• Algeria to link labor and training ministry platforms in digital push
• New system enables real-time data sharing to align jobs and skills
• Move supports “Digital Algeria 2030” and youth workforce integration
Algeria is intensifying its digital transformation efforts by integrating public information systems with the Ministries of Labor and Vocational Training. On Thursday, May 29, both ministries signed to interconnect their digital platforms to harmonize training and employment policies nationwide.
The agreement provides for the establishment of an integrated system designed to facilitate the instant and secure exchange of data between the two ministries' digital platforms. The objective is to develop advanced planning and forecasting tools, enhancing coordination between vocational training and employment to meet market demands and foster a modern, skills-based economy built on accurate data.
According to Labor Minister Fayçal Bentaleb (photo, center), the initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives, which advocate for an integrated approach to developing skills that match the labor market's needs. Bentaleb noted that over 516,000 unemployment allowance recipients have already been directed towards short-term training programs, with 263,000 having successfully obtained professional certification.
This partnership is also a crucial component of Algeria's national digital transformation strategy, "Digital Algeria 2030." This comprehensive strategy is built upon five key pillars: the development of core digital infrastructure, training and skills enhancement, and digital governance. The human capital dimension is central to this strategy, with a focus on training and integrating young people into digital and new technology professions.
Once operational, the interconnected system is expected to significantly improve the alignment between available training programs and the skills in demand on the labor market. Automated data exchange will enable more effective guidance for young people toward promising fields, while providing decision-makers with precise tools to anticipate the demand for skilled labor. Ultimately, this digital integration is projected to modernize public employment management, streamline professional integration, and accelerate Algeria's transition to a knowledge-based economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Minister George may adopt the “Asanka” device for the One Million Coders Program
• Asanka works offline, needs little power, and offers school content
• A pilot is planned, but no deal is signed yet
Samuel Nartey George (photo), Ghana's Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, is considering a collaboration with local tech company TECHAiDE. The minister believes that the "Asanka" device, a locally developed offline Learning Management System (LMS) unveiled on Thursday, May 29, could be instrumental in achieving the government's ambitious goal of training one million coders over four years.
"The partnership is expected to have a significant impact on education in Ghana as well as the One Million Coders Program, making it more accessible, effective, and cost-efficient," the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation stated in a press release published on its Facebook page. The potential collaboration also includes the construction of computer labs equipped with the device, which would grant students access to the system.
According to TECHAiDE's website, the "Asanka" device operates without requiring internet access, with users connecting to it via Wi-Fi. The portable unit consumes only 5 watts and can be powered by a USB charger, a power bank, or a solar panel. It offers a broad spectrum of content, including Ghanaian school curricula, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) topics, educational websites, videos, e-books, UNESCO educational resources, and interactive games.
The adoption of this device could significantly simplify access to coding training for beneficiaries. For example, it would eliminate the need for users to purchase internet data plans, a particularly relevant advantage given recent consumer complaints about rising internet service costs in Ghana. The minister has even convened a meeting with telecom operators scheduled for May 30 to address this issue.
Currently, the collaboration remains in an exploratory phase. Although Minister George has expressed keen interest, no formal agreement has been signed or officially announced. TECHAiDE also plans to launch a pilot project to test and refine its solution, with a view toward broader adoption and integration into existing school programs. However, the use of the Asanka device necessitates a compatible terminal such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Access to such equipment, particularly in Ghana's rural areas, remains a potential barrier that could hinder the widespread rollout and utilization of the solution.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
With an approach rooted in simplicity and efficiency, he is driving the transformation of the insurance sector. By combining technological innovation with an inclusive strategy, his aim is to make these services more accessible to both individuals and businesses.
Mohab Aboueita (photo) is an Egyptian tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Amanleek, a start-up specializing in digital insurance. Launched in 2019 alongside Mohamed Mansour and Ihab Elsokary, the company aims to make insurance services simpler, more transparent, and more accessible for both individuals and businesses.
Amanleek offers users a digital platform that allows them to compare various offers and subscribe to the one that best meets their needs. By focusing on innovation and technology, the start-up seeks to modernize the customer experience and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector.
Since its launch, Amanleek has attracted over 300 companies that have used the platform to select their insurer. It now works with more than 18 partner insurance companies.
Holder of a bachelor’s degree in communication and media arts obtained in 2011 from the American University in Cairo, Mohab Aboueita began his professional career in 2010 as an accounting intern at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, an international marketing agency. The following year, he joined Saatchi & Saatchi as an account executive.
In 2015, he joined the food group BRF as key account manager for wholesale. Between 2017 and 2019, he continued his career in the insurance sector at Deraya Insurance Brokerage, where he served as sales supervisor. This key experience led him to co-found Amanleek, with the ambition of revolutionizing access to insurance in Egypt.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
For several years, she has been working to transform the healthcare sector, convinced that innovation can improve everyday care. She is multiplying entrepreneurial initiatives to ensure that technological advances directly benefit patients.
Wafa B'chir (photo), a Tunisian entrepreneur and university lecturer specializing in entrepreneurial culture within the health sector, is the co-founder and senior partner of Connect’Innov, a key support structure for innovation in health and biology.
Launched in 2020, Connect’Innov focuses on identifying, supporting, and promoting innovative technological projects across e-health, medtech, and biotech. To achieve this, the organization provides a range of initiatives tailored to the specific needs of emerging project leaders.
Among its flagship offerings is Connect’Innov Prep, a training program designed to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and innovation for individuals in the pre-incubation phase. The organization also delivers general training on innovation and entrepreneurship and operates an incubation program for startups in the ideation stage. Through Connect’Innov Link, the structure fosters connections between innovative ecosystems, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of expertise. To date, Connect’Innov has implemented over 40 programs and events, supporting more than 100 startups.
In addition to her work with Connect’Innov, B'chir is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of World Bio Consulting. Based in France, her company offers scientific consulting and project support services in biomedical research, encompassing basic, preclinical, and clinical research across both therapeutic and diagnostic areas.
A strong advocate for women in technology, B'chir serves as a mentor for the Women TechEU project, an initiative backed by the European Union. This program aims to empower European women leading deep tech startups to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.
B'chir's academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in molecular genetics, obtained in 2007 from the University of Toulouse, followed by a master’s degree in pathophysiology in 2009. She further holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, and nutrition, which she earned in 2013 from the University of Auvergne.
Her career began in 2017 at MRM Proteomics, a company specializing in proteomics, where she held successive roles as a proteomics technologies scientist and later as a project and product manager. In 2019, she joined the research center at CHU Sainte-Justine in France as a scientist in biochemistry and molecular medicine. From 2020 to 2021, she also taught at UPSAT, the Faculty of Health Sciences in Tunisia.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He's all in on technological innovation to revolutionize how households use electricity. His startup is focused on making energy cleaner, smarter, and accessible to everyone.
Jon Kornik (photo), a South African serial entrepreneur and finance expert, is at the helm of Plentify, a smart energy startup aiming to democratize access to clean and affordable electricity. Kornik, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, is leveraging technological innovation to reshape household electricity consumption.
Founded in 2017, Plentify develops cutting-edge technologies that link household appliances to more economical and environmentally sound energy sources. The company’s focus is on crafting smart, sustainable solutions that promote energy savings and contribute to the development of more resilient energy systems.
Among Plentify's flagship offerings is HotBot, an intelligent controller designed for water heaters (geysers). HotBot optimizes energy consumption and incorporates a leak detection system, mitigating the risk of expensive bursts. Another key innovation, SolarBot, analyzes weather data, load-shedding schedules, and consumption patterns to maximize users’ solar energy production.
Before co-founding Plentify, Kornik launched Selador Capital in 2008, a social venture capital firm dedicated to fostering profitable businesses in South Africa. The same year, he established the Sub-Saharan Africa office for South Pole Carbon Asset Management, a company specializing in carbon asset development and climate consulting.
Kornik holds a master’s degree in finance from the University of Cape Town, earned in 2005. He furthered his education in 2011, obtaining a master’s degree in social enterprise and entrepreneurship from Columbia Business School.
His career began in 2006 as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. In 2011, he joined Google, initially as Head of Energy and Sustainability, before being promoted in 2014 to Director of Energy Access and Investments, a role he held until 2016.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• The Democratic Republic of Congo unveiled a new biometric passport featuring an RFID chip, polycarbonate pages, and advanced security features
• The initiative supports digital sovereignty, online applications to digitize civil registry processes, and reduce offline dependency.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched its new biometric passport on Tuesday, May 27, a move aligning the nation with international standards and bolstering its digital sovereignty. The document, a result of government-led reforms, is a key component of a broader initiative to secure citizen identities.
Available to the public starting June 5, the passport integrates a contactless Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) electronic chip that securely stores the holder's biometric data. It also features an ultra-durable polycarbonate page and incorporates advanced visual security elements, including holograms, UV inks, and watermarks, to virtually eliminate forgery. The passport's page count has expanded from 32 to 38, offering increased capacity for frequent travelers.
According to Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the document complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard 39794. This adherence, she noted, ensures both the free movement of Congolese citizens and the protection of their personal data.
The new passport’s incorporation of advanced biometric technologies enables reliable and immediate identification, serving as a robust deterrent against document forgery, identity trafficking, and impersonation, particularly in a regional environment marked by escalating cyber threats.
The passport's introduction is part of the DRC's 2024-2028 Government Action Program, which prioritizes the progressive digitization of public services and the integration of advanced technologies into official documents. Congolese citizens can now submit applications online, with payment options including electronic transfers or through Equity BCDC Bank. Biometric capture centers are currently being established in provincial capitals across the country.
This transition to a digitized system aims to streamline procedures, reduce processing times, and enhance the reliability of civil registry databases, addressing the fact that nearly 70% of travel document procedures in the DRC are still conducted offline.
Ultimately, this biometric passport is expected to facilitate digital integration, providing secure access to government services such as e-visas and online issuance of civil status documents. It could also contribute to the development of an interoperable national database, a valuable tool for social planning, migration policy, and the enhancement of border services.
However, realizing these ambitions will necessitate the DRC establishing a robust legal framework for data protection and building a trustworthy, interconnected digital identification infrastructure that safeguards citizens' rights in the era of digital transformation.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Nigerian Edtech Startup Tespire LLC has been awarded a $100,000 equity-free grant as one of the 12 startups selected for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, run in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHUB). The award follows a highly competitive selection process that saw over 1,000 startup applications from across the continent.
This milestone marks a significant step in Tespire’s mission to transform education through technology. The company, which provides data-driven tools for schools and institutions, has developed integrated software and free internet-enabled tablets to enhance school administration and boost revenue generation.
With support from the Mastercard Foundation and CcHUB, Tespire will further refine its solutions, expand its reach, and continue working to close gaps in education access and quality across Africa.
Access to the internet is now a necessity. It improves access to education, healthcare, financial services, and job opportunities. This milestone in Kura is a powerful example of how rural connectivity can directly transform lives—and why it’s urgently needed across Nigeria.
For the first time, the 12,000 residents of Kura, a rural community on the outskirts of Abuja, have access to mobile network and internet services, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced on May 29. This development is thanks to a landmark partnership between a rural connectivity initiative, Huawei, and telecom provider Glo.
The new telecom tower was deployed in just two days. Within 48 hours of going live, Kura residents consumed 81.4GB of data and logged 13,144 minutes of voice calls. The site has maintained 100% uptime, with peak LTE download speeds reaching 5.0 Mbps, the minister revealed.
Beyond personal connectivity, the project also supports vital community infrastructure. The local health centre is now linked to global doctors via Huawei’s telemedicine solutions, enabling remote diagnostics and consultations. Meanwhile, the school in Kura is equipped with digital classroom technology, providing students with access to high-quality online learning resources and global educational content for the first time.
A free public WiFi zone has also been launched, ensuring that the entire community, not just those with mobile devices, can benefit from the new digital access.
This pilot is a blueprint for future deployments across Nigeria’s underserved regions. As the project scales, millions more Nigerians could soon experience the transformative power of digital inclusion, from better education and healthcare to economic opportunities and beyond.
Over 20 million Nigerians still live without internet access, according to the Minister. To close this digital gap, the Federal Government has launched a major initiative to deploy 7,000 new telecommunications towers across underserved communities, aiming to connect those who remain entirely cut off from mobile and internet services.
Hikmatu Bilali
By providing an accessible and tailored digital solution, this tech tool helps improve menstrual health among adolescent girls in Burundi and promotes equal opportunities in education and personal development.
Oky is a digital health solution developed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and adapted to the Burundian context by Santé communauté développement (SaCoDé). It aims to break the taboos surrounding menstruation and provide adolescent girls with reliable information about their reproductive health. Oky was launched in May 2023 in Bujumbura.
"In the Burundian context, menstruation is shrouded in silence, myth, and taboo, and is also subject to a certain level of stigmatization," explained Clémentine Irakoze, a representative from the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS. She added, "These girls do not all have knowledge about biological changes, including the menstrual cycle, infections linked to poor menstrual practices, and some lack the means to obtain the sanitary products they need."
The Oky app, co-developed with young Burundian girls, including those with disabilities, is available on both iOS and Android platforms. According to the Google Play Store, it has been downloaded over 50,000 times. It features a cycle tracking calendar, personalized advice, and educational content presented in Kirundi, specifically adapted to local cultural norms.
By using Oky, girls can gain a better understanding of their bodies, plan activities based on their menstrual cycle, and reduce anxiety associated with menstruation. The application further empowers girls by equipping them with essential knowledge crucial for their well-being and education. UNICEF has also received support from various organizations to develop similar Oky applications in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- AUF and Congo's ANSSI explore digital partnership to boost youth training and cybersecurity
- Initiative aims to equip youth amid high unemployment and digital transition
- Planned actions include joint training modules and cyber awareness campaigns
Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) for Central Africa and the Great Lakes region and Congo’s National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) are exploring a bolstered partnership in the digital sector.
Discussions to that effect took place between André Alain Kiyindou, AUF regional director, and Oboulas Conrad, ANSSI director general, on the sidelines of the Osiane Tech Fair in Brazzaville. Their talks focused on various areas of cooperation designed to back Congo’s digital transition and tackle evolving technological hurdles.
Key priorities addressed included the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by younger generations, raising awareness about cybercrime, and developing relevant content for vocational training in digital fields. Both parties concurred on the significance of providing pertinent training that encompasses both technical and ethical aspects. This approach aims to support shifts in the labor market and ensure the responsible deployment of technologies.
This initiative underscores a mutual commitment to cultivating a robust, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem. It also aligns with Congo's ambition to foster digital sovereignty while bolstering human capital in critical information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. With a population where 76% are under 35, according to the 2023 General Census of Population and Housing, Congo possesses a significant talent pool for digital sector growth.
Nevertheless, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 18 to 35 stands at 41%, according to an Afrobarometer survey. Consequently, this partnership could help deliver tailored training that is both technical and ethical, thereby assisting labor market evolution and promoting the responsible use of technologies.
The meeting between the AUF and the ANSSI may culminate in tangible projects in the coming months. These potential initiatives include the creation of joint training modules, the organization of awareness workshops, and the strengthening of collaboration between academic institutions and public bodies responsible for cybersecurity.
Samira Njoya
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• Liberia launches digital health insurance pilot for vulnerable groups
• MoU signed by LTA, NIR, and NICOL to oversee digital infrastructure
The Liberian government is embarking on a pilot program to expand health insurance access for its most vulnerable citizens by leveraging digital technologies. A memorandum of understanding to launch the initiative was signed on Tuesday, May 27, by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), in partnership with the National Identification Registry (NIR) and the National Insurance Company of Liberia (NICOL).
The pilot project, set to begin enrollment on July 1, will initially target 5,000 individuals. "The MoU is a pilot project that will provide coverage for groups often underprivileged, including persons with disabilities, unemployed women and youth, pregnant women without support, and children engaged in street trading," the LTA stated in a Facebook post.
Under the agreement's terms, the collaboration will utilize digital identification systems provided by the NIR to ensure robust beneficiary verification and efficient data management. The LTA will oversee the technological infrastructure, guaranteeing secure communication and high-quality service delivery.
This initiative aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's pledge during his inaugural State of the Nation address to establish a national health insurance scheme, aiming to provide affordable healthcare to the country's most disadvantaged. Abdullah Kamara, acting chairman of the LTA, highlighted that studies in other nations demonstrate technology's potential as a catalyst in this domain. Liberia is also pursuing a broader digital transformation agenda.
Officials emphasize that this is currently a pilot program. A successful outcome will allow for comprehensive evaluation of enrollment procedures, service quality, and beneficiary feedback, with the goal of refining the system for a potential large-scale rollout.
However, limited digital penetration, particularly in Liberia's rural areas, could pose implementation challenges. Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicates that internet penetration in Liberia stood at just 23.5% in 2023. The ITU also reported that 59% of Liberians owned a mobile phone, though it did not specify the number of smartphone users.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Togo launches recruitment for "Digital 2025–2030" strategy consultant in bid to update its digital roadmap
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New strategy targets digital inclusion, innovation, and economic growth
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Focus areas include skills, cybersecurity, and tech startups
The Togolese government, through its Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, has initiated a recruitment process to select a consultant to develop the nation's next digital strategy. Dubbed "Togo Digital 2025–2030," this new roadmap is designed to update the country's existing strategic framework from 2020, integrating the latest technological advancements and addressing emerging national priorities.
The forthcoming strategic document will outline a series of priority programs and projects aimed at strengthening the digitization of public services, boosting digital entrepreneurship, expanding access to digital services for marginalized populations, and fostering economic growth through innovation.
This initiative underscores Togo’s ambition to establish itself as a significant digital player in West Africa, capable of attracting investments in information and communication technologies. In 2022, the digital sector contributed approximately 4% to the national GDP, a growing figure, though still short of the long-term goal to reach 10% in the coming years.
Despite recent progress, significant challenges persist. In 2023, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) reported that internet penetration reached 84.72%, with over 7.8 million mobile subscribers in a population estimated at 8.9 million. However, the utilization of digital services remains uneven across different regions and social groups within the country.
The "Togo Digital 2025–2030" strategy is expected to focus on several key areas, including improving network coverage, developing local digital skills, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and bolstering the tech startup ecosystem.
The new strategy will also build upon the achievements of its predecessor. Notable progress from the previous framework includes the launch of the e-Gouv government platform, the establishment of digital service centers, and the adoption of crucial legislative texts on cybersecurity and personal data protection.
Through this refreshed roadmap, Togolese authorities aim to stimulate innovation, enhance technological sovereignty, and accelerate the country’s socio-economic transformation.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Algeria and Russia sign cybersecurity MoU to strengthen digital defenses
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Agreement includes research, tailored solutions, and training
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Deal builds on 2023 Algeria-Russia strategic pact amid rising cyber threats
Proxylan SPA, an Algerian state-owned economic enterprise and a subsidiary of the Centre for Scientific and Technical Information Research (CERIST), signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday, May 25, with Russian cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies. The agreement aims to bolster Algeria's information system protection capabilities as the North African nation accelerates its digitalization efforts across both public and private sectors.
"This is an extremely positive step for the development of cybersecurity programs to benefit Algerian businesses and institutions across all digital sectors," said Idris Si-ahmed, CEO of Proxylan. "Such a partnership illustrates the strong ties between Algeria and Russia."
Specifically, the memorandum outlines joint projects focused on research, the design of cybersecurity solutions tailored to the Algerian context, and the deployment of training programs to strengthen local expertise. The cooperation could also expand into other technological domains, including smart cities, e-government systems, and critical digital services, particularly in the banking sector.
This partnership follows a strategic agreement signed in 2023 between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which sought to deepen bilateral relations in forward-looking sectors.
Through this initiative, Algeria aims to establish a sovereign digital infrastructure capable of supporting its ongoing digital transformation. In this context, cybersecurity has become a strategic pillar, especially as cyberattacks targeting institutions and businesses are on the rise. Data from Kaspersky indicates that over 70 million cyberattacks have targeted Algeria, partly driven by the increase in remote work and widespread connectivity. This situation underscores the critical need for customized solutions and specialized skills to protect vital infrastructure.
On the Russian side, Positive Technologies, founded in 2002 and listed on the Moscow Stock Exchange, is considered a leader in the cybersecurity sector. The company already serves sensitive entities in North Africa and the Middle East. The partnership with Algeria could enable Positive Technologies to expand its footprint in North Africa while addressing the increasing demand for cybersecurity solutions adapted to specific national requirements.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He embodies a committed vision of technology in the service of youth. At the helm of an incubator he founded, he harnesses innovation to train, support, and showcase the country’s digital talents.
Robin Businde, a computer scientist and entrepreneur, is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nguvu Tech, a technology incubator established in 2020 that supports young individuals in their digital and creative ventures.
Nguvu Tech positions itself as a catalyst for innovation, providing a collaborative workspace and think tank for young Congolese developers and creatives. The incubator offers training and coaching across diverse fields including technology, education, entrepreneurship, art, and culture. Its overarching objective is to foster the emergence of local and inclusive digital solutions.
Among its services, Nguvu Tech specializes in graphic design, website and application development, and IT systems development. The incubator has also launched Openclasslearn, an e-learning platform designed to enable young people to acquire skills and pursue independent training online. Through these initiatives, Nguvu Tech aims to blend technological innovation with social impact and cultural enrichment.
Businde, who earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Kigali Independent University in Rwanda in 2024, previously worked as a web developer for the Nigerian digital company 3D Africa Youths Organization between 2022 and 2023.
In 2024, his dedication was recognized at the EclosionHack Hackathon, where Nguvu Tech secured second place with its YETU MUSEUM project. This digital platform, designed for the exhibition and sale of artworks, incorporates artificial intelligence for the authentication of artistic creations—a project that uniquely converges technology, culture, and entrepreneurship.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji