The launch signals a wider digital shift: African governments and companies are no longer just consumers of foreign AI systems, but are beginning to shape the technology around local realities, identities, and needs.
On September 20, 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, officially launched the Nigerian Atlas for Languages & AI at Scale (N-ATLAS). The Atlas is an open-source facility designed to map the country’s rich linguistic diversity of country with artificial intelligence (AI) and power-inclusive chat solutions.
The first version of the project, N-ATLAS v1, is a multilingual and multimodal large language model that supports Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Nigerian-accented English. Built on Meta’s Llama-3 8B architecture and fine-tuned with over 400 million tokens of multilingual instruction data, it is Nigeria’s most ambitious step yet toward embedding African voices in AI development. “This is the first step in a broader journey to make Africa a contributor and leader in shaping AI’s future,” said Tijani.
The project is powered by Awarri Technologies in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). For Nigerians, the launch could transform how people interact with technology in their daily lives.
Language models like N-ATLAS make it possible to use apps, chatbots, and government services in local languages, not just English — helping millions who are more comfortable in Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba. By making digital tools work in local tongues, the model breaks down barriers for communities left behind by the English-dominated internet.
With more than 500 native languages, Nigeria faces the risk of cultural erosion in the digital age. N-ATLAS helps preserve and digitize this linguistic heritage for future generations. Governments, schools, and businesses can deploy AI-powered platforms that communicate directly in people’s languages — from healthcare advice to education and customer support. This ensures more people can participate in the digital economy.
By investing in tools like N-ATLAS, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leader in African-led AI innovation. The model will enable researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups across the continent to develop culturally relevant AI solutions, while reducing their dependence on Western-trained systems that often fail to function effectively in African languages.
This movement is echoed across the continent, with similar initiatives gaining momentum. In South Africa, Lelapa AI’s InkubaLM supports languages such as Hausa, Swahili, Zulu, Yoruba, and Xhosa. Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute is also advancing language technologies for Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Aff-Somali, and Tigrigna, integrating them into public services like the Smart Court system. These efforts reflect a continental awakening — one where African nations are reclaiming their linguistic space in the digital world and actively contributing to the global AI landscape.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations announced on September 17 that the Training of Trainers component of the National Girls-in-ICT Program has commenced at Damongo Senior High School in the Savannah Region, Ghana. The program is equipping 100 selected teachers with hands-on knowledge of Scratch, a visual programming language that introduces beginners to the fundamentals of coding.
Through the training, teachers are learning how to develop interactive stories, animations, and games, which they will in turn pass on to 1,000 schoolgirls across the region.
The National Girls-in-ICT Program is a flagship initiative of the Ministry, implemented in partnership with local stakeholders.
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Deloitte launched its CyberAcademy in Casablanca on September 19, 2025, to train cybersecurity professionals across Africa.
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The academy offers over 60 certified training programs, integrating AI and aligning with international certifications.
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The initiative supports the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center's goal of expanding its expert team to over 450 by 2025 and leverages Morocco's Tier 1 global cybersecurity ranking.
Africa faces a significant challenge with the scarcity of specialized cybersecurity skills amid escalating cyber threats. Training represents a critical priority for building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem across the continent.
Deloitte, a global audit, consulting, and technology services firm, inaugurated its CyberAcademy in Casablanca on September 19. The academy operates under the umbrella of the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center. This specialized cybersecurity training center targets professionals, students, recent graduates, and individuals undergoing professional retraining. Companies currently struggle to recruit qualified talent in the sector.
The CyberAcademy offers more than 60 certified training courses. These programs cover technical, organizational, regulatory, and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. Some modules already incorporate artificial intelligence, and customizable programs adapt to specific business needs. The academy leverages recognized academic partnerships and international certifications (ISC², ISACA, PECB, etc.) to ensure the quality of its curriculum.
This launch aligns with the ongoing momentum of the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center, which first opened in February 2023. The center currently employs approximately 100 Moroccan and African engineers, with women constituting about 50% of the workforce. It aims to reach over 450 experts by 2025. Furthermore, Morocco has advanced in global cybersecurity rankings. The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, published by the ITU, assigned Morocco a score of 97.5 out of 100, placing it among the international reference countries (Tier 1).
Deloitte intends to address a proven skills deficit with this academy. Many companies and institutions find it challenging to recruit advanced cybersecurity profiles. This difficulty stems from the proliferation of cyberattacks, digital fraud threats, and heightened regulatory requirements. The country's accelerated digital transformation also drives this need, evidenced by high internet penetration, widespread use of online services, and increasing digitization of public services.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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10mg Credit, a Nigerian fintech solution, offers instant, collateral-free credit to healthcare providers for medical supplies.
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The platform leverages AI to assess creditworthiness, approving most applications within minutes.
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Since its launch, 10mg Credit has financed over 6,000 healthcare providers, disbursing more than $3.4 million.
Access to financing remains a significant hurdle for small and medium-sized enterprises across Africa. In Nigeria, a nascent startup has introduced a solution specifically targeting the healthcare sector.
10mg Credit, a fintech solution developed by Nigerian startup 10mg Health, provides instant, collateral-free credit to healthcare facilities. These facilities use the credit to procure medicines and medical equipment. Christian Nwachukwu founded the startup in 2022.
The company said its AI-driven system quickly analyzes transaction histories to approve most applications within minutes, eliminating paperwork and delays, and provides flexible, transparent repayment plans to help users manage expenses without stress.
Healthcare establishments can opt for 10mg Credit when making purchases, either through its platform or via partner distributors. The approval process relies on AI technology, which evaluates applicants' creditworthiness in real-time. This system grants credit within minutes, requires no physical collateral, and offers repayment terms tailored to each facility's cash flow.
By enabling hospitals to pre-finance purchases, 10mg Credit helps reduce service interruptions and enhances the healthcare system's resilience. Since its inception, the solution claims to have financed over 6,000 healthcare providers, with a total volume exceeding $3.4 million and a loan approval rate near 60%. However, the startup faces challenges in managing repayment risk, securing data, and extending coverage to less connected areas.
Regarding data protection, the startup asserts it only collects information necessary for fair and instant decisions, "encrypting it end-to-end for maximum protection."
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Kagame appoints Yves Iradukunda as new ICT and Innovation Minister
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Iradukunda to drive Rwanda’s digital push, rural-urban tech equity
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Ex-permanent secretary brings tech, policy, and leadership experience
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has appointed Yves Iradukunda as the new Minister of State for Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) and Innovation, a move that signals a continued focus on digital transformation.
Iradukunda was named to the post in a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, Sept. 18, succeeding Paula Ingabire, who previously served as the full minister for the strategic portfolio.
Iradukunda’s appointment caps a career marked by a strong involvement in modernizing government and promoting digital entrepreneurship. As the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, he oversaw strategic projects to strengthen the country's connectivity, develop digital skills, and foster local technology solutions.
Before entering public service, he distinguished himself in the development and philanthropic sectors. He served as the country director for Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy in Rwanda and as the global operations director at MASS Design Group, an international social design and engineering organization.
Iradukunda holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from Oklahoma Christian University and an MBA from the African Leadership University School of Business. He also holds a diploma in public service innovation from the Cambridge Judge Business School. This academic background, combined with his field experience, underpins his vision of inclusive digital technology serving development.
A long-time advocate for youth training and mentorship, he is also the co-founder and former leader of Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs of Rwanda, an organization that promotes leadership and entrepreneurship.
His appointment comes as Kigali seeks to accelerate its digital transition and solidify its status as a regional technology hub. The new minister will play a key role in speeding up ongoing projects to close the digital divide between urban and rural areas, stimulate local innovation and startup growth, and strengthen cybersecurity and digital sovereignty. His mandate also includes helping to develop the skills of young people to meet the growing demand for talent in the sector.
Following his appointment, Iradukunda said he was "fully committed to giving my all to shape a better future for Rwandans through transformative technologies."
Samira Njoya
With expertise in electronics and innovation management, she has focused her career on robotics. She develops initiatives that combine education, research, and social engagement.
Yapi Danila Christiana, an Ivorian mathematician and roboticist, has focused her career on robotics, developing initiatives that combine education, research, and social engagement.
With expertise in electronics and innovation management, she founded YADAC Robotics in 2023. The organization trains young people and professionals in robotics and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). YADAC Robotics also hosts webinars and workshops to make robotics more accessible and to integrate it into Côte d’Ivoire's educational system and daily life.
Her most notable initiative is the Yadac Robotics Challenge, an annual national competition that brings together students and robotics enthusiasts. The second edition, held in July 2025 at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan, challenged teams to present solutions on the theme "Robotics and Climate: Reducing Carbon Emissions Through Technological Innovation." Her work earned her the Jury Prize at the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM).
In addition, Yapi is the Côte d’Ivoire representative for Experiential Robotics, an international platform. She is also the national organizer for the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, an initiative of the International Telecommunication Union. She also mentors the national team for the FIRST Global international robotics competition and serves as a consultant for robotics-related educational programs at the U.S. Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire.
After graduating with a degree in mathematics from Nangui Abrogoua University, Yapi worked as an IT assistant for MAXHUB AFRICA, a company specializing in collaboration solutions, from 2019 to 2021. In 2021, she was recognized at the fourth edition of a robotics competition organized by the U.S. Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire.
Melchior Koba
He has built a career bridging finance and entrepreneurship, with initiatives ranging from sustainable infrastructure investments to developing crowdfunding solutions in Africa.
Batiana Ismaail Franck Nacro is a Burkinabé economist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Terra Invest Africa, a private equity firm he established in 2018. Through his company, he focuses on investing in, financing, and supporting projects with significant economic, social, and environmental impact across the continent, with a particular emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.
His recent work on the crowdfunding platform Terra Biga was recognized on September 10, when he was awarded second place at the national phase of the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize 2025 (POESAM 2025) in Burkina Faso. Launched by Terra Invest Africa in 2022, Terra Biga connects NGOs, private citizens, and the African diaspora with social projects. The platform features a mapping tool for initiatives and uses artificial intelligence to enhance the coordination and monitoring of funds. Terra Biga offers various participation models, including donations, equity investments, and venture capital, allowing project leaders to select the financing method that best suits their needs while enabling investors to diversify their commitments.
In addition to his work with Terra Invest Africa, Nacro is an associate at the Rosette Nacro Audit & Consulting firm, which specializes in accounting. He is also a co-founder of the nonprofit Natahnaël-Laël school, founded in 2012. The school provides education to children in Talarghin, a community in Burkina Faso that lacks running water and electricity.
Nacro graduated from the University of Montpellier in 2018 with a master's degree in economics. Following summer internships at Bank of Africa and UBA Group, he joined the Interbank Guarantee Financial Company of Burkina Faso (SOFIGIB) as a financial research analyst in 2018. From 2019 to 2020, he worked as a financial analyst for MotorK, an automotive technology company based in London.
Melchior Koba
- Zambia drafts new bills on e-communications and postal services
- Reforms align laws with cybersecurity, e-commerce, and digital growth
- Part of 2023–2027 strategy to boost trust, investment, innovation
Zambia is updating its legal framework to keep pace with the growth of digital services. At its seventeenth meeting on Monday, the Cabinet approved two bills for introduction to Parliament concerning electronic communications and postal services.
The first bill amends the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, which was enacted in 2021 to establish the legal foundation for e-commerce, digital payments, and other electronic services. According to Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, the revision aims to correct inconsistencies with the Cybersecurity Act, scheduled for 2025, and to strengthen the regulation of public key infrastructures, which are essential for secure transactions.
"The Act aims to promote a secure and trustworthy online environment, protecting consumers and businesses alike. The amendment will enhance secure, efficient and reliable electronic transactions while stimulating economic growth," Mweetwa said. The minister noted, however, that the current law has posed challenges, particularly in the licensing process and its integration with critical infrastructure.
The second bill will replace the Postal Act, which has been in force since 2009 and is considered outdated given technological advancements and new challenges like cybercrime and counterfeiting. It seeks to adapt the legal framework to changes in the postal and courier markets, which have been heavily impacted by the rise of e-commerce.
These reforms are part of the National Digital Transformation Strategy (2023-2027), which aims to modernize the Zambian economy through digital technology and create a climate of trust for businesses and consumers.
Ultimately, these bills are expected to enhance the security and competitiveness of Zambia's digital environment, increase investor confidence, and accelerate the adoption of digital services. They will also support economic diversification by fostering innovation and the emergence of new digital business models.
Samira Njoya
In Togo, informal savings circles, known as tontines, are moving into a more secure digital space thanks to fintech companies like Ollo Africa. The company recently received an electronic money institution license from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).
