• Chad launched a digital platform for its Official Gazette to centralize legal and administrative documents.
  • The portal provides access to more than 68 years of government archives dating back to 1958.
  • The European Union financed the project, while the United Nations Development Programme supported implementation.

The Chadian government officially launched a digital platform dedicated to the Official Gazette of the Republic on Thursday, May 14, in N'Djamena.

The portal, accessible through journalofficiel.td, aims to modernize access to legal and administrative documents, strengthen transparency in public administration and improve the dissemination of official information to citizens, businesses and institutions.

The new platform now centralizes laws, decrees, official statements, public tender notices, approved procurement contracts and various regulatory texts published by the state. The portal also provides access to more than 68 years of administrative and regulatory archives covering the period from 1958 to the present day.

The European Union financed the project, while the United Nations Development Programme supported implementation. The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to accelerate the digital transformation of Chad’s public administration.

Authorities aim to secure and preserve the country’s administrative memory while ensuring faster and broader access to official documents. The government also seeks to improve transparency around public procurement and strengthen the reliability of administrative information distributed to citizens.

The initiative comes as several African countries accelerate the digitization of public services to improve governance, reduce administrative delays and facilitate access to public information.

Governments increasingly view the dematerialization of official gazettes as a tool to strengthen legal certainty and simplify procedures for citizens, investors and legal professionals.

Beyond administrative modernization, Chad also aims to improve access to legal information and strengthen the country’s attractiveness to investors.

Authorities consider national control over digital infrastructure and administrative archives a strategic priority in efforts to build a more efficient, transparent and accessible public administration across the country.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

Posted On samedi, 16 mai 2026 03:15 Written by
  • Djibouti launched a feasibility study for “Digital Houses” aimed at expanding digital inclusion and skills development across the country.
  • The E-SKILLS program seeks to train at least 3,000 young people and women by 2029 with a budget of €7 million ($8.1 million).
  • Djibouti faces severe labor market pressures, with youth unemployment reaching 76.32% in 2024, according to the World Bank.

As digital transformation reshapes labor markets, African countries are preparing citizens for future workforce demands. The World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.

Against this backdrop, the government of Djibouti launched a feasibility study for the creation of “Digital Houses” across the country’s five inland regions. The initiative forms part of the E-SKILLS program, which aims to strengthen digital competencies among the population.

In a statement published on Wednesday, May 13, the Ministry Delegate for the Digital Economy and Innovation said the study represented a key step in defining how the community-based centers would be deployed. Authorities designed the facilities to promote digital inclusion and reduce the digital divide.

“The future Digital Houses will strengthen access to digital skills, support citizens in their use of digital technologies, encourage local innovation and foster economic opportunities within the regions,” the ministry said in a statement shared on social media.

The planned centers will also bring the E-SKILLS program closer to local populations. The initiative aims to train at least 3,000 young people and women by 2029 at an estimated cost of €7 million, or about $8.1 million.

The project aligns with the country’s Vision Djibouti 2035 strategy, the Smart Nation roadmap and the National Development Plan 2025-2030, all of which aim to position Djibouti as a regional hub for digital skills.

Digital Skills and Employment Challenges

Governments increasingly view digital skills as a key driver of economic transformation. The issue carries particular importance in Africa, where youth unemployment remains a major challenge.

According to the International Labour Organization, 90% of jobs worldwide will require some level of digital competency by 2030. Over the same period, the World Bank expects 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa to depend on digital capabilities.

Djibouti faces especially acute labor market pressures. Youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 reached 76.32% in 2024, according to World Bank data, nearly five times the global average of 15.7%.

In the same year, only 23.7% of the working-age population held employment, one of the lowest levels among members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, according to the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries.

Beyond skills development, the Digital Houses could also help reduce connectivity disparities in a country where digital access remains unevenly distributed.

According to the International Telecommunication Union, 4G coverage reached 76% of the population in 2024, while internet penetration stood at 65.3%.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

Posted On samedi, 16 mai 2026 03:11 Written by
  • Algeria had more than 22 million payment cards in circulation at the end of March 2026, including nearly 18 million Edahabia cards issued by Algérie Poste.
  • Electronic payment transactions rose 46% year-on-year in 2025 to 939 billion dinars ($7 billion).
  • Authorities continue to expand digital payment infrastructure as part of broader efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash.

Algeria continues to accelerate its transition toward digital payments as authorities push to modernize financial services and expand financial inclusion.

Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzred told the Council of the Nation on Thursday, May 14, that the country had more than 22 million payment cards in circulation at the end of March 2026. The total included nearly 18 million Edahabia cards issued by Algérie Poste.

The expansion forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernizing payment services and encouraging wider adoption of electronic transactions.

Official figures highlighted the scale of the expansion. Algeria’s network of automated teller machines reached 4,713 units at the end of March 2026 and processed around 235 million operations.

At the same time, the number of electronic payment terminals exceeded 104,000 units, up sharply from around 68,000 at the end of 2024. The increase reflected faster deployment of payment equipment among merchants across the country.

The use of digital payment methods also expanded significantly in value terms. According to data from GIE Monétique, electronic payments processed through payment terminals, online platforms and mobile services reached 939 billion dinars, or about $7 billion, in 2025. The figure marked a 46% increase from the previous year.

Online payments recorded particularly strong growth, with more than 27 million transactions generating over 145 billion dinars in value.

Mobile money transfers also increased sharply, supported notably by the growing use of applications such as BaridMob and Wimpay.

Several reforms introduced in recent years have supported the sector’s growth.

In 2024, authorities established a National Commission for Electronic Payment Methods to accelerate the development of digital payments and strengthen transaction security.

At the same time, the expansion of digital public services, the rise of e-commerce and the gradual adoption of online payments have started to change consumer habits in a country historically dominated by cash transactions.

Despite rapid growth in payment cards and electronic terminals, cash remains the dominant payment method in the Algerian economy. According to recent data cited by GIE Monétique, fewer than 10% of merchants in the country currently operate electronic payment terminals.

Nevertheless, authorities continue to rely on the digitization of financial services to accelerate adoption of electronic payments.

For the government, the challenge extends beyond transaction modernization. Authorities also aim to reduce the informal economy, improve the traceability of financial flows and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

Posted On samedi, 16 mai 2026 03:06 Written by
  • iSchool provides personalized coding, robotics, and AI education for children aged 6 to 18 through live interactive classes.
  • Founder Muhammad Gawish applies a structured, game-based learning model that integrates platforms such as Minecraft to improve engagement.
  • Gawish leverages international experience across education technology, robotics, and consulting roles in Japan, the United States, and Egypt.

Muhammad Gawish co-founded and leads iSchool, an education technology startup that delivers online courses designed to prepare children aged 6 to 18 for future technology careers.

Since its launch in 2018, iSchool has focused on personalized digital learning. The platform uses live one-on-one classes to adapt instruction to each student’s pace, while providing parents with real-time tracking of their children’s progress.

The company covers a wide range of disciplines, including programming, video game development, mobile application development, web design, data science and artificial intelligence. To increase engagement, the platform integrates interactive environments such as Minecraft, turning coding concepts into game-based learning experiences.

iSchool structures its curriculum by age group and academic level. Younger students learn basic logic and introductory digital skills, while older students work on advanced projects such as application development, 3D games and digital interfaces.

Gawish also brings a multidisciplinary background to the venture. He holds a degree in electrical and telecommunications engineering from Cairo University, earned in 2018, and he continues to work as a freelance consultant in educational technologies.

He also serves as coordinator for international sumo robotics activities at Fujisoft, further strengthening his exposure to applied robotics education and innovation ecosystems.

Earlier in his career, Gawish worked in research and development at AmpereRobotics in 2015. He later completed a business development internship at The Coca-Cola Company in 2017 in the United States.

In 2019, he joined xTool Education (formerly Makeblock) as a STEAM education consultant, focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics learning programs.

In 2015, Gawish placed second in the NOOR IoT competition at Cairo ICT, marking an early recognition of his work in emerging technologies.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

Posted On samedi, 16 mai 2026 02:55 Written by
  • Senegalese healthtech startup ASKcare develops point-of-care diagnostic tools for underserved rural communities.
  • The company focuses on early disease detection, particularly cervical cancer screening and treatment.
  • ASKcare plans to expand its healthcare network across several African countries by 2030.

Senegalese healthtech startup ASKcare aims to improve healthcare access in rural areas by deploying medical tools closer to patients.

Medical biologist Aïssatou Diallo founded the company in 2021. ASKcare develops “Point of Care” diagnostic tools that deliver medical results directly at treatment sites without relying on complex hospital infrastructure.

“Founded with the mission of democratizing healthcare, ASKcare is guided by values of solidarity, innovation and social justice. The company works closely with local communities to adapt its solutions to the realities and specific needs of each region,” the startup said.

The company distributes rapid diagnostic tests, digital colposcopes and thermocoagulation devices that treat precancerous lesions during a single visit.

ASKcare targets one of Africa’s major healthcare challenges: limited access to screening services in areas located far from urban medical centers. ASKcare said it works with several health centers, laboratories and community organizations across Senegal. The company combines biomedical equipment supply, maintenance services and financing solutions tailored to low-resource healthcare facilities.

At the same time, the startup develops a mobile healthcare approach that allows medical teams to organize screening campaigns directly in remote communities. The company believes that proximity-based healthcare delivery can improve early diagnosis and expand preventive care coverage in underserved regions.

Beyond Senegal, ASKcare plans to gradually expand into several African countries by 2030. The company aims to build a network of accessible medical solutions in regions that remain underserved by specialized healthcare infrastructure.

The emergence of startups such as ASKcare reflects the broader growth of African health technology companies focused on accessibility, prevention and locally adapted medical solutions.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

 

Posted On samedi, 16 mai 2026 02:44 Written by
  • South African startup DataProphet develops industrial intelligence tools that optimize manufacturing performance through real-time data analysis.
  • The company centralizes machine and production data to reduce defects, bottlenecks and operational losses.
  • Founder Daniel Schwartzkopff previously launched ventures in mobile services and cryptocurrency betting before focusing on industrial AI.

South African serial entrepreneur Daniel Schwartzkopff co-founded and leads DataProphet, a company that uses industrial intelligence to transform manufacturing data into operational performance tools.

The company moves away from traditional factory management methods by promoting full interconnection across production sites. Its platform centralizes machine intelligence and tracks anomalies in real time, allowing manufacturers to improve precision and operational efficiency.

Founded in 2014 as a consulting firm, DataProphet later pivoted toward developing its own technology solutions. The company aims to help factories understand their day-to-day operations in order to eliminate waste, production defects and bottlenecks. By centralizing information generated by industrial equipment, DataProphet provides strategic decision-making tools for operators, engineers and production managers.

The company first evaluates a factory’s ability to use operational data effectively. It then helps manufacturers improve the quality of collected information, consolidate data from multiple machines and monitor production-line performance in real time.

DataProphet also provides visualization tools that allow manufacturers to oversee operations more efficiently and detect anomalies quickly. One of the company’s flagship products is DataProphet Connect, a platform designed to aggregate industrial data from multiple production sites into a single environment. The platform allows industrial teams to access operational data, create dashboards, receive alerts and analyze equipment performance.

Daniel Schwartzkopff graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He launched free mobile services startup FSMS in 2010. In 2014, he founded BetVIP, which he described as the first online betting platform using bitcoin. He led the company until 2015 before focusing fully on the expansion of DataProphet.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On samedi, 16 mai 2026 02:41 Written by

French cosmetics group L'Oréal has launched a call for applications for its innovation program targeting startups in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Startups working in artificial intelligence or sustainability can apply until July 3, 2026. Selected firms will test their technology with international brands, receive mentorship and scale their solutions across 35 markets. 

Posted On vendredi, 15 mai 2026 08:56 Written by

On Wednesday, May 13, JuiceMe announced the acquisition of Ajiraworks as part of its expansion in Africa. Ajiraworks founder Catherine Ochako will join JuiceMe’s leadership team to lead the initiative. The deal will allow international companies to hire, pay and manage local employees across Africa while complying with local regulations. By integrating Ajiraworks’ systems, JuiceMe aims to position itself as a partner for companies seeking to quickly expand on the continent. 

Posted On vendredi, 15 mai 2026 08:51 Written by

Fintech company Happy Pay announced on Wednesday, May 13, a partnership with Ozow to offer buy-now-pay-later services to South African merchants. Under the agreement, shoppers will be able to pay for purchases in monthly installments, with no upfront payment or interest charges. The solution integrates into e-commerce platforms, helping retailers attract new customers while giving consumers access to a flexible and secure payment option at no extra cost. 

Posted On vendredi, 15 mai 2026 08:47 Written by
  • Debt financing accounted for $305 million of the $600 million raised by African startups in the first quarter of 2026.

  • Startups increasingly turned to non-dilutive financing as higher interest rates and investor caution slowed equity funding.

  • Early-stage companies faced mounting pressure as the number of small fundraising rounds sharply declined.

Debt financing became the leading source of funding for African startups for the first time during the first quarter of 2026, marking a structural shift in the continent’s technology investment landscape.

Debt represented $305 million of the $600 million raised by African startups during the quarter, compared with just $50 million during the same period in 2025, according to data from Africa: The Big Deal.

The shift extended a trend that has accelerated over recent years. According to Partech’s 2025 annual report, published in January 2026, debt financing in Africa’s startup ecosystem increased from $1.01 billion at the end of 2024 to $1.64 billion at the end of 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 63%.

The number of debt transactions followed the same trajectory. Transactions increased by 40% to a record 108 deals across the continent in 2025.

Debt accounted for 41% of total capital invested in African startups in 2025, compared with 31% in 2024 and 17% in 2019.

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“We observed that debt financing represented the most significant structural change of 2025. Although debt financing remained marginal a few years ago, it has become a central pillar of African technology funding,” Partech said in its report.

The investment firm said the increase reflected a lasting transformation rather than a cyclical recovery. A growing number of African startups now generate sufficient cash flow, operational scale and governance standards to access structured and non-dilutive financing instruments.

In April 2026, Togolese mobility startup Gozem secured $24.5 million in debt financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand its vehicle fleet.

At the same time, Kenyan agritech startup Victory Farms obtained $15 million in financing through AgDevCo.

“The figures appear positive at first glance, but the sharp decline in equity financing and the scarcity of small funding rounds reflect a tougher environment for seed-stage startups,” said Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal.

Geographic distribution data also revealed major disparities across African markets.

Kenya led the continent in debt financing during 2025 with $498 million raised through debt instruments, representing 48% of all capital deployed in the country.

Egypt followed with $246 million in debt financing, up 73% year on year, while Nigeria secured $160 million, up 132%. Senegal attracted $139 million, while South Africa raised $72 million, down 45%.

However, the rapid growth of debt financing coincided with a sharp contraction in overall deal activity.

The total number of startup funding transactions fell by 34% between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, declining from 140 to 92 deals.

Small funding rounds ranging between $100,000 and $500,000 dropped from 73 transactions to 32 over the same period.

As a result, many early-stage startups that lack the scale or revenue growth required to access debt financing increasingly found themselves excluded from parts of the funding market.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

Posted On vendredi, 15 mai 2026 06:40 Written by
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