Over the past four years, Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea have collaborated on a project designed to enable seamless communication for their citizens traveling within the region, eliminating the need to change SIM cards. This initiative seeks to foster greater sub-regional integration.
Central African citizens could soon communicate freely across borders without incurring extra charges, as regional telecommunications ministers have issued a three-month deadline to finalize a free roaming project.
The decision followed a meeting of Telecommunications Ministers of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) held last week in Bangui, Central African Republic. During the meeting, participants discussed obstacles hindering the initiative, which seeks to eliminate disparities in roaming costs that lead to expensive communications and impede the telecommunications sector's development.
In November 2021, CEMAC countries signed bilateral agreements to implement free roaming. However, the project has faced substantial delays. In April 2024, the Assembly of Telecommunications Regulators of Central Africa (ARTAC) reported that only two of the 213 planned interconnections had been established. These connections involved MTN Cameroon and MTN Congo, and Airtel Gabon and Orange Cameroon.
While the specific obstacles to free roaming were not disclosed, ARTAC's objectives for a 2024 seminar aimed at accelerating the process shed light on potential issues. These include delays in finalizing minutes, including tariff agreements between regulators, late signing of interconnection and roaming contracts, potential technical and legal difficulties for the involved parties, issues related to the separation of roaming and traditional international traffic on direct interconnection links, and the selection of technology for those links.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Africa's digital sector faces a critical labor shortage, threatening the continent's development. Addressing this gap within the next five years is crucial for reducing youth unemployment and boosting economic growth.
Africa's rapid digital transformation, fueled by its tech-savvy youth and innovative local solutions, is creating a surge in demand for specific tech skills. While projections indicate Africa's internet economy could reach $712 billion by 2050, as Google and the IFC highlight, realizing this potential requires a highly skilled local workforce. However, a significant skills gap persists, posing a challenge as digital expertise becomes increasingly crucial across all sectors by 2030.
Software and Application Development
The rise of startups and digital platforms, coupled with businesses embracing digital technologies, is driving demand for developers in Africa. They are essential for building mobile applications, management software, and tailored solutions for industries like healthcare and finance. Google's 2022 "Africa Developer Ecosystem" report showed a 3.8% increase in professional developers, and the COVID-19 pandemic amplified this trend, creating significant opportunities.
Cybersecurity
Trust is fundamental to a digital economy, and that trust hinges on secure electronic systems for communication, payments, and work. Interpol's "African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2024 Outlook" reveals a continuing rise in cybercrime across Africa. In 2023, organizations in Africa experienced a 23% year-over-year increase in weekly cyberattacks, the highest rate worldwide. Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky points out that this expanding threat landscape, further complicated by artificial intelligence, is creating growing job opportunities for young Africans in diverse cybersecurity specializations.
Artificial Intelligence
The increasing adoption of AI is transforming key sectors in Africa, including agriculture, healthcare, and finance, generating a growing demand for experts in algorithm and intelligent system design. Numerous African countries have launched AI strategies since 2023, with Rwanda and Kenya leading the way in integrating AI into public services. The rise in training programs across the continent reflects the anticipated socio-economic benefits of AI, a view supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Importantly, AI's impact will extend beyond engineering, creating new opportunities in creative fields such as graphic design.
Data Science
Data is the new currency of the digital age. As more young Africans engage with the internet, networks, and digital services, vast amounts of data are generated daily, attracting the attention of businesses and governments. BearingPoint forecasts Africa's big data sector to generate $10 billion in direct revenue by 2030, a significant leap from 2019. To achieve this growth, specialists are needed to analyze and interpret data, providing actionable insights for various sectors, including marketing, commerce, and national security. This demand will also create new professional avenues, notably data protection lawyers.
User experience and user interface (UX/UI)
Digital applications and platforms thrive on positive user experience. UX/UI designers, who develop intuitive and engaging interfaces, are essential for ensuring user satisfaction. Market intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence forecasts the global UX/UI market to grow significantly, from $2.2 billion in 2025 to $9.28 billion by 2030. Although Africa's demand may be less pronounced than in other regions due to its evolving digital landscape, it remains a promising market for UX/UI designers.
E-commerce
Africa's e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid growth, with competition increasing annually. Both local businesses and international giants such as Jumia, Takealot, Temu, and Alibaba are investing heavily to expand their reach. Beyond online retail, related professions in platform management, logistics, and digital marketing are also developing. Organizations like MasterCard, the WTO, and UNCTAD are actively working to build and strengthen this ecosystem. TechCabal Insights predicts Africa's e-commerce market will surge from $55 billion in 2024 to $112.73 billion by 2029, representing a 105% increase over five years.
Blockchain and fintech
Blockchain and financial technologies are revolutionizing banking services and transaction security. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, major African banks have accelerated the digitization of their financial services to improve security, convenience, and competitiveness against the growing number of fintech startups. Over the past decade, fintech has been a leading driver of startup creation and investment in Africa. In 2024 alone, fintech startups secured $1.034 billion, representing 47% of the continent's total tech investment, up from 42% in 2023. As financial inclusion initiatives expand, the demand for skilled professionals in this sector is expected to increase significantly.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing adoption is rapidly accelerating across Africa, according to McKinsey. Companies in banking, telecommunications, and oil are increasingly leveraging the cloud to optimize IT costs and reduce operational expenses. This trend has fueled substantial investments in cloud infrastructure, with global players like Amazon, Google, and Oracle expanding alongside local firms such as Africa Data Centres. PwC reports that 12% of African businesses have fully migrated to the cloud, while 38% have integrated it into most operations. An additional 32% have begun migrating select processes, and 19% are exploring cloud solutions. However, PwC cautions that skills shortages are hindering faster adoption. The cloud computing sector requires a diverse workforce to realize its projected growth, with 6W Research forecasting revenues to rise from $20 billion in 2025 to nearly $45 billion by 2031.
Digital Marketing
With Africa boasting over 400 million active social media users, as reported in the Digital Report 2025, the demand for digital marketing professionals is set to rise significantly. These specialists are crucial for effective online campaigns, making social media a vital commercial space for brands and advertising agencies. Recognizing the sector's growth in employment and revenue, some governments are exploring taxation measures. For instance, in late 2023, Kenyan authorities announced a 15% tax on content creators and influencers.
Digital Energy and Green Solutions
The shift towards renewable energy and digital energy management solutions is a key priority for many development organizations, including the French Development Agency (AFD). The increasing frequency of hackathons focused on these topics underscores the growing need for specialized talent in this area. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also emphasizes the critical role of these technologies in modernizing energy infrastructure worldwide, particularly in Africa.
These emerging digital fields represent significant opportunities for Africa's youth, who constitute 60% of the population. The World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs 2025" report underscores the growing importance of tech skills, particularly in AI and big data, alongside creative thinking and socio-emotional skills.
To capitalize on these opportunities, investment in education and training is essential. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions is crucial to prepare Africa's future workforce.
Muriel EDJO
The startup aims to drive financial inclusion in Egypt by offering user-friendly and secure digital payment solutions. Their platform streamlines transactions for millions, accelerating the country's shift towards a digital economy.
Basata Pay is an Egyptian e-payment gateway that links service providers, merchants, and consumers across the country.
Founded in 2009 through the merger of Bee and Masary, the Cairo-based company is now led by Chief Executive Officer Karim Shehata, who took the helm in 2022.
"Basata offers a secure and user-friendly financial payment system, integrating fintech solutions to connect service providers, merchants, and consumers. This innovative platform serves over 40 million users in Egypt, leveraging a network of 150,000 points of sale nationwide," the platform indicates on its website.
Through Basata Pay, users can conveniently pay phone bills, renew internet subscriptions, and settle payments for a range of public and private services, including electricity, water, school fees, transportation, and online gaming.
Spanning all 27 of Egypt's governorates, the service's extensive network of over 150,000 points of sale enables users to easily top up their e-wallets and make payments. Recharge options include Mastercard, Visa, and Meeza.
The company also offers a mobile application, available on iOS, AppGallery (Huawei), and Android, which has been downloaded more than 10,000 times on the Google Play Store, according to the platform. Users can access Basata Pay's services by creating a simple account.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping economies and societies, transforming public services, industry, and innovation, among other sectors. By investing in this technology, Morocco aims to strengthen its competitiveness and digital sovereignty.
Moroccan and U.S. officials discussed deepening collaboration in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) during meetings in Washington on Monday, March 17, as part of efforts to accelerate Morocco's tech ambitions.
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco's Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, met with Steve Lang, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, and Leila Elmergawi, Director of Global AI Strategy and Policy at the U.S. State Department. The discussions focused on Morocco’s AI roadmap and the Morocco Digital Plan 2030, reinforcing a shared commitment to digital innovation.
"We reaffirmed the strong Morocco-US partnership, advancing cooperation in digital transformation and artificial intelligence to foster innovation and shared prosperity for both our nations," said Youssef Amrani, Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States.
This strategic alliance supports Morocco's "Digital Morocco 2030" initiative, designed to establish the nation as a premier African technology hub. AI is pivotal in this vision, particularly for modernizing public services. Morocco intends to deploy AI-driven solutions to automate administrative processes, analyze data, and enhance service delivery, aiming to leap from 90th to 50th place in the United Nations Online Services Index by 2030.
The United States, according to the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) AI Index, stands as the global leader in AI, excelling in research, development, and economic impact. Notably, U.S. private sector AI investment ($67.2 billion) dwarfs China's ($7.8 billion), and the U.S. produces significantly more machine learning models (61 vs. 15).
Morocco's strategy leverages this U.S. expertise to expedite its digital transformation and boost its international competitiveness. Enhanced cooperation could unlock access to cutting-edge technologies, bolster digital infrastructure, and attract crucial AI-sector investments. Through strategic knowledge transfer, Morocco also seeks to cultivate its research and innovation capabilities, nurturing a dynamic and competitive domestic AI ecosystem.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
To bridge Africa's digital divide, investment in infrastructure and connectivity is crucial, offering an opportunity to enhance economic inclusion in remote regions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) secured $500 million to improve internet access for 30 million citizens, addressing structural challenges in its digital sector.
The project, co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the World Bank, aims to expand connectivity nationwide and make internet access more affordable by reducing costs and improving network coverage, particularly in underserved areas.
The agreement was signed on Friday, March 14, by DRC Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Li-Botayi and French Ambassador to the DRC Rémi Maréchaux.
The DRC's digital sector faces challenges including uneven network coverage, limited internet access, and inadequate infrastructure, hindering economic development and digital inclusion. As of June 30, 2024, the DRC had 59.7 million mobile phone subscribers and 30.7 million mobile internet subscribers out of an estimated population of 95.2 million, according to official figures.
According to the GSM Association (GSMA), 40 million Congolese lack mobile internet access. Meanwhile, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports 3G coverage reaches 55% of the population, while 2G coverage stands at 45%.
Part of the $500 million funding will be allocated to modernize Boma, a city heavily impacted by an economic crisis due to a slowdown in port activities.
The agreement is part of broader efforts to modernize the digital sector and democratize technology access. By strengthening digital infrastructure, the initiative aims to address accessibility and connectivity challenges, paving the way for new economic and social opportunities.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Madagascar aims to accelerate its digital transformation, making it a key economic driver across all sectors, including healthcare.
The Malagasy government launched a hospital digitalization project, with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications (MDNPT) signing a partnership agreement on Friday, March 14.
The project aims to improve governance and transparency in public hospitals and increase access to healthcare.
"Several stages are planned in this project, but optimizing the patient journey and improving patient care have been identified as priorities, as they have a direct impact on the daily lives of the Malagasy population," the MDNPT said in a Facebook statement. Minister of Public Health Zely Arivelony Randriamanantany said digital tools and systems would improve patient management and financial transaction monitoring.
The initiative aligns with Madagascar's 2023-2028 Five-Year Strategic Digital Plan, which seeks to position the country as a key player in Africa's digital economy. In the healthcare sector, the government aims to invest in human capital, improve governance, increase access to care, and strengthen public confidence in the national health system.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the program could enhance healthcare services and optimize decision-making through real-time data collection, storage, and analysis. In its 2024 report, "Health Data Digitalization in Africa: Unlocking the Potential," the WHO stated, "This data-driven approach helps healthcare professionals choose appropriate treatments and supports policymakers in developing impactful health policies."
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In Africa, digital transformation is accelerating the rise of innovative startups that leverage technology to meet the needs of local populations. However, these young companies face several challenges.
Angola's National Institute for the Support of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (INAPEM) and the National Institute for the Promotion of the Information Society (INFOSI) signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday, March 14, to support startup development.
The agreement aims to establish a collaborative framework to bolster INFOSI's DIGITAL.AO incubation program, with both agencies committing to joint actions to assist Angolan startups and digital entrepreneurs, fostering innovation. INAPEM will provide institutional and technical support to DIGITAL.AO.
"The objectives of the partnership include identifying and selecting startups and entrepreneurs participating in the program, providing physical incubation spaces, organizing training sessions and capacity-building workshops, offering mentorship and specialized consulting services, and facilitating access to investor networks and potential partners," INAPEM said in a statement.
An International Finance Corporation (IFC) "Assessment of the Angolan Startup Ecosystem," published in November 2023, found the ecosystem is in its nascent stage, characterized by a low number of startups, approximately 125, and resource limitations. The IFC noted no Angolan startup has yet achieved an exit event.
The IFC believes supporting startups, innovation, and entrepreneurship can diversify Angola's oil-dependent economy and create jobs, particularly for youth and women.
However, the IFC recommends Angolan authorities prioritize a startup law to improve the policy environment for young enterprises across multiple areas. This includes strengthening early-stage financing by direct government involvement in creating, investing in, and maintaining startup funding mechanisms. The financial institution also emphasizes integrating entrepreneurship, digital skills, and coding into the national education system, and establishing more vocational training schools to enhance the talent pool.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As digital innovation gradually transforms Africa’s agricultural sector, Kilimo Bando is emerging as an appealing option for Tanzanian farmers.
Bizy Tech, a Tanzanian startup founded in 2015 by Mahmoud Shoo, has developed Kilimo Bando, an agritech solution aimed at improving resource and market access for local farms, thereby boosting productivity and profitability.
The Dar es Salaam-based company designed the service to address key challenges faced by Tanzanian farmers, including limited access to quality inputs, financing, and market opportunities. Its mobile application, currently available only on Android, has been downloaded over a hundred times, according to Play Store data. An intuitive interface allows users to connect directly with certified seed and fertilizer suppliers.
"We identified inefficiencies in access to quality inputs, timely financing, and reliable market linkages for over nine million smallholder farmers in Tanzania. Current solutions lack integration and scalability, making our platform uniquely positioned to fill this gap," said Rahim Shoo, head of product development and business operations at the startup.
Kilimo Bando integrates secure digital payment solutions, facilitating transactions and strengthening financial inclusion for farmers. It also offers several additional features, including Kilimo Akiba, which helps users save within the formal banking system to finance essential services during planting seasons.
Kilimo Bima is an insurance service covering crops, health, life, and equipment, with a particular focus on protecting harvests from disasters or other production disruptions. Kilimo Mkopo provides farmers with loans to invest in and enhance their productivity. Meanwhile, Kilimo Bora trains small-scale farmers in agronomy and soil management to improve crop quality. Kilimo Bando also offers real-time information on weather conditions and best agricultural practices.
The startup claims more than four million registered farmers and over 5,600 merchants. By integrating digital tools into the agricultural value chain, it is helping to modernize Tanzanian agriculture, promote the adoption of sustainable practices, and improve farmers’ resilience to climate and economic challenges.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Algeria plans for artificial intelligence to contribute 7% to its GDP by 2027, with investments in advanced infrastructure driving this goal.
Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki laid the foundation stone Sunday, March 16, for Algeria’s inaugural high-performance computing center dedicated to artificial intelligence in Oran. This infrastructure, deemed a strategic move toward digital sovereignty, aims to provide the country with the intensive computing capacity essential for AI technology development.
During his address, the minister said the center aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to position Algeria as a leading player in innovation and digital technology across Africa. He highlighted the opportunities this infrastructure will offer researchers, startups, and academic institutions by granting access to advanced technological resources. Equipped with latest-generation graphics processing units (GPUs), the center will provide the necessary power for developing strategic applications in fields such as healthcare, industry, cybersecurity, and smart cities.
This project is part of the recently unveiled national AI strategy, which focuses on several key areas, including strengthening computing infrastructure with data centers and optimized cloud solutions, developing education and research in collaboration with universities and specialized centers, and promoting industrial applications to support startups and businesses in designing AI-based solutions.
With this center, Algeria takes a significant step toward technological autonomy. High-performance computing plays a vital role in optimizing AI models and simulating complex systems in critical sectors such as precision agriculture, energy resource management, and climate modeling. By providing direct access to these advanced computing capabilities, the country reduces its reliance on foreign infrastructure and lowers outsourcing costs. This project contributes to strengthening Algeria’s technological independence while fostering innovation in strategic sectors.
Upon completion, this center is expected to enhance Algeria’s high-performance computing capabilities and accelerate the development of AI applications in key sectors such as precision agriculture, energy resource management, and climate modeling. It will offer local researchers and businesses the opportunity to access advanced technological resources, thereby reducing dependence on foreign infrastructure. This initiative could play a key role in the emergence of a dynamic and competitive AI ecosystem in North Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In Fang, one of Gabon’s lingua francas, Ekena means travel. It points to the startup’s mission of simplifying travel procedures within Gabon for locals and foreign tourists.
Ekena is a Gabonese web application launched in 2022 to simplify domestic travel by offering online ticket purchases for boat, train, and road transportation, according to its founders, Teddy Mba Edou and Vilia Mbinda Moussadji.
The Libreville-based startup aims to alleviate the challenges faced by working professionals who previously had to interrupt their schedules to buy tickets in person. "This application was created because we made an observation: in Gabon, it is very difficult for professionals and active individuals to constantly put their activities on hold to physically go to an agency to buy a transport ticket," Teddy Mba Edou told We Are Tech Africa.
Ekena’s user-friendly platform allows travelers to input their desired travel details into a search form, select their preferred travel option, provide necessary information, and complete payment via PayPal, mobile money, or bank transfer. The service also provides detailed information on the products and services offered by various partner transportation companies.
Upon successful transaction, users receive an email with a download link for their tickets, which can be printed or stored on a mobile device. Notably, Ekena does not require prior user registration.
The platform currently allows the purchase of up to five tickets per transaction, which may present a limitation for larger groups. However, with ongoing enhancements and adaptations to user feedback, Ekena is poised to become a significant player in Gabon’s mobility sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
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Like many African countries, the Burkinabe government views digital technology as a key driver of socio-economic development. It is focusing on connecting public administrations to improve services for citizens.
The Burkinabe government has invested over 18 billion CFA francs ($30 million) in developing digital infrastructure, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo told the Transitional Legislative Assembly on Friday, March 14, citing significant progress in the telecommunications sector.
Ouédraogo said the state allocated more than 3 billion CFA francs to assist operators in restoring networks in areas previously destabilized by insecurity. This funding enabled the expansion of electronic communication networks to 44 new localities in underserved regions, improving internet and telecommunications service access.
On the administrative front, 104 new buildings were connected to the National Public Administration Information Network (RESINA), bringing the total number of interconnected public buildings to 2,947. To bolster digital sovereignty and strengthen national capacity, the government initiated the construction of two mini data centers, representing an investment exceeding 15 billion CFA francs.
Between 2023 and 2024, 169 administrative procedure platforms were digitized, with 77 currently operational and 92 in the deployment phase. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Burkina Faso as a key player in information and communication technology (ICT) integration in West Africa.
Despite these advances, Burkina Faso faces substantial challenges. According to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) “Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024,” published in June 2024, Burkina Faso ranks 43rd out of 47 African countries in ICT development, with a score of 30.1 out of 100.
Upon completion, these investments will significantly enhance Burkina Faso’s access to digital services and strengthen its technological autonomy. This, officials say, will establish a foundation for a more efficient and inclusive digital ecosystem, aligning with the nation’s modernization and socio-economic development goals.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
AI presents Africa with a major opportunity to overcome its development challenges through innovative solutions. Countries like Côte d'Ivoire, among the most forward-thinking, are implementing strategic initiatives to leverage this emerging technology.
Côte d'Ivoire presented its national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance on Thursday, March 13. After eight months of preparation, the document was officially handed over to Prime Minister Beugré Mambé (photo, center) for government adoption and its upcoming launch. This initiative marks a turning point in the country’s digital policy.
"This launch marks an important milestone in our dynamic and conscientious approach to Côte d’Ivoire’s digital transformation in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence," said Robert Beugré Mambé.
Fundamental Pillars and an Ambitious Five-Year Action Plan
Côte d'Ivoire’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy is built on three fundamental pillars. The first focuses on investment in skills and infrastructure, particularly through the construction of data centers and sovereign cloud systems to host and secure local data. The second pillar is regional and social inclusion, ensuring that all cities and social groups benefit from digital transformation. The third pillar addresses governance, aiming to establish a legal and ethical framework for AI development to ensure optimal and responsible growth conditions.
The implementation of the National AI Strategy will span five years. Among the initial actions is the creation of a National Committee for AI and Data Governance, tasked with overseeing concrete projects to assess AI’s impact on key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education. Another major initiative is the establishment of an AI hub, which will include a startup incubator and a specialized training center.
A key element of this strategy is the introduction of a "Safe AI" label, designed to establish a legal and ethical framework for AI solutions in Côte d'Ivoire. Additionally, a mapping of AI resources in the country, covering both infrastructure and expertise, will be developed to monitor sectoral progress.
Data Governance: A Complementary Pillar
Data governance is an essential complementary component of the strategy, with a focus on several key areas, including data culture, ethics, security, and system interoperability. The creation of data centers and the strengthening of national connectivity are central to this strategy, ensuring effective and secure data management. The objective is to enhance the value of data while guaranteeing a secure framework for its use.
Through this dual strategy, Côte d'Ivoire aims to become a model for inclusive, ethical, and responsible AI, accelerating its digital transformation to build a united and prosperous nation by 2030. Although the investment amount required for implementation has not yet been disclosed, it is clear that the country is committed to investing in this emerging technology to drive development.
Once implemented, Côte d'Ivoire will join the select group of African countries that have launched a national AI strategy, including Benin, Egypt, and Morocco, as well as other nations such as Rwanda, Senegal, and Nigeria, which have already announced preparations for AI adoption.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The 3rd edition of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) AFRICA 2025 will take place from April 14–16 in Marrakech. The event will unite global tech leaders, policymakers, and investors to shape Africa’s digital transformation.
GITEX AFRICA is a hub for innovation and investment. The event will feature 500+ tech and startup companies, 660+ expert speakers, and 350+ investors managing $200+ billion in assets.
Key sectors include AI, cloud, IoT, fintech, telecom, digital cities, agritech, climate tech, health tech, cybersecurity, and edutech. Over three days, industry pioneers will collaborate and drive Africa’s tech growth, cementing its place in the global digital economy.
UNESCO has already supported the digitization of education in several African countries since 2015 through this program. These include Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Ghana.
The Namibian government has partnered with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to integrate digital technologies into the national education system, officials announced Wednesday.
The initiative, launched March 12, is part of the third phase of the "ICT Transforming Education in Africa – Phase III" program, initiated in 2015 by UNESCO in partnership with the Korean Funds-in-Trust (KFIT). The program aims to leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) for educational development in sub-Saharan Africa.
In Namibia, the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) will implement the project. It includes the creation of a national digital platform with curriculum-aligned content, digital skills training for teachers and learners, and the development of a comprehensive policy on ICT use in education.
The Namibian government considers ICT a key driver for transforming education, as outlined in the 2023-2030 charter project stemming from the 2022 National Education Conference. A needs assessment conducted between June and August 2024 identified challenges including access to digital learning resources, teachers’ digital skills, and the regulatory framework governing ICT use in schools.
"[...]The dynamic nature of technology necessitates continuous adaptation and innovation. If we are to fully harness the potential of ICT fully for enhanced teaching and learning, we must build upon our achievements and address the existing gaps. This project presents us with a remarkable opportunity to further our efforts in the digital transformation of education," said Anna Nghipondoka, Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture.
The digitization of education depends on widespread internet access in schools and homes. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 62.2% of Namibia’s estimated 2.9 million population has internet access, and 63.2% of households are connected. However, the household figure may include households where only one member has a subscription, including mobile access.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji