 billion ($145 million).
- Authorities aim to centralize governance and reduce fragmentation across public information systems.
The Gabonese government is adopting a structured approach to connect public administrations, optimize data management, and improve access to services. Authorities are finalizing a national roadmap to guide this transformation.
Digital Economy Minister Mark Alexandre Doumba presented the main orientations of the future national digital strategy on Friday, April 3 in Libreville. He unveiled the framework document at the headquarters of the National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies (ANINF) during a meeting with senior public administration IT officials. He stated that the document sets the country’s trajectory to modernize the state and strengthen service delivery to citizens and businesses.
The strategy relies on five core pillars. The government will pursue reforms and implement an appropriate regulatory framework. It will develop digital infrastructure. It will digitize and dematerialize public services and payments. It will promote national entrepreneurship and develop local skills. It will also transition toward a smart administration and economy based on structured and valorized data.
The minister stated that these pillars aim to reduce fragmentation across information systems, improve interoperability between administrations, and establish centralized management of digital projects at thenational level.
This initiative builds on an ongoing digital transformation process. The ministry has allocated CFA82 billion (about $145 million) for 2026. The government increased this budget by 156.2% from CFA32 billion in 2025.
The government will prioritize investments in connectivity, infrastructure modernization, and public service digitization. It will also support skills development and data governance.
Authorities have not yet disclosed detailed contours or an implementation timeline. However, the government aims to break with fragmented management of digital projects by introducing centralized governance. It will rely on sectoral master plans and strengthened oversight of information systems.
Gabon already operates under a solid legal framework. The government aims to build a unified, coherent, and sovereign digital strategy to improve public sector performance and enhance service delivery to citizens.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Africa’s digital economy could reach $180 billion by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050, according to IFC and Google.
- Governments are investing in tech hubs to structure innovation ecosystems and attract capital.
- More than 1,000 tech hubs operated in Africa in 2024, up from fewer than 600 in 2019.
African countries are accelerating the creation of technology hubs to structure innovation and capture a growing share of the global digital economy. Governments are investing in dedicated spaces that bring together startups, research centers, universities, and large companies. They aim to replicate, at their scale, the model of global Silicon Valleys.
Early Leaders Build Structured Ecosystems
Some ecosystems have already established themselves as benchmarks. Nairobi, known as the “Silicon Savannah,” relies on an innovation ecosystem structured around fintech and mobile services. The success of M-Pesa has helped position Kenya as one of the most advanced markets in digital payments. The Konza Technopolis project, a technology city under development, illustrates this ambition with multi-billion-dollar long-term investment plans.
Nigeria’s Lagos is emerging as the continent’s leading technology hub. The country attracts a significant share of venture capital funding in Africa. Dedicated zones such as Itana (formerly Talent City Lagos) and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone support this momentum by creating environments tailored to innovation and technology companies.
Kigali is pursuing a proactive strategy. The Kigali Innovation City project, valued at around $2 billion and spanning 70 hectares, aims to bring together universities, research centers, and companies in an integrated ecosystem supported by attractive public policies.
These hubs share common characteristics. They concentrate talent, host incubators and accelerators, provide dedicated infrastructure, and attract increasing investor interest.
A New Generation of Hubs Emerges
Beyond these pioneers, a new wave of projects is intensifying competition among African countries.
In Morocco, authorities are preparing to launch Casa Tech Valley in Casablanca. The project will cover 6.5 hectares in the Sidi Othmane district. It will build on the existing Casablanca Nearshore ecosystem and aims to attract high-value technology investments while creating thousands of jobs.
In Benin, Sèmè City is already operating as a model that combines education, entrepreneurship, and research in one location. Authorities expect at least 130,000 graduates from the International Institute of Science and Innovation (CIIS) by 2030. They also aim to create more than 100,000 jobs over the same period, including at least one-third self-employment and 40% for women.
In Guinea, the City of Science and Innovation of Guinea, launched in 2024, reflects the ambition to structure a national technology ecosystem.
Other initiatives are emerging across the continent. Senegal is developing the Diamniadio Digital Technology Park, while Gabon is planning a future technology village. These projects highlight a now widespread dynamic.
Infrastructure-Led Continental Strategy
The International Trade Centre (ITC) reports that Africa had more than 1,000 tech hubs in 2024, compared with fewer than 600 recorded by GSMA in 2019. This increase reflects a strategic shift. Governments are no longer only supporting startups; they are now investing in infrastructure capable of structuring complete ecosystems.
