With the rapid global shift toward the digital economy, equipping young people with digital and business skills is essential for fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Zambia has launched an Online Entrepreneurship Learning Program to foster digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative, launched on March 31, was unveiled by Hon. Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, alongside Mr. Ville Tavio, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development. It aims to equip young Zambians with critical digital and business skills.
During the launch event, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority’s (ZICTA) Director General, Eng. Collins Mbulo highlighted how the initiative aligns with ZICTA’s mission to build an inclusive digital society.
The program is implemented by Nokia in partnership with Airtel Networks Zambia PLC. It is designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by leveraging technology for business growth and job creation.
Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in Zambia. Data from the Zambia Statistics Agency shows that in 2023, the youth unemployment rate was 12%, leaving many young people struggling to find formal jobs. This underscores the importance of entrepreneurial skills, enabling young individuals to create their own employment opportunities rather than depending solely on traditional job markets.
By providing access to essential digital skills, the Online Entrepreneurship Learning Program is expected to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create opportunities for Zambia’s youth in the evolving digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
• Mauritania launches online criminal record service to simplify administration
• Citizens can access the service via Houwiyeti app and Khidmati portal, available on major app stores
• Government aims to improve transparency and efficiency in judicial processes
Mauritanian citizens can now obtain criminal records online, the government announced Friday, March 28, digitizing the process to streamline administrative procedures, expedite processing, and enhance judicial transparency.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization stated that the service is accessible through the Houwiyeti app and the Khidmati portal, both available on the Play Store and App Store. "The Khidmati portal enables citizens to securely access digitized public services and complete procedures online from any smartphone or computer available in the Mauritanian market," the ministry said.
This initiative aligns with the government's goal of bringing public administration closer to citizens through digital transformation. On March 27, the ministry launched a digital platform to facilitate the creation and management of political parties. The previous day, authorities engaged with insurance sector stakeholders to integrate their services into the developing national digital services platform.
To support this digital push, the government launched the "Digital-Y" project in January, a 4 million euro (approximately $4.3 million) initiative in partnership with German cooperation. The project aims to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, bolster transparency, and stimulate economic and social development.
However, the government's ambition faces potential challenges, including a lack of digital literacy and limited internet and device access. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates that approximately 55.6% of Mauritania's 5 million citizens did not use the internet in 2023.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Tunisia and Sweden held ministerial meeting to explore digital sector cooperation
- Talks focused on telecom infrastructure, 5G, cybersecurity, and startup support
Tunisia wants to deepen its cooperation with Sweden in the digital sector. The topic was discussed on Wednesday, March 26, during a meeting between Sofiene Hemissi (photo, center), Minister of Communication Technologies, and Cécilia Wramsten Usher, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Tunisia. She was accompanied by Nader Ben Ammar, Managing Director of Ericsson Tunisia.
Key areas of cooperation under discussion include the development of telecom infrastructure, cybersecurity, the advancement of 5G applications, and support for startups and entrepreneurship.
This potential partnership could support the government's ambition for digital transformation, which it has made a cornerstone of its socioeconomic development. In 2024, Tunisia ranked 87th globally according to the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI). The country scored 0.6935 out of 1, outperforming both African and global averages, though it still needs to improve in areas such as online services and human capital.
In terms of cybersecurity, Tunisia was ranked in the third tier (Tier 3) out of five by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The country still has significant progress to make in organizational measures, capacity building, and cooperation.
Sweden, for its part, ranks 14th globally on the EGDI. In cybersecurity, the ITU considers the kingdom a model to follow. This means the country demonstrates “a strong commitment […] through coordinated, government-led actions that cover the assessment, establishment, and implementation of generally accepted cybersecurity measures.”
For now, discussions between the two parties are still in the early stages. The exact scope of the potential collaboration has not yet been defined, and no official agreement has been announced. The evolution of the talks will need to be monitored to learn more about future directions and possible implications.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Guinea's Digital Economy Minister met VINCI Energies to discuss tech collaboration
- Talks focused on key projects including Technopole creation, second data center, and telecom upgrades
- Future discussions will define partnership terms and select pilot projects for rollout
The Guinean Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy Rose Pola Pricemou (photo, center) met with a delegation from VINCI Energies Guinea on Wednesday to explore collaboration opportunities to accelerate the country's digital transformation.
VINCI Energies, a global player in energy and digital infrastructure, has been active in Guinea since 2016, primarily focusing on energy infrastructure development. The company is now expanding its focus to include digital infrastructure projects.
The meeting focused on several key initiatives of the Ministry, including the establishment of a technology park, the expansion of metropolitan networks nationwide, the development of a second data center, and the improvement of overall telecom infrastructure.
Minister Pricemou emphasized the crucial role of private sector partnerships in achieving Guinea's digital ambitions. "Collaborating with experienced players like VINCI Energies will be instrumental in accelerating our digital transformation journey," she stated.
Guinea has made significant progress in improving connectivity in recent years through substantial investments. However, challenges remain, such as expanding internet access to rural areas and enhancing the security of digital infrastructure.
The meeting comes at a key moment for Guinea, as the country seeks to modernize its digital infrastructure to support economic growth. The government's "Simandou 2040" vision aims to transform Guinea into a regional technology hub by developing robust digital infrastructure and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.
A partnership with VINCI Energies could significantly contribute to this vision by facilitating the deployment of innovative solutions, strengthening local technical expertise, and improving access to digital services for both citizens and businesses.
The parties are expected to finalize the specific terms of their collaboration and identify pilot projects for implementation in the coming months. This partnership marks a significant step forward for Guinea in its digital transformation journey, leveraging the expertise of an international leader in energy and digital infrastructure.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and AQMAAR Space Technologies, an aviation and aerospace component manufacturer, have signed a cooperation protocol aimed at advancing satellite manufacturing in Egypt. The partnership, signed on March 24, will harness the agency’s infrastructure for satellite testing, operations, and frequency allocation, strengthening collaboration between research institutions and the private sector.
AQMAAR is spearheading the development of satellite swarms designed for IoT, communications, and Earth observation. The company’s business model adopts the use of CubeSats (a class of small satellites), offering lightweight, modular, and scalable solutions for scientific research, commercial applications, and planetary missions. Small satellites built to CubeSat specifications save significant resources, helping to eliminate barriers to space access and exploration.
According to the ‘Small Satellite Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report’ by Allied Market Research, the global small satellite market was valued $3,251.9 million in 2020 and is projected to reach $13,711.7 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 16.4%. Egypt, through AQMAAR’s private-sector involvement, is positioning itself to tap into this lucrative market by developing swarms of satellites for IoT, communications, and Earth observation applications.
The agreement is expected to accelerate Egypt’s space technology capabilities, open new opportunities for research and development, and contribute to the expansion of commercial satellite applications. As Egypt continues its ambitious space agenda, this collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing national self-sufficiency in satellite production and boosting the country’s presence in the international space sector.
Hikmatu Bilali
With Africa’s demand for cloud computing and digital services growing rapidly, the partnership is expected to accelerate the region’s digital transformation, bridging the connectivity gap between local businesses and the global digital economy.
TelCables West Africa, a subsidiary of Angola Cables, has partnered with global Network as a Service (NaaS) provider Megaport to improve digital connectivity across the continent. The partnership, announced on March 26, will allow businesses to access over 930 data centres and more than 300 cloud nodes at reduced network charges of up to 75%.
“This is a major leap forward for digital connectivity on the African continent,” said Fernando Fernandes, CEO of TelCables Nigeria and West Africa. “With our subsea cable and partner networks, we are effectively opening a ‘super corridor’ for the express transit of data and traffic from East to West.”
The collaboration enables TelCables customers to connect seamlessly to major cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Oracle, Alibaba, and Google Cloud via the Angola Cables international backbone network. By leveraging this infrastructure, financial institutions, AI-driven companies, and content providers can host data closer to key markets in Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries, reducing latency and enhancing operational efficiency.
The agreement also interconnects key global locations, including New York, Miami, and London, providing users with real-time circuit provisioning and 99.99% uptime across more than 530 data centre locations in the U.S. and 260 in Europe.
The partnership is expected to benefit enterprises across West Africa, offering scalable, cost-effective connectivity solutions. Businesses seeking low-latency links to international markets, including financial institutions and academic research bodies, will now have access to Megaport’s global Software-Defined Network (SDN) platform.
The growing adoption of cloud technology across Africa signals a major shift toward digital transformation, with businesses increasingly leveraging cloud solutions to enhance efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' (PwC) Africa Cloud Business Survey 2023 – Unlocking the Transformational Power of Cloud in Africa, more than half of companies on the continent have already integrated cloud technologies into most or all of their operations. Additionally, with 61% of enterprises planning full cloud migration within the next two years, this trend underscores a rising demand for robust cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and skilled IT professionals. This shift is expected to drive innovation, improve service delivery, and position African businesses for greater participation in the global digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
Access to financing is a significant barrier to the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. In Nigeria, a startup has emerged to tackle this challenge, concentrating its efforts on the renewable energy industry.
Nigerian fintech startup PayHippo, founded in 2019 by Chioma Ruky Okotcha, Uche Nnadi, and Zach Bijesse, announced Wednesday it has rebranded as Rivy and the closing of a $4 million funding round.
Rivy will use the new capital to expand its offerings and increase its impact across Africa, focusing on providing tailored financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhancing risk management through technology.
The Lagos-based company aims to streamline access to financing for African SMEs, particularly those in the renewable energy sector.
"Renewable energy is not just a necessity for today, but an investment in Africa’s future. With over 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacking access to reliable electricity, clean energy solutions are crucial to driving economic growth, improving livelihoods, and combating climate change," said Dami Olawoye, Rivy's CEO.
Rivy leverages data analysis algorithms to assess company creditworthiness, offering loans without the stringent collateral requirements of traditional banks, enabling SMEs to secure funding quickly.
By integrating with various financial data sources, Rivy analyzes business transactions and cash flows in real-time, facilitating rapid credit decisions, customized loan structures, and flexible repayment options.
The startup reports over 5,000 users since its inception, more than $2 million disbursed in renewable energy financing, and over 36,000 loan transactions.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- Morocco launched the program on March 25, expanding a 2024 pilot to integrate digital tech into education.
- The program will train 1,800 teachers in AI, robotics, and augmented reality.
Morocco's Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, in collaboration with Huawei Morocco, launched the "DigiSchool 2025" program on Tuesday, March 25. Building on the success of its initial phase in 2024, this initiative aims to further integrate digital technologies into the country's education system.
Speaking about the project, Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, stated: “This program develops the digital skills of teachers and students, fosters their spirit of innovation, and broadens their openness to modern technologies. We are working toward a resilient and connected future, with quality public education accessible to all.”
The DigiSchool 2025 program plans to train 1,800 teachers in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and augmented reality. Simultaneously, 36,000 students will participate in DigiSchool clubs across 248 schools located in Morocco’s 12 regions. These clubs will offer an introduction to future technologies and transversal skills, thereby encouraging innovation among younger generations.
This initiative is part of Morocco’s 2022–2026 roadmap aimed at modernizing its education system, with the objective of preparing a generation of students and teachers to succeed in a digital environment. Through the utilization of public-private partnerships, the program represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and innovative education system.
DigiSchool 2025 also aligns with the national strategy "Morocco Digital 2030," which seeks to position the country as a major technology hub in Africa. Among the key objectives are training 100,000 young people annually in digital professions and creating 240,000 jobs within the digital sector by the year 2030. This initiative thus addresses the growing demand for digital skills while contributing to the development of a qualified workforce prepared to meet the challenges of the digital age.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
With its young population, Africa could emerge as a major player in the global workforce over the next 10 to 15 years. However, to unlock this potential, massive investments in education and training are essential to equip the continent’s youth for the challenges of tomorrow.
More than 4,000 young people across the seven member states of the East African Community (EAC) have acquired digital skills through the “Innovative Skills in East Africa” (dSkills-EA) project. The participating countries include Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The program, supported by German development cooperation through GIZ and implemented by the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), aims to enhance youth employability and foster digital innovation within the region.
Launched in 2021, dSkills-EA is scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2025, after a four-year implementation period. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 26, the EAC lauded the project's impact and announced new initiatives to build upon this momentum. “dSkills-EA demonstrates the strength of collaboration between governments, academia, and industry. By equipping thousands of young people with future-proof skills, we have laid the groundwork for a thriving digital ecosystem in East Africa. The EAC AI Regional Alliance will build on this success, expanding AI infrastructure and regional capabilities to secure East Africa’s place in the digital future,” stated David Roos, Director of the dSkills-EA project.
Addressing the Digital Skills Gap
The EAC economy faces challenges related to low productivity and competitiveness, which contribute to high unemployment rates, particularly among young people. According to GIZ, socio-economic development is heavily reliant on innovation and the integration of information and communication technologies (ICT). However, universities still struggle to adequately meet the demands of the private sector and young entrepreneurs.
To address these shortcomings, dSkills-EA introduced short-term training programs tailored to industry needs, provided support to young entrepreneurs in developing digital solutions, and enhanced the master's curriculum in embedded and mobile systems at the Centre of Excellence for ICT in East Africa (CENIT-EA), hosted at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). The initiative brought together over 300 private partners and 100 universities, establishing a solid foundation for digital transformation in East Africa.
A Critical Issue for Africa's Future
According to a study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills by the year 2030. Yet in 2022, the continent registered a digital skills gap index between 1.8 and 5, significantly below the global average of 6, according to the World Bank. The institution also noted that 12 of the 20 countries with the lowest levels of digital skills are located in Africa, hindering the growth of a competitive digital economy.
Initiatives like dSkills-EA are crucial for bridging this gap and preparing Africa’s youth for the jobs of the future. By offering targeted training aligned with market needs, dSkills-EA enables young people to quickly enter the workforce by providing them with the technical and practical skills necessary for fast-growing sectors.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- The government plans to launch a national digital platform to improve access to public services.
The platform will integrate services from sectors including insurance, as part of wider public service digitalization.
The Mauritanian government is preparing to launch a national digital platform, an initiative aimed at bringing public services closer to citizens through digital means, officials announced on Wednesday.
The announcement was made during a consultative meeting on March 26 between government authorities and stakeholders in the insurance sector, whose services will be integrated into the upcoming platform, according to the Ministry of Digital Transformation and Public Administration Modernization.
This move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public service delivery through digital tools. In this vein, the Mauritanian government launched a project last January called “Digital-Y.” The project, financed to the tune of 4 million euros and carried out in partnership with German development cooperation, aims to integrate digital tools into public management to modernize services, strengthen administrative transparency, and boost economic and social development.
Meanwhile, Mauritania ranked 165th globally in the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index. The country scored 0.3491 out of a possible 1, a figure well below the African average of 0.4247 and the global average of 0.6382. In terms of online service development, Mauritania remains at an early stage, with a score of 0.1688 out of 1, compared to an African average of 0.3862 and a global average of 0.5754.
However, the Mauritanian government's ambition to improve public service access through digital means may face challenges, including limited internet access. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), approximately 55.6% of Mauritania’s estimated 5 million citizens did not use the internet in 2023.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Senegal aims to become a leading tech hub in Africa by 2034. To bring this vision to life, the government is strengthening strategic partnerships with key players to fast-track its digital transformation.
The Senegalese government is considering a collaboration with Chinese technology firm Huawei to bolster its digital transformation strategy and modernization projects, officials said on Wednesday.
The potential partnership was discussed during a meeting on Tuesday, March 25, between Alioune Sall, Senegal's Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Affairs, and Shen Li, President of Huawei for West, North and Central Africa.
Discussions during the meeting centered on various aspects of Senegal's digital overhaul, including enhancing connectivity through high-speed networks, deploying 5G technology, and establishing digital platforms and sovereign cloud services. Digital inclusion was also a key topic, with a proposal to make smartphones available for as low as 8,000 West African CFA francs (around $14) to broaden access to connectivity for all Senegalese citizens.
Huawei emphasized its commitment to accelerating the digitization of public services and modernizing the country's digital infrastructure, while also expressing its intent to work with the local private sector to support this initiative.
The meeting is part of the Technological New Deal, a strategic program that outlines Senegal's new digital vision. The plan aims to structure the digital sector and centralize technology governance to improve the efficiency of public services and foster an inclusive digital transition. Key objectives of the program include digitizing 90% of public services by 2034, training 100,000 digital experts, creating tech centers of excellence, and ensuring the security of sensitive data within Senegal.
Huawei already has a significant presence in Senegal, having contributed to major projects in the telecommunications sector and in the training of local information technology talent. This recent meeting signals a potential for stronger collaboration and joint initiatives to support the country's economic growth, particularly through the successful implementation of the New Deal for Technology
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, is notorious for heavy traffic congestion and road safety challenges. Introducing e-police and speed limit cameras is a critical step toward improving road safety, reducing accidents, and enforcing traffic laws more effectively.
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to install 3,000 e-police and speed limit cameras across the state to enhance traffic law enforcement and improve road safety. The Director of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Engr. Akin-George Fashola disclosed this on March 25 during a discussion on Lagos Transport Trends and Perspectives, a program sponsored by the State’s Ministry of Transportation on Traffic Radio 96.1 FM.
According to Engr. Fashola, speed limit cameras have already been installed at key locations such as Alapere-Ogudu Road, where the speed limit is 80km/h inbound Alausa and 60km/h inbound Iyana Oworo, and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, which has a 60km/h limit. Meanwhile, e-police cameras are operational at Allen Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road in Ikeja to monitor red light violations and other infractions.
The penalty for violating speed limits has been set at ₦50,000 ($32.5), though offenders who believe they were wrongly fined can contest the charge by providing proof. Engr. Fashola clarified that the initiative applies to all road users, including commercial vehicle operators.
In Q3 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that speeding was responsible for 56% of road accidents in Nigeria, making it the leading cause of traffic fatalities. The high rate of accidents caused by speeding underscores the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement measures. By leveraging technology to monitor and penalize traffic violations, authorities can enhance road safety, reduce fatalities, and promote compliance with speed limits.
Hikmatu Bilali
Sonatel has been driving Senegal’s digital transformation for several years. Following a recent agreement between its foundation and the Ministry of National Education, the group is now partnering with another state institution.
Sénégal Numérique (SENUM SA) and Sonatel, the owner of telecom operator Orange, announced a partnership agreement on Tuesday, March 25, to support Senegal's digital transformation. The two entities will combine their resources and expertise to develop innovative digital services and improve connectivity nationwide.
"This collaboration aims to accelerate Senegal's digital transformation by focusing on four key areas: strengthening infrastructure for reliable connectivity, developing sovereign cloud and data center solutions, digitalizing public services, and supporting innovation and citizen training," the group stated.
According to details shared on national television (RTS), the agreement includes interconnecting the two entities’ submarine cables to enhance the resilience of digital infrastructure; reactivating the SENIX internet exchange point to improve data traffic management and bolster digital sovereignty; and interconnecting the Sénégal Services and Orange Digital Service hubs to improve access to both public and private digital services. It also includes the implementation of an e-certification system to ensure traceability and compliance in environmental initiatives.
The partnership is part of Senegal’s new digital strategy, which aims to modernize public administration, strengthen digital sovereignty, and promote digital inclusion. It seeks to address challenges related to connectivity and access to digital services, which are essential for economic and social development.
The success of the partnership will depend on the concrete implementation of the planned initiatives. Challenges remain, particularly regarding infrastructure, digital skills training, and network coverage in rural areas. Regulation and governance of this public-private partnership could also present issues.
In the long run, this collaboration could foster the emergence of a dynamic digital ecosystem in Senegal, attract investment, and boost the country’s competitiveness in the tech sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Benue State, like the federal government, is emphasizing digital transformation. To this end, the state entered into a partnership with Huawei in November 2024.
Benue State announced this week that it is committing to training 40,000 civil servants in digital tools and ICT skills. The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) will be among the entities providing part of this training.
The program aims to equip civil servants with the skills to effectively utilize the platforms implemented by the state government to support its digital transformation efforts. These solutions include an electronic document management system, a geographic information portal, a start-up support platform, and a dedicated website for the Office of the Head of Service of the State.
"Through this training, we are fostering a future-ready workforce capable of adapting to the demands of a rapidly evolving world," said Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State. This perspective is also supported by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which shares this vision in its recommendations.
In its report titled "Developing skills for digital government: A review of good practices across OECD governments," the organization states that “to support the shift to digital government, countries must invest in developing the skills of civil servants.”
The OECD further notes that digital technologies have had—and will continue to have—a profound impact on economies, labor markets, and societies. This trend is echoed by the World Bank, which forecasts that nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji