Iris Hub plays a key role in the fight against youth unemployment in Rwanda and across Africa as a whole. Through its innovative programs and commitment to education and creativity, it is positively influencing the future of Africa.
Iris Hub is an incubation and innovation center that uses technology to address youth unemployment in Rwanda. Founded in 2016 by Benjamin Manirafasha, its president and CEO, it supports young people with innovative projects in the fields of technology, art, textiles, audiovisual, e-commerce, gaming, and cybertech.
Located in the Kicukiro area of Kigali, Rwanda, Iris Hub was set up to encourage innovation and creativity, provide training, and foster connections between entrepreneurs through a variety of activities. Thanks to dedicated coaches and mentors, it provides young people and women with the right support to turn their business ideas into reality. Through workshops, conferences, bootcamps, and hackathons, it offers training, networking, and exposure opportunities.
Iris Hub has a magazine on entrepreneurship and innovation for young people, called Iris Magazine. It has also introduced a 3-6 month accelerator program that includes an initial investment, networking opportunities, sales strategies, mentoring, and a public presentation event where participants unveil their prototype at a demo day. The program aims to accelerate selected startups’ growth.
Furthermore, the center coordinates business events and conferences while providing software design and development services for managers seeking to incorporate technology into their businesses.
Since its creation, Iris Hub has incubated 15 startups, including edutech platform East African Dictionary, fintech BetaPay, cybersecurity company Intore Security Lab, and healthtech Mentale. A member of the AfriLabs network, it is supported by several partners, including ICT Chamber, Deep Ecosystems, and the Africa Europe Innovation Partnership.
Melchior Koba
He is an accomplished software developer with a demonstrated track record in the financial sector. Through his financial technology company, EvMak, he has garnered numerous awards and distinctions.
Evans Makundi (photo) is a Tanzanian IT specialist with a career in digital health, business consulting, and banking. He is the founder and CEO of EvMak Tanzania, a financial technology company offering a range of tools and services to help other businesses prosper.
He graduated from Bangalore University in 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and holds a Business Administration and Management Certificate from HarvardX (2020).
The tech entrepreneur founded EvMak Tanzania in 2012 to bring change to the communications, banking, and financial industries as well as to small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations such as airlines.
His company offers a unified payment solution for both online and offline businesses, enabling them to automatically send payments to customers, employees, and various beneficiaries.
"We are focused more on software development, helping mostly the non-governmental organizations but also the government organizations as well as the Ministry of Health, focusing on developing their software, enhancing their sub sales and billing integration on the payment side, and anything else related to software development," said Evans Makundi in 2021.
Evans Makundi is also the Managing Partner of DIGI FARM, a social enterprise that leverages technology and data to empower smallholder farmers in Africa. Since 2021, he is also Head of Software Quality Assurance at CRDB Bank Plc.
Before establishing EvMak Tanzania, he worked at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in 2012, where he was an expert in geographic information systems. He has also been a CRDB Bank software developer between 2014 and 2020. During this period, he deployed SWIFT GPI, a digital payment solution.
In 2019, EvMak was named one of the best business-to-business companies in Tanzania by Clutch, a company that helps companies find the right partners to grow their business. In 2022, the entrepreneur was recognized as one of the country's top 100 CEOs and Managing Directors.
Melchior Koba
Africa has the lowest Internet penetration rate in the world. Authorities are joining forces with various partners to improve these figures, and are also considering collective action to achieve their goal.
The East African Community has decided to invest in the installation of a satellite to provide Internet access to the entire sub-region. The decision was taken at the ministerial meeting of the Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Development Group of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIP), held on Wednesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 9 in Nairobi, Kenya.
"The Ministers agreed to fast track the modalities of establishing a Regional Owned Satellite for communication that will provide high-quality, dependable broadband internet services and broadcasting capabilities," reads the joint statement issued at the end of the meeting.
The collective solution is the most viable since, according to NCIP coordinator Amb Richard Kabonero, “The cost of a satellite is about USD 300m which is very expensive for individual countries but as a region, we can work together."
The need for Internet connectivity on the continent is constantly growing with the ongoing digital transformation. Traditional Internet service providers are unable to cover all areas, especially rural and landlocked ones, for a variety of reasons. According to DataReportal, the Internet penetration rate in East Africa was 23.1% in January 2023. The sub-region lags behind other parts of the continent, and satellite can be an interesting alternative.
It is worth mentioning that the cost of satellite internet is still high for average Africans. In January 2023, Starlink started deploying its satellite services in African countries. To access Starlink’s services, users need to buy kits that cost around $372 in the cheapest country (Nigeria) and almost $650 in Benin, where the service was launched earlier this month.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With this orbiting, Djibouti has joined the exclusive group of African nations with satellites in space, alongside Kenya, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Uganda, and Angola.
The Republic of Djibouti successfully launched its first satellite, Djibouti 1A, on Saturday, November 11, from the Vandenberg spaceport in California, USA. The satellite lifted off aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
"We have put in place all the necessary elements to succeed in this project: firstly the selection of Djiboutian students, because the objective was to make the satellite but not to buy it, and have it manufactured by our students to make this technological leap and say in an uninhibited way that Djibouti is capable of manufacturing a satellite, launching it, collecting results for the climate but also getting started in development perspectives. The result is that 10 technicians and engineers were trained," said Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, Djibouti's Minister of Higher Education and Research.
The new satellite is the result of collaboration between the Djiboutian government and Centre Spatial Universitaire Montpellier-Nîmes (CSUM) in France. In 2020, the Centre began training Djiboutian engineers who played a key role in designing, constructing, and testing the nanosatellite. Successfully passing vibration tests in March, Djibouti 1A was deemed launch-ready by July. This satellite, intended for space research and communications, will gather real-time national data from climatological and seismic stations. It aims to monitor variables like temperature, rainfall, river depth, and hydrometry, contributing to enhanced agricultural production and environmental change monitoring.
Samira Njoya
To accelerate their digital transformation, African countries are forging strategic partnerships. With this MoU, Rwanda wants to further develop its tech sector.
Paula Ingabire (photo, right), Rwandan Minister of Information and Communication Technologies and Innovation, and Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai (photo, left), Qatari Minister of Communications and Information Technologies, signed an ICT memorandum of understanding on Thursday, November 9 in Kigali. The aim is to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in the fields of public key infrastructure and the formulation of information and communication technology policies and strategies.
"This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to promoting innovation and technological advancement on both local and international levels. [...] This partnership aims to strengthen synergy for mutual growth and development, fostering knowledge and resource exchange in various key areas of the information and communication technology sector," said Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai.
Like many African countries, Rwanda is multiplying partnerships to ensure its digital transition, with the signing of memorandums of understanding with Kenya and Guinea earlier this year. Rwandan authorities have taken, several steps to strengthen their artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and smart cities segments. The country is one of the best in Africa when it comes to digitization and it is establishing itself as a tech hub in the Great Lakes region.
Support for research and development in the field of artificial intelligence, exchanges of experience in digital transformation and e-commerce, cooperation in the field of smart cities, and cross-border data flows are other ICT segments covered by the memorandum of understanding signed.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In the digital age, students need to access some tech tools. Unfortunately, in certain settings, this is challenging. In that context, South Africa is taking steps to provide some of those tools for its inmates.
The South African Supreme Court of Appeal has granted the government a 12-month deadline to formulate and promulgate an updated policy for correctional centers, enabling inmates to use personal computers in their cells for educational purposes.
Henceforth, an inmate enrolled in an accredited higher education institution requiring a computer for academic purposes will be permitted to use one without internet access in their cell.
"I observe that ever more educational materials are available in electronic form, and such materials are most conveniently and economically accessed on a computer. [...] Coursework is now routinely composed and submitted electronically. I have found that the right to further education includes the right to pursue that education. If a prisoner has a personal computer, it is a tool of indispensable value in the pursuit of many courses of further education, " said Judge David Unterhalter.
The decision to review the policy comes after a Johannesburg inmate, serving a 20-year sentence for robbery, complained that he was struggling to complete his computer course because he couldn't work from his cell, where he spent most of his time. Pending a review of the policy, the judge declared that the inmate has the right to use his PC in his cell as long as he remains enrolled at a recognized institution of higher or university education in South Africa.
However, the inmate must make the computer available for inspection at all times, and any breach of the rules by an individual inmate could result in the computer being seized.
Samira Njoya
Tourism, like almost every sector, is undergoing a major digital transformation in Africa. To successfully implement that transformation, some countries are teaming up with tech giants to support their strategies.
Patricia de Lille (photo, right), South Africa's Minister of Tourism, and Alistair Mokoena (photo, left), Country Manager of Google South Africa signed an agreement in Cape Town on Monday, November 13. The aim is to promote South Africa as the choice tourist destination and provide training and support in the sector.
"In an era of digital transformation, collaboration between technology giants and government entities has the potential to reshape industries and enhance public services. [...] This visionary partnership between Google and the Ministry of Tourism, focusing on non-monetary exchanges to leverage each parties’ strengths for mutual benefits," said Patricia de Lille.
This partnership is part of the Ministry's mission to improve the attractiveness of the sector, harness its technological power, and increase the number of tourist arrivals in the country to support economic growth and job creation. Google, the world's largest search engine, has several tools at its disposal, such as Google Arts & Culture, with which the Mountain View firm can highlight the country's tourist destinations, encouraging Internet users to develop a greater interest in South Africa. Startups operating in the sector can be supported by Google programs such as the Start-up Accelerator and the Black Founders Fund.
"As a company that prides itself in organizing the world’s information and making it universally accessible and useful, we look forward to rolling out various programs in conjunction with the department, to fast-track digital transformation in the sector, helping with digital skills and showcasing South African tourism through our Google Arts & Culture platform," said Alistair Mokoena.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In recent years, a growing number of young Africans have embarked on the path of entrepreneurship. Most often they either want to create jobs for themselves and others, diversify businesses, or just innovate to address local issues. In Guinea, the incubator Ose Ton Emploi has set itself the mission to support them.
Ose Ton Emploi is an entrepreneurial support institution created in 2018 in Guinea by Danda Diallo, a young Guinean entrepreneur. The incubator stimulates entrepreneurial desire, encourages, mentors, and directs innovation efforts toward growth-generating sectors. It aims to create a new generation of entrepreneurs committed to the growth and development of Guinea Conakry.
The Incubator provides customized support to meet the specific needs and profiles of entrepreneurs. It establishes incubation programs and arranges training, coaching, mentoring, and networking sessions to enhance entrepreneurs' capabilities and streamline their access to funding, markets, and partners. Operating on an inclusive approach, it centers around the entrepreneur, valuing the diversity of sectors, regions, and genders.
In 2022, the incubator introduced a digital platform, specifically designed for youth training, named Sanku Lab. Funded by Orange Guinea, the platform's goal is to train 2,100 individuals in "digital professions, prototyping, and the manufacturing of various objects." According to Danda Diallo, the founder and CEO of the incubator, Sanku Lab occupies a central role in the activities and support programs provided by the incubator.
Sanku Lab provides learners with a 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, heat press, electronic tools, digital embroidery machines, and laptops, among others.
One of Ose Ton Emploi’s core programs is the Guinea Startup Challenge launched in 2019. It aims to imprint the entrepreneurial culture into young students through training, awareness-raising, and competition.
Ose Ton Emploi also offers a coworking space for young entrepreneurs. A member of the Afric'Innov community, it is supported by several institutions, including the Guinean Ministry of Youth and Youth Employment, the UNDP, and the University of Kindia in Guinea.
Melchior Koba
On Thursday, November 9, the Somali Ministry of Communications and Technology announced the approval by the Council of Ministers of a draft law on cybersecurity. The aim is to strengthen cybersecurity measures, promote online safety, and protect critical infrastructure.
To facilitate urban and intercity transport in Morocco, a tech entrepreneur has set up a car-sharing startup, building on the car rental concept.
Carmine is a digital solution developed by a Moroccan startup. It enables subscribed users to travel in one of the startup's vehicles. The Casablanca-based startup was founded in 2014 by Mohammed Mrani Alaoui (photo).
"The user starts by applying for membership through our web platform www.carmine.ma. Once his/her application is accepted, the account is activated and a personnel badge is issued to the member. The latter then becomes autonomous and can make a reservation directly on the app whenever the need arises," explains Mohammed Mrani Alaoui.
The said mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices. Thanks to that app, members can unlock the cars available at various locations around the city. It also allows members to view car availability in real-time, the time and kilometers traveled and billed, booking history, and account status.
Let’s note that the startup charges by the hour, day, or kilometer, depending on the type of reservation. Pricing takes into account the time of use, fuel, comprehensive insurance, and initial parking reservation.
Carmine offers various types of subscriptions on its web and mobile platforms. Payment options are just as varied. "We offer three methods of payment, either directly online via our website using a bank card, or in cash via our partner Cash Plus agencies, or directly with our customer service team at our Casablanca offices," explains Mohammed Mrani Alaoui.
The Android version of the application has been downloaded more than 10,000 times. After an extension to Rabat in September 2020, the startup plans to enter other major Moroccan cities.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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In 2020, Chad unveiled a strategic plan for digital and postal development, reflecting the government's determination to catch up with its technological backlog. To implement these projects, the country needs experienced partners.
Egypt and Chad are considering avenues for digital cooperation. The matter was discussed, last November 9, on the sidelines of a working meeting between Mahamat Allahou Taher (photo, center), Chad's Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, and an Egyptian delegation in N'Djamena, Chad.
According to the Chadian Ministry of Digital Economy, the discussions focused, among other things, on the issue of international fiber optic interconnection (Chad-Egypt), the digitization of Chadian public administration, and the training of executives in digital skills.
The meeting is part of the strategic plan for digital and postal development (PSDNP 20-30) launched by the Chadian government in 2020. It takes place in a context marked by the acceleration of digital transformation in the country and the relaunch of work on the trans-Saharan fiber optic backbone in Chad.
For Egypt, the meeting is part of the government's efforts to implement its "Digital Egypt 2030" digital transformation strategy. To achieve this, Cairo is multiplying partnerships with countries with which it has good relations.
Collaboration between the two countries should enable Chad to take full advantage of Egypt, which is already well advanced in its digital transformation, particularly in e-governance and the provision of high-speed connectivity. The country plans to issue 5G network licenses to telecom operators by December. As for the provision of online services, since 2019 the country has launched the dematerialization of most of its public services. This initiative propelled the country to the 6th position among 16 African nations leading the way in e-government in 2022, as reported by the United Nations.
Samira Njoya
In Africa, managing payroll and human resources poses significant challenges for companies. In Benin, Mario Zannou established Uptimise to streamline and automate these processes.
Mario Zannou (photo) is a Beninese entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Uptimise, a startup offering an online solution to simplify human resources and payroll management.
The entrepreneur holds a master's degree in computer engineering from Debrecen University's Faculty of Engineering, obtained in 2014. He also holds an engineering degree in telecoms networks obtained in 2015 from Sup Galilée and two Master's in Business Administration, obtained in 2023, from IFG Executive Education and IAE Paris respectively.
Mario Zannou founded Uptimise in May 2023. The company centralizes employee data and ensures efficient management of HR-related processes. Its platform facilitates the management of salaries, leave and absences, bonuses and benefits, salary advances, expense reports, and pay slips. It also enables better management of employee-related data and documents, including employment contracts and payslips.
In addition, the company provides real-time reporting and performance-tracking tools to assist companies in monitoring key indicators and making informed decisions.
Since 2020, Mario Zannou has been head of the cybersecurity department at cybersecurity and digital transformation consultancy Erugis. His professional career began in February 2015 at Prosodie, a subsidiary of the Capgemini Group that designs and hosts front-office services for major accounts, where he was a software engineer.
In October 2015, he joined the rail company VIIA as an IT project manager. In 2019, he joined business consultancy Willing as a cybersecurity consultant. At the same time, he works for civil engineering company Egis as head of the IT security department.
Melchior Koba
For more than a decade, Wiki Start Up has been dedicated to equipping startups with the essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities they need to transform their ideas into successful businesses.
Wiki Start Up is the first private incubator in Tunisia. Founded in 2011, it is a center that combines business incubation, coaching, and seed financing with certified investment professional Mohamed Salah Frad as its managing director.
The incubator specializes in support, consulting, research, and training, offering several programs to Tunisian startups. One of its programs is Startup Nest, an incubation program financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs with technical support from the NGO SPARK, dedicated to assisting and supporting innovative project leaders.
In 2015, Wiki Start Up initiated Start’Act in collaboration with the Carthage Business Angels Association. The said program supports innovative startups by helping them materialize and develop their projects. It features a rich incubation program with a wide range of shared training courses, in addition to personalized expertise-building training established in collaboration with project leaders. In addition, the program has a 50 million dinars (around $16 million) seed fund (Capital’Act) dedicated to startups that go through the Start’Act program.
In addition to helping startups raise funds, the center also co-launched CapitaLease Seed Fund, the first pre-seed fund in Tunisia. The pre-seed fund provides financial support to startups during their conception and prototyping phases.
Wiki Start Up has a significant impact in Africa. It has reached over 750 startups and supported more than 90 entrepreneurs. Its network comprises over 100 experts, mentors, and business angels, and more than 50 private companies, public bodies, and international organizations.
Melchior Koba
Africa is the continent with the most significant and pressing health challenges. With digital technologies, the continent can advance its healthcare system and address some of the issues in the sector.
Seychelles wants to accelerate the digitization of its healthcare services. The country has decided to assess the maturity of its digital healthcare system using a tool developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Commonwealth Centre for Digital Health (CWCDH), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The information was revealed at a recent four-day workshop held in Mahe and attended by the country's health officials, Commonwealth representatives, and international partners.
During the workshop, Seychelles' Minister of Health, Peggy Vidot, noted that the tool would help measure progress in the digital transformation of the country’s health sector. "In this era marked by rapid technological progress, the integration of digital health solutions emerges as a critical imperative. Seychelles embarks on a transformative journey, leveraging the power of digital innovation to fortify our healthcare system," he said.
The preliminary findings of the assessment indicate that the Seychelles government has made substantial progress in its efforts to enhance digital health systems, particularly through investments in an electronic health information system.
The findings also underscored that there is still significant work to be done. This includes establishing systems for incorporating user and patient feedback into digital solutions, adopting standards for network infrastructure and training, integrating monitoring and evaluation into project implementation, mapping existing digital solutions, policies, and guidelines into a cohesive digital health strategy, and enacting legislation for data storage and security.
Samira Njoya