Moove Africa, a mobility company operating in six sub-Saharan African markets, is currently in talks with Uber regarding a potential investment. The funding would support Moove Africa's continued expansion across the continent.
Uber Technologies, the American ride-hailing giant, is poised to invest $100 million in African vehicle financing startup Moove, according to a Bloomberg report. The investment is part of a new funding round that could increase Moove’s enterprise value from $650 million to around $750 million.
This funding round follows a recent $76 million financing round that included participation from U.S. asset management firm BlackRock and Emirati investment firm Mubadala Investment Company. Moove aims to use these funds to build the world’s largest technology-enabled financial services platform for mobile entrepreneurs.
Moove, which is already a funding partner of Uber in Africa and India, could see its partnership with Uber strengthened if the $100 million investment is confirmed. This could potentially enable broader vehicle financing on a global scale.
Currently headquartered in Amsterdam, Moove operates in several African cities, including Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Nairobi, as well as in London, Dubai, and three major Indian cities: Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Samira Njoya
In line with its mission to help startups and entrepreneurs grow, Bamako IHub, a Mali-based innovation hub, offers a range of resources including financial support, coworking spaces, and R&D laboratories.
Bamako IHub, a Malian incubator, is dedicated to fostering a conducive ecosystem for technology start-ups and green industry companies in Mali and Africa. Established by the non-governmental organization Mali Folkecenter Nyetaa, the tech hub aims to equip startups, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, expertise, and training for their growth.
The incubator provides a coworking and networking space, fablabs for R&D, and a range of programs including pre-incubation, incubation, acceleration, and financial support for seed-stage start-ups. Our mission “is to provide startups, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs, primarily in the tech and green sectors, with the essential tools for their growth, the expertise and training they need to develop their businesses and themselves, as well as technical and financial support tools tailored to the needs of project leaders and the African entrepreneurial and financial ecosystem in general, and Mali in particular,” it informs on its website.
Bootstrap-Mali, the hub’s pre-incubation program, offers a three-month professional technical training course introducing tech entrepreneurship and the green industry in Mali to students, start-ups, and entrepreneurs.
BoostUp-Mali, the incubator’s incubation and acceleration program, assists tech and green startups and entrepreneurs in structuring their startups, organizing their initiatives, building their teams, and accessing the market and initial financing.
Through its BuildUp-Mali program, Bamako IHub provides members access to experimentation labs, coworking and collaboration spaces, and devices with pro versions of sought-after software in the sector. The incubator’s fablab offers a range of devices, including 3D and PVC card printers, and state-of-the-art work tools such as computers and high-speed internet.
Melchior Koba
E-commerce growth in Africa is projected to accelerate over the next decade, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. To support and sustain this expansion, there is an urgent need for regulatory frameworks.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Bank have launched "Digital Trade for Africa," a project aimed at boosting e-commerce growth and job creation on the continent. The announcement came during the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi last Saturday.
The initiative seeks to address limited digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks hindering Africa's e-commerce potential, according to WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “Digital trade is one of the fastest growing segments of trade in the world today. Young people and women on the African continent have shown that they are able to take advantage of these opportunities. Africa has only 1 percent share of digitally delivered services trade, but I see it as an opportunity for the continent to grab on,” she stated.
The project builds on a July 2023 joint WTO-World Bank policy brief that urged the creation of a regulatory environment conducive to digital trade on the continent.
As part of the project, the WTO and World Bank will support select African countries in developing digital infrastructure, including payment systems, and in addressing barriers to digital trade participation.
The aim is to enable Africa to lift its economy through e-commerce in a context where E-commerce platforms in Africa are forecast to reach $59.18 billion in sales by 2027, up from $32.49 billion in 2022, according to a report by digital economy consultancy TechCabal Insights.
Samira Njoya
Nigeria's government is pursuing a strategic partnership focused on digital transformation and job creation through technology skills development.
The Nigerian Ministry of Youth Development has announced plans to partner with American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria, a leading provider of telecommunications and technology infrastructure, to offer free Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training to young people in the country.
The announcement was made on Friday, February 23, in Abuja by the Minister of Youth Development, Ms. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (pictured center), during a visit by a delegation from ATC led by Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie (pictured right), Head of Public Affairs for Africa at ATC.
"The ministry’s major mandate is to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive and to prepare them for the 21st century economy just as President Bola Tinubu has emphasised severally in most of his engagements. We are ready to partner with you in the area of information communication technology, which is the main area of partnership with your corporation that our youths can benefit from," the Minister said.
In the wake of the technological revolution, digital skills have become a necessity rather than an option. The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has implemented several ICT training programs to enable the local population to acquire these essential skills. These initiatives allow Nigeria, one of the most mature technology ecosystems on the continent, to support its digital transformation and foster creativity among the country's youth.
ATC operates in 33 states across Nigeria and, according to Mr. Ilozavbie, it has already trained over 50,000 Nigerians.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Through his company Hilt Technology Engineering, Sissoko provides consulting and technology solutions to help businesses of all sizes digitize their operations and stay ahead of the curve.
Ibrahima Sissoko (photo) is a Franco-Malian serial entrepreneur with a passion for driving digital transformation across industries. As the founder and CEO of Hilt Technology Engineering, Sissoko has been providing digital services since 2016, helping clients develop technological projects and digitize their businesses.
Hilt Technology Engineering, with its team of experts, offers a variety of services including technology and innovation audits, consulting, and customized training programs. The company specializes in blockchain, application development, artificial intelligence, and data.
Sissoko, an active contributor to the Francophone business community, has been serving as the President of the Economic Intelligence Commission of the Groupement du Patronat Francophone (GPF) since January 2022. The GPF is a business network present in 88 member states and governments of the Francophonie.
The serial entrepreneur holds a Master’s degree in Management and Digital Transformation from EPITA, a degree in Computer Engineering from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM) in France, and a diploma in Accounting from Harvard Business School Online.
In addition to Hilt Technology Engineering, he has founded several other ventures. In 2019, he established Growth Ground, a London, Paris, and Dubai-based consulting firm specializing in growth strategy and finance. In 2020, he also launched Talent Factory Paris, a network of IT professionals offering product engineering services.
The same year, he co-founded NamX (New Automotive Mobility Exploration) with Faouzi Annajah and Thomas De Lussac. NamX, which designs hydrogen-powered vehicles with rechargeable capsules, showcased its prototype at the Paris Motor Show in October 2022, attracting over 400,000 visitors.
Melchior Koba
Meaning ‘Not Far’ in Wolof, Soreetul was launched to provide easy access to local products.
Soretuul is an e-commerce platform founded by Senegalese entrepreneurs Awa Caba, Idrissa Diatta, Ndèye Awa Guèye, and Bineta Coudy De, in 2013. It offers consumers access to locally sourced products, including fresh produce, cosmetics, and more. The platform aims to connect consumers with products that might otherwise be difficult to find while supporting female producers in remote areas.
"The idea for the Soreetuul project came from the fact that we had noticed that consumers had difficulty finding local products in supermarkets or stores. Women who work in the product processing sector don't have access to the market either, as they are in remote areas of the capital," said founder Awa Caba.
The web-based platform (no mobile app) allows users to find, order, and arrange delivery or pickup of items. It features dedicated sections for Tabaski shopping and gift purchases, offering convenience and curated product selections. In 2016, the startup was awarded a €15,000 grant after winning the Pitch AgriHack competition.
Burkina Faso approved, on Thursday, a draft bill to establish a unique identifier for all individuals within its borders and a national register of identifiers. The system aims to simplify access to services and will issue government-recognized IDs regardless of nationality or legal status.
In Africa, accelerating digital transformation necessitates tight cooperation among various stakeholders, leveraging their collective knowledge for faster progress.
The Southern Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their collaboration in science, technology, innovation, and digitization. The agreement, signed on Tuesday, February 20, marks the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating digital transformation, enhancing capabilities, sharing expertise, and promoting youth exchange initiatives.
The partnership will establish capacity-building initiatives for the Ministry’s professionals and public servants, leveraging the SCO’s resources and expertise. It will also provide new opportunities for youth through educational programs and scholarships, with a particular emphasis on science and technology disciplines.
This partnership is expected to be a key driver for the advancement of Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure, enhancing public services and strengthening key economic sectors through technology. It represents a significant step towards achieving the nation’s digital roadmap, “Digital Ethiopia 2025,” which aims to digitize over 300 services by 2025.
At the same event, OCS Secretary General Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam introduced the Greater South Learning Enrichment Resources Nexus (GreSLERN) digital platform. This open-source digital tool is designed to assist educators in member states and curriculum development centers in implementing a comprehensive and inclusive educational approach.
Samira Njoya
Chinese tech giant Huawei is emerging as the preferred partner for African nations seeking to transition into the digital age. The company is rapidly expanding its strategic alliances with both governments and corporations across the continent.
Wael Lotfy, Chairman and CEO of Enppi, an Egyptian oil and gas company, signed two memorandums of understanding with China's Huawei at the Egypt Energy Show, held in Cairo from Monday, February 19 to Wednesday, February 21. The aim is to boost the transition to digital, green energy.
"We consider Huawei a major partner in providing the latest solutions, digital technologies, and modern smart solutions to accelerate the pace of digital transformation in the energy sector, and enhance the production of digital and green energy, in line with the strategic goals of the energy sector with Egypt’s 2030 vision," said Wael Lotfy.
The first document was initialed with Huawei Egypt Digital Power Business, the Egyptian subsidiary of the Chinese supplier of digital power products and solutions, which will provide integrated energy solutions such as low-carbon data centers and photovoltaic power solutions. The second memorandum of understanding was signed with Huawei's local subsidiary, to stimulate the digital and technological transition among Enppi's projects by merging the expertise and smart technologies offered by the Chinese company.
The transition to clean energy is an important component of the development process. It is important to take this variable into account, and these new arrangements will enable Egypt to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in the power and oil sectors.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Djibouti is preparing to conduct its third population census, 15 years after the last one in 2009. The government and its partners are working hard to ensure that this first digital census is carried out under the best possible conditions.
On Thursday, Feb. 22, Djibouti’s Institute of Statistics INSTAD received a donation of 1,400 tablet devices from Egypt's government. These new tools are crucial for preparing the upcoming digital population census in the nation, aiming to enhance efficiency in data collection and management.
Djibouti's Institute of Statistics (INSTAD) received a donation of 1400 tablets from Egypt on Thursday, aiding its preparations for the upcoming nationwide digital census.
"These tablets will enable us to carry out our 2.0 census," said INSTAD Director Ibrahim Abdi Hadi, emphasizing the equipment's importance for efficient data collection and storage.
The donation underscores the ongoing partnership between Egypt and Djibouti. It also aligns with Djibouti's commitment to improving data quality for sustainable development and its goal to leverage technology for national progress. The digital census aims to modernize operations and position Djibouti as a regional leader in demographic statistics.
Samira Njoya
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British financial technology firm TerraPay announced today an agreement with Diamond Trust Bank Uganda (DTB Uganda). The agreement aims to develop international money transfers and enhance financial inclusion in Uganda.
Telecommunications giant Orange Group, operating in 18 countries across Africa and the Middle East, is ramping up its efforts to accelerate digital transformation through technology competitions. These initiatives aim to support promising projects and foster innovation in its markets.
Jordanian healthcare technology startup OptiGuide emerged victorious at the first international Orange Summer Challenge (OSC) grand finale on Tuesday, February 20.
The competition saw national winners from eleven African and Middle Eastern countries compete for the top prize, awarded during a ceremony organized by Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) in Casablanca, Morocco.
OptiGuide's six-member team impressed the jury with their proposal: an intelligent assistance bracelet designed for the visually impaired. This assistive technology, paired with an AI-powered mobile application, improves user safety by providing real-time identification of obstacles and potential dangers.
The OSC is a three-month internship program organized by Orange Digital Centers. Young talents compete by proposing technological projects within various sectors, aligned with a specific theme. This year's theme, "Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things: a winning duo to meet tomorrow's challenges," attracted 253 participants across the region with a total of 46 innovative tec projects proposed, tackling challenges in sectors like environment, health, education, and agriculture. Notably, all participants had access to Orange Digital Centers, free-access infrastructures offering training and support for those seeking to develop their digital skills or pursue digital career paths.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Recognizing the critical need for collective action, African nations are increasingly forming partnerships to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. Stakeholders from both the public and private sectors are joining forces to strengthen defenses and create a safer digital environment across the continent.
The African Criminal Police Agency (AFRIPOL) and cybersecurity specialist Group-IB signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to bolster collaboration against cybercrime across the continent.
AFRIPOL Acting Executive Director Jalel Chelba (photo, right) hailed the agreement as empowering "African countries to tackle cybercrime with greater effectiveness and efficiency, thereby boosting confidence in the African cyberspace."
Under the partnership, Russian firm Group-IB will share its expertise in cyber investigations, reverse engineering, and incident management with AFRIPOL personnel throughout Africa.
Joint initiatives will focus on cyber threat monitoring, fraud, phishing prevention, tracking compromised payment details, and raising awareness.
The move underscores both parties' commitment to strengthening cybersecurity in Africa, a region estimated to lose $3.5 billion annually to cyberattacks, according to a June 2023 report by US consultancy Kearney. The report also highlighted the region's low cyber resilience level.
Samira Njoya
While venture capital funding in Africa's technology sector was down in 2023 compared with 2022, local initiatives are being put in place to give fresh impetus to the sector, which remains attractive.
Egyptian venture capital firm Sawari Ventures announced plans to launch a $150 million fund dedicated to financing Egyptian startups, aiming to revive the country's tech ecosystem amid a broader funding slowdown.
The announcement, made on Monday by co-founder Hani Al Sanbati, highlights Sawari's commitment to investing in sectors with potential growth, including fintech, edtech, healthtech, green tech, and deep tech. The firm has already supported over 500 startups across the Arab world since its inception in 2010.
This initiative comes at a critical juncture for African tech funding, with investments declining across the continent, including in Egypt, one of the region's most established ecosystems. According to Partech Africa's "2023 Africa Tech Venture Capital" report, Egyptian startups raised $433 million in 2023, a 45% drop from the previous year.
Adoni Conrad Quenum