Across Africa, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a major driver of digital innovation, reshaping industries and addressing critical issues. In Madagascar, AI is steadily improving social inclusion, opening up new possibilities for underserved populations.
Andréa Valéria Andriantefiarinesy (photo) is the co-founder BrA.I, the startup behind a device that instantly translates text into Braille using artificial intelligence, aiming to improve access to information for visually impaired individuals. From a graphic design background, she shifted her career path after joining the Advanced Design program at the Orange Digital Center (ODC). There, she met other young innovators and together they formed BrA.I, which won first place at the Orange Summer Challenge 2023 (OSC 2023).
"The idea came from a simple yet striking observation: access to information remains a major challenge for visually impaired people. While assistive technologies exist in developed countries, their high cost makes them inaccessible to most, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds," Andriantefiarinesy said. "Our goal is to make these technologies affordable and widely available, enabling more visually impaired individuals to access information and gain independence."
Winning first place at OSC 2023 marked the beginning of an intense yet rewarding entrepreneurial journey. "It was a turning point: we had to decide the future of the project. Seeing the potential of BrA.I and the public’s enthusiasm for its deployment, we decided to pursue the venture and turn this idea into reality," she recalls.
The path was not without challenges. Some team members left the project for personal or professional reasons, requiring Andriantefiarinesy to assume strategic and operational leadership roles. "I had to learn how to manage a team, structure our work, and make tough decisions," she said. Thanks to incubation support and guidance from mentors like Rudy DEAL, IT & Digital Services Director at VIVETIC Group, she successfully navigated these challenges.
In 2024, BrA.I won second place and the Women’s Prize at the Orange Social Venture Prize for Africa and the Middle East. "This confirmed that our project meets a real need and that it was time to structure BrA.I into a full-fledged startup," she said.
Andriantefiarinesy envisions BrA.I becoming an essential tool for visually impaired individuals within five years, with at least one device in every institution. "Ultimately, we want BrA.I to become a personal device, used on demand just like a mobile phone," she said. "We’re aiming for large-scale adoption, with our device present in every household, providing a practical and accessible solution for daily life—both nationally and internationally."
In Africa, ghost employees are still exploiting outdated management systems to fraudulently collect salaries. To address this, many countries are implementing biometric technology, which provides a robust solution for securing workforce management and improving administrative transparency.
The Cameroonian government will introduce a biometric system to track the physical presence of public sector employees at their workplaces, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform Joseph LE announced Tuesday.Speaking at a press briefing aired on national public television on February 25, LE said the initiative aims to reduce absenteeism and eliminate ghost employees from the state payroll.
"By enabling a unique and tamper-proof identification of each employee, this system will ensure stricter workforce management. It will also enhance transparency within the administration and contribute to a vigorous fight against absenteeism, which has been strongly criticized in recent months by the highest authorities of our country," LE said.
The move is part of Cameroon’s broader digital transformation efforts, aligning with the country’s National Development Strategy 2030 (SND-30). It is also a key component of the “Aigle” program, launched in January, which seeks to modernize public administration through new technologies. The goal is to optimize public service management and improve government policy efficiency.
The biometric system will utilize technologies such as fingerprint scanners and facial recognition devices to verify employees' physical presence. Upon arrival, employees will authenticate themselves in real time, ensuring a secure and accurate attendance record. This tamper-proof identification method will guarantee employee authenticity and strengthen workforce monitoring.
While an exact implementation date was not provided, LE said the project will begin with a pilot phase in three key administrations: the Ministry of Public Service, the Ministry of Finance, and the Supreme State Audit Office. The pilot will be followed by a gradual rollout, accompanied by targeted training for managers to facilitate adoption and maximize the system’s effectiveness.
The introduction of biometrics in the public sector is expected to reduce administrative fraud, eliminate ghost employees, and optimize state resources. However, the system's implementation will face technical and ethical challenges, particularly concerning data protection and social acceptability. The ultimate goal is to clean up the public administration and eradicate ghost employees, who cost African governments tens of billions of CFA francs annually.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Regulating digital platforms is essential for Africa’s long-term digital sovereignty and inclusive growth. By ensuring fair revenue distribution, promoting local journalism, and preventing algorithmic bias, Africa can build a more sustainable and competitive digital ecosystem.
Google may have to pay up to R500 million ($27.29 million) annually to South African media outlets. This comes after the South African Competition Commission found it guilty of anti-competitive practices. The commission revealed this in its Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) provisional report announced on February 24. Meta and X also face potential fines.
The Commission’s provisional report states that Google's algorithm favors global news over local South African media, weakening the country’s media industry for 14 years. To address this, it recommends Google compensate local publishers R300–R500 million annually for three to five years while adjusting its search algorithm to boost local referral traffic.
The Commission also urged Meta’s Facebook and X to stop deprioritizing South African news and restore referral traffic. It called on Meta and YouTube to increase revenue sharing for publishers.
If these companies fail to comply within six months of the final report, a 5–10% digital advertising levy may be imposed. The final report is expected later this year, with an April 7 deadline for evidence submissions.
The Journalism and Media Lab (Jamlab), a project of the Wits Centre for Journalism dedicated to fostering innovation in African journalism and media, highlighted in its Digital News Report 2023 that 57% of South Africans share news via social media.
The findings reinforce the South African Competition Commission’s concerns about Google, Meta, and X’s algorithmic bias against local media. With 57% of respondents sharing news via social media, global platforms wield significant influence over public discourse. If these platforms prioritize foreign media, local journalism loses visibility, revenue, and audience engagement, threatening its sustainability.
The Competition Commission's proposed remedies, including compensation for local outlets and fairer algorithmic representation, could help level the playing field, ensuring African stories reach both domestic and global audiences.
Hikmatu Bilali
Streamlining case reporting and evidence submission reduces delays in investigation and prosecution, ensuring swifter justice for survivors. Leveraging AI and digital tools can help break barriers to justice, empowering survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. These innovations are essential in reducing domestic violence and ensuring a safer society for all.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) announced yesterday February 24 the introduction of two digital initiatives to enhance support for domestic violence survivors: an AI chatbot, Ask INU, and a self-reporting evidence portal. These initiatives aim to strengthen evidence collection, enhance access to services, and reduce domestic violence cases in Lagos State.
DSVA Executive Secretary Vivour-Adeniyi emphasized that these initiatives reaffirm Lagos State’s commitment to breaking the culture of silence, supporting survivors, and ensuring perpetrator accountability.
Ask INU (I Need You) is a WhatsApp-based chatbot that provides immediate information and referrals to survivors. Users can access support by sending a message to 0812 893 7058 on WhatsApp.
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Case Management System (DSVCMS) now includes a Self-Reporting Tool, allowing survivors and mandated reporters to securely submit case details and upload evidence via lagosdsvcms.org. The platform helps preserve crucial materials such as pictures, audio recordings, and medical reports—key for ensuring swift justice.
According to UN Women, approximately 1 in 3 women aged 15-49 in Nigeria have experienced physical or sexual violence. The introduction of digital support tools like Ask INU and the Self-Reporting Evidence Portal directly addresses a critical need for accessible, confidential, and efficient support services.
By providing immediate assistance via WhatsApp and secure evidence storage, DSVA is reducing barriers to reporting and ensuring survivors have a pathway to justice and support, ultimately strengthening efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.
Hikmatu Bilali
To simplify the lives of its citizens, the Nigerien government is implementing innovative solutions. These initiatives prioritize the modernization of public services and the promotion of digital technology access, ultimately supporting the country's economic and social progress.
Niger's autonomous pension fund, CARENI, inaugurated its new digital platform, "CARENI COLLECTE," on Monday, February 24, in Niamey, aiming to streamline pension registration and simplify access to benefits for over 35,000 Nigerien retirees. The retirees collectively receive over 3 billion CFA francs (approximately $5 million) per month.
“The CARENI COLLECTE application we are launching today is more than just digitalization—it represents a profound transformation in our management system,” said Ali Ousseini Hadiza (photo, center), Director General of CARENI. She emphasized that the platform is built around five key pillars, including a biometric card featuring a fingerprint and essential personal information, replacing the traditional booklet.
The biometric card will identify civil servants and facilitate access to medical coverage services, reducing the need for retirees to visit CARENI offices. This innovation is expected to eliminate long queues and repeated visits.
This project is part of a broader digital transformation initiative in Niger, as public institutions accelerate their shift toward e-governance. Like many countries, Niger aspires to enhance its global standing in digital administration. According to the latest United Nations e-Government Development Index, Niger ranks 187th out of 193 countries, with a score of 0.21157 out of 1. These figures highlight the urgent need for modernization in public administration.
The implementation of CARENI COLLECTE is expected to greatly improve pension access and healthcare services, ultimately enhancing retirees' quality of life. However, challenges remain, particularly in raising awareness and training users to navigate digital tools, as well as addressing connectivity issues in rural areas. Continuous support for retirees and ongoing improvements to the platform will be crucial to ensuring the initiative’s full success.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Through Used.ma, Anainiaa Reda is working to advance sustainable fashion in Morocco and Africa. The platform seeks to combine innovation, social impact, and environmental considerations within the second-hand market.
Anainiaa Reda (photo) is a graduate in organizational and strategic management from Ibn Tofail University. In 2022, he launched Used.ma an e-commerce platform specializing in the buying and selling of second-hand clothing, promoting circular fashion in Morocco and across Africa.
Through Used.ma, he merges his business acumen with his passion for the fashion industry, and his decision is already proving successful, with the platform winning third place in the Poesam (Orange Prize for Social Entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East) and second place in the Prix Maroc Jeunesse in the "Entrepreneurship" category in 2024. Used.ma is, in fact, the culmination of a long journey that began when Reda was in high school. He started reselling second-hand clothes for fun. This later turned into an avenue to sharpen his negotiation skills, get a glimpse into customer expectations, and gain expertise in supply chain management.Later, he founded a delivery startup, which provided deeper insights into logistics and optimizing customer experience. These ventures shaped his vision and prepared him to launch Used.ma.
Adapting to the Market
The idea for Used.ma emerged from a simple yet powerful observation: despite the global boom in second-hand fashion, Morocco's market remained largely unstructured. Reda identified three major challenges to tackle: lack of consumer trust, the complexity of buying and selling second-hand items, and the textile industry's environmental impact.
Used.ma offers an innovative solution that secures transactions, simplifies exchanges, and encourages more responsible consumption. Inspired by successful international models like Vinted and Depop, Reda tailors these platforms to local realities, considering the preferences of Moroccan and African consumers. His ability to innovate while drawing from proven strategies has been a key factor in his success.
Yet, he faced consumer reluctance to embrace online second-hand shopping and the challenge of building an attractive offering while managing his startup's growth. To overcome this, he adopted a gradual, user-focused approach centered on improving customer experience, listening to feedback, and raising awareness about the benefits of second-hand fashion.
Morocco and Beyond
Looking ahead, Reda envisions Used.ma becoming the leading platform for second-hand clothing and sustainable fashion in North and West Africa within five years. His ambition is to structure the circular fashion market in countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, while building a committed community around sustainability and style.
Beyond creating a profitable business, Reda aims to make a positive social and environmental impact by reducing textile waste and promoting responsible consumption. At the same time, he is opening up economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs and independent resellers, giving them a platform to grow their businesses.
Ben Fatahou Nacro is providing an educational solution for the hundreds of thousands of children displaced by the security crisis in parts of Burkina Faso. His initiative has received support from companies like Orange and the Ministry of Education.
Pav Educ is a digital project developed by the Burkinabè company Universal Group, aimed at transcribing and distributing educational programs both physically (educational cards) and electronically (USB drives). The goal is to expand access to education nationwide and help students learn in an engaging way.
For the time being, the programs target preschool and primary school students. "Each set contains 120 double-sided cards, covering the six main subjects comprehensively," said project founder Ben Fatahou Nacro. The initiative has received approval from the Ministry of National Education.
During the launch of the pilot phase in November 2022, Boukary Yamyaogo, director of the Department of Educational Alternatives and Pedagogical Approaches at the Technical Secretariat for Education in Emergency Situations (ST ESU) praised the project saying:
“We are in a context that necessitates the development of distance learning tools, as some areas are difficult to access and schools are overwhelmed. This tool will allow children to continue learning in the absence of a teacher, though it cannot replace them. It directly addresses a pressing issue in emergency education by ensuring lessons are effectively delivered.”
In February 2024, Pav Educ was selected alongside four other startups for the second cohort of the "Demo Day" acceleration program under Orange Fab at Orange Digital Center. This six-month initiative aims to help these startups scale up and reach maturity.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Oze, a Ghanaian fintech startup supporting small businesses, has secured funding from Visa and German development finance institution DEG, it announced today February 24.
With this funding, Oze will expand its Lending Management System (LMS), enabling banks, microfinance institutions, and fintechs to offer no-collateral digital loans using its machine-learning credit risk algorithm.
Oze enables banks to automate lending while providing MSMEs with tools to track finances and customers. It analyzes this data to offer insights, training, and funding.
Digitalization is crucial for SMEs as it enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, expands market reach, and fosters innovation. Empowering small businesses with digital tools and financing in Africa can create more jobs, boost GDP, and strengthen the continent’s position in the global digital economy.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced on February 21 that it has partnered with Flutterwave, Alami, a fintech company that offers sharia-compliant financing solutions for SMEs, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The partnership aims to empower MSMEs with digital tools and improved access to financing. The three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration.
The partnership was made during a high-level meeting led by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, alongside representatives from Flutterwave and Alami, in discussions with SMEDAN’s CEO, Charles Odii. The key focus of the engagement was on leveraging digitalisation to boost the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs, which are vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
During the discussions, Inuwa highlighted the impact of digitalisation on MSMEs, stating that digitally empowered businesses can increase productivity by up to 120%, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s economy. He also reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to championing digital capacity-building initiatives that will enable MSMEs to scale and thrive in the digital economy.
This partnership builds upon an earlier collaboration aimed at transforming the sector. In February 2024, NITDA and SMEDAN launched an initiative to improve digital literacy for over 40 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
According to a newsletter publication by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office in Nigeria, SMEs account for 48% of the national GDP, 96% of all businesses, and 84% of employment in Nigeria. This highlights the crucial role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, reinforcing the importance of the partnership. Empowering MSMEs with digital tools and financial access will have a direct and far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s economic growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
In Algeria, WeeWee Delivery is working to reshape the delivery landscape. The company has introduced an alternative to traditional home delivery and stop-desk services, aiming to offer a more efficient and flexible solution.
WeeWee Delivery is a digital solution developed by an Algerian startup operating in the logistics sector. It aims to simplify and modernize the traditional delivery process by connecting e-commerce businesses and individuals with freelance couriers. Based in Algiers, it was launched in 2022 and is led by Sami Kehal.
"Every project emerges as a response to an existing problem. In today’s context, the delivery market faces significant challenges. With the spectacular rise of e-commerce since the COVID-19 crisis, the demand for delivery services has increased considerably. Delivery companies are not just service providers; they offer concrete solutions to a growing need," Kehal stated in a 2024 interview with Alger16.
The platform features a mobile application, available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 1,000 times, according to Play Store data. Users create an account to access the services. From the app's interface, they can plan and track deliveries in just a few clicks.
The solution offers ,among other services, "WePeaks", a cost-effective and practical alternative to home delivery and fixed pickup points. Orders are dropped off at partner stores in various districts, allowing customers to collect their packages near their homes at more affordable prices. "We have developed algorithms that help us optimize delivery routes to ensure faster and more cost-effective deliveries," the company states.
The startup aims to expand nationwide and broaden its services to meet the market’s growing needs. By adapting to local specificities, WeeWee Delivery is positioning itself as a key player in Algeria’s logistics sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
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To accelerate its digital transformation, the Djiboutian government has been seeking partnerships with key international players, including India, Qatar, the European Union, and the ITU.
Djibouti's Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation has launched a program to improve the digital skills of government officials, the ministry announced Sunday, February, 23. The program includes cloud infrastructure training in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Oracle University, and the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP).
The training covers key areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data management. Participants from various government departments can access the courses through Oracle University’s MyLearn platform. According to the ministry, this initiative is "a key step in equipping government officials with cutting-edge technological tools to improve public services and accelerate digital innovation."
Through this effort, the Djiboutian government aims to provide officials with the expertise needed to support the country’s digital transformation. The World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. However, Djibouti still lags in digital infrastructure. The United Nations gives the country a score of 0.2800 out of 1 on its telecom infrastructure index—part of the broader e-government development index—placing it below the African (0.4247) and global (0.6382) averages.
This initiative builds on Djibouti’s Digital Foundation Project, launched in 2022 with World Bank funding. The government aims to establish a strong and inclusive digital economy by 2035, leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth. The strategy focuses on developing the ICT sector and digital economy to contribute to GDP growth through added value.
Beyond training government officials, there is a broader need for digital skills across the population. According to the GSMA, a lack of digital literacy is one of the main barriers to internet adoption and, by extension, digital services. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates Djibouti’s internet penetration rate at 65%, compared to 74.4% for mobile telephony.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Orange's financial results from last year highlighted a strong revenue surge in the Middle East and Africa (OMEA) region. This demonstrates the success of the French company's substantial investments in these emerging markets.
French telecommunications group Orange recently indicated its Africa and Middle East division (OMEA) was the primary driver of group growth in 2024.
OMEA, encompassing 16 African subsidiaries and Jordan, generated 7.683 billion euros in revenue, up 11.1% from 2023. This performance contrasted sharply with other markets: France saw a 0.4% increase, while Europe and Orange Business each reported a 2.1% decline.
The division accounted for nearly 19% of Orange's total revenue, which reached 40.26 billion euros in 2024. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and after lease costs (EBITDAaL) for OMEA rose 13.1%, signaling strong financial health.
"The Africa & Middle East region once again delivered a robust performance, driven by its growth engines, namely mobile data, fixed broadband, B2B and Orange Money. Orange now has over 160 million mobile customers and almost 40 million Orange Money customers on the continent,” Orange wrote in a release.
Mobile data revenue grew by 18.4%, fixed broadband by 19.5%, Orange Money by 20.4%, and B2B services by 12.5%. Several major investments in 2023 contributed to these strong results. OMEA continued expanding mobile network coverage, improving service quality, developing fiber optic networks, diversifying mobile financial services, strengthening business offerings (cloud, cybersecurity, etc.), introducing 5G in several markets including Senegal and enhancing its commercial strategy with the super app Max It.
Orange CEO Christel Heydemann emphasized that the 2024 successes “fully reflect the execution of our Lead the Future strategic plan.” Launched in 2023, this strategy is built on four pillars, including accelerating OMEA’s growth by deepening its local presence and expanding its role as a multi-service operator.
For 2024, Orange achieved its EBITDAaL targets, with a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Looking ahead to 2025, the group is aiming for approximately 3% growth and is counting on OMEA’s continued momentum to help achieve that goal.
By Muriel EDJO,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Malian government is working to digitize all public services within the next few years. Early results of this initiative are evident through measures designed to increase accessibility and enhance the efficiency of government services.
On Tuesday, February 18, Mali unveiled a new digital platform designed to facilitate access to administrative, identity, and travel documents for its diaspora. Deployed across the country’s diplomatic and consular missions worldwide, the solution aims to enhance user confidence through advanced security protocols and robust data protection measures.
“The launch of this platform and its operational rollout in 15 days reflect our commitment to a more efficient and responsive administration. This initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing and safeguarding administrative data while simplifying access to essential documents for our compatriots abroad,” said Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Fully designed and developed by Malian experts, the platform strengthens the country’s digital sovereignty while improving services for both citizens and foreigners. In addition to streamlining procedures for the Malian diaspora, the system will also benefit travelers by digitizing the visa application process. In the future, the platform will be compatible with the Visa Liptako, a confederal visa system introduced by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to facilitate regional mobility.
This initiative aligns with Mali’s broader digital transformation strategy, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of public services. While the country has climbed 13 spots in the United Nations e-Government Development Index (EGDI), now ranking 141st out of 193 countries, challenges remain in making digital services more accessible and effective.
A successful rollout of the platform is expected to cut bureaucracy, reduce processing times, optimize public resource management, and lower administrative costs. Close coordination between relevant ministries will be crucial to ensuring the project’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Cameroon has started issuing new national identity cards, a key step in its digital identity management initiative. These cards are designed to modernize and secure identity verification.
Cameroonians can pre-enroll, online since February 17, to obtain the country’s new national identity card (CNI). Developed by German company Augentic in partnership with the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN), this new biometric and digital ID marks a significant step forward in identity management, with major security, economic, and social implications.
The new ID card meets international ISO/IEC 9303 standards and incorporates advanced security features. It includes an electronic chip or a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) containing all recorded data, as well as a unique QR code. These technological upgrades strengthen fraud prevention, making identity theft and forgery significantly more difficult while facilitating automated verification both nationally and internationally.
A Gateway to E-Services
Beyond security, the digital nature of the new ID card holds vast economic and social potential. By linking the card to a unique digital identifier, citizens could gain access to secure government platforms, such as tax services, social security, and online payments.
Reliable biometric identification would also simplify banking procedures, enabling remote account openings and expanding financial inclusion. Financial institutions could use digital identities to assess creditworthiness, making it easier for individuals to access microloans and tailored insurance services. A trustworthy digital identity is fundamental to fostering confidence in economic transactions and could also benefit the e-commerce sector.
Additionally, the new ID could serve as the foundation for secure electronic voting systems, reducing electoral fraud risks and ensuring greater transparency in democratic processes.
Towards E-Governance and Smarter Public Policies
Biometric and digital identity plays a crucial role in social planning by providing the government with authenticated data on citizens, including employment status, disability, education level, residency, and family ties. With this data, authorities can better target social programs such as family allowances, scholarships, and housing aid. The digital ID system would also generate reliable statistical insights for economic planning, including tax forecasting and job creation strategies.
However, for the new ID card to serve as a true gateway to digital services and a tool for poverty reduction, Cameroon must establish a robust, interconnected identification system. This requires a strong legal framework to regulate digital identity and stringent data protection measures, as personal information is becoming a critical resource in the fourth industrial revolution.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji