- Tanzania and Estonia are exploring a deeper digital partnership, focusing on e-governance, ICT, cybersecurity, digital education, and agri-tech.
- The discussions build on the EU-funded Digital4Tanzania project, launched in 2023 with €2 million to support e-government and connectivity reforms.
- No formal agreement has been signed yet, as talks remain at a preliminary stage with no confirmed implementation timeline.
The Tanzanian government is seeking to deepen its collaboration with Estonia in the realm of digital transformation. This was the main focus of discussions held on Monday, April 28th, during a visit by an Estonian delegation to Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
Talks between the two sides specifically addressed strengthening e-governance, information and communication technologies, cybersecurity, digital education and training, and agricultural technology. Stimulating innovation among Tanzanian entrepreneurs was also a point of discussion.
This move towards closer ties aligns with the Tanzanian government's ambition to accelerate the nation's digital transformation, positioning it as a key driver of socio-economic development in the years ahead. Estonia already has an ongoing partnership with Tanzania through the Digital4Tanzania (D4T) project, launched in October 2023 with €2 million (approximately $22.3 million) in funding from the European Union. This project aims to support Tanzania's digital transformation by collaborating on e-government reform and connectivity.
Currently, Tanzania holds the 153rd position in the United Nations E-Government Development Index with a score of 0.4327, falling below the global average. While the International Telecommunication Union recognizes Tanzania as a cybersecurity model, the country still needs to enhance its technical measures and capacity development. In contrast, Estonia ranks second globally in e-government development, boasting a score of 0.9727 out of 1. The organization also considers the Baltic nation a global leader in cybersecurity.
"Despite being a small developing country, Estonia has gained global recognition for its digital innovation, particularly in e-governance, digital services, and cybersecurity. Through its partnership with Tanzania, it has strengthened digital governance and promoted economic diplomacy via digital platforms, thereby contributing to societal development," stated Krist Karelsohn, Director of the Asia, Pacific, Middle East and Africa Department in Estonia.
However, it's crucial to note that the projects discussed as part of this potential enhanced cooperation between Tanzania and Estonia are still in the preliminary stages of discussion. No agreement has been signed or officially announced at this point, and no implementation timeline has been provided. Therefore, it is prudent to await the actualization of this partnership before evaluating its prospects and potential impact.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Kaduna State, Nigeria, is advancing AI for public good, reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology announced on April 29.
As part of the AI Governance Peer Learning Tour in Singapore, the Commissioner of Business Innovation & Technology, Mrs. Patience Fakai, and the SA on IT to the Governor, Musa Bello, visited AI Singapore to explore its National AI Strategy.
Inspired by Singapore’s AI Strategy 2.0, Kaduna is advancing AI adoption by integrating it into vocational training and supporting local researchers through state institutions. As part of this effort, the State is establishing an AI Centre of Excellence to strengthen governance, improve infrastructure planning, enhance national security, and drive AI research.
- Tanzania collected $71.5 million in digital tax revenue from 1,820 online businesses, mainly in betting, between July 2024 and March 2025.
- A national e-commerce strategy is being finalized to modernize regulations, boost tax collection, and support digital sector growth.
- Digital services are taxed under a robust framework, including a 2% DST, 3% withholding tax, and 18% VAT on electronic services.
Between July 2024 and March 2025, the Tanzanian government collected 192.78 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately $71.5 million) in tax revenue from 1,820 businesses operating online, with the digital betting industry being the primary contributor. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Exaud Kigahe disclosed these figures in Parliament on Wednesday, April 29th.
During the same parliamentary session, Kigahe announced that Tanzania is in the final stages of developing a national e-commerce strategy. This plan seeks to adjust the regulatory environment to the evolving digital marketplace and to optimize tax revenue generated by this rapidly expanding sector.
Key components of the strategy include bolstering information and communication technology infrastructure, revising current public policies and regulations, and enhancing communication, transportation, and logistics services. It also underscores the importance of securing online transactions and increasing public awareness regarding the adoption of digital platforms.
This strategy will align with the existing tax framework governing digital services. Since July 2022, Tanzania has implemented a 2% Digital Services Tax (DST) on non-resident providers of electronic services, in addition to a 3% withholding tax on platforms facilitating transactions. These services are also subject to an 18% VAT. This framework is designed to ensure the fair taxation of locally generated revenue, particularly from foreign entities.
Through this strategy, Tanzanian authorities aim to stimulate the use of online commerce, enhance tax collection, and combat undeclared digital activities. The government's challenge now will be to solidify this growth while addressing the risks associated with the digital sector, particularly in sensitive areas like online gambling.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning has become increasingly popular in Africa. Capitalizing on this trend, a Senegalese startup is using its mobile application to broaden access to education.
Yello, an edtech solution developed by a young Senegalese startup, provides students in grades 10, 11, and 12 with access to practical course summaries in both text and audio formats. The Dakar-based startup was founded by Stéphane Mancabo, Mohamed Aly Sidibe, and Abdoulaye Ndiaye.
"At Yello, our vision is to reinvent education in Africa by making it accessible, interactive, and personalized through digital solutions tailored to each student," the startup stated. "We aim to break down barriers to learning by providing a supportive and engaging environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and success for high school students across the continent."
The mobile application is available on both iOS and Android platforms, with over 10,000 downloads on the Play Store alone. However, the startup reports a community exceeding 80,000 students, with over 2 million hours of audio content listened to and a baccalaureate success rate of over 89% among its users.
To access Yello's content, users need to download the application from either the Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). After creating an account, they gain access to the app's free content. For more in-depth features and additional resources, a paid subscription option is available.
The edtech platform includes more than a thousand course summaries, quizzes and exercises for tracking progress, audio lessons, revision sheets, and tips and methods designed to reinforce knowledge and promote academic excellence. Recognizing connectivity and cost limitations, particularly in rural areas, Yello also offers an offline mode, allowing users to learn at their own pace without requiring constant internet access.
Incubated within Teranga Tech and supported by the Orange Corners Dakar program, the startup is also leveraging an integrated referral system to enhance community engagement and expand its user base. By strategically using audio as a tool for inclusivity, Yello aligns with the growing number of African edtech companies that are reimagining learning to address local needs and realities.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- Senegal’s APROSI and Orange Business sign partnership to digitize industrial hubs
- Agreement signed April 28, 2025, to equip sites with fiber optics, private networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity
- Plan includes smart energy management, connected lighting, enhanced security, and improved mobility within industrial zones
On Monday, April 28, 2025, Senegal’s Agency for the Development and Promotion of Industrial Sites (APROSI) and Orange Business Senegal, the business-to-business arm of the SONATEL Group, entered into a strategic partnership to equip the nation's industrial hubs with next-generation digital services.
The alliance seeks to transform industrial sites into smart, connected, sustainable, and competitive platforms capable of meeting the demands of Industry 4.0. Orange Business will contribute its expertise in critical areas such as fiber optics, private networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity. The agreement extends further to include the deployment of intelligent energy management solutions, connected public lighting, security, and mobility within industrial sites.
The partnership also entails support for companies in their digital transition. Concrete applications involving the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive maintenance will be proposed to modernize production tools. A strategic committee and a monitoring and evaluation mechanism will be established to ensure the effective implementation of projects.
This initiative aligns with Senegal's 2050 Economic Transformation Agenda, which positions digital technology as central to the country's growth and competitiveness. It also responds to a regional landscape characterized by increasing competition among West African nations to attract industrial investment. In this strategic contest, the development of connected and high-performing industrial zones could provide Senegal with a significant advantage.
The industrial sector currently accounts for approximately 25% of Senegal's GDP. By equipping it with advanced technologies, the country aims to enhance its productivity, streamline logistics, optimize energy consumption, and strengthen the traceability of value chains. Digital technology thus becomes a strategic tool for building a more resilient, competitive, and future-oriented industry.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Algeria targets tablet distribution to half of primary schools by September 2025
- About 10,000 out of 20,000 primary schools to be equipped; currently, 3,270 schools have tablets
- Tablets are intended for learning, research, communication, and school management, enhancing academic performance
Algeria aims to equip half of its primary schools with electronic tablets before the start of the academic year in September 2025, according to Amara Ghalem, Director of Information Systems at the Ministry of National Education. Ghalem announced the project on Saturday, April 26, on the sidelines of a national conference evaluating the digital transition in the education sector.
The initiative targets approximately 10,000 of Algeria's roughly 20,000 primary schools. To date, 3,270 schools nationwide have already received electronic tablets, Ghalem said.
The distribution of digital tablets in schools is part of a broader digitization effort within the education sector, aligning with the government's ambition to develop an "information society" through infrastructure, telecommunications, and the widespread adoption of ICT across all economic sectors. The government aims to transform Algerian schools into models of modernization and innovation through digital tools. Digital platforms have already been deployed for teachers, parents, learning assessment, and appointment booking for diploma authentication.
The tablets are also envisioned for use in school administration. They will enable primary school students and teachers to access online educational resources, conduct research, learn, and communicate, potentially improving the quality of education and academic performance nationwide.
However, challenges remain in meeting the ambitious timeline for tablet distribution. For the current 2024-2025 school year, the government had planned to equip 1,700 primary schools, aiming to reach a total of 5,000 equipped schools. The current coverage stands at 3,270 schools. Additionally, some schools have yet to be included in the program, and the provision of a single tablet per institution may not adequately meet educational needs. The initiative's success also hinges on the availability of reliable internet connectivity in schools and the digital literacy of teachers and students to effectively utilize these tools.
Furthermore, the national conference on the evaluation of the digital transition in education highlighted several challenges. Participants emphasized the need to increase "awareness of cybersecurity risks to ensure a safe digital environment within educational institutions and to develop a new version of the sector's information system in line with the requirements of the country's digital transformation and the aspirations of the educational community," Algérie Presse Service (APS) reported.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
At the crossroads with e-commerce, marketing, and gamification, the Tunisian solution is breaking new ground. It is transforming how brands handle unsold goods and connect with consumers.
Tunisian startup Millim is pioneering a novel approach to selling surplus inventory: turning it into prizes in online contests. The company's web platform enables partner brands to gain renewed visibility for unsold goods while enhancing their image with consumers. Millim was founded in 2024 by Ayed Mami (photo) and Rahma Ben Abid.
"We empower brands to transform their unsold inventory into interactive experiences through contests, offering consumers a fresh way to discover, engage, and win," said Rahma Ben Abid.
The solution operates via a web platform, without a dedicated mobile app. Users register online and participate in various games and contests offered by Millim. Each prize originates directly from unsold stock, providing a second opportunity for new items often overlooked by conventional distribution methods. Notably, users can also accumulate loyalty points, redeemable for goods and services within a network of partner businesses.
Supported by the Flat6Labs Tunis program of Orange Fab, Millim is recognized among emerging Tunisian startups for its innovative capacity. By merging clearance sales with digital engagement, the startup aligns with a growing trend that seeks to reimagine the relationship between brands and consumers in a more sustainable and interactive way.
Looking ahead, the young Tunisian company aims to broaden its network of brand partners and expand its model to international markets. At a time when brands are seeking improved strategies for managing surplus while capturing the attention of an increasingly fickle audience, Millim's solution holds potential appeal far beyond Tunisia.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- Senegal launches six major projects to digitize healthcare system
- Projects include electronic health records, telemedicine development, Hospital Information System (HIS), Health Geographic Information System (HGIS), pharmaceutical management digitization, and digital health governance
Senegal has initiated six major projects to accelerate the digitization of its healthcare system, the director of the Unit for the Health and Social Map, Digital Health, and the Health Observatory (CSSDOS), Ibrahima Khaliloulah Dia, announced on Monday, April 28. The initiative aims to transform the country's health governance through the adoption of cutting-edge technological solutions.
These projects encompass the implementation of electronic health records, the development of telemedicine services, the establishment of a Hospital Information System (HIS), a Health Geographic Information System (HGIS), and the digitization of both pharmaceutical management and community health activities. A sixth component, focusing on digital governance, provides the overarching framework for the entire initiative.
"To date, two hospitals, one health center, and one health post are utilizing the digital patient record system, with over 127,000 patients registered, more than 355,000 financial transactions processed, and over 66,000 medical procedures recorded," Ibrahima Khaliloulah Dia said.
These advancements are part of the Senegal Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAENS), aligning with the national digital strategy known as the Technological New Deal. Healthcare holds a central position within this strategy, alongside education and public administration. The dual objective is to enhance equitable access to healthcare and to establish Senegal as a regional leader in digital health.
By 2034, the government's key targets include achieving fully digitized health coverage, increasing the use of telemedicine to reduce expensive medical evacuations, and enabling data-driven decision-making based on reliable, real-time information. According to goals set by the CSSDOS, by the end of the current year, 20% of health centers must adopt electronic medical records, 30% of health facilities must have internet connectivity, and 1.5 million Senegalese citizens, with 50% being women, must possess a secure digital health space. Furthermore, 2,000 regulated telemedicine consultations are to be conducted.
Samira Njoya
Aruwa Capital Management, a Lagos-based female-founded and led early-stage growth equity and gender lens fund manager, announced on April 28 that it has secured 90% of its $40 million Fund II target, moving closer to its mission of driving gender-lens investing across Africa.
Key investors include returning anchors Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund and Visa Foundation, along with global institutions like British International Investment (BII) and EDFI Management Company. Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI) also joined as a lead local partner.
Fund II builds on the success of Fund I. Aruwa plans to increase Fund II to $50 million this year in response to strong investor demand.
OmniRetail, a unified consumer goods distribution platform, closed its Series A funding round, it announced on April 28.
The funding round strengthens OmniRetail’s commitment to its asset-light, technology-first model - a strategy that has proven resilient even amid economic headwinds across the continent.
The company plans to channel the new capital into inventory financing through debt, strategic acquisitions, and profitable growth initiatives. This Series A success signals investor confidence in OmniRetail’s ability to not just navigate but redefine Africa’s fast-moving consumer goods industry through digital infrastructure and scalable logistics solutions.
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The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and building a digital-ready workforce equipped for the demands of the modern global economy.
The Federal Government is partnering with the World Bank to drive a shared agenda focused on creating high-quality jobs for young Nigerians. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, confirmed this during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information on April 25.
Speaking to journalists in Washington, D.C., Mr. Edun highlighted that Finance Ministers from World Bank member countries had collectively agreed to prioritize employment generation as a key pillar of development. "Creating good-quality jobs is central to addressing poverty and inequality," the Minister said.
A major element of this strategy includes the expansion of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, ensuring broader access to internet services, data, and fibre-optic networks, to empower young Nigerians to participate actively in the digital economy.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria’s poverty rate climbed to 38.9% in 2023, with approximately 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line. The bank pointed to sluggish economic growth as one of the key drivers of this worsening poverty situation. However, it also noted that targeted economic reforms could help reverse the trend. The Federal Government’s new partnership with the World Bank - particularly its focus on creating youth jobs using digital tools - directly addresses the urgent need for inclusive economic recovery.
By investing in digital infrastructure and skills development, Nigeria can equip its large youth population with tools to access new economic opportunities, especially in the growing global digital economy. This approach not only has the potential to reduce youth unemployment but also to lift millions out of poverty by stimulating entrepreneurship, remote work, and tech-driven sectors.
Hikmatu Bilali
- Congo’s ARPCE and ANSSI sign cybersecurity cooperation pact
- Protocol includes secure threat data sharing, joint response coordination, and creation of a permanent consultative committee
- Focus on building incident response capacity and developing shared technical protocols
The Congolese Regulatory Agency for Posts and Electronic Communications (ARPCE) and the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, April 25, signaling their intent to collaborate on strengthening the security of national networks and cyberspace.
The agreement aims to improve the handling of cybersecurity incidents and foster information sharing between the two organizations. Specifically, it encompasses the secure exchange of information regarding incidents and emerging threats, the coordination of responses to incidents impacting telecom operators, the establishment of a joint committee for continuous consultation, and the enhancement of technical capabilities alongside the development of joint response protocols.
“This partnership aligns with a larger vision: that of a digital, resilient, and sovereign Congo. It underscores our mutual dedication to building a trustworthy digital space, a prerequisite for the growth of our digital economy,” said Louis-Marc Sakala (photo, right), the Director General of the ARPCE. Underscoring this commitment, the government has allocated $1.3 million to ANSSI’s operations for 2025. In October 2024, the government also conducted a cybersecurity training seminar for judicial and law enforcement agencies.
Currently, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)'s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index classifies Congo as a Tier 4 country in terms of cybersecurity. Tier 4 includes “countries with an overall score of at least 20 out of 100, indicating a basic level of commitment to cybersecurity.” The nation demonstrates strengths in its legislative framework and cooperation efforts. However, it needs to bolster its technical measures, organization, and capacity development, with respective scores of 0.3 out of 20, 3.9 out of 20, and 0.72 out of 20.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Nigeria is set to host the West Africa Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) 2025, a platform where different groups come together to discuss important issues about how the internet is managed.
The event will convene policymakers, stakeholders, youth leaders, and digital enthusiasts from May 19–23 at The Auditorium, Digital Economy Complex (NCC Annex), Mbora, Abuja.
This year’s forum will feature the West Africa Youth IGF, a multi-stakeholder forum, and a parliamentary track, driving discussions on building a resilient, inclusive, and secure digital future for the region.
Applications are now open for the Futuremakers Women in Tech Uganda program, a six-month accelerator supporting women-led, tech-enabled startups.
Powered by the Standard Chartered Foundation and delivered by Future Lab at The Innovation Village, the program offers funding, mentorship, and ecosystem exposure to help startups scale and grow. Participants will gain business development support, access to industry networks, and investment readiness training.
The accelerator targets visionary women entrepreneurs building innovative solutions that contribute toward at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Their startups must be based in Uganda and employ fewer than 10 people with an annual turnover of less than USD 100,000.
Applications are open till May 30, 2025