He designs technology projects in Kenya and across Africa, developing tools for video games, education, and community collaboration.
Max Musau (photo) is a Kenyan tech entrepreneur and founder of Jiwe Studios. He aims to transform Africa's video game industry by creating immersive game worlds inspired by African cultures and histories.
Established in 2013, Jiwe Studios develops and publishes original video games like USAWA, Usoni, and 1001 Nights in Zanzibar. These games immerse players in adventures that combine myths, contemporary issues, and technological innovation.
Beyond game production, the studio also provides a community platform that connects African creators and gamers. This initiative supports the growth of new talent and the distribution of local content. In March 2025, Jiwe Studios launched the Jiwe Game Jams, a year-long series of events designed to boost game development in Kenya and across Africa.
In addition, Musau leads programs at the Africa Creative Coding and Learning Foundation, which he founded in 2018 to promote creative learning and education through play. He also acts as a strategic advisor at Re-imagining New Communities (RNC), an initiative that unites diverse communities for peacebuilding, cultural exchange, and dialogue.
Musau earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Technology in 2013 from the United States International University, Africa. He then completed a master’s degree in Social and Sustainable Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University in 2015.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Musau started his career in 2014 as an ICT solutions developer at Cyberworks Security, a Kenyan firm. The next year, he became chief technologist and coordinator of his university’s innovation and incubation center.
In 2018, he joined Africa’s Talking, a startup studio, as studio lead. Simultaneously, he served as operations director at Decoded Africa, a software development company. From 2020 to 2024, he spearheaded gamification and platform initiatives for Kura Yako Sauti Yako!, a civic awareness campaign that encouraged Kenyans to understand their rights and responsibilities in shaping the nation’s future.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He created a platform aimed at enhancing healthcare access in Zambia. This tool simplifies the process of finding pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical facilities by listing their locations.
Zanga Musakuzi (photo) is a Zambian pharmacist and entrepreneur. He is also the founder and CEO of Medsearch Zambia, a digital health startup aimed at simplifying and improving access to medical information.
Established in 2018, Medsearch Zambia's digital platform provides users with current and relevant information, streamlining the search for healthcare services. The platform features listings for clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories, alongside medical research articles. It also allows users to geolocate nearby medical facilities.
"Access to quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right that every Zambian deserves," the startup stated in 2023. "We are committed to providing a platform that connects Zambians to healthcare providers in their communities. By promoting equal access to healthcare, we can ensure that every Zambian can live a healthy and fulfilling life."
Musakuzi's academic background includes a 2011 pharmacy diploma from Evelyn Hone College and a bachelor's degree in pharmacy obtained in 2017 from Lusaka Apex Medical University. An independent pharmacy consultant, he brings approximately 15 years of experience to the field.
His professional career began in 2009 as manager of Luanshya Chemist pharmacy. In 2011, he became a pharmacy technologist at the Lusaka District Health Office. He then worked as a pharmacist at Netcare Pharmacy starting in 2016. His experience also includes roles at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital from 2017 to 2020 and Kafue General Hospital from 2020 to 2022.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
According to authorities, digital transformation is a key driver of Liberia’s socioeconomic development. It spans several areas of public governance, including tax administration.
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is intensifying its digital transformation strategy to modernize the nation's tax administration. Last week, the agency completed a thorough review of its Domestic Tax Department's standard operating procedures (SOPs) to align them with current operational realities, particularly in light of technological advancements. This review is a key component of a broader national initiative to digitize tax processes.
"We are moving toward automation. Our processes and SOPs must align accordingly. It is critical that we invest more in IT to reduce waste and eliminate redundant processes, including manual auditing. Countries like Zambia are already reaping the benefits of digitization, and we must follow suit,” said James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the LRA.
In May, the LRA introduced a new intelligent revenue monitoring system, developed by international tech firm N-Soft, designed to boost transparency and efficiency in tax collection. The same month, the LRA also expanded its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on three strategic areas: domestic resource mobilization, digital transformation, and institutional capacity building. Additionally, the Automated Performance Management System (APMS), introduced in September 2024, is slated for live operation in 2025.
Central to this transformation is the Liberia Integrated Tax System (LITAS), an integrated digital platform that streamlines tax management. LITAS offers a range of services, including online payments via bank transfer or Visa card, digital tools for tax calculation and verification, and the issuance of tax identification numbers and compliance certificates.
This digital push aligns with recommendations from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which emphasizes that the primary goal of digital tax administration is to simplify and reduce the cost of tax compliance. The OECD highlights, "If paying taxes is burdensome, it results in higher time and financial costs for individuals and businesses. When scaled across the economy, these inefficiencies can represent significant losses in both direct costs and productivity."
Despite these advancements, Liberia's digital tax infrastructure remains under development. To ensure its effectiveness, several crucial prerequisites must be addressed: reliable internet access, appropriate digital equipment, a stable electricity supply, and comprehensive training for tax officials to develop the necessary digital skills for optimal system utilization.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has launched an expanded Summer Training Program in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) and Systel, distributor of Motorola Solutions in Egypt. The initiative aims to train 10,000 university students in ICT and digital arts, reinforcing Egypt’s push to grow its tech talent pipeline.
The program targets first to third-year students in engineering, computer science, information systems, mass communication, fine and applied arts, and art education. Training is free of charge and students can choose from eight specialized tracks: cybersecurity, software development and UI/UX design, data analytics and AI, cloud computing, systems administration, electronics, digital arts, and digital marketing. Participants are also eligible for up to 70% discounts on international certification exams.
Morocco is emerging as a strategic destination for tech investments, thanks to its geographic position, growing digital infrastructure, and strong commitment to renewable energy. The country is increasingly attracting global digital players.
South Korean tech company Naver announced on Friday, June 13, its plans to establish a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Morocco. This initiative is a collaborative effort with Nvidia, Nexus Core Systems, and investor Lloyds Capital. The facility, powered by renewable energy, is designed to achieve a 500-megawatt (MW) capacity to address the increasing demand for sovereign AI services across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
Chae Sun-joo, CEO of Naver’s strategic business unit, stated, "This collaboration will be an important turning point for Naver's cloud and AI technologies to expand beyond Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East to the European market."
The initial phase of construction is set to commence in the fourth quarter with the installation of a 40 MW supercomputer. This supercomputer will be equipped with Nvidia’s latest Blackwell (GB200) GPUs. The site is projected to expand to 500 MW, with its green power supply secured through an agreement with energy provider TAQA.
Naver's decision to select Morocco for this venture is based on several strategic advantages. These include its close proximity to Europe, merely 15 km across the Strait of Gibraltar, an extensive fiber-optic submarine cable network, and a competitive energy environment. Morocco aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and is home to significant green energy projects, such as the Noor solar complex in Ouarzazate, which boasts an installed capacity of 580 MW.
This initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader ambition to establish itself as a prominent digital hub in North Africa. In recent years, the country has attracted substantial investment in data centers and cloud infrastructure, including a separate 386 MW mega data center project located in Tetouan.
Beyond its technological implications, the upcoming data center is anticipated to create skilled jobs, facilitate knowledge transfer, enhance the local digital ecosystem, and bolster national digital sovereignty. It could also draw further international investments in cloud computing, AI, and telecommunications, thereby solidifying Morocco’s position as a strategic nexus in Africa’s digital economy.
Samira Njoya
By integrating these courts into a digital network, the project significantly enhances the judiciary’s capacity to deliver timely and efficient legal services, particularly in remote and previously disconnected regions.
A partnership between the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Judiciary of Kenya has successfully connected 42 law courts to high-speed internet through a Local Area Network (LAN), paving the way for virtual court hearings and improved access to justice for over 6.5 million Kenyans across 28 counties, the CA announced on June 15.
The initiative, implemented at a cost of KSh. 250 million is funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF)—a national program designed to promote equitable access to ICT services in underserved areas.
The deployment of LAN—a system that securely links computers and digital devices within court premises—allows courts to share data instantly, manage cases electronically, and hold virtual hearings with ease. Through this network, courts can now conduct bail applications, plea taking, and even full trials via video conferencing, making judicial processes faster, more efficient, and accessible to more citizens than ever before.
This initiative is part of the Judiciary’s broader Digital Transformation Agenda, which aims to reduce the justice gap by leveraging technology to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability. By replacing manual systems with real-time digital communication and document sharing, the network enables courts to operate with greater speed and integrity, key issues in a justice system long burdened by backlogs and accessibility challenges.
The move is set to significantly enhance judicial efficiency in Kenya by helping to clear pending cases. The State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report had 635,262 pending cases for the FY 2023/24. By enabling virtual court proceedings, the project brings judicial services closer to over 6.5 million people, significantly reducing travel time, cost, and logistical barriers to justice.
The initiative supports Kenya’s broader ambitions to modernize public services, reduce regional disparities, and leverage technology to strengthen governance and the rule of law. It also reflects the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to embrace innovation in line with the Judiciary’s Digital Transformation Agenda and the Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint.
Hikmatu Bilali
As the ICT sector increasingly drives Egypt’s GDP, employment, and export revenues, the demand for skilled professionals is growing rapidly. However, without targeted interventions, there is a risk of deepening regional disparities in access to these new opportunities.
The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Arish University signed a renewed cooperation agreement in the presence of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, reaffirming their commitment to equipping youth in North Sinai with essential digital skills. The three-year agreement, announced June 15, aims to equip young people in North Sinai with essential digital skills, reinforcing national efforts to foster inclusive development and economic resilience.
Dr. Amr Talaat stated that the cooperation agreement aims to train North Sinai youth for freelance work in the ICT sector, creating job opportunities in Egypt and abroad without requiring relocation. It also supports entrepreneurship and the creation of IT startups. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to assisting the University in its developmental role in North Sinai.
This renewed partnership builds on a 2022 agreement and targets the training of approximately 7,200 students from Arish University and other youth across the governorate. The initiative will focus on high-demand fields such as software development, cybersecurity, freelancing, and entrepreneurship, opening up pathways to employment both locally and globally.
The training program includes summer internships facilitated through the National Telecom Institute, support for graduation projects, English language enhancement, and digital literacy courses. These components are designed to strengthen both technical and soft skills, making graduates more competitive in Egypt's growing digital economy.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the agreement also includes provisions for training and certifying local instructors, thereby building a pipeline of qualified trainers who can continue to deliver digital skills programs in the region.
The renewed partnership between ITIDA and Arish University is particularly significant given that Egypt’s ICT sector has become the fastest-growing segment of the national economy for the sixth consecutive year, recording a growth rate of about 14.4% in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to ITIDA's industry outlook.
This rapid expansion has heightened the demand for skilled digital professionals, making inclusive talent development a national priority. By equipping youth in North Sinai with in-demand ICT skills, the initiative not only addresses regional disparities but also ensures that underserved communities are integrated into Egypt’s digital transformation and economic growth trajectory.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital technology is emerging as a key driver of development, with public-private partnerships multiplying to bridge the digital divide, foster local innovation, and improve access to essential services across Africa.
On Thursday, June 12, on the sidelines of VivaTech 2025, telecommunications group Orange and the French Development Agency (AFD) formalized a three-year framework agreement aimed at strengthening their cooperation in the digital sector, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. This agreement establishes Orange as a key partner in advancing digital transformation across 17 countries in the MEA region.
"This strategic partnership with AFD Group marks an important milestone in our collaboration," said Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange. "I am pleased to continue this momentum of international cooperation for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future."
The agreement's core objective is to broaden access to essential digital services and promote high-impact, sustainable digital solutions. It covers several critical areas, including the deployment of strategic infrastructure such as backbones and submarine cables, enhancing access to e-services in education, health, and agriculture, youth training, fostering digital entrepreneurship, and mitigating the sector’s environmental footprint. Furthermore, the partnership will address emerging topics like data ethics and the application of artificial intelligence for development.
This collaboration comes as demand for digital services surges across the African continent, driven by a digitally native youth demographic. However, significant disparities in access persist. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 38% of Africans had internet access in 2024, considerably lower than the global average of 68%. The rural-urban divide is even more pronounced, with 57% coverage in urban areas compared to just 23% in rural regions, highlighting the substantial digital gap.
By combining their efforts, Orange and AFD aim to bolster the digital sovereignty of partner countries and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through localized, inclusive, and responsible initiatives. The new cooperation framework will also reinforce existing projects, such as the 16 Orange Digital Centers across Africa and training programs supported by the Orange Foundations in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Madagascar, and Tunisia, while simultaneously launching new initiatives in rural and vulnerable communities.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He designs solutions to simplify business payments in Ghana. He draws on experience gained in finance, telecommunications, and technology.
Tenu Awoonor, a Ghanaian entrepreneur with a background in technology and financial services, is the founder and CEO of The Blu Penguin, a digital payments company he launched in 2018. The startup offers a platform that enables merchants to accept multiple payment methods, including mobile money, bank cards, or QR codes, through a single interface.
The Blu Penguin targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to streamline their transaction processes. Its app provides a unified access point for managing payments without the need for multiple terminals or bank accounts. All payment flows are centralized in one platform, accessible via smartphone or payment terminal.
The system also includes an inventory management feature. This tool helps reduce cash usage, allows for transaction tracking, and opens access to financial services tailored to business needs.
Awoonor holds a bachelor’s degree in business and technology from the University of Connecticut-Stamford and earned a master’s in finance and management from The Wharton School in 2007. He began his career in 1999 as a support engineer at Aperture Technologies, an IT company.
In 2006, he joined food manufacturer General Mills as a financial analyst. The following year, he became Assistant Vice President at wealth management firm Merrill Lynch. In 2010, Awoonor transitioned into telecoms, joining Millicom International Cellular (Tigo) in Ghana, where he led market research and business intelligence before becoming Marketing Director. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Director of Strategy and Performance Management at Airtel Nigeria.
Melchior Koba
He designs training programs for Liberians in digital professions. He leads projects aimed at improving access to technical skills in Liberia.
Philip Bargin, a Liberian computer scientist, centers his work around training and advisory services to help build a more efficient national economy. He heads Innovation Hub Liberia (iHub Liberia), a social enterprise dedicated to strengthening digital skills and improving employability across the country.
Since its founding in 2019, iHub Liberia has offered professional training and IT consulting services targeting individuals, recent graduates, and businesses. Its programs cover key digital fields such as web development, data collection, graphic design, and database management.
The organization also hosts events focused on technology use, aiming to raise awareness about digital opportunities, connect young professionals with experts, and encourage skill-sharing. Beyond training, iHub Liberia supports organizations in shaping their digital strategies—offering services ranging from website development and online brand management to technical support.
“We ensure participants have a simple and comprehensive learning community where they can share ideas, ask questions, and challenge themselves with the new tools introduced during training,” the organization states. To ease access to courses and interactions, it relies on platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet.
In addition to his role at iHub Liberia, Bargin serves as a project manager at 7ven Oaks, a UK-based company that delivers tech solutions to small and medium enterprises. He began his career in 2018 at the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation, where he worked as an assistant project manager until 2023, while also lecturing at Starz University.
Bargin holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Starz University and a master’s in information systems management from Unicaf University in Cyprus. He also earned a master’s degree in computer science from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology in China.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Digital transformation has disrupted every sector, including the labor market. By 2030, more than 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills.
The Togolese government has unveiled a plan to train 15,000 students from public universities in computer programming and artificial intelligence (AI) this year. This initiative is part of a broader program launched earlier this month in partnership with U.S.-based startup Kira Learning, which aims to eventually train 50,000 students annually. The program's ultimate goal is to boost youth employability.
In addition to teaching Python programming and AI fundamentals, the curriculum includes practical training in English. The course is entirely free and accessible online, combining interactive lessons, instructional videos, and hands-on exercises. It is supported by an AI-powered virtual tutor capable of delivering personalized guidance to learners.
“This training opens the door to real job opportunities, even for students outside of scientific disciplines. In just three months, a humanities or literature student could qualify for roles such as IT support technician, digital project assistant, junior webmaster, content moderator, or data annotator for AI,” the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation explained in a statement.
The initiative comes amid a continent-wide shift driven by digital transformation. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimates that by 2030, over 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital competencies.
In Togo, public universities in Lomé and Kara enroll around 100,000 students. The country also has a notably young population: according to the World Bank, 60% of its 8 million citizens are under the age of 25. While the official unemployment rate stands at just 1.7%, widespread underemployment continues to undermine household financial stability. The World Bank notes that visible underemployment—jobs with fewer than 35 hours per week—affects 60% of the workforce.
Despite its promise, the program has limitations. By targeting only public university students, it excludes thousands from private institutions. Moreover, while the program is free, access can still be hindered by practical barriers such as internet costs and a lack of essential devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones.
Nonetheless, the initiative represents a significant step toward equipping Togo’s youth with the digital skills increasingly demanded by today's job market.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He designs digital solutions to optimize the organization of retail outlets. His work focuses on deploying practical tools to oversee and structure in-store operations.
Tunisian entrepreneur Walid Mzoughi is the co-founder and CEO of Winshot, a startup launched in 2019 that specializes in digitizing operational management for retail chains. Through Winshot, Mzoughi has developed a platform designed to centralize and monitor retail network activities in real time, covering everything from internal communication and quality control to team management and field data reporting.
Based in Tunis, Winshot targets store chains, franchises, and distribution networks looking to streamline internal processes and enhance coordination between headquarters and field teams.
The platform enables users to supervise task execution, report incidents, share documents, and maintain continuous communication through a single interface accessible via mobile or desktop. This solution aims to ensure performance, compliance, and responsiveness, particularly in a context where tracking local operations presents a significant challenge.
Walid Mzoughi earned a master’s degree in accounting sciences from the Institut des Hautes Études Commerciales of Carthage in 2007. He also holds an SA 8000 social auditor certification and an IFME corporate social responsibility credential, underscoring his expertise in social compliance and corporate responsibility.
Before founding Winshot, Mzoughi worked in both the public and private sectors, with a career focused on operational management and digital transformation. He began in 2004 at Tunisia’s National Social Security Fund, where he held various roles related to managing social procedures and digitizing declarations and payments.
He later joined Hayat Kimya, a consumer goods company, serving as supply chain and logistics manager starting in 2012, and then as retail merchandising manager from 2014 to 2017.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is interested in the mechanisms that shape Egypt's economy, particularly focusing on sectors like insurance, where processes are often lengthy, expensive, or hard to access.
Egyptian entrepreneur Shady El Tohfa, co-founder and CEO of Amenli, aims to make insurance more accessible in Egypt through tech-driven solutions.
Founded in 2020, Amenli operates as a fully online insurance platform licensed by Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority. It offers various insurance products—including health, car, home, and business coverage—all accessible via a digital interface. While traditional insurance procedures can take weeks, the platform claims users can obtain a quote and sign up for coverage in just 60 seconds.
The company prioritizes a streamlined interface, rapid processes, and optimized claims management for individuals, families, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Amenli's mission is "to protect individuals and businesses from unexpected costs and incidents by offering a wide range of insurance policies issued by top local and global insurance providers," the company states.
Before launching Amenli, El Tohfa co-founded the AUC Business Association in 2013, a student organization at the American University in Cairo, where he served as president until 2014.
He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the American University in Cairo in 2015. His professional journey began in 2011 with internships at major companies like HSBC and Nestlé, before he transitioned into the startup ecosystem.
In 2015, he joined Paymob, an Egyptian fintech company operating across North Africa and the Middle East. At Paymob, he successively held the roles of business development director and chief commercial officer.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is a strategic lever for modernizing Mali’s public administration. By rethinking its public services, the government aims to boost state performance and improve citizens’ access to essential services.
Mali is preparing to deploy two new digital platforms aimed at modernizing its public administration: civil registry management software and an integrated human resources management system. Both solutions were presented on Tuesday, June 10, to the steering committee for the digitalization of the administration, as part of the digital transformation process initiated by the country's highest authorities.
The civil registry management software, developed by the National Agency for the Security of Civil Status Documents in collaboration with the Civil Status Data Processing Center, is designed to facilitate the registration, verification, and authentication of birth, marriage, and death certificates. Accessible on both computers and mobile devices, the tool will enable citizens to consult their documents remotely, streamlining often lengthy and complex administrative procedures.
The integrated human resources management system aims to centralize data on public sector employees from state services and local authorities. Its goal is to strengthen workforce control, enhance transparency in career management, and improve human resources planning.
These two platforms are part of a broader initiative led by the President of the Transition, General Assimi Goïta, to make the administration more efficient and accessible. They complement a series of tools already launched or currently being tested, including the integrated management system for foreign trade operations, the refinancing mechanism for decentralized financial systems called "N’GNA SÔRÔ!", and the certificate management platform for tanker truck calibration designed for the Malian Metrology Agency.
Through this progressive digital transformation, Mali seeks not only to simplify interactions between the administration and citizens but also to strengthen governance, combat document fraud, and better steer its public policies. According to the 2024 edition of the United Nations E-Government Development Index, the country now ranks 141st out of 193, demonstrating significant progress compared to previous years. These initiatives reflect a strong political will to catch up and reposition Mali among Africa's most digitally connected administrations.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji