Morocco has been actively digitizing its documentary heritage in recent years. This project is expected to gain significant momentum in the coming months, with the aim of preserving national archives and improving access for everyone.
Morocco's Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, and the National Library of Morocco signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday, aiming to digitize the library's extensive documentary collection. The agreement was finalized on the sidelines of the third edition of the Gitex Africa technology fair held in Marrakech.
The agreement outlines the digitization of ancient manuscripts, periodicals, and donated collections housed within the National Library. The institution currently holds a significant documentary heritage, encompassing approximately 700,000 books and artworks, along with over 100,000 manuscripts. The partnership also includes an overhaul of the library's institutional portal, the implementation of legal deposit for digital publications, and the integration of the Amazigh language into the digital services offered. Furthermore, a specialized software program for individuals with special needs will be developed.
This initiative is a key component of Morocco's Digital 2030 strategy, which seeks to accelerate the country's digital transformation, notably through the modernization of public services. As the custodian of the nation's written heritage and a center of cultural influence, the National Library plays a pivotal role in this strategy. The project also aligns with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who champions the use of digital technology as a catalyst for human development, knowledge dissemination, and social inclusion. It complements ongoing digitization efforts within the administration, justice system, education sector, and healthcare.
Beyond its technical aspects, the project pursues several objectives: to ensure the long-term preservation of the kingdom’s literary and historical works, safeguarding them against deterioration or loss; to expand access to documentary resources for all citizens, including those in remote regions; and to equip researchers with modern consultation tools. Additionally, the project aims to enhance the international visibility of Morocco’s cultural heritage by making its documentary treasures accessible online, fostering knowledge sharing and transmission on a global scale.
Samira Njoya
Nigeria has one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates. To address this, a local startup is using technology to improve the monitoring of pregnant women, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare.
Natal Cares, a Nigerian startup based in Akure, Ondo State, has developed a technological solution aimed at improving maternal and child health by providing close medical support for pregnant women through a combination of digital tools. The social enterprise was founded in 2017 by Uche Udekwe and Joy Chioma.
"Natal Cares is a social enterprise that leverages on the power of mobile technology, machine learning and low cost innovation to help reduce maternal and infant mortality from complications of pregnancy or delivery specifically focusing on pregnant women and Nursing mothers in Rural Under-served communities in Africa," the startup states on its LinkedIn page.
Their offering includes a mobile application, SMS messaging tailored for rural areas, and affordable portable medical devices. These tools enable the collection and transmission of vital data such as blood pressure and heart rate, facilitating the early detection of complications during or after pregnancy.
"To curb the un-healthy delivery practices at point of delivery, [Natal Cares] has developed a basic, ultra-affordable sterilized delivery kits carefully furnished by our team of doctors containing sterile supplies that pregnant women require at childbirth to ensure safe and hygienic delivery."
The solution also delivers educational content on proper health practices, contributing to community awareness. This educational component aims to bridge information gaps surrounding reproductive health, which are often a cause of preventable complications.
Supported by the Tony Elumelu Foundation under the Women Entrepreneurship for Africa program, the startup has also garnered recognition for its ability to adapt technology to the realities of low-resource environments. Natal Cares was a participant in the Winter 2023 cohort of the Canadian accelerator Seedstars.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Moniepoint, a Nigerian fintech unicorn, has introduced Monieworld, a remittance platform enabling UK residents to send money directly to Nigerian bank accounts using various payment methods, including Monieworld accounts, cards, British bank accounts, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Monieworld operates under a Nigerian international money transfer operator license via its subsidiary, Global Wire, and partners with PayrNet, a licensed electronic money institution in the UK.
The app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the establishment of NAM-CSIRT ensures that Namibia is better equipped to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber incidents promptly.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) launched, on April 14, the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) to strengthen the nation's digital security. Funded by a N$20 million seed investment from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT), this initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding critical digital infrastructure.
Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, emphasized that the allocated funds will equip NAM-CSIRT with essential tools, technology, and personnel to effectively and efficiently address cyber threats. This strategic investment is designed to enhance the team's capacity to respond to and mitigate cyber incidents, thereby reinforcing Namibia's cybersecurity posture.
NAM-CSIRT is established to serve as the nation's central authority for managing cyber threats and incidents. Its primary objective is to enhance the security and stability of Namibia's critical infrastructure and information systems across government institutions, agencies, and other key sectors.
As of December 31, 2024, Namibia recorded over 1.2 million cyber events and more than 2.7 million cyber vulnerabilities, with seven major incidents managed during that period, according to NAM-CSIRT. Notably, in December 2024, Telecom Namibia suffered a significant cyberattack, resulting in the exfiltration of approximately 626.3GB of data by the attackers who later leaked some portions of sensitive data on social media.
NAM-CSIRT is expected to serve as Namibia's frontline defense against cyber threats, ensuring swift and effective responses to cyber incidents. The team will operate under a governance framework that upholds the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
Hikmatu Bilali
Intel has launched the 2025 edition of its Community Reach Program, inviting proposals for AI and broadband-powered projects aimed at underserved communities across African Union member states.
The initiative seeks to support solutions in STEM education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental services, fintech, and digital skills readiness. Organizations, startups, SMEs, and institutions leveraging AI, particularly Edge AI and AI PCs, and broadband connectivity are encouraged to apply.
Selected applicants will receive technical support, capacity-building opportunities, and consultancy services to scale their solutions. Applications are open until June 13, 2025.
South African fintech company Stitch has secured $55 million in a Series B funding round led by QED Investors. The round also included participation from Flourish Ventures, Glynn Capital, Norrsken22, and existing investors such as Ribbit Capital and PayPal Ventures. Notably, comedian and entrepreneur Trevor Noah joined as an angel investor.
Stitch plans to use the funds to enhance its in-person payments offering, introduce card acquiring capabilities, and strengthen its online payments suite to better serve enterprise clients across Africa.
With this funding, Stitch is well-positioned to continue its mission of transforming the payments landscape in Africa and beyond.
To secure transport routes and payments in African cities, two tech entrepreneurs have launched a multi-functional mobile platform for shared taxis, minibuses, and other transportation services.
Loop, an e-mobility solution created by a South African startup, is enabling informal taxi drivers and collective transport operators – particularly the minibuses and shared taxis prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa – to digitize their services. The Cape Town-based startup was founded in 2022 by Imtiyaaz Riley and Jamie Wyngaard.
“In a nutshell, the platform brings real-time logistics, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency to markets still heavily reliant on cash and manual coordination," said Imtiyaaz Riley.
Loop allows drivers to log their trips, monitor their finances in real time, and accept digital payments. Passengers, in turn, gain from improved tracking and a secure, cashless payment system. "We earn revenue from ride fares and payment transaction fees. In 2024, we generated over US$1.3 million in revenue," Riley added.
Beyond its core service, Loop also provides a formalization tool. By gathering data on transport patterns and travel behaviors, the platform assists local authorities and private partners in gaining a clearer understanding of urban mobility dynamics and enhancing their offerings. Currently operating in Johannesburg as well, the company has ambitions to expand into other countries within sub-Saharan Africa.
By merging smart mobility, integrated payments, and digital inclusion, Loop offers a versatile tool to help structure transport ecosystems that frequently operate outside formal regulatory frameworks.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
As the digital economy takes on a more prominent role in global commerce, African nations are working to improve the regulation of digital activity. Senegal is viewing digital taxation as a key tool for asserting its sovereignty and boosting its resources in an era dominated by major online companies.
Senegal collected over one billion CFA francs, equivalent to more than $1.7 million, in 2024 from its recently introduced value-added tax (VAT) on digital services, the country's tax authority announced. Jean Koné, the Director General of Taxes and Domains (DGID), revealed the results on Tuesday, April 15, during the international conference on digital economy taxation in Africa, held in Dakar.
Encouraged by these initial returns, the tax administration intends to intensify its efforts to collect even greater resources in the coming years. "We will implement strategies and innovate to ensure everyone pays the digital VAT. It is also about adapting our system to make it more inclusive and efficient," Koné said. Over the medium term, the government is targeting revenues between 3 and 5 billion CFA francs, with projections reaching as high as 10 billion.
Implemented on July 1, 2024, the tax applies to services provided by both domestic companies and foreign digital platforms operating within Senegal. Unlike a flat tax, the taxable base is calculated from the actual turnover of non-resident providers, based on compensation received or owed. This method more accurately reflects the revenue generated within the Senegalese market.
Senegal's standard VAT rate is set at 18%, with a specific 10% reduced rate for sectors facing difficulties, such as hospitality and restaurants, which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tax specifically targets streaming services, software subscriptions (SaaS), cloud computing, online advertising, downloadable games, and paid mobile applications.
While the measure increases state revenues, it also carries implications for consumers. By taxing platforms based on their actual income, the prices of certain digital services could increase, potentially excluding the most vulnerable populations. The key challenge for authorities will be to balance tax efficiency with digital accessibility, ensuring that digital transformation does not come at the cost of inclusion.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Congo signs MoU with Russia's Higher School of Economics to boost digital skills training
- Agreement announced at Gitex Africa, focuses on training youth to support nationwide digitization
The Congolese government has secured an agreement for Russian expertise to enhance the digital skills of its population. A memorandum of understanding was signed on Tuesday with Moscow's Higher School of Economics (EHESE) on the sidelines of the third Gitex Africa exhibition, which concludes on Wednesday.
"To train in the digital field, you need access to digital expertise. The purpose of this memorandum is to facilitate the exchange and advancement of expertise to train young Congolese, because the goal is to digitize all spheres of our administration. And when we talk about digitization, if you don’t have the necessary skills, it’s very difficult," Léon Juste Ibombo, Congo's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, told RT television.
The Congolese government has identified digital skills as a cornerstone of its digital transformation strategy, alongside innovation and entrepreneurship. This priority has already led to initiatives such as the establishment of the African Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA), with support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). In March, Congo also began discussions to join the Give1Project program, an initiative backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Microsoft, and France, which aims to train 25,000 young Africans in digital skills. Furthermore, a partnership has been forged with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, among others.
By prioritizing digital skills training, the Congolese government aims to empower its citizens to actively participate in the burgeoning digital economy and cultivate a skilled workforce capable of addressing both national and regional demands. The World Bank, for instance, projects that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The Bretton Woods institution estimates Congo's youth unemployment rate at approximately 42%, in a nation where nearly half of the population is under the age of 18.
However, it is important to note that the agreement signed in Marrakech is currently a memorandum of understanding, and the specific terms and a timeline for a formal agreement have not been disclosed. Several key details remain unclear, including the number of beneficiaries, the targeted age groups, the selection criteria for participants, and the precise digital skills that will be taught. Further developments will be necessary to fully evaluate the potential impact and concrete prospects of this nascent partnership.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Benin and Mali sign data protection cooperation agreement
- Pact aims to enhance best practice sharing, joint complaint handling, and compliance checks
- Countries to develop shared regulatory standards via technical committees
Benin's Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP) said on Tuesday it signed a cooperation agreement with its counterpart in Mali, seeking closer ties as digital sovereignty issues gain traction in West Africa.
The initiative will foster regular exchanges of best practices and the sharing of operational tools between the two data protection agencies, the APDP announced. The agreement also allows for the joint handling of specific complaints or compliance checks.
Furthermore, Benin and Mali will work towards developing common regulatory standards through dedicated technical committees. They plan to hold joint commissions every two years and organize shared training sessions to enhance the skills of their respective staff.
This collaboration aligns with a broader continental movement spearheaded by the African Network of Personal Data Protection Authorities (RAPDP), which promotes the harmonization of digital regulation across the continent. The move comes as the protection of personal data increasingly becomes a strategic priority for African nations.
According to Africa Cybersecurity Magazine, 37 of the continent's 54 countries now have national laws addressing personal data protection, including both Benin and Mali. However, the effective enforcement of these laws remains a hurdle in several nations.
Through this agreement, Benin and Mali aim to forge a unified approach to the escalating complexities of digital regulation. In a landscape characterized by the cross-border movement of data, the compatibility of legal frameworks is increasingly vital. This partnership could facilitate a more coordinated response to potential threats and help establish a strong foundation of digital trust within West Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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This partnership could help Ghana in its digitalization agenda, improve service delivery, enhance climate resilience, and build a greener, smarter economy. By aligning with a partner like Denmark, Ghana is expanding its capacity to tackle complex development challenges through technology-driven, inclusive solutions.
On April 11, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, held talks with a Danish Embassy delegation led by Ambassador Tom Norring. The meeting explored opportunities for collaboration in digitalization, innovation, and climate resilience, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and draw on Denmark’s global expertise in technology and sustainable development.
The meeting highlighted the growing role of Techplomacy—the intersection of technology, diplomacy, and international cooperation—as a driving force in shaping Ghana’s digital future.
Ghana aims to adopt Danish GovTech platforms like cBrain’s F2 and eBoks to improve public service access. The partnership also supports Ghana’s green transition by leveraging Denmark’s expertise in renewable energy and eco-friendly technologies. Denmark’s experience in entrepreneurship and digital startups could help grow Ghana’s local tech industry. Ghana also seeks to collaborate with the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) to enhance GMet’s weather forecasting and climate data systems, improving climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
Ghana has made progress in digital governance but still faces key challenges. According to the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, which measures how effectively governments use digital technologies to deliver public services, Ghana ranks 108th out of 193 countries, highlighting gaps in service delivery, infrastructure, and online access despite ongoing efforts.
In contrast, Denmark ranks 1st, reflecting its leadership in digital public services, strong infrastructure, and high citizen engagement. Ghana’s partnership with Denmark offers a chance to gain technical expertise and insights to build more efficient, inclusive digital systems. Strengthening such collaborations can help Ghana accelerate its digital transformation and improve its global ranking.
This engagement marks a significant step toward future Ghana–Denmark tech cooperation, with potential to deliver long-term benefits across public service delivery, climate resilience, and innovation-led growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Africa Tech Summit London returns for its ninth edition on June 6, 2025, at the London Stock Exchange, bringing together African tech leaders, investors, and global partners to drive collaboration and investment across the continent’s tech ecosystem.
Preceding it, the Africa Climate Tech & Investment Summit on June 5 will focus on innovations at the intersection of climate, technology, and finance, showcasing solutions for Africa’s green transition and climate resilience.
Under the theme “Where African Tech Connects,” both summits offer a platform to explore trends, build partnerships, and connect with key players shaping Africa’s digital and climate future.
TerraPay, a global money movement company, and PayPal, a global digital payments and commerce platform, have entered a partnership to enable real-time fund transfers across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) for PayPal customers.
The collaboration, announced on April 15, aims to expand financial access by connecting banks, mobile wallets, and financial institutions, making cross-border transactions faster and more accessible.
Through this partnership, users can link mobile wallets or bank accounts to PayPal and transfer funds seamlessly. The partnership is set to strengthen the region’s financial infrastructure and support broader participation in the global economy.
Zambia, like many African countries, faces the challenge of brain drain, with skilled tech professionals leaving for better opportunities abroad. The survey will address this by informing policies that could retain local talent, foster better job opportunities, and create an environment conducive to innovation.
Zambia has launched the State of the Developer Ecosystem in Zambia Survey 2025, a collaborative effort between the ICT Association of Zambia (ICTAZ) and BongoHive, a technology and innovation hub. The survey, announced on April 11, aims to guide Zambia’s digital transformation, with insights on the needs, challenges, and goals of the developer community.
At the launch, Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, commended BongoHive and ICTAZ for their foresight and leadership in launching the state of the developer Ecosystem in Zambia Survey 2025.
The survey will address several key areas. First, it will focus on skills development, ensuring that developers have continuous access to learning and training in emerging fields like AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. It will also tackle employment and opportunities to retain talent and reverse brain drain through targeted policies. Entrepreneurship and innovation will be prioritized, with a focus on providing tech start-ups with capital, mentorship, and supportive policies. The survey will also examine overcoming barriers, emphasizing the importance of improving innovation quality to attract funding and support. Lastly, it will explore the strategic pillars of skills development and entrepreneurship to further boost digital growth.
According to the Ministry of Technology and Science, the ICT sector grew 17.8% in 2024, contributing 3.5% to GDP. This growth demonstrates that digital technology is increasingly becoming a key driver of economic progress. By focusing on the developer ecosystem, the government aims to sustain this momentum and ensure the sector is equipped to meet future challenges. As technology continues to disrupt industries, from agriculture to finance, the demand for skilled developers is more critical than ever to fuel the digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali