AI applications can address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as food security, disease prevention, and climate resilience. With African startups increasingly leveraging AI for innovative solutions, such as mobile-based health diagnostics or precision agriculture, the coalition can fuel the growth of the continent’s tech ecosystem.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency for digital technologies, has launched the AI Skills Coalition to close the global AI skills gap and expand access to AI education. Announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, held from January 20-24, the initiative brings together over 25 founding organizations, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, the East Africa Community, and Cognizant.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin commented: “Our new AI Skills Coalition is aiming to train thousands of people this year, especially those living in regions of the world just getting started on their AI journey, as part of our commitment to ensure that all communities can fully participate in our shared digital future."
The coalition will provide an online platform offering free resources on generative AI, machine learning, and sustainable AI applications. The platform, launching in March 2025, will offer self-paced courses, webinars, certifications, and specialized training on AI ethics and governance for developing countries. ITU will collaborate with the UNDP to deliver AI training in 170 countries.
This initiative holds particular significance for Africa, where a substantial digital skills gap limits many countries' ability to fully leverage AI's potential. As AI continues to transform industries, bridging this gap is essential for the continent to remain competitive on a global scale. According to a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an estimated 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will demand digital skills by 2030, resulting in almost 650 million training opportunities.
This initiative aligns with the UN’s Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, promoting inclusive AI adoption to drive sustainable development and bridge the global digital divide.
Hikmatu Bilali
A trained computer scientist, he leverages his skills to support small retailers in Ethiopia. Through his technological solution, he aims to transform the distribution sector for fast-moving consumer goods.
Ethiopian-born tech entrepreneur Estephanos Zewdie (photo) is the co-founder and CEO of Jemla, a tech startup specializing in the distribution sector.
Founded in 2021, Jemla operates a B2B platform for wholesale, enabling retailers to easily access consumer goods at competitive prices, with direct delivery to their doorsteps. The company's goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem where retailers, manufacturers, importers, and consumers benefit from seamless interactions.
“We provide retailers with access to a wide range of essential products, allowing them to maintain adequate stock levels and operate more efficiently,” Estephanos Zewdie said in 2024.
Leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, Jemla also offers financial services, including credit and digital payment options, to help retailers streamline their operations. Since its launch, the start-up has attracted more than 10,000 retailers.
Estephanos holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Addis Ababa University. In 2020, he joined M.A.D Technologies, a company specializing in website and mobile app development, as a software developer. By 2022, he was promoted to CEO, a position he held until 2023.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A trained petroleum engineer, he has ventured into entrepreneurship by developing technologies to address challenges faced by local populations. At the same time, he supports other entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.
Francis Omorojie (photo) is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and a venture partner at Ennovate Ventures, a firm dedicated to supporting ambitious founders who leverage innovation to improve lives, create jobs, and promote sustainable development.
Founded in 2018, Ennovate Ventures focuses on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs in Africa's tech sector. The company offers a 12-month capacity-building program, equipping founders with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Its mission is to help businesses accelerate the growth of their business models, refine their technologies, access new markets, and develop revenue-generating strategies.
One of its flagship initiatives is TheNextFund, a bespoke venture capital program investing in the most promising tech start-ups in East Africa. This hybrid program combines targeted funding with personalized technical assistance, helping start-ups structure their operations and position themselves to attract additional investments.
In addition to his role at Ennovate Ventures, Francis Omorojie is the co-founder of Serengeti Angels, a Tanzanian angel investor network. He also serves as a project manager for entrepreneurship at PlumarInc, a platform connecting start-ups with global talent, and as vision director at Get Haba, a fintech company.
Francis holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, which he obtained in 2013. In 2016, he became Deputy Regional Director at DKT International, an organization specializing in the distribution of contraceptive products. Between 2022 and 2023, he worked as a consultant for the European Business & Innovation Centre Network (EBN), a European network of innovation hubs.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Malagasy government aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation, positioning it as a cornerstone of the Malagasy economy. This effort encompasses all sectors, including the field of healthcare.
The Malagasy government plans to digitize hospitals nationwide. Stéphanie Delmotte, Minister of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, recently met with officials from the Ministry of Public Health to select two pilot sites for the program's launch.
"This program aims to modernize public hospitals through the strategic of digital technologies," the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications announced on Facebook on Monday, January 20th. "Key priorities include streamlining patient flow, ensuring the traceability of medical records, and enhancing service transparency."
This initiative aligns with the Malagasy government's vision to "leverage digital technology to drive national development," as outlined in the 2023-2028 Digital Strategic Plan (PSN). The PSN aims to position the country as a key player in Africa's burgeoning digital economy. Within the healthcare sector, the government is committed to investing in human capital and good governance, improving accessibility to quality care, and fostering public trust in the national healthcare system.
In its 2024 report, "Health Data Digitalization in Africa: Unlocking the Potential," the World Health Organization asserts that digitalization empowers healthcare professionals to make more informed treatment decisions and supports policymakers in developing impactful health policies.
However, the WHO acknowledges that significant challenges remain in Africa's pursuit of digital health transformation. These challenges include fragmented health systems and information silos, a lack of standardized data formats, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital literacy among healthcare professionals. Moreover, limited access to high-speed internet within hospitals and insufficient interconnectivity between healthcare facilities pose significant obstacles.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Senegal's digital transformation is driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. By supporting digital projects and offering targeted training programs, the country aims to promote inclusion, boost economic growth, and address social challenges.
In Senegal, the General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Young People (DER/FJ) plans to enhance its support for innovation and digitization in 2025 by investing 11.3 billion CFA francs ($18.08 million) in various projects. These funds will be allocated to several initiatives, including financing 15,000 micro-enterprises and facilitating the formalization of 10,000 businesses. The initiative was announced on Wednesday, January 15th, during a ceremony to present the results of the call for empowerment projects launched between September 24th and October 11th, 2024.
With an initial budget of 5 billion CFA francs, DER/FJ successfully financed 9,000 projects in 2024, amounting to a total investment of 5.6 billion CFA francs. Notably, many of these initiatives targeted the digital sector through programs like Lionstech (allocating €1 million to accelerate start-ups) and D4D (mobilizing €350,000 to support 100% digital projects). Start-ups such as Paps (logistics), Kalispot (fintech), and Sotilma (agritech) were among the primary beneficiaries of these programs.
These efforts align with the "New Technological Deal," a Senegalese government initiative aimed at establishing the country as a regional leader in innovation. This strategy emphasizes strategic investments in innovative start-ups and SMEs, which are critical drivers of digital transformation and economic growth.
For 2025, DER/FJ plans a series of initiatives to build upon the success of the previous campaign. In addition to startup financing, DER/FJ intends to significantly enhance the capacities of 10,000 beneficiaries through targeted training programs. These programs will equip them with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today's rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
South African insurtech Naked announced today, January 21, that it has raised $38 million (about R700 million) in a Series B2 funding round led by global impact investor BlueOrchard. Existing investors, including Hollard, Yellowwoods, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and DEG, also participated.
Naked revolutionizes insurance with its fully digital platform powered by AI and automation. Customers can get quotes, purchase coverage, file claims, or pause accident insurance entirely online, without human interaction.
The funding will strengthen AI and automation, expand products and markets, boost marketing to grow its customer base, and meet regulatory capital requirements for its rapid growth.
Data Community Africa (DCA), in collaboration with DataCamp Donates, is offering free DataCamp licenses worth $150 to $300 to African data professionals for 2025/2026.
Participants can choose from learning tracks such as Data Science with R, Data Science with Python, Data Analysis with R, Data Analysis with Python, and Data Analysis with SQL
To access this opportunity, individuals must join the Data Community Africa network. This initiative aims to build data expertise and support Africa’s growing digital economy.
Digital technology is revolutionizing education across the globe, unlocking new avenues for learning, inclusivity, and innovation. By seamlessly integrating technology into the educational landscape, stakeholders strive to bridge educational gaps, cultivate creativity, and empower young people to navigate the complexities of today's interconnected world.
Senegal's Ministry of National Education and Télé-École, an educational television channel, signed a partnership agreement on Thursday, January 16th, under the NuMEd Awards initiative. This collaboration aims to integrate technology and media into Senegal's education system, bridging the digital divide and fostering innovative teaching practices nationwide.
"Through the NuMEd Awards, the Ministry and Télé-École strive to create a virtuous cycle of education – one that is increasingly inclusive, engaging, and interconnected," the Ministry of National Education wrote in a press release. "This will equip every young Senegalese with the tools to succeed and navigate the challenges of the modern world."
The partnership will focus on expanding training programs, developing customized digital content, and ensuring equitable access to online tools for all students, including those in remote rural areas. The ultimate goal is to minimize regional disparities and create a strong foundation for shared academic success.
This initiative aligns with the Senegalese government's broader vision to accelerate the digital transformation of the education sector. This includes incorporating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into school curricula to prepare Senegal's youth for the digital economy of the future. This partnership also coincides with the unveiling of a national digital education strategy, backed by a five-year budget of $206 million.
Télé-École, a pioneer in educational broadcasting, plans to deepen its commitment by investing in digital platforms and introducing innovative teaching methodologies. This collaboration is expected to reach a wider audience and enhance communication among students, teachers, and parents, paving the way for a more connected and inclusive education system.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Integrating trade and technology is critical to digital development, with far-reaching implications for economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. By combining trade policies with technological innovation, countries can unlock new markets, improve productivity, and enhance service delivery.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, met with the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. According to a January 16 press release from the Ministry of Communications, they discussed collaborative strategies to boost Nigeria’s economy and enhance its global competitiveness. The meeting focused on leveraging technological innovation to strengthen trade policies, attract foreign investment, and expand international trade.
Minister Oduwole emphasized the role of digital innovation in advancing trade, highlighting that “International trade and investment is a big agenda for us. We are scaling up where we can be globally competitive.”
Bosun Tijani aligned the collaboration with the Tinubu administration’s focus on driving economic prosperity through technology, noting that “Modern day technology is a key enabler for any economy. If you increase investment in technology by 10%, it can produce a 25% increase in GDP. "
According to Minister Oduwale, areas of collaboration include the National E-Commerce Policy (NEPS 2023-2027), the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), leadership in AfCFTA, and efforts to diversify service exports.
Both ministers urged the private sector to seize opportunities provided by their ministries and highlighted Nigeria’s trade mission in the U.S. as a platform for prospective investors.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the digital economy contributed 13.12% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2024. This underscores the sector’s growing importance as a driver of economic transformation. Strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy could amplify this momentum, fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness in the global digital market.
Hikmatu Bilali
In partnership with Telecom Egypt, the National Network for PWD Services (Taheel) has launched a training program to enhance English proficiency and computer skills for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The initiative, announced on January 12 by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aims to prepare 500 participants for the job market by equipping them with essential skills and boosting their employability.
The program is part of Taheel’s mission to provide tailored services, including training and employment opportunities, for PwDs.
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The Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy is recruiting 290 ICT Assistant III professionals to advance Kenya's digital landscape.
This initiative aims to strengthen ICT capabilities and drive innovation in public service. Applications are open until February 4, 2025.
A trained geologist with extensive experience in business management, entrepreneurship, and technology, he has successfully launched ventures in the finance and automotive sectors.
Justus Obaoye (photo) is a Nigerian entrepreneur specializing in technology and finance. He is the co-founder and CEO of Billboxx, an innovative cash management solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The startup facilitates incoming and outgoing payments while optimizing businesses' cash flow management.
Founded in 2023 by Justus Obaoye and Abdulazeez Ogunjobi, Billboxx addresses the common issue of payment delays that disrupt SME operations. The platform simplifies and automates billing and payment processes, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities.
"We found that many businesses struggle with inefficiencies in billing and cash flow management, often relying on manual processes or Excel sheets," Justus Obaoye noted. This insight led to the creation of Billboxx.
In December 2024, Billboxx secured $1.6 million in a funding round combining debt and equity. These funds will enhance the startup's technological infrastructure, expand its partnerships, and tackle the issue of payment delays affecting SMEs.
Before launching Billboxx, Justus Obaoye had extensive entrepreneurial experience. In 2018, he co-founded Charistouch Technologies, a tech solutions startup that was acquired by Cars45 in November 2019. In 2021, he co-founded Fixit45, an automotive technology company, where he served as CEO until 2022.
Justus Obaoye graduated from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria with a bachelor's degree in geology in 2008. He began his professional career that same year at Schlumberger as a geoscience support specialist. In 2013, he became a data manager at Sahara Energy Field, an energy sector company.
Between 2012 and 2019, he also served as a managing partner at Quantum Bridge, a strategic development consulting firm. In 2022, Justus Obaoye was the Country Manager for Bolt in Nigeria, a mobility company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Moroccan government aims to accelerate the development of a national digital economy by 2030. A key focus of this initiative is developing the local startup ecosystem.
The Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform announced on Sunday, January 19, the creation of a new association dedicated to advancing fintech in Morocco. Named the "Morocco Fintech Center" (MFC), this association already comprises around 15 banks and institutions and remains open to other organizations interested in joining.
According to Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), Morocco's central bank, the MFC is designed to serve as a one-stop shop for fintech companies. It will support their growth through mentorship programs, incubation, acceleration, skill development, and facilitate understanding of the regulatory environment as well as access to financing. Additionally, the MFC aims to foster a collaborative fintech ecosystem that encourages partnerships and networking opportunities while promoting research and development in financial innovation.
In December 2024, Abderrahim Bouazza, Director General of BAM, announced plans to launch a fintech hub in January. This initiative aligns with Morocco's ambition to build a globally competitive local startup ecosystem by implementing specific measures to support the creation, growth, and international expansion of digital startups. This effort falls under the second pillar of the "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, which focuses on energizing the digital economy.
The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government's target of fostering 1,000 certified Moroccan startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030, compared to just 380 in 2022. By 2030, the goal is to raise 7 billion dirhams ($696.6 million) for local startups, a significant increase from the 260 million dirhams raised in 2022. Furthermore, the government envisions Morocco having 10 "gazelles" (high-growth startups) and one to two unicorns by 2030.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is a cornerstone of modernizing public infrastructure and fostering social and economic inclusion. Through ambitious initiatives, many countries are driving digitization, leading to increased transparency and sustainable growth.
Mauritania has reached a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the official launch of the Digital-Y project on Thursday, January 16, in Nouakchott. Overseen by the Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde (photo, center), the initiative aims to modernize public services, promote digital inclusion, and lay the foundation for transparent and efficient governance.
According to Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde, the project underscores the Mauritanian government's commitment to integrating digital tools into public administration to modernize services, strengthen administrative transparency, and drive economic and social development. He emphasized the importance of making these services accessible to all, particularly to reduce regional disparities and foster true digital inclusion.
The Digital-Y project is funded to the tune of €4 million and is being carried out in partnership with the German cooperation. It aligns with Mauritania's national digital transformation strategy, focusing on developing tailored solutions for public services, establishing unified standards, and enhancing the digital capacities of both institutions and citizens. Additionally, the program seeks to boost the national economy through e-commerce and foster strategic partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and technical and financial partners.
Despite ongoing challenges, this initiative represents a significant step forward for Mauritania as it strives to transform its public services into modern, efficient, and inclusive tools. The project is expected to improve Mauritania's e-Government Development Index (EGDI) ranking from the United Nations. In 2024, the country ranked 165th out of 193 countries with a score of 0.3491 out of 1, compared to 172nd in 2022. These advancements underscore the country's efforts to bridge its digital gap and align with international standards.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji