Following global trends, Congo has initiated the digitization of driving licenses, aiming to address longstanding issues plaguing its road sector. This effort seeks to improve efficiency, transparency, and security within the system, ultimately contributing to safer roads and better transport management.
Congo is launching new, highly secure biometric driving licenses as part of a broader digital transformation push, officials announced Thursday.
Presented by Land Transport Director General Mopaya Atali (photo, left) on February 8th, the license aims to standardize identification and combat security issues plaguing the sector.
Initially planned for 2023, the initiative also tackles inadequate driver training and aims to decrease road accidents. It aligns with the government's Digital Transformation Acceleration Program (PATN) and follows the June deployment of a biometric vehicle license plate system.
These reforms address long-standing challenges in the road transport sector, including insecure data management and a lack of reliable electronic archiving. The new licenses aim to enhance security, simplify administrative processes, improve road safety, and integrate with other digital services.
Samira Njoya
African countries are accelerating their digital transformation efforts, improving services, and adopting new technologies to drive efficiency across various sectors. Governments are modernizing infrastructure, rolling out broadband internet, and investing in innovative solutions to address challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance.
Tanzania is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline public service delivery and combat inefficiency, officials announced at the annual e-government meeting (Arusha, February 6-8).
"Physical delivery of services in public institutions and government agencies continues to be a challenge due to the prevalent lackadaisical attitude among many workers. This often results in delays and substandard executions of tasks.[...] We also want to totally eradicate queues and delays as people scramble to be served at public institutions and organizations, something that has been raising many complaints from people across the country," said George Simbachawene, Minister of State for Public Service Management and Good Governance, citing prevalent disinterest among some public servants as a key challenge.
AI adoption in Africa is gaining momentum, driven by its potential to improve online services across various sectors. Several countries are actively pursuing this technology, backed by international support.
Last November, the UK and partners pledged £80 million to boost AI development in Africa, while UNESCO earlier supported Morocco's digital transformation efforts including AI.
However, concerns exist about Africa becoming a testing ground for unproven AI solutions. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, a UN AI advisor, urges African countries to implement "real control" over the technology to avoid exploitation.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In 2018, three young Togolese entrepreneurs launched a bespoke mobile application aiming to provide citizens with nationwide digital health records. This initiative aims to enhance access and improve healthcare delivery across the country.
KondjiGbalē is a healthtech solution developed by a Togolese startup that enables users to connect with healthcare professionals via its web and mobile platforms. The Lomé-based startup was founded in 2018 by three young Togolese, with Yvon Koudam as the CEO.
This application is like “a comprehensive digital health record, functioning similarly to a health passport. Additionally, it empowers patients to actively manage their medical history. For healthcare professionals, it facilitates diagnosis and streamlines the overall treatment process. Notably, the platform offers diverse access channels, including a website, mobile app, call center with local language support, and a USSD menu catering to areas with limited internet connectivity,” says Koudam.
The mobile application is only available on Android. After downloading, users must register by providing their details. Once registered, users can access a range of healthtech services, including a shared medical file, teleconsultation with doctors, online medication ordering and delivery, medication alerts, and the ability to locate nearby on-call pharmacies, streamlining healthcare access and management. These features enable users to proactively manage their health and efficiently obtain professional medical assistance and medication from home.
KondjiGbalē has received several awards since its launch. In 2019, it took first prize at the Fenes' Pitch Your Startup Idea and the Togo Innovation Challenge. According to Play Store data, the mobile app has been downloaded more than a thousand times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
A Moroccan entrepreneur specializing in technology, he brings a unique perspective on the movement of people through his company Seiki. By providing accurate data and in-depth analysis, he offers valuable insights for decision-making across various sectors.
Jaafar Elalamy (photo) is a Moroccan serial entrepreneur who specializes in technology. He is the co-founder and CEO of Seiki, a company that specializes in mobility intelligence. Seiki was founded in France in 2022 and is a subsidiary of LaTour Media Group (LMG), a communications company with operations in France, Belgium, Italy, and the UK.
Through Seiki, a mobility intelligence company based in France, Elalamy addresses the challenge of accurately predicting movement: "Knowing who moves, where, when, and why is crucial for many industries, but remains difficult to assess," he noted in 2023.
The platform analyzes mobility data to inform strategic decisions for retailers, transport agencies, businesses, and others. Its services range from optimizing network expansion to designing smart cities by forecasting population movement. It also reports congestion rates and establishes mobility profiles.
Before his venture with Seiki, Elalamy joined the LTMG Group in 2019 as a member of the Executive Committee. He held multiple roles within the group, including CTO, CMO, and CIO of Adriver, the group’s media agency.
Prior to joining the group, he co-founded three companies: PeersUp, a technology solution that helps human resources managers simplify access to information for their teams; Street4Fit, a company that organizes sports sessions for major groups and start-ups; and Bonapart, a company that connects homeowners with tenants.
His academic credentials include a master’s degree in computer science and data science from Compiègne University of Technology (2016) and a master’s degree in entrepreneurial studies from HEC Paris (2017). His professional career kicked off in 2012 at Hermès as an engineering intern. He later joined Référence One, a marketing and communications consultancy, as an assistant to the director in Morocco in 2014. His experience also includes a stint as a trainee software engineer at Siemens (2015) and a role as an innovation manager and data science trainee at Amadeus IT Group.
In 2020, Forbes France named Elalamy one of the 30 personalities under 30 who made an impact in entrepreneurship/innovation. In 2023, he was named by the magazine Ceux qui font l'Afrique as one of the under-30 individuals leaving an international impact in Africa.
Melchior Koba
Nestled in the heart of Pretoria, South Africa, Botlhale Village is carving a niche as a leading center for innovation and progress in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
Botlhale Village, an initiative of Belgium Campus, serves as a knowledge creation and sharing hub focused on advancing information and communication technologies in South Africa. It operates as an incubator where research students collaborate with startups, leading to the emergence of new projects and the creation of startups, thereby enhancing the knowledge and systems developed within the center.
The village offers various services, including customized software development and an internship program that provides specialized assistance to South African companies. Its incubator provides support, mentoring, and resources to startups, offering office space, access to funding opportunities, assistance with business planning, and networking events.
Furthermore, students at Botlhale Village organize conferences to showcase their academic achievements and innovative projects, attracting a diverse audience. These events serve as a platform for idea exchange, fostering collaborations, and exploring growth and partnership opportunities.
In addition to the Belgium Campus, Botlhale Village is supported by several other institutions and companies, including Ericsson, Altron Healthtech, Vodacom, and Cape Town Creative Academy. The research conducted at this innovation and incubation hub aims to serve citizens' needs in terms of learning and teaching.
Melchior Koba
Since his appointment as Vice-President, Mahamudu Bawumia has helped position Ghana on the international technological and digital scene. He aspires to even greater achievements in this field, should he become President of the Republic.
Ghanaian Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia (photo), nominated as presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), unveiled an ambitious digital program on Wednesday. Bawumia, seeking to leverage his tech-focused image, outlined a vision for a "digital Ghana" that applies technology across key economic sectors.
The program's core includes training one million digital talents over five years, with a focus on software skills. This aims to meet the growing domestic and global demand for tech professionals. Additionally, education reforms prioritize STEM fields, robotics, AI, and vocational training to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Bawumia also pledged to abolish the 1.5% electronic transaction tax, dubbed the "E-levy," to promote a cashless economy and encourage digital payments. Infrastructure development is another key component, aiming to reduce internet costs and bridge the digital divide. The program targets a 100% internet penetration rate, compared to the current 72%.
The presidential candidate’s vision encompasses digitizing all sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to education, manufacturing, and finance. This aims to create jobs for young people and position Ghana as a regional digital hub.
Samira Njoya
African nations are making strides in the space industry, with growing investments and collaborations. The initiatives aim to boost the continent’s capabilities and expertise.
Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat and Qatari firm Es'hailSat said on Wednesday they signed a memorandum of understanding to offer various services across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Under the agreement, the companies aim to provide video streaming, connectivity, telecommunications, and digital technologies utilizing their combined satellite fleets.
"This partnership represents a significant development for the region's satellite industry," said Nilesat CEO Sameh Katta. "By combining expertise and resources, we are well-positioned to meet evolving customer needs and contribute to economic growth."
The deal comes amid increasing interest in space activities across Africa. A 2023 report by Space in Africa, a Nigerian consultancy, found African nations allocated $425 million to space programs in 2023, with Egypt leading the continent.
Last week, Egypt's space agency launched its experimental NExSat-1 satellite and plans further launches in 2024, aiming to become a regional leader in the space industry.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Leveraging his background in electrical engineering, the entrepreneur focuses on developing technology with a significant social impact. Through his educational technology company, he equips users with the skills and support needed to thrive in the job market.
Allan Mushabe, a Ugandan entrepreneur based in South Africa, is gaining attention in the edtech sector with his startup, Lightbulb EdTech. Established in 2015, the company seeks to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping its users, ranging from corporate entities to educational institutions, with the skills and support needed to secure sustainable job opportunities.
Lightbulb EdTech's platform is a managed, personalized, mobile, and cloud-based learning management system that offers online access to expert resources. Currently, the platform has over 30,000 active users and creates and manages engaging virtual learning environments tailored to the specific needs of its users.
In addition to his role at Lightbulb EdTech, Mushabe has served as the Director of Vargatex since 2012. Vargatex is a company that develops and manages the deployment of turnkey information and communication technology (ICT) solutions for businesses and educational establishments. Their services include software development, business process optimization, and the procurement, configuration, and deployment of ICT hardware.
Mushabe's journey into the tech industry commenced after he obtained a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town in 2009. He began his career as a technical product developer at Telkom and later worked as a business development consultant at Internet Solutions in 2011.
Melchior Koba
Morocco is aiming to solidify its position as a leading player in the global economy by harnessing the digital revolution. However, achieving this vision requires a well-defined strategic roadmap to address digital challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
The Moroccan government is in the final stages of formulating its digital transformation strategy, “Maroc digital 2030”, as revealed by Ghita Mezzour, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, at the inaugural meeting of the National Committee for Digital Development on Wednesday.
According to Mezzour, the strategy is anchored in two key pillars: the digitization of public services and the cultivation of a vibrant digital economy centered on local innovation and job creation. The plan encompasses bolstering the offshoring sector, fostering a conducive ecosystem for startups and SMEs, and supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized businesses.
As part of the strategy, the government aims to generate 300,000 jobs in the digital sector by 2030, potentially contributing up to 170 billion dirhams ($16.9 billion) to the national GDP. Plans are also in place to extend Internet and telephone coverage, particularly in rural areas, with a focus on the deployment of fiber optics and the medium-term adoption of 5G technology.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence as part of Maroc Digital 2030, emphasizing its potential to improve public services and position the country as a leader in AI development.
Samira Njoya
Finding skilled artisans for specific projects can be challenging in Africa, often requiring trusted personal connections. This gap is being bridged by emerging startups leveraging technology to connect customers with qualified craft professionals.
Gombo, a digital solution developed by an Ivorian start-up launched in 2021, offers users access to a variety of online services. The start-up, based in Abidjan, features a mobile app available on iOS and Android.
Users can sign up using their social network credentials or by filling out a form with their surname, first name, phone number, and email address. Once registered, users can access various professional services on the platform, including tutoring, electrical work, childcare, and sports coaching.
The startup recommends professionals based on the user’s geographical location and the chosen service, which users can book, enjoy, and evaluate thereafter.
After utilizing a service, users are encouraged to leave feedback on the platform, contributing to the service provider’s rating on Gombo. It is important to note that users must top up their account – via credit card or mobile money– before booking any professional services on the platform.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Through FindMe, his digital solution, he simplifies the identification and precise location of homes, company headquarters and points of sale. He has received several awards, including the Forbes Africa "Startup of the Year" prize.
Brandon Wanguep (photo), co-founder and CEO of FindMe, is tackling the challenge of inefficient addressing systems in Africa through a mobile app that generates standardized postal addresses. Born in Cameroon, his solution is currently based in Dakar with plans for expansion across other African capitals.
Established in 2020 by Wanguep, Romaric Takam, Hyacinthe Sambou, and Duplex Eric Kamgang, FindMe was created to address the challenge of locating addresses in Africa. The application aids in identifying and geolocating residences, business headquarters, and sales points.
Wanguep, recounting the experiences that led to the creation of FindMe in January 2024, said, "One of my friends lived through an ordeal during a trip to Congo, spending more than 45 minutes looking for the Cameroonian embassy with Google Maps. I met a friend who lost her father because the ambulance couldn’t find her home in time, despite all the directions provided. I wanted to create an innovative project that would have a major and positive impact on society."
Between 2020 and 2021, Wanguep, an entrepreneur at Schoolab and STATION F, received numerous awards and recognitions for FindMe. He won the Dakar Innovation Days 2023 Hackathon and was listed in Forbes Africa's Top 30 under 30. On December 14, 2023, he was awarded the Forbes Africa "Startup of the Year."
Wanguep holds a Master 1 in Mechanical Design and Structural Calculations from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure Polytechnique de Douala (2017), a Master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Mines Paris (2019), and a diploma in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from PSL University in Paris (2021).
He began his professional journey in 2018 as an assistant engineer at the Materials Center of Mines Paris. In 2019, he served as an R&D assistant engineer at GE Renewable Energy in France.
Melchior Koba
Nathan Nwachuku (photo), co-founder of Nigerian edtech Klas, announced on Monday, February 5 the successful completion of a $1 million funding round. The funds power up the startup's online schools worldwide.
The Orange Foundation inaugurated its 22nd Digital House in Côte d’Ivoire on Wednesday, January 31, at the Institution de formation et d'éducation des femmes (IFEF) in Soubré. This initiative aims to empower women and promote their digital inclusion by providing access to tailored digital tools and content. Ultimately, it seeks to facilitate their professional integration into the local economy.
"The inauguration of this new Digital House underscores the Orange Côte d'Ivoire Foundation's commitment to supporting women," said Habib Bamba, Director of the Foundation's Management Committee. "We believe that digital technology is an essential tool for their financial autonomy."
In a bid to digitize the nation and boost employment, the South African government is planning a countrywide broadband deployment as part of its digital transformation strategy. The move aims to empower citizens to fully leverage digitized services.
South Africa has extended the deadline for shutting down its 2G and 3G networks by two years, prioritizing faster 4G and 5G technologies instead.
Previously set for June 2024 and March 2025 respectively, the complete deactivation of both networks will now occur on December 31, 2027. The shutdown process will begin on June 1, 2025, with mobile operators having discretion over which network to switch off first.
"This deadline is meant to allow mobile network operators some level of discretion and for them to decide which network to switch off first. Some operators have indicated that they will commence with the shutdown of 3G in June 2024 in support of the policy," said the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
This decision aligns with the government's draft policy on "next-generation radio frequency spectrum" licensing, launched in September 2022. The policy aims to reallocate existing radio frequencies from older technologies like 2G and 3G to more advanced 4G and 5G networks. This will free up the spectrum for faster mobile internet speeds and wider network coverage across the country.
The transition to newer technologies also seeks to attract investment in telecommunications infrastructure. This is expected to lead to significant improvements in network quality and reliability, benefiting both businesses and individuals.
Furthermore, the widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks paves the way for innovation in mobile-based services and applications. This could lead to the development of new industries, businesses, and job opportunities, potentially impacting the South African economy positively.
Samira Njoya