Streamlining case reporting and evidence submission reduces delays in investigation and prosecution, ensuring swifter justice for survivors. Leveraging AI and digital tools can help break barriers to justice, empowering survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. These innovations are essential in reducing domestic violence and ensuring a safer society for all.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) announced yesterday February 24 the introduction of two digital initiatives to enhance support for domestic violence survivors: an AI chatbot, Ask INU, and a self-reporting evidence portal. These initiatives aim to strengthen evidence collection, enhance access to services, and reduce domestic violence cases in Lagos State.
DSVA Executive Secretary Vivour-Adeniyi emphasized that these initiatives reaffirm Lagos State’s commitment to breaking the culture of silence, supporting survivors, and ensuring perpetrator accountability.
Ask INU (I Need You) is a WhatsApp-based chatbot that provides immediate information and referrals to survivors. Users can access support by sending a message to 0812 893 7058 on WhatsApp.
The Domestic and Sexual Violence Case Management System (DSVCMS) now includes a Self-Reporting Tool, allowing survivors and mandated reporters to securely submit case details and upload evidence via lagosdsvcms.org. The platform helps preserve crucial materials such as pictures, audio recordings, and medical reports—key for ensuring swift justice.
According to UN Women, approximately 1 in 3 women aged 15-49 in Nigeria have experienced physical or sexual violence. The introduction of digital support tools like Ask INU and the Self-Reporting Evidence Portal directly addresses a critical need for accessible, confidential, and efficient support services.
By providing immediate assistance via WhatsApp and secure evidence storage, DSVA is reducing barriers to reporting and ensuring survivors have a pathway to justice and support, ultimately strengthening efforts to combat domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State.
Hikmatu Bilali
To simplify the lives of its citizens, the Nigerien government is implementing innovative solutions. These initiatives prioritize the modernization of public services and the promotion of digital technology access, ultimately supporting the country's economic and social progress.
Niger's autonomous pension fund, CARENI, inaugurated its new digital platform, "CARENI COLLECTE," on Monday, February 24, in Niamey, aiming to streamline pension registration and simplify access to benefits for over 35,000 Nigerien retirees. The retirees collectively receive over 3 billion CFA francs (approximately $5 million) per month.
“The CARENI COLLECTE application we are launching today is more than just digitalization—it represents a profound transformation in our management system,” said Ali Ousseini Hadiza (photo, center), Director General of CARENI. She emphasized that the platform is built around five key pillars, including a biometric card featuring a fingerprint and essential personal information, replacing the traditional booklet.
The biometric card will identify civil servants and facilitate access to medical coverage services, reducing the need for retirees to visit CARENI offices. This innovation is expected to eliminate long queues and repeated visits.
This project is part of a broader digital transformation initiative in Niger, as public institutions accelerate their shift toward e-governance. Like many countries, Niger aspires to enhance its global standing in digital administration. According to the latest United Nations e-Government Development Index, Niger ranks 187th out of 193 countries, with a score of 0.21157 out of 1. These figures highlight the urgent need for modernization in public administration.
The implementation of CARENI COLLECTE is expected to greatly improve pension access and healthcare services, ultimately enhancing retirees' quality of life. However, challenges remain, particularly in raising awareness and training users to navigate digital tools, as well as addressing connectivity issues in rural areas. Continuous support for retirees and ongoing improvements to the platform will be crucial to ensuring the initiative’s full success.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Through Used.ma, Anainiaa Reda is working to advance sustainable fashion in Morocco and Africa. The platform seeks to combine innovation, social impact, and environmental considerations within the second-hand market.
Anainiaa Reda (photo) is a graduate in organizational and strategic management from Ibn Tofail University. In 2022, he launched Used.ma an e-commerce platform specializing in the buying and selling of second-hand clothing, promoting circular fashion in Morocco and across Africa.
Through Used.ma, he merges his business acumen with his passion for the fashion industry, and his decision is already proving successful, with the platform winning third place in the Poesam (Orange Prize for Social Entrepreneurship in Africa and the Middle East) and second place in the Prix Maroc Jeunesse in the "Entrepreneurship" category in 2024. Used.ma is, in fact, the culmination of a long journey that began when Reda was in high school. He started reselling second-hand clothes for fun. This later turned into an avenue to sharpen his negotiation skills, get a glimpse into customer expectations, and gain expertise in supply chain management.Later, he founded a delivery startup, which provided deeper insights into logistics and optimizing customer experience. These ventures shaped his vision and prepared him to launch Used.ma.
Adapting to the Market
The idea for Used.ma emerged from a simple yet powerful observation: despite the global boom in second-hand fashion, Morocco's market remained largely unstructured. Reda identified three major challenges to tackle: lack of consumer trust, the complexity of buying and selling second-hand items, and the textile industry's environmental impact.
Used.ma offers an innovative solution that secures transactions, simplifies exchanges, and encourages more responsible consumption. Inspired by successful international models like Vinted and Depop, Reda tailors these platforms to local realities, considering the preferences of Moroccan and African consumers. His ability to innovate while drawing from proven strategies has been a key factor in his success.
Yet, he faced consumer reluctance to embrace online second-hand shopping and the challenge of building an attractive offering while managing his startup's growth. To overcome this, he adopted a gradual, user-focused approach centered on improving customer experience, listening to feedback, and raising awareness about the benefits of second-hand fashion.
Morocco and Beyond
Looking ahead, Reda envisions Used.ma becoming the leading platform for second-hand clothing and sustainable fashion in North and West Africa within five years. His ambition is to structure the circular fashion market in countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire, while building a committed community around sustainability and style.
Beyond creating a profitable business, Reda aims to make a positive social and environmental impact by reducing textile waste and promoting responsible consumption. At the same time, he is opening up economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs and independent resellers, giving them a platform to grow their businesses.
Ben Fatahou Nacro is providing an educational solution for the hundreds of thousands of children displaced by the security crisis in parts of Burkina Faso. His initiative has received support from companies like Orange and the Ministry of Education.
Pav Educ is a digital project developed by the Burkinabè company Universal Group, aimed at transcribing and distributing educational programs both physically (educational cards) and electronically (USB drives). The goal is to expand access to education nationwide and help students learn in an engaging way.
For the time being, the programs target preschool and primary school students. "Each set contains 120 double-sided cards, covering the six main subjects comprehensively," said project founder Ben Fatahou Nacro. The initiative has received approval from the Ministry of National Education.
During the launch of the pilot phase in November 2022, Boukary Yamyaogo, director of the Department of Educational Alternatives and Pedagogical Approaches at the Technical Secretariat for Education in Emergency Situations (ST ESU) praised the project saying:
“We are in a context that necessitates the development of distance learning tools, as some areas are difficult to access and schools are overwhelmed. This tool will allow children to continue learning in the absence of a teacher, though it cannot replace them. It directly addresses a pressing issue in emergency education by ensuring lessons are effectively delivered.”
In February 2024, Pav Educ was selected alongside four other startups for the second cohort of the "Demo Day" acceleration program under Orange Fab at Orange Digital Center. This six-month initiative aims to help these startups scale up and reach maturity.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Oze, a Ghanaian fintech startup supporting small businesses, has secured funding from Visa and German development finance institution DEG, it announced today February 24.
With this funding, Oze will expand its Lending Management System (LMS), enabling banks, microfinance institutions, and fintechs to offer no-collateral digital loans using its machine-learning credit risk algorithm.
Oze enables banks to automate lending while providing MSMEs with tools to track finances and customers. It analyzes this data to offer insights, training, and funding.
Digitalization is crucial for SMEs as it enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, expands market reach, and fosters innovation. Empowering small businesses with digital tools and financing in Africa can create more jobs, boost GDP, and strengthen the continent’s position in the global digital economy.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced on February 21 that it has partnered with Flutterwave, Alami, a fintech company that offers sharia-compliant financing solutions for SMEs, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The partnership aims to empower MSMEs with digital tools and improved access to financing. The three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration.
The partnership was made during a high-level meeting led by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, alongside representatives from Flutterwave and Alami, in discussions with SMEDAN’s CEO, Charles Odii. The key focus of the engagement was on leveraging digitalisation to boost the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs, which are vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
During the discussions, Inuwa highlighted the impact of digitalisation on MSMEs, stating that digitally empowered businesses can increase productivity by up to 120%, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s economy. He also reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to championing digital capacity-building initiatives that will enable MSMEs to scale and thrive in the digital economy.
This partnership builds upon an earlier collaboration aimed at transforming the sector. In February 2024, NITDA and SMEDAN launched an initiative to improve digital literacy for over 40 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
According to a newsletter publication by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office in Nigeria, SMEs account for 48% of the national GDP, 96% of all businesses, and 84% of employment in Nigeria. This highlights the crucial role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, reinforcing the importance of the partnership. Empowering MSMEs with digital tools and financial access will have a direct and far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s economic growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
In Algeria, WeeWee Delivery is working to reshape the delivery landscape. The company has introduced an alternative to traditional home delivery and stop-desk services, aiming to offer a more efficient and flexible solution.
WeeWee Delivery is a digital solution developed by an Algerian startup operating in the logistics sector. It aims to simplify and modernize the traditional delivery process by connecting e-commerce businesses and individuals with freelance couriers. Based in Algiers, it was launched in 2022 and is led by Sami Kehal.
"Every project emerges as a response to an existing problem. In today’s context, the delivery market faces significant challenges. With the spectacular rise of e-commerce since the COVID-19 crisis, the demand for delivery services has increased considerably. Delivery companies are not just service providers; they offer concrete solutions to a growing need," Kehal stated in a 2024 interview with Alger16.
The platform features a mobile application, available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 1,000 times, according to Play Store data. Users create an account to access the services. From the app's interface, they can plan and track deliveries in just a few clicks.
The solution offers ,among other services, "WePeaks", a cost-effective and practical alternative to home delivery and fixed pickup points. Orders are dropped off at partner stores in various districts, allowing customers to collect their packages near their homes at more affordable prices. "We have developed algorithms that help us optimize delivery routes to ensure faster and more cost-effective deliveries," the company states.
The startup aims to expand nationwide and broaden its services to meet the market’s growing needs. By adapting to local specificities, WeeWee Delivery is positioning itself as a key player in Algeria’s logistics sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
To accelerate its digital transformation, the Djiboutian government has been seeking partnerships with key international players, including India, Qatar, the European Union, and the ITU.
Djibouti's Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation has launched a program to improve the digital skills of government officials, the ministry announced Sunday, February, 23. The program includes cloud infrastructure training in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Oracle University, and the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP).
The training covers key areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data management. Participants from various government departments can access the courses through Oracle University’s MyLearn platform. According to the ministry, this initiative is "a key step in equipping government officials with cutting-edge technological tools to improve public services and accelerate digital innovation."
Through this effort, the Djiboutian government aims to provide officials with the expertise needed to support the country’s digital transformation. The World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. However, Djibouti still lags in digital infrastructure. The United Nations gives the country a score of 0.2800 out of 1 on its telecom infrastructure index—part of the broader e-government development index—placing it below the African (0.4247) and global (0.6382) averages.
This initiative builds on Djibouti’s Digital Foundation Project, launched in 2022 with World Bank funding. The government aims to establish a strong and inclusive digital economy by 2035, leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth. The strategy focuses on developing the ICT sector and digital economy to contribute to GDP growth through added value.
Beyond training government officials, there is a broader need for digital skills across the population. According to the GSMA, a lack of digital literacy is one of the main barriers to internet adoption and, by extension, digital services. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates Djibouti’s internet penetration rate at 65%, compared to 74.4% for mobile telephony.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Orange's financial results from last year highlighted a strong revenue surge in the Middle East and Africa (OMEA) region. This demonstrates the success of the French company's substantial investments in these emerging markets.
French telecommunications group Orange recently indicated its Africa and Middle East division (OMEA) was the primary driver of group growth in 2024.
OMEA, encompassing 16 African subsidiaries and Jordan, generated 7.683 billion euros in revenue, up 11.1% from 2023. This performance contrasted sharply with other markets: France saw a 0.4% increase, while Europe and Orange Business each reported a 2.1% decline.
The division accounted for nearly 19% of Orange's total revenue, which reached 40.26 billion euros in 2024. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and after lease costs (EBITDAaL) for OMEA rose 13.1%, signaling strong financial health.
"The Africa & Middle East region once again delivered a robust performance, driven by its growth engines, namely mobile data, fixed broadband, B2B and Orange Money. Orange now has over 160 million mobile customers and almost 40 million Orange Money customers on the continent,” Orange wrote in a release.
Mobile data revenue grew by 18.4%, fixed broadband by 19.5%, Orange Money by 20.4%, and B2B services by 12.5%. Several major investments in 2023 contributed to these strong results. OMEA continued expanding mobile network coverage, improving service quality, developing fiber optic networks, diversifying mobile financial services, strengthening business offerings (cloud, cybersecurity, etc.), introducing 5G in several markets including Senegal and enhancing its commercial strategy with the super app Max It.
Orange CEO Christel Heydemann emphasized that the 2024 successes “fully reflect the execution of our Lead the Future strategic plan.” Launched in 2023, this strategy is built on four pillars, including accelerating OMEA’s growth by deepening its local presence and expanding its role as a multi-service operator.
For 2024, Orange achieved its EBITDAaL targets, with a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Looking ahead to 2025, the group is aiming for approximately 3% growth and is counting on OMEA’s continued momentum to help achieve that goal.
By Muriel EDJO,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Malian government is working to digitize all public services within the next few years. Early results of this initiative are evident through measures designed to increase accessibility and enhance the efficiency of government services.
On Tuesday, February 18, Mali unveiled a new digital platform designed to facilitate access to administrative, identity, and travel documents for its diaspora. Deployed across the country’s diplomatic and consular missions worldwide, the solution aims to enhance user confidence through advanced security protocols and robust data protection measures.
“The launch of this platform and its operational rollout in 15 days reflect our commitment to a more efficient and responsive administration. This initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing and safeguarding administrative data while simplifying access to essential documents for our compatriots abroad,” said Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Fully designed and developed by Malian experts, the platform strengthens the country’s digital sovereignty while improving services for both citizens and foreigners. In addition to streamlining procedures for the Malian diaspora, the system will also benefit travelers by digitizing the visa application process. In the future, the platform will be compatible with the Visa Liptako, a confederal visa system introduced by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to facilitate regional mobility.
This initiative aligns with Mali’s broader digital transformation strategy, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of public services. While the country has climbed 13 spots in the United Nations e-Government Development Index (EGDI), now ranking 141st out of 193 countries, challenges remain in making digital services more accessible and effective.
A successful rollout of the platform is expected to cut bureaucracy, reduce processing times, optimize public resource management, and lower administrative costs. Close coordination between relevant ministries will be crucial to ensuring the project’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Cameroon has started issuing new national identity cards, a key step in its digital identity management initiative. These cards are designed to modernize and secure identity verification.
Cameroonians can pre-enroll, online since February 17, to obtain the country’s new national identity card (CNI). Developed by German company Augentic in partnership with the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN), this new biometric and digital ID marks a significant step forward in identity management, with major security, economic, and social implications.
The new ID card meets international ISO/IEC 9303 standards and incorporates advanced security features. It includes an electronic chip or a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) containing all recorded data, as well as a unique QR code. These technological upgrades strengthen fraud prevention, making identity theft and forgery significantly more difficult while facilitating automated verification both nationally and internationally.
A Gateway to E-Services
Beyond security, the digital nature of the new ID card holds vast economic and social potential. By linking the card to a unique digital identifier, citizens could gain access to secure government platforms, such as tax services, social security, and online payments.
Reliable biometric identification would also simplify banking procedures, enabling remote account openings and expanding financial inclusion. Financial institutions could use digital identities to assess creditworthiness, making it easier for individuals to access microloans and tailored insurance services. A trustworthy digital identity is fundamental to fostering confidence in economic transactions and could also benefit the e-commerce sector.
Additionally, the new ID could serve as the foundation for secure electronic voting systems, reducing electoral fraud risks and ensuring greater transparency in democratic processes.
Towards E-Governance and Smarter Public Policies
Biometric and digital identity plays a crucial role in social planning by providing the government with authenticated data on citizens, including employment status, disability, education level, residency, and family ties. With this data, authorities can better target social programs such as family allowances, scholarships, and housing aid. The digital ID system would also generate reliable statistical insights for economic planning, including tax forecasting and job creation strategies.
However, for the new ID card to serve as a true gateway to digital services and a tool for poverty reduction, Cameroon must establish a robust, interconnected identification system. This requires a strong legal framework to regulate digital identity and stringent data protection measures, as personal information is becoming a critical resource in the fourth industrial revolution.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Algerian government has made digital transformation a key pillar of the country’s socioeconomic development. Beyond investing in infrastructure, authorities are also focused on equipping the population with the digital skills needed to achieve these ambitions.
Algeria's Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, inaugurated a Skills Center in Sétif on February 20. The center will provide free training for young people in advanced digital technologies.
Similar infrastructure will be established nationwide to equip Algerian youth with future-ready skills, enabling their integration into the national and global digital economy. They will offer training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) fields.
The initiative aligns with Algeria Digital 2030, the government’s national strategy, which aims to accelerate Algeria’s digital transformation by expanding ICT adoption across all economic sectors and developing a skilled workforce by prioritizing capacity building as one of its five key pillars.
The importance of digital skills is growing across Africa. According to the World Bank, an estimated 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital expertise by 2030. While Algeria is not part of this region, the trend underscores the necessity of digital training for the continent’s economic transformation. A joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google predicts that Africa’s digital economy will be worth at least $712 billion by 2050, representing 8.5% of the continent’s GDP.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The President of Zimbabwe officially launched the Digital Skills Ambassador Program on February 19. This initiative aims to equip communities with essential digital skills, supporting the country’s vision of becoming a fully digital economy by 2030.
The program, backed by China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeks to bridge the digital divide by empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
With this initiative, Zimbabwe takes a significant step toward enhancing digital literacy, boosting innovation, and preparing its workforce for the future.
As part of its digital transformation strategy, Senegal is targeting a significant increase in the contribution of its digital sector, aiming for at least 15% of GDP within the next ten years. To achieve this ambitious goal, the government is committed to unifying its digital initiatives and streamlining projects to enhance efficiency and impact.
Senegal will establish a Digital Governance Committee, GouvNum, to coordinate and streamline its digital initiatives, officials said. The project, approved during a Council of Ministers meeting on February 19, aims to create a cohesive framework for state-led digital transformation.
According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the past two decades have seen massive investments in modernizing public digital infrastructure and interconnecting government entities. These efforts laid the foundation for a national information system and a government enterprise architecture. However, a fragmented approach to digital projects has led to duplication, inconsistencies, rising inefficiencies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and misalignment between sectoral strategies and the national digital agenda. These challenges hindered the goals set by the previous digital strategy (SN20-25).
The creation of GouvNum aligns with Senegal’s new digital strategy, the New Deal Technologique, set to launch on February 24. This committee will provide a unified governance framework for digital initiatives, ensuring project coordination, strategic alignment across sectors, improved system security, and more effective monitoring and evaluation.
Additionally, GouvNum will enhance the prioritization of digital programs, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and integrated digital transformation. A key objective of this effort is to boost the digital sector’s contribution to at least 15% of GDP within the next decade. This ambition will be driven by a structured approach under the New Deal Technologique, which includes 12 targeted programs designed to accelerate Senegal’s digital economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji