Liberia's incoming president, Joseph Boakai, will prioritize youth when building on outgoing leader George Weah's digital technology initiatives to power economic growth, officials said. Weah, a former soccer star, launched projects during his term to leverage technology and promote entrepreneurship. The incoming president intends to take these efforts further, with a focus on empowering young Liberians through tech-driven opportunities.
Liberia’s newly inaugurated President, Joseph Boakai (photo), pledged to enhance the digital skills of over 10,000 young Liberians during his first address to the nation on Monday, January 29, at the Capitol Building. “In our quest to expand the economy, we will leverage Information Communication Technology (ICT) in creating jobs, especially for our youth. To achieve this, my Administration will train up to 10,000 young people in various digital skills in the first half of 2024. The Liberian middle-class goal must be a reality in the next 6 years,” Boakai declared.
This ambitious initiative aims to prepare young people for the digital age by bridging the country’s existing technology gap and ensuring that Liberians are competitive in the global marketplace. This project continues the digital initiatives of former President George Weah, which included the establishment of a national digital transformation project in partnership with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the construction of a national fiber optic network with Kenyan company CSquared, and the digitization of public services and modernization of the Post Office.
It’s worth noting that Liberia significantly lags in the digital field in Africa. According to the latest statistics from DataReportal, as of the start of 2023, the country had 1.80 million Internet users, a penetration rate of 33.6% for a population of 5.36 million. Additionally, the number of social media users was 642,100 in January, representing 12.0% of the total population. In terms of mobile connectivity, Liberia recorded a total of 4.20 million active cellular mobile connections at the start of 2023, equivalent to 78.4% of the total population.
Samira Njoya
African fintech startups eager to scale their businesses are invited to apply for the Visa Accelerator program, offering three months of intensive training and support from the global payments giant.
The program provides selected startups with 1:1 mentorship, personalized training, and networking opportunities. With the deadline for applications set for February 18, interested parties can learn more by visiting the program’s page.
Plagued by high youth unemployment, Kenya is turning to innovative technology solutions to equip its young workforce and bridge the skills gap. The challenge remains daunting, however, reflecting the complexities of the Kenyan labor market.
Kenya launched the National Skills Inventory (NSI) on Monday, January 29, in a government-led initiative to combat youth unemployment and connect young people with relevant jobs, both locally and internationally.
Backed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the NSI aims to create a comprehensive digital database of skills available across the country. This data will be used to match unemployed young people with job opportunities that align with their qualifications and market needs.
"The digital skills database will support the government's skills migration agenda that is geared to ensure that surplus labor is henceforth exported to enhance the inflow of diaspora remittances," said Shadrack Mwadime, Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
The NSI launch follows the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee dedicated to its development and ongoing management. This committee aims to establish a comprehensive framework for capturing and utilizing individual skill sets, contributing to the national target of reducing unemployment, which the International Labour Organization put at 4.9% in 2022.
Bilateral agreements signed with several European and Middle Eastern countries over recent years pave the way for smoother job placement and migration for skilled Kenyans. The ambitious goal is to export at least one million workers annually over the next five years.
By providing youth with a platform to showcase their skills and access international opportunities, the NSI is a significant step towards tackling Kenya's unemployment challenge. The initiative's potential to boost remittances and stimulate the national economy further strengthens its importance.
Samira Njoya
Across Africa, a rapid digital transformation is fueling the continent's economic emergence. Massive investments in technological infrastructure are laying the groundwork for innovation, job creation, and enhanced connectivity, offering a powerful catalyst for growth.
Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson is teaming up with the Malagasy government to accelerate the country's digital transformation, following a recent working visit by its regional leadership.
Strategic meetings with key partners, customers, and industry leaders explored leveraging Ericsson's technologies to expand mobile broadband, bridge the digital divide, and empower individuals, businesses, and communities.
"The engagements focused on Madagascar’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) landscape and delved into areas of collaboration to leverage Ericsson’s innovation to expand mobile broadband access, drive digital inclusion, and create unlimited opportunities for individuals, empower businesses, and transform communities," an Ericsson release points out.
This initiative is part of Ericsson's #AfricaInMotion vision, aiming to contribute to sustainable development and digitization across the African continent. Ericsson's commitment to Madagascar includes recent collaborations like the 2Africa submarine cable project alongside Vodafone. The company is also intensifying investments in telecom infrastructure across its African markets.
The recent working visit thus reaffirms Ericsson's commitment to supporting Madagascar's digital transformation ambitions, contributing to a more connected and prosperous future for the island nation. According to the company's Mobility Report published in November 2023, mobile subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa are forecast to grow by 3% annually. The number of subscriptions is expected to rise from 940 million in 2023 to 1.1 billion in 2029, with 5G leading this rapid expansion.
Samira Njoya
An agricultural technology entrepreneur, she created a crop and soil management tool aimed at enhancing farmers' productivity and mitigating crop pests. Her innovation has earned her numerous accolades and distinctions.
Maryanne Gichanga (photo), a Kenyan tech entrepreneur and law student at Mount Kenya University, is the co-founder and CEO of AgriTech Analytics. The company, established in 2018, is committed to eradicating hunger and poverty by assisting small-scale farmers in rural Africa to increase crop yields and secure food supplies.
AgriTech Analytics employs various data types, including satellite imagery and data from its solar IoT crop and soil sensors. The device sends alerts or reports to farmers via mobile phones with over 97% accuracy, enabling early pest detection to prevent crop damage and harvest loss.
The company currently serves 2,880 small-scale farmers across the Rift Valley, Central, and Eastern Kenya, with plans to enroll 15,000 farmers by 2024. "There are 33 million farmers in Africa and approximately 4.5 million small-scale farmers in Kenya. Our target market is 2.5% of this demographic in Kenya which translates to 112,500 farmers by 2027," Gichanga stated in 2023.
Gichanga, a former data analyst at Standard Chartered Bank (2013-2020), received several awards and honors in 2023. She was included in Business Daily Africa's 40 under 40 women list and won the 2023 Agritech of the Year award on behalf of her company from Guzakuza, a women leaders in agribusiness support organization, and the German Agency for International Development Cooperation (GIZ).
Melchior Koba
MALhub, a shared workspace in Ilorin, offers budding entrepreneurs and small businesses affordable workspace, training programs, and incubation support. The hub aims to nurture young talent and foster economic growth in the Nigerian city.
Nigeria’s Makers and Leaders Hub (MALhub), an incubator established in 2017, is fostering a supportive and inclusive tech community under the leadership of managing partners Kehinde Kamaldeen and Abubakar Sadiq.
The hub, based in Ilorin, is a gathering place for technologists, social entrepreneurs, government officials, tech companies, impact investors, and local youth. They collaborate to devise innovative solutions to Nigeria’s pressing social issues, with MALhub aiming to be the go-to partner for such initiatives.
MALhub offers training programs to equip its clients with a competitive advantage and provides a well-resourced coworking space for entrepreneurs. Its incubation program offers the necessary advice and resources for entrepreneurs to realize their business aspirations, providing them with valuable insights and practical strategies to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and ensure sustainable growth.
With a strong commitment to promoting women’s participation in entrepreneurship and technology, MALhub has organized numerous Women in Tech programs, supporting over 200 women to date. The hub boasts a vibrant community of more than 7,000 active members and has facilitated the creation and support of over 50 sustainable jobs and business ventures.
Melchior Koba
Ghana's public utilities are joining a wave of digital transformation sweeping across Africa, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in vital sectors like water, electricity, and sanitation. The move reflects a broader trend across the continent, where countries are increasingly leveraging technology to modernize infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve citizens' lives.
Ghana’s state-owned Electricity Company (ECG) announced on Saturday, January 27, the digitization of several of its services. Customers will need to use the company’s mobile app to access services such as requesting a new contract, a sub-meter, or an additional load, to enhance service quality.
The company issued a press release stating, “This paperless system will require prospective customers applying for service to use the ECG Mobile App and follow the prompts therein, including uploading all required documents for the processing of service requests.” It further advised customers to provide accurate information when applying for the service, noting that all responses regarding their applications would be communicated via the contact telephone numbers provided.
Digital transformation is accelerating in Ghana, as in many other African countries, with an increasing number of public bodies digitizing their services to simplify daily life for citizens. According to the “E-Government Survey 2022 The Future of Digital Government” report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Ghana, under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo, is one of sixteen African champions in e-government, outperforming other West African countries like Cape Verde and Côte d’Ivoire.
DataReportal data indicates that Ghana had 23.05 million internet users at the start of 2023, representing an internet penetration rate of 68.2%.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Nigeria's Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (MCIDE) on Friday announced 10 startups that will receive grants under its Fourth Industrial Revolution Technology Application (4IRTA) program in agriculture.
The selected companies, stand to gain up to 10 million naira ($10,977) each to scale their innovations.
"Congratulations to the 10 selected projects as we look forward to working with them in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to support their path to scale and sustainability," said Bosun Tijani, Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Africa's digital economy is projected to surge to $712 billion by 2050, representing a hefty 8.5% of the continent's gross domestic product. This robust growth is fueling digital transformation strategies across African nations, with Côte d'Ivoire emerging as a frontrunner in spearheading the digital shift.
Côte d’Ivoire plans to activate 5,207 kilometers of fiber optic cable in the coming months, part of a total 7,000 km to be deployed nationwide by 2025, according to Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Minister of Digital Transition and Digitization. The announcement was made during a New Year’s greeting ceremony at his ministry on January 26.
The project, initiated in 2012, aims to provide high-speed internet access, crucial for the broad adoption of dematerialized services, and to bridge the digital divide by creating new socio-economic opportunities. The government has partnered with Axians to construct 1,920 km of the fiber optic cable, in collaboration with the National Agency for Universal Telecommunication Services, a public agency under the Ministry of Telecommunications. Sagemcom and Bouygues Energies & Services are also key contributors to the project.
In addition to the fiber optic rollout, the country plans to implement other digital initiatives this year, including the enforcement of a new startup law passed in 2023 and an increase in 4G coverage from 63% to 90%.
These actions form part of the national digital development strategy through 2025, adopted by the Council of Ministers on December 22, 2021. Minister Konaté is optimistic about the potential impact of digital transformation on the Ivorian economy, predicting it could boost the gross domestic product (GDP) by 6 to 7 points and mobilize between XOF2,000 billion ($3.3 billion) and XOF3,500 billion.
Samira Njoya
Following his medical studies, he spent several years working for a U.S. medical company. Despite his background in medicine, he ventured into the fintech industry, establishing his own business with a focus on a QR code payment solution.
Senegalese doctor and entrepreneur, Ibrahima Kane (photo), is the founder and CEO of Kalpay, a fintech firm aimed at streamlining payment processes across Africa. Established in 2019, Kalpay has developed a quick payment application that utilizes QR code technology.
The platform offers a range of innovative services for users, retailers, and businesses, and is compatible with all operators. It features two main products: Kalpay Wallet and Kalpay Business. Kalpay Wallet is a digital wallet that allows users to make everyday purchases, transfer money, pay bills, and even purchase airtime using their mobile devices. On the other hand, Kalpay Business provides merchants, businesses, and financial institutions with digital solutions for issuing or receiving digital payments. It also helps generate additional revenue through deposit and withdrawal operations, while facilitating better business management.
Kane explained in 2019, "Upon arrival, the customer will scan the QR code (printed on a white sheet of paper). Their phone will then display the merchant's name and photo, allowing them to proceed with the payment."
Kane earned his medical degree from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, Morocco, in 2012, and a Master's degree in Public Health from George Washington University in 2015. He also holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University in the USA.
Before founding Kalpay, Kane served as the Executive Vice President in charge of operations and development at Metro Spine PC, a medical services company, from 2012 to 2018.
Melchior Koba
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In a bid to bolster the nation's digital economy, Tanzanian officials have opted to forge strategic alliances.
Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Nape Nnauye (pictured center) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NMB Bank executives this weekend in Dar es Salaam. "This agreement aligns with our Ten-Year Digital Economy Strategy (2024-2034)," Nnauye emphasized, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering local tech advancement.
The partnership positions NMB Bank as a key player in Tanzania's digital drive. The collaboration will see the bank co-design crucial digital systems alongside public authorities. Examples include the "Jamii Namba" citizen identification platform and the electronic "Know Your Customer" (eKYC) protocol for streamlined online service delivery.
NMB Bank CEO Ruth Zaipuna (pictured left) welcomed the partnership, stating, "Strengthening the digital economy benefits both NMB Bank and the broader financial sector by enabling improved delivery of financial services across the country."
This move aligns with President Samia Suluhu's vision of a thriving digital economy as a vital engine for Tanzania's development. The country's growing online presence is undeniable, with DataReportal data citing 21 million internet users and 4.90 million social media users as of 2023, translating to a 31.6% internet penetration rate.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Bosun Tijani's tenure as the Digital Minister has seen a surge in programs aligned with national strategy. This new program is dedicated to enhancing the skills of civil servants.
Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani (photo, right), announced the launch of DevsInGovernment on Friday, January 26, via social media platform X. The initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants and improve public service delivery.
"To build a digitally empowered Civil Service for Nigeria, we recently launched DevsInGovernment," Tijani wrote. "This community of technologists and tech enthusiasts in public service will collaborate to drive efficiency in the delivery of public services. They will also champion our Digital Public Infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming public services."
This move aligns with Nigeria's national digital transformation strategy. However, despite government investments, the country lacks a strong e-government presence, ranking outside the top 16 performers in Africa, according to the UN DESA's 2022 "E-Government Survey."
“When we empower these people, when we create the community as a platform for Serendipity a lot will happen. They can collaborate, they can share their pains; they can access resources together and we can also focus on supporting them with continuous personal development as well just to ensure that even as we aspire to deeply use technology, we have the workforce to also back them as well," Tijani explained.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Fueled by tech ambitions, Nigeria rolls out initiatives with private partners to revitalize its economy and boost citizen empowerment.
Tech4Dev, a social enterprise promoting digital inclusivity in Africa, has launched "DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0," aiming to train two million Nigerians in basic and intermediate digital skills. Backed by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the initiative targets youth, young adults, and civil servants across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
"The Digital for All Challenge is a free digital skill-building competition and program to increase digital literacy in Nigeria and ignite interest in obtaining digital skills and certifications using online platforms," stated NITDA.
The challenge unfolds in two stages: training followed by a competitive track. Participants need to pass a post-training assessment to enter the competition, consisting of national, regional, and a grand final stage. Over 150 million naira ($166,657) in cash prizes, laptops, tablets, and other rewards await winners.
DigitalForAllChallenge aligns with the Nigerian government's push for digital literacy, aiming to achieve a 70% rate by 2027 and cultivate three million tech talents. As Kashifu Abdullahi, NITDA Director General, highlighted, this initiative seeks to address both domestic and global talent needs, contributing to the global value chain.
Starting February 5, the program offers three tracks: young learners (8-15), young adults (16-45), and civil servants. This comprehensive approach aims to equip diverse cohorts with essential digital skills, empowering them to participate in the nation's digital future.
Samira Njoya
Through its programs and activities, Innovate Durban promotes an ecosystem where innovation drives economic and social progress.
Innovate Durban, a non-profit company established in 2013 by the eThekwini municipality, fosters a vibrant innovation ecosystem in South Africa's coastal city. Its mission is to stimulate entrepreneurship, drive economic growth, and create jobs through initiatives leveraging the potential of the 4th industrial revolution.
The organization initially served as a forum connecting stakeholders - entrepreneurs, businesses, academia, government, and civil society - within the local innovation landscape. Officially registered as a non-profit in 2017, it has since expanded its offerings to provide practical support for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Innovate Durban boasts a range of services, including virtual and coworking spaces equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and other specialized machinery. Its flagship program, The Start Up Support Program, guides innovators from concept to commercialization through a 12-month process with business and technical skill development, prototype funding facilitation, and connections to angel investors.
Design thinking workshops and training programs are offered through Innovation Co-Lab, an innovation center designed to empower individuals and communities. Tailored to meet specific company needs, these programs aim to nurture innovative problem-solving skills, foster new business ventures, create jobs, and tackle social challenges.
The organization's success relies on collaboration with key partners like Open Cities Lab, Standard Bank, Ubuntu, Durban University of Technology, the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs, and the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Melchior Koba