Ohana Africa is a financial technology solution developed by the Togolese startup Ollo Africa. Its mobile application allows users to organize and manage traditional savings circles, known as tontines, online. The solution was launched in August 2024 by Mawuna Koutonin, the company's CEO.
The app is available on both iOS and Android, where it has already been downloaded more than 5,000 times, according to data from the Play Store. Users can create an account and a digital space to start a savings group, define contribution rules, track payments, and plan the distribution of funds. Every transaction is traceable, which reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
The system also includes automated reminders and notifications to help enforce group discipline. It addresses the issues of reliability and fund security often associated with traditional tontines, helping to reduce disputes and strengthen trust among participants.
Beyond group management, the application provides people with limited access to banking services with a structured savings solution and opens up opportunities for future integration with other digital financial services. It is designed to be a practical, user-friendly tool aligned with local realities.
The app's launch is part of a growing trend in African fintech, where mobile applications are transforming traditional economic practices into modern digital solutions. In addition to Togo, Ohana Africa is also available in Nigeria and Kenya.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
- Mozambique launches ThinkLab incubator to support digital startups
- Twelve firms in health, AI, transport, finance join first cycle
- Part of broader strategy for inclusive digital transformation by 2030
Mozambique's communications regulatory authority, INCM, has launched the ThinkLab, a new incubator designed to support local startups and entrepreneurs in the digital sector. The launch took place in Maputo and was attended by Communications and Digital Transformation Minister Américo Muchanga.
"A nation without innovation is a nation of dormant minds. ThinkLab is a laboratory for projecting digital solutions for the most urgent national challenges. It is also a collaborative platform where the private sector, academia, and the government plan and project the future we want, together," Muchanga said.
Twelve startups were selected for the first incubation cycle. They operate in various sectors, including health, transport, finance, IT, and AI. Through ThinkLab, the regulator aims to provide them with technical and regulatory support, resources, training, and mentorship. The initiative also facilitates connections with experts and investors. The goal is to ensure project viability, encourage access to funding, and build a collaborative ecosystem that brings together startups, businesses, universities, and regulators.
The INCM hopes the project will help drive digital transformation, a key priority for Mozambican authorities. To that end, the government launched the "Internet For All" initiative last March to democratize internet access by 2030. This effort is seen as "a fundamental pillar of the government's overall digital transformation strategy, creating an inclusive digital environment that will enable citizens, businesses, and public institutions to interact and innovate, thus contributing to the emergence of an accessible and inclusive digital economy."
According to pan-African investment firm Renew Capital, Mozambique's startup ecosystem is still in its early stages. However, the firm notes that the country's vast natural gas reserves, abundant mineral resources, and strategic geographical location make it a promising market to watch in Africa. The challenges mentioned include a regulatory framework still under development, inadequate infrastructure—particularly in internet connectivity—and a significant skills gap in technology professions.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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• Chad to launch digital mining cadastre on September 19
• System to centralize titles, secure zones, boost transparency
• Part of reforms aiming to raise mining GDP share to 5% by 2030
Chad's Secretary of State for Petroleum, Mines, and Geology, Khadidja Hassane Abdoulaye, announced on Wednesday, September 17, the imminent launch of a digital system for managing mining activities across the country. Scheduled for Friday, September 19, the tool will centralize the issuance of mining titles, secure exploration and exploitation zones, and provide investors and citizens with real-time access to information.
"The launch and operationalization of this tool constitute a significant step in our commitment to modernize and secure the management of national mineral resources. It is a strong pledge toward transparency, good governance, and the sustainable development of our wealth," Abdoulaye said.
The implementation of the digital mining cadastre is part of a broader reform effort to streamline the extractive sector. In recent years, Chad has adopted legal and technical adjustments to align its regulatory framework with international standards and make its mining sector more attractive. Currently, the sector accounts for only about 1% of the country's GDP, but the government aims to increase this to 5% by 2030.
Across the continent, several African countries, including the DRC, Gabon, and Burkina Faso, have already introduced digital mining cadastres to curb fraud, secure investments, and increase tax revenues. Chad is following this trend to enhance transparency and competitiveness in the management of its natural resources.
Beyond attracting investment, the project is also seen as a tool for good governance. For investors, it guarantees better access to data and reduces risks related to land disputes. For citizens, it embodies a promise of greater transparency and more equitable management of national wealth, as the country seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons.
Samira Njoya
• Algeria’s FNI partners with four firms to build tech hub
• Project targets digital finance, public sector transformation
• Part of 2030 strategy to modernize services, boost innovation
Algeria's National Investment Fund (FNI) announced on Tuesday, September 16, that it has signed an agreement with a consortium of four digital companies: Optimum Télécom Algérie (Djezzy), IT-DEV Spa, Inet Spa, and Smart Test Spa. The initiative aims to lay the groundwork for the creation of a national technology hub.
According to the FNI, the hub is intended to "become a major player in digitization, primarily in the financial sector, by bringing together the expertise, infrastructure, and technological subsidiaries and stakes held by the FNI."
The fund's statement said the hub will integrate digital solutions into the financial sector and support public institutions and businesses in their digital transformation. This will help enhance the range of modern, accessible, and high-performance services available to citizens and companies. The FNI emphasized that the project represents a strategic turning point for its role in the national digital ecosystem, ensuring resource consistency, optimization, and sharing.
This initiative is part of the country's developing National Digital Transformation Strategy 2030, which prioritizes digital governance. It comes as Algeria ramps up digital projects to modernize its administration and stimulate innovation. In recent years, the country has strengthened its telecommunications infrastructure, expanded 4G coverage to more than 85% of the population, and launched several digital skills training programs for young people and businesses. The technology hub is expected to build on these achievements to create a structured ecosystem capable of sharing resources and leveraging local expertise.
Once operational, the hub is expected to optimize technological investments, accelerate innovation in digital services, and attract regional and international players. The initiative could also play a key role in economic development by fostering the emergence of solutions tailored to the needs of the financial sector while strengthening the competitiveness of Algerian startups and businesses in the digital market.
Samira Njoya
He develops digital solutions that are transforming access to financial and real estate services for international communities. His approach focuses on connectivity and the efficiency of cross-border systems.
Khalid Ashmawy (photo) is an Egyptian entrepreneur and computer scientist who founded Munify, an innovative cross-border neobank primarily serving the Egyptian diaspora.
Founded in January 2025, Munify offers a comprehensive digital banking solution accessible from the United States and the Middle East. The platform's proprietary infrastructure directly connects international banking systems, allowing users to send real-time, low-cost funds.
Customers can open a U.S. dollar account in minutes, get a virtual debit card, and protect their savings from the volatility of the Egyptian pound—a valuable feature given the country's unstable economic climate.
Munify's mission is to "simplify and improve financial services for businesses by providing secure, innovative, and scalable solutions that drive growth and efficiency." In September 2025, the neobank raised $3 million with support from Y Combinator, BYLD, and Digital Currency Group.
Ashmawy is also a co-founder of Huspy, a company he started in 2019. Huspy has developed a "super app" for the real estate market, which allows users to buy, sell, finance, or rent homes in Europe and the Middle East.
He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from the German University in Cairo in 2010 and a master's degree in computer science from the University of Stuttgart in Germany in 2011. He began his career in 2012 as a software engineer at Microsoft in the U.S. before working as a technical lead at Uber from 2016 to 2019.
Melchior Koba
He works to transform how companies organize their communications and activities. He offers new technologies that are revolutionizing corporate collaboration habits.
Nassreddine Riahi is a Tunisian entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of Cynoia, a startup that develops solutions to optimize communication and workflow management for businesses.
Founded in 2019 by Riahi and Ayoub Rabeh, Cynoia has created a centralized platform that unifies all of a company's communication and collaboration tools. The goal is to reduce scattered exchanges and facilitate the organization, tracking, and management of projects while helping to control costs.
The solution integrates multiple functions into a single environment, including project management with budget tracking, instant messaging with voice options, video conferencing, and activity planning. Today, the platform has more than 4,000 users across nine countries. Cynoia was named the best SaaS startup at the AfricArena Grand Summit 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa.
In addition to his role at Cynoia, Nassreddine Riahi serves as the executive vice president of international relations for Entrepreneurs without Borders. He also sits on the board of directors for TunisianStartups, where he was elected a board member on September 29, 2023.
Before starting Cynoia, he co-founded Smart Shore Center, a customer relations company, in 2010, where he served as sales director until 2019. From 2016 to 2019, he was the director of LR Consulting, an IT consulting firm he founded.
Riahi holds a university degree in mechanical and production engineering, which he obtained in 2005 from IUT Sénart-Fontainebleau.
Melchior Koba