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Ethiopia inaugurates a smart police station in Addis Ababa to digitize public services.
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The system uses AI and centralized data to reduce processing time and human error.
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Authorities plan to scale the pilot model to other cities.
Ethiopia inaugurates a smart police station in its capital Addis Ababa and targets simplified, faster and continuous access to public services. The Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reports the announcement on Sunday, March 22.
Users interact directly with self-service digital kiosks in this next-generation police station. They use interactive screens and remote video assistance to file complaints, submit documents and pay fines without visiting a traditional counter.
Moreover, the system operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week. It removes time constraints that typically affect public administration services.
“This innovation improves significantly the quality of service offered to citizens and strengthens the judicial system and police services,” says Andnet Sisay, head of the technology department at the Ethiopian Federal Police.
The system relies on technologies such as artificial intelligence and centralized data management. It reduces processing times significantly and limits human errors linked to manual procedures.
This transformation reshapes the relationship between users and public administration. It reduces physical interactions and limits informal practices, thereby strengthening service transparency.
The station operates with reduced on-site staff while officers provide remote support and ensure continuous case monitoring. Authorities design the project as a pilot and consider expansion to other cities across the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Senegal launches operational phase of its New Deal Technologique to accelerate digital transformation of government and economy.
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Authorities plan CFA1,100 billion ($1.95 billion) in investments under Vision 2050, including connectivity, data centers and sovereign cloud.
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Flagship platforms aim to centralize public services, streamline payments and expand access for citizens and the diaspora.
The Senegalese government launched, on Tuesday, March 23, the flagship projects of the New Deal Technologique. This launch marks the transition to the operational phase of a strategy designed to accelerate the digital transformation of public administration and the broader economy. One year after announcing the initiative, authorities are now focusing on deploying digital platforms and infrastructure to modernize public services, strengthen digital sovereignty and improve citizens’ access to government services.
A one-stop shop to streamline public services
Among the flagship initiatives, the “e-Senegal” platform acts as a one-stop shop that allows citizens and businesses to access administrative procedures online. The government aims to centralize public services through a single entry point in order to reduce processing times, limit travel and improve transparency.
In parallel, the “e-Consulat” solution targets the diaspora by providing digital access to consular services. Meanwhile, the “SenTrésor” platform introduces a unified electronic payment system for public fees, including taxes, customs duties and local government services.
These tools rely on a national interoperability platform that enables real-time data exchange between administrations. This system follows the “once only” principle, which requires users to submit their data only once and prevents repeated requests for the same information.
Stronger governance to avoid fragmentation
The rollout of these projects includes a restructuring of digital governance. The government established the Digital Governance Committee (GouvNum) in March 2025 to coordinate state-led digital initiatives and ensure policy coherence.
This approach aims to address inefficiencies linked to the proliferation of uncoordinated projects across ministries. At the same time, the National Digital Council, composed of sector experts, provides advisory support to guide strategic decisions and anticipate technological shifts.
Connectivity and innovation at the core of the strategy
The program forms part of the Vision Sénégal 2050, which outlines an investment portfolio of CFA 1,100 billion ($1.95 billion) over 2025–2034. The plan also includes a digital inclusion component that aims to connect more than one million people in underserved areas and reduce geographic disparities in internet access.
The government is investing in sovereign infrastructure, including the deployment of data centers in Diamniadio and Orana. Authorities also plan to increase national bandwidth from 600 Mbps to 20 Gbps. In addition, the state is developing a sovereign cloud to host sensitive public data locally, as cybersecurity becomes a strategic priority.
At the same time, the Start-up Act, now in the implementation phase, aims to structure the entrepreneurial ecosystem by facilitating funding and support for innovative startups.
A structural transformation of public action
Beyond digital tools, authorities present the initiative as a deep transformation of how the state operates. The government aims to move from a fragmented administration to an integrated system that centers on users and leverages data.
With this deployment phase, Senegal seeks to build a coherent digital ecosystem that supports public sector performance and drives a competitive digital economy.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The Africa Technology Expo returns to Lagos for its third edition, now expanded to two days with a stronger business focus. The event will bring together executives, tech professionals and regulators on June 26-27 to drive partnerships, investment and innovation. The programme includes robotics, drones, connectivity, masterclasses and networking. Organisers aim to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem and support practical partnerships to shape the continent’s tech future.
The E-Gov'A Exhibition, dedicated to e-governance and digital innovation in Africa, has been rescheduled to October 14-16, 2026, in Yaoundé. This postponement is designed to maximize participation from government agencies, businesses, and international partners. The edition will focus on artificial intelligence, digital talent, and the modernization of public services, featuring conferences, workshops, a student hackathon, and visits to institutions committed to digital transformation.
The CcHUB innovation center is accepting applications for GATEWAY, a five-year program that aims to train 340,000 young Nigerians in digital skills and connect them to online work opportunities. The initiative will offer training in digital marketing, graphic design, UI/UX, and video production, with support for computer access, internet connectivity, and learning spaces across ten states.
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PayBox Global provides payment and financial management tools for individuals and businesses across Africa.
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The platform offers mobile banking, invoicing, and payment solutions tailored to SMEs and freelancers.
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Founder Philip Boye-Doku aims to improve financial access and efficiency through integrated digital services.
Philip Boye-Doku is positioning technology to streamline payments and improve financial management across Africa. He co-founded and leads PayBox Global, a platform designed to serve both individuals and businesses.
The company launched in 2021 and offers a suite of tools that simplify daily financial operations. The platform adopts an intuitive approach and targets a broad user base, including consumers and professionals.
PayBox Global offers PayBox Buddy as one of its flagship products. The mobile application allows users to send and receive money while tracking their finances in real time.
The app provides a free bank account in Ghana. It also enables users to monitor spending, manage payments, and access real-time transaction insights.
The platform also targets freelancers, merchants, and small businesses with dedicated financial management tools. Users can create electronic invoices, generate payment links, and manage dedicated business accounts.
PayBox Global also provides mobile point-of-sale solutions for in-person transactions. These features aim to simplify cash flow management and accelerate payment collection.
Moreover, the platform enables the integration of financial services into third-party digital products. This capability facilitates cross-border payments and supports money transfers across multiple African markets.
Philip Boye-Doku graduated from Ashesi University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems in 2013. He joined First Capital Plus in the same year as an application developer.
He later served as Management Information Systems Manager at Ashesi University from 2015 to 2020. He then transitioned into entrepreneurship and co-founded PayBox Global.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Algeria launched a national call for projects to develop tech-driven solutions for water management.
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Authorities target innovation in desalination, smart irrigation, and AI-based water systems.
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The initiative aims to address growing water stress linked to climate change and resource constraints.
Algeria is turning to digital technologies to tackle structural challenges, particularly in water access. Authorities are exploring local technological solutions to strengthen water security and address climate-related risks.
The Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Start-ups and Micro-enterprises launched a national call for projects to support this effort, according to a statement published on Wednesday, March 18.
The initiative targets innovators, start-ups, scale-ups, micro-enterprises, incubators, accelerators, researchers from universities and research centers, as well as economic experts and Algerian talent based abroad. Authorities aim to build a national innovation ecosystem in the water sector, develop domestic technological solutions, launch pilot projects, and foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
The program focuses on several priority areas. Authorities are prioritizing solutions to reduce water leaks and waste, improve energy efficiency in desalination, expand water reuse, and promote smart irrigation and sustainable agriculture.
The initiative also supports the use of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things in water management, as well as technologies that enhance climate change adaptation.
This approach aligns with Algeria’s national digital transformation strategy, which promotes the integration of information and communication technologies across sectors to support socio-economic development.
Algeria faces increasing water stress due to its geographic and climatic conditions. The country lies in arid to semi-arid zones, where water resources remain limited and depend heavily on irregular rainfall and overexploited groundwater reserves.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development states that new technologies can significantly improve water resource management. The organization highlights that drone-based early warning systems and Earth observation technologies can enhance disaster prediction and mitigation.
Moreover, solutions such as smart meters, which provide real-time data and user feedback, can improve the efficiency of existing water supply and sanitation systems.
However, experts stress that Algeria’s water challenges extend beyond technology. Abdesselam Malek, a hydrogeology expert, highlighted structural inefficiencies in water management in an interview with the daily Horizons.
“In our country, especially in the South, our oases have endured thanks to resilience in the face of highly irregular rainfall, with diversion dams toward storage areas and ingenious sharing systems. Our wadis in the North lose too quickly flows amounting to hundreds of millions of cubic meters that reach the sea within a few days, sometimes within a few hours,” he said.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Kenya launched a real-time digital system to track births under the 2026–2028 “Every Mother, Every Newborn Everywhere” initiative.
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Authorities aim to use real-time data to detect complications and allocate healthcare resources more efficiently.
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The system supports broader health digitalization and universal health coverage, with over 30 million people already registered.
Kenya is accelerating the digitalization of its healthcare system to improve maternal and neonatal care. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, announced on Monday, March 23, the launch of a real-time birth tracking system.
The government introduced the system on the sidelines of an international conference on maternal health. Authorities deployed the initiative under the “Every Mother, Every Newborn Everywhere” program covering the 2026–2028 period.
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) March 23, 2026
The system integrates digital tools to monitor women during childbirth and newborns during their first days of life, which represent a critical phase. Authorities aim to detect complications quickly and direct interventions where needs are most urgent.
The system forms part of the national digital health strategy known as Digital Health Superhighway, which seeks to strengthen data-driven decision-making in healthcare.
Authorities can now access real-time information on births, healthcare facilities, and the causes of complications or deaths.
“We can now say, in real time, how many mothers have delivered, which facilities handled them and, in case of complications, identify the cause and context. This level of precision allows us to respond immediately and allocate resources where they are most needed,” the minister said.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with broader public service digitalization efforts in Kenya. The country recently launched a digital birth registry that allows hospitals to register children at birth, improving data reliability and access to essential services.
The rollout of these tools coincides with expanding health coverage in Kenya. More than 30 million people are currently registered with the Social Health Authority, which provides access to primary healthcare services.
This expansion is improving access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. Early trends show increased use of prenatal services and assisted deliveries, along with reduced financial barriers for low-income households.
Authorities are also implementing targeted, high-impact interventions, particularly in managing obstetric emergencies, postpartum hemorrhage, and critical neonatal care.
However, maternal and neonatal mortality remain major challenges in Kenya, as in many countries. The introduction of digital monitoring aims to reduce preventable deaths by improving the quality and speed of care delivery.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Algeria launches a digital platform to track import programs for resale activities.
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Authorities aim to curb foreign currency outflows and improve market supply management.
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The reform supports a broader strategy to reduce imports and boost non-hydrocarbon exports to $29 billion by 2030.
Algeria is accelerating the digitalization of trade procedures as part of a broader state reform agenda. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion announced the launch of a digital platform open from Sunday, March 22 to April 30. The platform will allow operators engaged in import-for-resale activities to submit their forecast programs.
Authorities said the system will centralize purchasing intentions of economic operators (activity No. 4). As a result, it will help align supply with domestic market needs while limiting foreign currency outflows. Operators must submit their forecasts via the official portal in line with reforms aimed at modernizing trade governance.
A strategy to compress the import bill
The dematerialization comes as Algeria seeks to rationalize external spending. Authorities have already reduced the goods import bill to below $45 billion in recent years, compared with more than $58 billion in 2014.
The government is now relying on more precise digital data to prevent shortages while protecting local production. Consequently, the new mechanism strengthens state control over trade flows and improves resource allocation.
The platform aligns with a national digital registry project for locally produced goods and services, unveiled last week. Authorities aim to identify import substitution opportunities and support the growth of non-hydrocarbon exports.
The government is targeting $29 billion in non-hydrocarbon exports by 2030. Therefore, it is using digital tools to guide industrial policy and trade strategy.
By deploying these digital systems, authorities aim to reduce informal activity and improve traceability of financial flows. At the same time, the system offers operators a simplified and more transparent process to obtain compliance certificates.
Samira Njoya
South African fintech Happy Pay has raised $5 million to scale its interest-free installment solution, in which merchants absorb the cost of monthly payments in return for higher conversion rates. The funding will support the expansion of its merchant network, reinforce its online and in-store presence, and improve its risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities.
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The Innovate for Impact 2026 competition is inviting early-stage agricultural startups to present solutions aimed at improving food security, productivity and sustainability.
Open to companies from several regions, including Africa, the competition offers a total of $65,000 in prizes. Finalists will also have the opportunity to pitch their projects to investors and industry leaders in Des Moines, Iowa.
- iCard enables users to access global online services without a bank account.
- Platform supports hybrid payments including airtime credit and partner bank cards.
- App surpasses 100,000 downloads as fintech adoption accelerates.
Libyan company Al-Madala Financial Services developed iCard as a fintech solution centered on prepaid cards and digital vouchers. The company launched the platform in 2017, and entrepreneur Husen Matar founded the startup in Tripoli.
The platform allows users to remotely purchase prepaid payment cards that they can use on international platforms, including streaming services, gaming platforms, and e-commerce websites.
iCard offers a mobile application available on iOS and Android, and the app has exceeded 100,000 downloads, according to Google Play Store data. The platform delivers a digital code to users, and users activate this code to complete transactions without requiring a traditional bank card.
Therefore, the solution lowers entry barriers to digital payments and broadens access to global online services.
iCard differentiates itself through flexible payment options. The platform accepts multiple payment methods, including mobile airtime credit and bank cards issued by partner institutions.
This hybrid approach allows the platform to bypass limitations in traditional financial systems. Consequently, the model adapts to environments where access to formal banking services remains constrained.
Beyond prepaid card distribution, iCard integrates into a broader digitalization strategy for payments. The platform removes physical constraints associated with prepaid cards, such as in-store availability, limited opening hours, and loss risks.
As a result, the service delivers a fully digital, continuous, and user-friendly experience.
The platform addresses growing demand for alternative payment solutions, particularly among young users and unbanked populations. At the same time, it reflects the rise of local fintech players that adapt global use cases to African and Middle Eastern market realities.
In the long term, solutions such as iCard could expand access to digital services. They could also act as a bridge between informal economies and global digital commerce.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Joe Kinvi founded Borderless in 2023 in London to digitize and simplify collective management.
- The platform targets investment groups, diaspora networks, and professional communities.
- Borderless centralizes membership, governance, and investment tracking to improve transparency.
Joe Kinvi, a Togolese entrepreneur, investor, and former fintech executive based in England, founded Borderless, a platform designed to help community leaders organize, grow, and manage their collectives more efficiently.
Kinvi aims to use technology to redefine how communities structure themselves and collaborate. He positions the platform as a digital framework to better organize and unify groups.
Founded in 2023 in London, Borderless provides an intuitive and structured solution for the day-to-day management of collectives. The platform centralizes registrations, streamlines membership applications, and enables smoother coordination among members.
Borderless also allows users to manage investments with greater transparency and improved tracking. As a result, the platform targets investment groups, social clubs, and professional networks.
It also serves diaspora communities that seek to invest collectively across borders while maintaining structured governance.
Borderless structures its onboarding process through a series of standardized steps. Users create a collective by completing a registration form and submitting required documents before the platform publishes the group online.
The platform then assigns a dedicated interface to manage members and activities. Members join collectives through invitations or shared links, followed by account creation and identity verification.
Kinvi serves on the board of directors and on the membership and nominations committee of the African Business Angel Network (ABAN). He previously co-founded HoaQ in 2020, a community of creators and operators, and served as its president until 2024.
Kinvi qualified as a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. He started his career in 2011 as an auditor at Ernst & Young.
He joined State Street in 2015 as an internal auditor. He later founded the African Professionals Network of Ireland in 2016 and served as its president.
Kinvi joined Touchtech Payments in 2017 as finance manager. He then worked as head of financial partnerships at Paystack between 2022 and 2023 before launching Borderless.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Cameroon implements an electronic system to collect import duties on mobile phones, tablets, and other digital devices.
- Customs revenue from mobile devices fell from CFA2 billion ($3.5 million) monthly in the 2000s to CFA100 million in 2025.
- The digital platform CAMCIS strengthens traceability, reduces fraud, and enforces compliance with telecommunications access rules.
Cameroon accelerates the modernization of its customs administration with a fully electronic mechanism for collecting import duties on mobile phones, tablets, and other digital terminals. Authorities aim to improve traceability and curb revenue losses linked to fraud.
Fongod Edwin Nuvaga, Director-General of Customs, presented the system on Thursday, March 19, in Douala. He explained that the system forms part of reforms under the 2023 finance law and relies on CAMCIS, the country’s digital customs platform.
Customs revenue from mobile devices has declined sharply. Data from the administration show monthly collections fell from approximately CFA2 billion ($3.5 million) in the 2000s to CFA100 million in 2025. Authorities attribute the drop to fraud, smuggling, tax non-compliance, and the proliferation of informal entry points.
The new digital system seeks to restore tax fairness, enhance public revenue collection, and strengthen operational transparency.
Importers must declare devices through the digital platform and make payments electronically, improving the traceability of financial flows. Customs will control network access: only properly cleared devices, roaming units, or equipment benefiting from fiscal amnesty may connect to telecommunications networks.
The reform does not introduce new taxes and should not increase device prices. It focuses on securing existing revenue and cleaning up the market.
Authorities implemented transitional measures. Devices already in circulation are considered regularized, and distributors have a grace period to comply with the new rules. Small quantities of undeclared devices may undergo simplified clearance procedures.
The reform involves multiple public institutions, including the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency, and the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies, alongside private partners. Authorities aim to leverage digital tools to strengthen fiscal governance and market integrity.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum