African nations are increasingly forming partnerships to accelerate their digital progress. New initiatives are emerging rapidly, building momentum towards a digitally transformed continent.
A Sierra Leonean delegation visited Guinea last week to discuss the implementation of a fiber optic interconnection project between the two countries. The project aims to enhance internet connectivity and resilience in both nations.
According to Mohamed Kourouma, general manager of Guinea's National Backbone Management and Operations Company, the project is crucial as Guinea currently relies on a single submarine cable for international internet connectivity.
The working visit follows discussions initiated in early August between Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou, and her Sierra Leonean counterpart, Salima Manorma Bah. During the talks, they announced an ambitious project aimed at ensuring a permanent and reliable Internet supply in both countries.
The discussions among the various parties laid the groundwork for the signing of a framework agreement, which is expected to be signed after review by the competent authorities of both nations. This agreement will define the technical modalities for implementing this strategic partnership.
The partnership is seen as a way to significantly improve the quality and scope of connectivity services while reducing associated costs. Moreover, strengthening Internet access and sharing expertise will help accelerate the achievement of the two countries' shared ambitions for digital transformation, while also promoting digital inclusion for their respective populations.
Samira Njoya
Designed to expand credit access for African immigrants, it enables money transfers to approximately 20 African countries.
Kredete is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup designed specifically for African immigrants in North America. The platform enables users to send money to over 20 African countries and establish a credit score.
Built on blockchain technology, Kredete ensures that all financial transactions are secure and efficient. For money transfers, the platform uses stablecoins, significantly reducing transfer fees. Launched in 2023 by Adeola Adedewe, Kredete secured $2.25 million in funding last August to enhance its technology and expand into new African markets.
According to Adedewe, "Kredete is more than just a remittance service; it’s a gateway to financial inclusion for African immigrants in the diaspora.”
“[...] Our goal is to empower our users to build a secure financial future, no matter where they are migrating into," he added.
Kredete is available as a mobile app on iOS and Android, with over 100,000 downloads on the Play Store. After downloading, users can create an account and access the platform. Users can then fund their multi-currency digital wallet to make various financial transactions.
On the mobile platform, users can transfer funds between digital wallets, send money to mobile money accounts in supported African countries, or make bank transfers. Each transaction contributes to building the user's credit score. Kredete updates user data with every transaction. Additionally, the startup offers a referral program that rewards users with up to $20 for each person they refer.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Cocoa is a vital export for many African nations, yet production challenges limit the sector's potential. Leveraging technology can address these issues, leading to improved market access and higher prices for African cocoa.
Cameroon's cocoa sector has unveiled plans to launch a digital platform that will provide georeferencing data for cocoa plantations across the country. The Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council (CICC) formalized this initiative with an agreement signed on August 28. Supported by key industry players such as Atlantic Cocoa Corporation, Neo Industries, Ofi Cam, Sic Cacaos, Telcar Cocoa, and the Cocoa and Coffee Subsectors Development Fund, the platform aims to ensure that all cocoa beans produced in Cameroon can be accurately traced to their origin.
CICC Executive President Apollinaire Ngwe emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This marks a significant step forward in technological integration and inter-professional collaboration. The system will provide operators with immediate access to precise and up-to-date data, facilitating more efficient supply chain management.”
Georeferencing involves assigning precise geographical coordinates to cocoa plantations, enabling each location to be uniquely identified. This data-sharing system will centralize important information such as farmers’ locations, farm details, productivity, and sales, allowing cocoa exporters to quickly access coordinates for producers' farms.
This initiative is driven by the need to meet EU legislation set to take effect by the end of the year, which will prohibit the entry of goods produced on deforested or degraded land into the European market. The platform will be instrumental in maintaining Cameroon’s access to this crucial market where in 2020 the country exported 65% of the cocoa it produced, according to data from the EU sustainable cocoa program.
Cameroon is one of Africa’s top cocoa producers globally. WorldAtlas ranks the country as one of the top six cocoa-producing countries producing over 290,000 tons annually. The new platform will guarantee the international standard quality of its production.
Hikmatu Bilali
Malaria remains one of Africa’s most pressing public health issues, accounting for over 90% of global malaria cases and deaths. Leveraging AI to enhance prevention, detection, and treatment can drastically reduce the disease’s burden, saving lives and improving health outcomes.
The University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Convergence Research Centre for Insect Vectors (CRCIV) of South Korea have signed an agreement to advance malaria research using artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership, signed on August 30, will establish a Research Center of Excellence at UNZA’s School of Engineering, focusing on preventing malaria outbreaks through AI technology.
For UNZA Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Bornface Namangala, the partnership marks the beginning of a transformative effort to tackle malaria, a leading cause of death in Zambia.
SMART Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, praised the collaboration, noting that the center could serve as a learning platform and help institutionalize AI in Zambia.
The initiative will leverage cutting-edge AI technology to identify mosquito species and combat malaria. An AI-powered system will be deployed to collect and accurately classify mosquito species, enhancing the precision of malaria prevention efforts. This project has garnered strong support from the government.
According to the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which aids sub-Saharan African countries in controlling and eliminating malaria, Zambia remains highly endemic, with the entire population at risk. In 2022, the National Malaria Elimination Centre (NMEC) reported over 8.4 million cases, an incidence rate of 428 per 1,000 people annually, and 1,337 malaria-related deaths, equating to 8 deaths per 100,000 people.
This initiative aligns with Zambia’s National Malaria Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan 2022-2026, which outlines a framework for tracking malaria program indicators, data sources, analysis, information flow, reporting, and feedback for informed decision-making. It directly supports the plan’s goal of improving data-driven decision-making and achieving better health outcomes.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Bank of Uganda has granted Tanzanian fintech NALA an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license, the fintech announced on August 29. This allows NALA to expand its operations in Uganda by integrating directly with mobile money services, offering users a seamless way to transfer funds into local mobile wallets and enhancing the efficiency and security of cross-border payments.
NALA facilitates money transfers from the UK, US, and EU to several African countries, including Uganda. It has collaborated closely with the Bank of Uganda to meet regulatory requirements, contributing to an increase in foreign exchange supply, which is vital for economic growth.
As an IT project manager and application developer, he has implemented various technological solutions across different sectors in Côte d'Ivoire. One of his most well-known products is a telemedicine application.
Anicet Amani (photo) is an Ivorian computer scientist and entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Skan Technologies, which specializes in software development and technological innovation.
Founded in 2011, Skan Technologies has developed several technological solutions across Africa. Its flagship product, SkanMed, is a telemedicine application that allows users to find a doctor and receive consultations remotely via video calls. After the consultation, the doctor can prescribe medication and/or recommend tests. SkanMed also enables users to order home healthcare services.
Another notable product from the startup is SkanTicket, an electronic ticketing application. This free solution allows users to create custom events, offer tickets or invitations online, promote their events, and manage access control on the day of the event.
Skan Technologies has also initiated other projects, such as SkanPhoto and SkanNpay. SkanPhoto is a photo sales application that, using facial recognition, allows anyone photographed at an event to automatically find their pictures. SkanNpay is a mobile payment app that facilitates payments via QR code.
Amani holds a master's degree in electronics, electrotechnics, automation, and computer science, obtained in 2009 from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Côte d'Ivoire. He began his career in 2010 at SA TIERI (Engineering, Studies, and Industrial Realizations) as an automation engineer, where he developed simulator systems. In 2012, he joined the software company VEONE Technologies as a Java project manager. From 2013 to 2019, he served as a solutions integration engineer at MTN in Côte d'Ivoire.
Melchior Koba
The Mauritian government has rolled out several ambitious programs to boost the country's digital transformation. Early results are promising, with modern infrastructure and digital public services becoming a reality.
Mauritius launched its Mobil ID, a digital identity card, on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in its digital transition.
The event, presided over by Technology Minister Deepak Balgobin, also showcased the Mobile Wallet Application (MWA), the tool through which the digital ID can be obtained.
Balgobin said the Mobil ID is more than a technological innovation; it represents a decisive government commitment to modernizing the nation. "Mauritius stands out as the first African country to adopt a digital identity card that meets international ISO standards. This technological advancement positions our country at the forefront, reinforcing our role as a leader in this new digital era," he stated.
The Mobil ID is the result of a collaboration between Thales and Harel Mallac Technologies. It is a key component of the "Digital Mauritius 2030" strategy, which aims to make digitalization one of the main pillars of the Mauritian economy. This ambitious strategy includes significant investments in digital infrastructure, digital skills training, and transforming public administration into a fully digital model. Supporting this initiative, Mauritius Telecom (MT) expanded its 5G network nationwide as early as June.
According to DataReportal figures published at the beginning of 2024, Mauritius had approximately 982,500 Internet users out of a population of 1.3 million, reflecting the population's growing embrace of the digital age.
The Mobil ID stands out for its advanced features, allowing citizens to report a change of address or declare the loss of their physical identity card. It also facilitates the electronic signing of official documents. To ensure user security, the Mobil ID incorporates two verification systems and dual authentication, providing effective protection against identity theft.
Samira Njoya
He has over 12 years of experience in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and business development. With his latest venture, he aims to make cutting-edge AI technologies more accessible to businesses.
Idris Babatunde Olayemi (photo), a trained computer scientist and Nigerian entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of InovaAI, a company specializing in artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2023, InovaAI provides AI-driven solutions to address complex challenges across the continent. The company offers an AI marketplace that allows businesses to access solutions via APIs (application programming interfaces) without requiring technical expertise. InovaAI also helps machine learning and AI engineers monetize their models.
InovaAI's mission is to make AI technology accessible to everyone in Africa. Among its flagship products is BetaBird, a solution designed to optimize the health and productivity of poultry. Through this application, farmers can detect poultry diseases early, assess egg quality, and significantly enhance their farming experience.
In addition to his role at InovaAI, Olayemi is the founder and CEO of Babtech Computers, a tech company established in 2020. Babtech Computers offers IT education services, software development, and training programs aimed at international-level businesses.
Olayemi also serves as the technical lead at Connetmi Live Market, an online commerce platform that allows sellers to interact directly with their customers and prospects.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Olayemi worked as a software developer in several Nigerian companies from 2013 to 2018. He later joined Diamond Bank as a data specialist. In 2019, he was appointed as a data scientist at The Emel Group, a wholesale trading company.
Melchior Koba
Amazon has been expanding its presence in Africa for years. As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary on the continent, it is setting ambitious goals to achieve by 2029.
Amazon.com Inc's cloud computing unit, Amazon Web Services (AWS), plans to invest an additional $1.7 billion in Africa by 2029 to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence services, the company said on Thursday. The investment was announced at the AWS Summit 2024 in Johannesburg.
"The AWS community in Sub-Saharan Africa is thriving," said Chris Erasmus, AWS Managing Director for South Africa. "We have thousands of AWS customers in Sub-Saharan Africa today, and we see this as an incredibly strategic growth area for us. [...] We have over 6,000 partners helping us build and deliver our business value."
The investment is part of Amazon's celebration of its 20th anniversary in Africa. In 2020, the company followed Google by launching data centers on the continent. In October 2024, it launched its online retail service in South Africa, the second African country where it has introduced this service, following Egypt.
Amazon's investment will also focus on generative AI, highlighting Amazon Bedrock, its platform that enables businesses to create and develop generative AI applications.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Nairobi, Africa’s Silicon Savannah, will host the AfricArena Nairobi Summit during Africa Climate Tech Week from September 3-4, 2024.
We’re heading to Kenya! 🇰🇪 Excited to announce the AfricArena Nairobi Summit from Sept 1-4, focusing on Climate Tech in Africa! 🌍
— AfricArena (@AFRICARENA) July 15, 2024
This summit will bring together investors, startups, and policymakers to advance Climate Tech in Africa.
🔗https://t.co/rGN8PJAEki🌱#ClimateTech pic.twitter.com/3MJeD6RMAc
The event will highlight over 20 top climate tech and green economy startups, showcasing innovations and reinforcing Nairobi’s role as a key driver in Africa’s tech and investment scene.
The summit will feature startups like Aquarech, RHEA Soil Health, and iShamba Limited, along with 6 Korean startups expanding into Africa.
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Omnisient, a South African startup focused on privacy-preserving data collaboration, has raised $7.5 million in Series A funding from Arise, an investor in African financial service providers and fintechs. The startup announced the funding on August 27.
The investment will fuel Omnisient’s expansion into markets in Africa, the UK, the US and the Middle East. It will also allow Omnisient to partner with larger data providers, expanding financial services access globally.
Flutterwave has secured a Payment Systems Operator (PSO) license from the Bank of Uganda, enabling it to offer its payment solutions to businesses in the east-african country. The company announced this new move on August 28.
Ki kati Uganda, we have brought the wave to you! 🇺🇬🦋
— Flutterwave (@theflutterwave) August 28, 2024
We have secured a Payment Systems Operator license from the Bank of Uganda!
Expanding into Uganda aligns with our vision of a financially connected Africa where enterprises can operate seamlessly on the continent and expand… pic.twitter.com/4WKblu1GkA
This milestone allows Ugandan businesses to accept various payment methods, including mobile money, bank transfers and cards, while also facilitating easy remittances from the diaspora.
The expansion allows businesses to boost growth and efficiency by capitalizing on Flutterwave’s solutions, including payment collection, seamless payouts and invoicing.
He's dedicated to helping children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) thrive. He provides virtual reality tools to assist therapists in their work.
Ahmad Al-Kabbany is an Egyptian computer scientist and entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of VRapeutic, a startup specializing in the development of therapeutic and rehabilitation solutions through innovative software.
Founded in 2017, VRapeutic harnesses the power of virtual reality (VR) to create therapeutic experiences. The company integrates biofeedback and artificial intelligence into its solutions, aiming to enhance the quality of therapy sessions for children with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
VRapeutic allows therapists to deliver personalized content through supervised sessions while monitoring the impact of the therapy program through both short- and long-term progress of the children. The content developed by the startup is based on scientific data and is provided under the supervision of experienced doctors and therapists.
The startup is a former participant in the Flat6Labs Cairo accelerator and the Invest Ottawa pre-acceleration program. Since 2020, it has been part of UNICEF's Innovation Fund portfolio.
In addition to leading VRapeutic, Ahmad Al-Kabbany is a founding member of the Intelligent Systems Lab, established in 2018. This lab focuses on research in intelligent and autonomous systems, image and video processing, computer vision, image synthesis, immersive technologies, signal analysis, and data science.
He is also a founding member of the Multimedia Interaction and Communication Lab, launched in 2024. This lab explores new ways to encode signals and improve human-computer and media interactions.
Ahmad Al-Kabbany holds a master's degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, obtained in 2008 from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt. He also earned a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 2016 from the University of Ottawa, Canada.
Melchior Koba
E-commerce in Côte d'Ivoire has seen a surge in recent years, with a marked increase in online retail sites and sales volume.
Key players in Côte d'Ivoire's e-commerce sector gathered in Abidjan on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the future of the industry. The market, valued at over XOF280 billion (€421.6 million) in 2023, is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 11.3% through 2027, according to figures presented at the strategic workshop.
The workshop, initiated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the consulting firm Marabu, focused on promoting a national strategic vision for e-commerce development. The goal is to cultivate a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem.
"We aim to position Côte d'Ivoire as a regional hub in this rapidly expanding sector. We are here to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop initiatives that will foster a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem," stated Sylla Kalilou, Director General of External Trade, who represented Minister of Commerce and Industry Souleymane Diarrassouba.
Like many African nations, consumers in Côte d'Ivoire are increasingly attracted to online shopping, driven by both local and international e-commerce platforms like Jumia, Afrimarket, and Africashop, which provide a diverse array of products and services. However, despite this rapid growth, the Ivorian e-commerce market remains largely underdeveloped, with many startups facing challenges in establishing themselves.
Through this initiative, the government aims to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders in the sector to enhance e-commerce in Côte d'Ivoire. The initiative also seeks to communicate ongoing reforms, which include drafting and validating a new e-commerce law, implementing a national e-commerce strategy, creating a strategic action plan through 2028, and developing regulations for a public-private consultation framework.
Samira Njoya