These hubs concentrate resources, foster synergies among stakeholders, and gradually attract investment. They are becoming essential levers to support sustainable innovation and strengthen the continent’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Somasoma AI, founded in 2025, provides AI-driven learning tools for students and teachers
- The platform aims to improve education quality while reducing repetitive academic tasks
- Founder Marcella Karimi seeks to balance automation with human-centered teaching
Kenyan entrepreneur and author Marcella Karimi is leveraging artificial intelligence to modernize education while maintaining a strong human focus in teaching. Karimi co-founded and leads Somasoma AI, a digital platform designed to transform how students learn and how teachers support their classrooms.
Founded in 2025, Somasoma AI offers an online environment where users create accounts and access AI-powered learning tools. The platform aims to simplify daily academic tasks and improve teaching quality. It enables students to focus on their progress rather than repetitive work.
Moreover, the platform provides a range of tools that support both classroom and home learning. It helps students understand key concepts and includes tracking and assessment features that measure progress over time and identify areas for improvement.
Somasoma AI also equips teachers with resources to manage and organize educational content directly on the platform. In addition, it allows educators to monitor student development and adapt activities based on individual needs. As a result, the platform streamlines day-to-day classroom management and enhances teaching efficiency.
Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Marcella Karimi works as an editorial assistant at Storymoja Africa, a publishing company. She graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in education, specializing in geography and Kiswahili. Prior to that, she completed a teaching internship at Alliance High School between 2021 and 2022.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Tunisia completed 20 digital projects in Q1 2026 while 121 remain in progress out of 192
- The government is advancing reforms including e-invoicing, digital tax systems and online public services
- The country ranks first in North Africa and third in Africa in the UN’s 2024 E-Government Survey
Tunisia accelerated the digitalization of its public administration as it completed 20 digital projects in the first quarter of 2026 and advanced dozens of others. The government reported that 121 projects are currently in progress out of a total of 192 initiatives launched nationwide. Sofiene Hemissi announced the figures on April 2 during a session at the National Council of Regions and Districts.
The government is advancing several major digital reforms across ministries and public services. The minister highlighted the planned rollout of electronic invoicing within the Ministry of Finance, which authorities expect to deploy in the third quarter of 2026. The reform aims to strengthen transparency and improve tax fairness.
In addition, the government is developing other key projects, including electronic tax stamps, remote payment of vehicle tax and the introduction of an online tax identification system.
Moreover, the authorities are expanding digitalization across strategic sectors. They are developing online administrative services, implementing digital hospital systems and digitizing education systems and transport services. These reforms form part of a national digital transformation strategy that Tunisia has been structuring since 2024.
The government aims to modernize public action and improve administrative efficiency. It is deploying digital infrastructure, strengthening skills and progressively digitizing procedures across all public sectors.
The transition should improve transparency, reduce administrative delays and expand citizen access to public services. Furthermore, the reforms are strengthening Tunisia’s international positioning in digital governance rankings.
According to the “E-Government Survey 2024” published by the United Nations, Tunisia ranks first in North Africa, third in Africa and 87th globally. The country recorded an E-Government Development Index score of 0.6935, which stands above the African average and reflects its progress and ambitions in digital governance.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- DAS medhub, founded in 2024, offers AI-driven symptom assessment and real-time healthcare connections
- The platform acts as a single entry point linking patients to verified doctors, hospitals and pharmacies
- Founder Divine Sebukpor integrates conversational AI to streamline diagnosis and reduce waiting times
Ghanaian AI and machine learning specialist Divine Sebukpor is developing a digital healthcare platform to streamline access to medical services through real-time interaction and data analysis.
Sebukpor founded and leads DAS medhub, a digital health platform that aims to simplify, accelerate and improve access to care for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Founded in 2024, DAS medhub operates as a single entry point into the healthcare system, where patient care begins with a simple conversation.
The platform provides guided symptom assessment designed to simulate a natural exchange with a trusted interlocutor. It then connects users with certified doctors, hospitals or pharmacists for fast and personalized care. The user experience begins when patients describe their symptoms through text or voice input.
The platform uses a multilingual interface and a large medical database to analyze the situation. It delivers immediate recommendations, including first-aid advice, and evaluates the severity of the condition.
Moreover, DAS medhub directs patients toward the most appropriate solution, whether consulting a doctor, purchasing medication or visiting a hospital. Following its analysis, the platform connects patients with verified healthcare professionals through a secure system. It ensures the seamless and secure transfer of medical records to facilitate consultations, prescriptions and appointment scheduling. As a result, the platform reduces waiting times and improves care coordination.
Alongside his role at DAS medhub, Divine Sebukpor serves as project development manager at Andeda S.L, a firm specializing in data analysis and advisory services. In addition, he mentors young talent as a volunteer within ALX Ghana, which trains youth in digital skills. He also acts as an ambassador for Extern, a U.S.-based company that helps young people explore and launch their careers.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
DR Congo signs a memorandum to digitize and interconnect its education system nationwide
-
Government integrates reform into a 2024–2029 strategic plan focused on digital transformation
-
Authorities expand digital training to 250,000 youth to support workforce readiness
The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship (MINEDU-NC) and the Universal Service Development Fund (FDSU) signed a memorandum of understanding in Kinshasa on April 2. The agreement aims to strengthen digital integration across the country’s education system.
The initiative seeks to modernize the management of schools, administrative offices, and provincial education departments. It also aims to ensure secure and reliable circulation of educational data.
Paterne Binene-A-Kadiat, Director General of the FDSU, said the framework will connect central administration, provincial departments, management offices, and schools.
“This collaboration framework, which provides for the interconnection of central administration, provincial departments, management offices and schools, aims to facilitate information flow, data management and improve education system management at all levels,” he said.
The memorandum defines an integrated education ecosystem based on five pillars. Authorities structured the system around global interconnection, interoperability of information systems, institutional oversight, data reliability and traceability, and modern digital governance.
The plan includes the deployment of secure digital platforms, interoperable information systems, and digital equipment for schools. The FDSU will act as the technical arm for digital inclusion and will expand access to technology in rural and peri-urban areas. This expansion aims to reduce the digital divide across the country.
The partnership aligns with the ministry’s 2024–2029 five-year plan, which positions digital transformation as a strategic lever for education reform. Authorities are integrating this initiative into broader national priorities.
The agreement complements a national digital training program targeting 250,000 young Congolese. Officials launched the operational phase of this program on February 12 with the training of 200 instructors in Kinshasa.
Authorities expect these measures to deliver a more connected education system and centralized data management. The government also aims to improve transparency and operational efficiency across the sector.
In addition, the reforms seek to better prepare young people for digital careers, reinforcing workforce readiness while supporting long-term economic development.
Samira Njoya
-
Paul Olivier Ahoua’s DiscutAI automates client communication across web and messaging channels.
-
The platform targets revenue growth and improved customer satisfaction through instant, consistent responses.
-
Ahoua previously co-founded and sold ReezyTech and co-founded Foover, demonstrating serial entrepreneurship.
Paul Olivier Ahoua, an Ivorian tech entrepreneur based in France, develops solutions at the intersection of technology and customer relations. He co-founded and serves as fullstack developer at DiscutAI, a start-up that helps companies manage digital client interactions efficiently.
DiscutAI launched in 2024 and provides intelligent customer service that responds to inquiries, follows up with contacts, and processes orders. The platform acts as an intermediary between businesses and clients, accessible on instant messaging apps and web interfaces. It aims to increase revenue while optimizing customer satisfaction.
The platform automates common queries, information requests, and simple actions to shorten response times and reduce staff workload. Automation ensures clients receive rapid, consistent, and personalized responses, delivering a smooth, continuous experience.
DiscutAI emphasizes two main benefits: revenue growth and customer satisfaction. The service maintains continuous availability and instant replies, facilitating the conversion of prospects into buyers while minimizing losses due to long response times. Direct follow-ups and order confirmations via chat tools simplify the purchasing journey.
Before DiscutAI, Ahoua co-founded ReezyTech in 2023, a management and booking platform for accommodations in Côte d’Ivoire, which he sold two years later. In 2024, he also co-founded Foover, a meal-ordering app.
He earned a master’s in computer engineering and networks from Pigier Côte d’Ivoire in 2020 and a master’s in software architecture from the École supérieure de génie informatique (ESGI) in 2022.
Ahoua completed several developer internships from 2019 to 2021. He then joined Canal+ Group as a fullstack developer, followed by a fullstack role at Kaïbee, a French IT consulting firm, from 2022 to 2024. His career trajectory reflects deep expertise in software development and scalable digital solutions.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
More...
The startup is developing a solution that aims to modernize agriculture across Africa using artificial intelligence and robotics. The company is targeting its home market first but has plans for regional expansion, with ambitions to deploy its robots across other African countries.
3Farmate is a Ghanaian agritech startup founded in Accra in 2021 by Clinton Anani. The company develops autonomous robots capable of performing multiple farming tasks, aiming to boost productivity while reducing costs for farmers.
Its main product, Fama, is an autonomous agricultural robot designed to plant, weed and fertilize without human intervention. It operates without GPS, using an artificial intelligence vision system to navigate complex and uneven terrain.
Anani said the system was designed for real farming conditions, including rough terrain, loose and muddy soils and unpredictable weather. He added that a single operator could supervise multiple robots, each covering between 11 and 14 hectares per day with planting precision under 85 millimeters. Farmers pay per hectare, which allows them to access this level of automation without purchasing equipment upfront.
The approach is tailored to conditions across Africa, where farms are often fragmented, largely unmechanized and located in areas with limited connectivity. By automating key tasks, the system helps offset labor shortages and improve operational efficiency.
The company uses a usage-based model, enabling farmers to access the technology without a large upfront investment, a critical factor in a sector where agricultural equipment often remains unaffordable.
Beyond operations, 3Farmate is part of a broader effort to modernize agricultural systems. By combining automation, data and artificial intelligence, the startup aims to support more productive, sustainable and climate-resilient farming in the face of demographic and environmental pressures.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
- Internet freedom levels vary widely across African countries, with Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, and Seychelles leading.
- Some countries, including Sudan and Egypt, impose severe digital restrictions.
- Internet shutdowns cost sub-Saharan Africa $1.11 billion in 2025 despite a slight decline from 2024.
Internet access continues to expand across Africa, but online freedom remains highly uneven depending on the country, reflecting political and socio-economic dynamics, according to a recent report.
A report published in mid-March by Cloudwards shows that some countries provide relatively open digital environments, while others impose strict restrictions that limit online expression and innovation.
The report, titled “Mapped: Internet Freedom by Country in 2026,” evaluates internet freedom on a scale from 0 to 100. It measures access to political and civic content, social media usage, and VPN access. It also assesses censorship practices, platform blocking, and potential penalties faced by users, offering a comprehensive view of both technical access and actual freedom of expression online.
Contrasting Levels of Digital Freedom Across Countries
Across Africa, several countries record relatively high levels of internet freedom. Cabo Verde ranks highest on the continent with a score of 84, alongside Côte d’Ivoire and Seychelles, which post identical scores.
A second group of countries—including Benin, Niger, Gambia, and Liberia—follows with scores of 76, reflecting generally open digital environments. Ghana completes the leading group with a score of 72.
Meanwhile, a middle-tier group—including Angola, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Mauritius—records intermediate scores of 68, indicating moderate freedom levels with some limitations.
By contrast, countries such as Sudan and Egypt rank among the most restrictive, each scoring 12, highlighting severe constraints on online content and digital expression.
Between these extremes, most African countries fall into an intermediate category. Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Tunisia, and Rwanda each score around 56, reflecting mixed environments with both openness and constraints.
Costly Digital Restrictions
Beyond governance concerns, digital restrictions impose significant economic costs.
A separate report titled “The Cost of Internet Shutdowns in 2025” by Top10VPN estimates that internet shutdowns cost sub-Saharan Africa approximately $1.11 billion in 2025.
This figure marks a slight decline from 2024, when losses reached $1.56 billion. However, the economic impact remains substantial amid continued disruptions.
In 2025, authorities recorded more than 24,000 hours of internet shutdowns, affecting approximately 116 million users across the region. These disruptions most often occurred during political tensions, elections, or security crises and directly impacted digital economies and access to essential services.
Globally, such shutdowns generated estimated losses of $19.7 billion.
Samira Njoya
African Countries, by Internet Freedom Score (2026)
Country Score
Cape Verde 84
Ivory Coast 84
Seychelles 84
Benin 76
Gambia 76
Liberia 76
Madagascar 76
Namibia 76
Niger 76
Ghana 72
Angola 68
DR Congo 68
Gabon 68
Malawi 68
Mali 68
Mauritius 68
Mozambique 68
Congo 68
Senegal 68
Botswana 64
Central African Republic 64
Guinea-Bissau 64
Lesotho 64
Morocco 64
Nigeria 64
South Africa 64
Mauritania 60
Burundi 56
Cameroon 56
Chad 56
Eswatini 56
Guinea 56
Rwanda 56
Tunisia 56
Kenya 52
Zambia 52
Algeria 48
Burkina Faso 48
Djibouti 48
Togo 48
Zimbabwe 48
Somalia 44
Equatorial Guinea 36
Ethiopia 36
Libya 28
Tanzania 28
Uganda 24
Egypt 12
Sudan 12
The African accelerator Innovate Now has selected 19 Kenyan startups for its 11th cohort focused on assistive technology. The ventures address issues in AI-powered accessibility, mobility, inclusive education and digital inclusion. Over the next eight months, founders will receive dedicated mentorship, test their solutions with people with disabilities, and take part in tailored coaching ahead of a final Demo Day.
Cyber Carnival 2026 will take place this June in Nairobi, Kenya, with dates yet to be confirmed. Framed as a full-scale festival, the event combines cybersecurity and technological innovation with elements of African culture. It will bring together professionals, tech enthusiasts, and the wider public through workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits designed to make digital security more accessible while showcasing local creativity.