In recent years, Senegal has entered a new phase, prioritizing digital technology as a cornerstone of its development strategy. The government aims to cultivate technological innovation and modernize public services to strengthen the country's competitiveness within the region.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presented his general policy statement (GPS) to the National Assembly on Friday, December 27. This document outlines an ambitious program of economic reforms designed to transform the country over the next five years, with digital technology at the core of Senegal's modernization efforts.
Key initiatives include digitizing major state registries and launching a pilot phase of the "Paperless" project, aimed at simplifying administrative procedures and improving the quality of public services.
The government has also expressed its commitment to building an ecosystem that brings together researchers, startups, and industrial players. This ecosystem will encourage investment in artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, high-value-added outsourcing services, and big data management. The goal is to provide tailored solutions for businesses while positioning Senegal as a technological hub in West Africa.
Education system modernization is another priority, with plans to integrate emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into school curricula. This initiative is intended to prepare Senegalese youth for the digital economy, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance human capital—a critical driver of technological and economic development.
The health sector will also benefit from this digital transformation. Projects include the comprehensive digitization of health records and scaling up electronic patient files, which aim to improve access to care, optimize hospital management, and boost the efficiency of the national healthcare system.
These reforms align with the Senegal 2050 framework, which envisions shared prosperity and inclusive modernization. Further details on this vision will be provided with the launch of the "New Technological Deal," set for January 2025. This strategy will outline how digital tools can serve as a cornerstone of Senegal's economic and social recovery.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In Africa, cash remains the primary method of transaction, with transaction fees acting as a barrier to the adoption of digital payments. Removing these fees is a crucial step toward enhancing financial inclusion and accelerating the shift to a cash-lite economy.
The Bank of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting digital payments across the country by ensuring that all transactions conducted with debit, credit, or prepaid cards at merchant Point of Sale (POS) terminals remain completely free for consumers. This was announced in a release dated December 23 signed by the Governor Emmanuel M. Tutuba.
The Bank of Tanzania urges the public to report any unauthorized charges encountered during POS transactions to their respective banks or through the Bank’s Consumer Complaints Desk. “The Bank hereby reminds the public that merchants are strictly prohibited from imposing any additional fees or surcharges on card transactions,” the release states.
Digital payments are increasingly recognized as a secure, cost-effective, and convenient alternative to cash transactions. Their adoption supports Tanzania’s transition toward a cash-lite economy, delivering benefits such as enhanced security, transparency, and ease of use for both consumers and businesses.
The Bank of Tanzania’s decision to eliminate fees for card transactions at POS terminals addresses the financial barriers introduced by the 2021 mobile money levy. According to the GSMA's 2021 Tanzania Mobile Money Levy Impact Analysis report, the levy significantly increased transaction costs, prompting a sharp decline in mobile money usage. Peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions dropped 38%, from 30 million in June to 18 million in September 2021, while cash-out transactions decreased by 25%, from 33 million to 25 million. This shift highlighted consumers' sensitivity to financial costs, which hindered the adoption of digital payments. The return to cash not only stalled progress in financial inclusion but also reintroduced inefficiencies into the economy.
As Tanzania continues its push toward financial inclusion and digital transformation, the Bank’s efforts to eliminate barriers to digital payment adoption are poised to contribute to a more secure and efficient economy. This initiative highlights the central bank’s dedication to fostering trust in digital payment platforms and ensuring compliance with its regulations.
Hikmatu Bilali
Algerian authorities are intensifying their push to accelerate the country's digital transformation. After a year of significant progress on numerous projects, a clear vision for the future is emerging.
Algeria commits to accelerating its digital transition with the launch of more than 500 projects between 2025 and 2026, with 75% of them focused on the modernization of public services. The plan was announced on Tuesday by Meriem Benmouloud, High Commissioner for Digitalization, during a meeting between the government and provincial governors.
"Algeria is undergoing a clear transition toward digitalization, requiring collective efforts to achieve the desired digital transformation and position Algeria at the forefront of global rankings," said Benmouloud. She explained that these projects represent a major step forward in making public services more accessible and transparent.
The initiatives align with the “Digital Algeria 2030” strategy, which is currently under development. This strategy revolves around five key pillars: infrastructure, training, digital governance, digital economy, and digital society. One of its flagship measure is the creation of an Interactive National Portal for Digital Services and an interoperability platform. These tools aim to centralize administrative procedures, reduce unnecessary travel, and improve access to information, particularly for those in remote areas.
Despite this momentum, additional efforts are needed to strengthen e-governance. Algeria ranks 116th out of 193 countries in the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.5956. While this marks a modest improvement from its 2022 score of 0.5611, the new projects are designed to enhance Algeria’s competitiveness and establish it as a regional leader in digital transformation.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce has experienced significant growth across Africa. In Tanzania, Ng'winula Kingamkono has developed a solution to fuel this expansion.
Tunzaa is a Tanzanian fintech platform that combines a marketplace with payment solutions. Founded in 2020 by Ng'winula Kingamkono, the Dar es Salaam-based company connects businesses with a network of buyers who can utilize installment payment plans to purchase a variety of goods and services. It recently secured an undisclosed funding round to fuel its growth
The Tunzaa mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, has been downloaded over 10,000 times, according to Play Store data. The app features a wide range of products, thanks to partnerships with major international brands that offer exclusive deals.
After a purchase, users have multiple payment options, including bank cards, mobile money (notably M-Pesa), and payments via Tunzaa's digital wallet. Upon completing a transaction, the platform sends the user a message or email, followed by a phone call to arrange delivery details.
For those who prefer not to opt for delivery, orders can be picked up directly from the seller or Tunzaa's customer service center. Regarding installment payments, users only receive their purchases after the full amount has been paid.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Last year, the Mozambican government announced plans to introduce a digital economy tax beginning in 2024. Today, the focus of this tax has narrowed, specifically targeting foreign digital companies operating within the tourism sector.
The Mozambican Tax Authority (AT) recently drafted a bill to formalize the taxation of online transactions in the tourism sector. This initiative targets platforms such as Booking, Tripadvisor, and Hotels.com, aiming to regulate the digital economy and boost the country’s tax revenues.
Currently, these platforms collect commissions on bookings made for Mozambican tourist establishments without contributing to the national tax system. The proposed legislation, set to be introduced in the next legislative session, seeks to close this gap by taxing the income these companies generate in Mozambique.
Amorim Ambasse, director of the Digital Economy Taxation Unit at the Mozambican Tax Authority, explained that although these platforms lack a physical presence in Mozambique, they generate significant revenues that should be "taxable because they stem from economic activities conducted within Mozambique's borders."
This move comes against the backdrop of robust growth in Mozambique’s tourism sector. In 2023, tourism revenues reached $221.2 million, marking a 10.4% increase compared to 2022, according to Eldevina Materula, Minister of Culture and Tourism. The number of international arrivals also rose sharply, surpassing 1.1 million visitors in 2023—a 31% increase from the previous year.
The proposal aligns with a broader national strategy to regulate and tax the digital economy. By targeting foreign digital platforms, the government aims to not only enhance tax collection but also establish a level playing field for local businesses and foster healthy competition.
If enacted, this measure could magnify the impact of digital technology on Mozambique’s economic growth. It would enable the country to contribute to the $712 billion that Africa’s digital economy is projected to generate by 2050, according to estimates from the International Finance Corporation and Google.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital technology is rapidly transforming public administrations across Africa. This transformation is enhancing service efficiency and improving citizens' access to essential resources.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed a preliminary agreement on Thursday, December 19, with Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd, a Singaporean company specializing in digital transformation. This agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to develop and implement a platform for managing digital identities and citizen data in the DRC.
"Our selection of Trident for this crucial digital transformation initiative reflects our commitment to adopting and coordinating innovative solutions for the benefit of our country and our citizens. This e-Government system will significantly improve access to government services in our country," said Justin Inzun Kakiak, Director General of the DRC's National Intelligence Agency.
The proposed platform will provide secure and streamlined access to a wide range of government services, including business registration, land registries, immigration services, civil status records, and digital payment and approval functions. Each service will be tailored specifically to the needs of the DRC, thereby strengthening administrative transparency and efficiency.
This partnership aligns with the DRC's strategic efforts to modernize its public institutions, promote transparency, and improve citizens' access to essential services. With secure digital solutions meeting international standards, the project aims to establish a trusted ecosystem while safeguarding users' personal data.
Once implemented, the platform is expected to transform interactions between citizens and the state while attracting technological investments. The goal is to strengthen the DRC's position as an emerging player in Africa’s digital transformation. The initiative also aims to improve the country's ranking in online governance. According to the United Nations' "E-Government Survey 2024," the DRC has an e-governance development index of 0.2710 out of 1, ranking 179th out of 193 countries. This project seeks to bridge this gap and lay the foundation for a modern digital administration.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A technology entrepreneur, he is one of the most dynamic figures in robotics innovation across Africa. In Algeria, he designed the very first firefighting robot, created to assist firefighters in combating fires more effectively.
Khaled Basta (photo) is a leading expert in smart fire prevention and firefighting solutions. He is the co-founder and CEO of BK Fire, a technology company specializing in fire safety solutions.
Founded in 2015, BK Fire stands out for its innovative approach to safety in Algeria. The company provides professional services, including the installation of fire detection and suppression systems and the design of safety plans that comply with current standards. Its solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each business, ensuring the safety of employees and infrastructure.
In 2021, BK Fire introduced Icosium, Algeria’s first 100% locally designed firefighting robot. This groundbreaking robot assists firefighters in hazardous or collapse-prone areas during fires. Remotely operated, Icosium is capable of detecting and extinguishing fires. Equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and a thermal camera, the robot can locate fire hotspots and identify human silhouettes or injured individuals.
“We can use the robot in confined, dangerous, or high-risk areas such as tunnels or warehouses to ensure fire suppression and cooling. Icosium is also equipped with an artificial intelligence system. If there is heavy smoke, the thermal camera detects the hotspot, and the AI takes over to perform an automatic scan. It can even detect a human silhouette or an injured person,” Khaled Basta explained in May 2024.
In February 2024, Khaled Basta launched BK Robotronics, a robotics company offering innovative solutions entirely designed and manufactured in Algeria. Its portfolio includes industrial robots, autonomous drones, computer vision systems, and custom automation solutions.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Khaled Basta served as General Manager at IM Industrielle, a company specializing in fire safety and industrial electrical services.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As an entrepreneur and expert in digital transformation, he is committed to developing innovative solutions to optimize the management of companies in the industrial sector.
Mohamed Louati (photo) is a Tunisian data analysis expert and tech entrepreneur, serving as the co-founder and CEO of Logimes, a technology company that specializes in solutions for the industrial sector.
Founded in 2021, Logimes is a digital services startup that assists industrial companies in implementing production management systems for their workshops. The company enables real-time tracking of work-in-progress, evaluation of operator performance, and measurement of overall production efficiency.
"Our goal is to be the strategic partner that guides the transition to advanced production management systems, improving operational efficiency and competitiveness in the era of Industry 4.0. By leveraging innovation, commitment, excellence, and collaboration, our mission is to deliver customized solutions and drive our clients’ success for a more efficient and sustainable future," states the company’s website.
Among Logimes' offerings are Fastuz, a learning platform designed to provide practical training tailored to labor market needs, helping learners succeed in their careers, and DAS ERP, a comprehensive enterprise resource planning solution.
Mohamed Louati holds an engineering degree in statistics and information analysis, with a focus on data analysis, which he earned in 2004 from the Higher School of Statistics and Information Analysis. He also obtained a master’s degree in economic modeling and econometrics in 2005 from Tunisia Polytechnic School.
His professional career began in 2004 at Karmex, an industrial company, where he worked as an analyst and administrator of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. In 2011, he joined Logidas, an ERP solutions provider, where he advanced through various roles including business developer, operations director, and eventually co-CEO.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Egyptian government is relying on cooperation to achieve its digital transformation goals. For example, an agreement was signed in September to strengthen Chinese investments in the national ICT sector.
Egypt is exploring opportunities to deepen its cooperation with the World Bank in the digital sector. Amr Talaat, the Egyptian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, met with Sangboo Kim, Vice President for Digital Development at the World Bank, who visited the country from Tuesday, December 17, to Thursday, December 19.
Discussions focused on digital transformation, the development of technological infrastructure, raising digital awareness, and enhancing digital skills. Mr. Kim emphasized the importance of sharing Egypt’s digital transformation experience with other nations and leveraging the country’s expertise to help others achieve their digital goals.
This engagement aligns with Egypt’s efforts to accelerate the implementation of its national digital transformation strategy, Digital Egypt 2030. The Egyptian government is aiming to develop the ICT sector and modernize national telecom infrastructure, positioning the digital economy as a driver of socio-economic development.
Currently, Egypt ranks sixth in Africa and 95th globally on the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). The country scored 0.6699 out of 1, surpassing the averages for North Africa (0.5776), Africa (0.4247), and the world (0.6382). In ICT development, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) places Egypt ninth among 47 African countries, with a score of 76.8 out of 100.
While a partnership with the World Bank could support Egypt’s digital transformation objectives, the details of such collaboration remain undefined. As of now, no agreements have been signed or announced between the two parties. Further developments will be needed before drawing conclusions about the prospects of this cooperation.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing bySèna D. B. de Sodji
To assist victims of violence, especially women and children, an NGO has developed a mobile application with a range of tools to combat this issue.
Zonza/Loba, a mobile application launched on Tuesday, November 25, 2024, by the Congolese NGO Azur Développement, aims to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Available in French, Lingala, and Kituba, the app is designed to raise awareness about the various forms, manifestations, and consequences of gender-based violence.
“This initiative directly addresses the numerous requests for support we receive from women and girls who have survived violence. These requests often come through our one-stop assistance centers run by Azur Développement, primarily via email. We also consistently receive requests to organize awareness campaigns to prevent violence against women and children,” explained Sylvie Niombo, Director of Azur Développement.
The app, available exclusively on Android, offers several sections that provide information on gender-based violence, available resources, and guidance on how to respond in such cases. It helps users understand the necessary steps to take in response to violence and directs them to appropriate support services, such as one-stop assistance centers for women and children. In dangerous situations, Zonza/Loba includes an alert feature that allows users to quickly notify the police or their loved ones.
“The app also allows users to call the police or send predefined alert messages to close contacts. Additionally, it can be used to reach the one-stop assistance centers to request support for victims of violence or to report cases of violence against women and children,” added Sylvie Niombo.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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On December 18, the African Development Bank announced a $10 million investment from its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to support the Persistent Africa Climate Venture Builder Fund (ACV Fund) in advancing climate technology entrepreneurship across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Fund will address critical financing needs for early-stage climate technology entrepreneurs, focusing on key sectors, including solar energy solutions, energy efficiency technologies, electric mobility, agricultural technology, and circular economy innovations.
The initiative emphasizes supporting African entrepreneurs, particularly women-owned and -managed businesses, including the creation of over 66,000 jobs, with a significant portion benefiting women.
Cybercrime threatens Nigeria’s economic growth by tarnishing its reputation and discouraging foreign direct investment. With Nigeria positioned as one of Africa's largest economies, eradicating cybercrime is critical to maintaining investor confidence and securing its burgeoning digital economy.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 792 suspects in a major raid targeting cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams. The operation, conducted on December 10, 2024, focused on a seven-story building, Big Leaf Building, at No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Director of Public Affairs Commander Wilson Uwujaren, revealed that the suspects included 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two Kazakhstani nationals, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian, alongside their Nigerian collaborators. The building served as a hub where foreign syndicates trained Nigerians to execute scams targeting global victims.
Investigators uncovered advanced computers on all floors and 500 SIM cards linked to local telecom providers. Nigerian recruits were selected for their typing and computer skills, then trained to create fake profiles, engage victims in romantic or investment scams, and promote a fraudulent platform, www.yooto.com. Activation fees on the platform started at $35.
The foreign syndicate leaders handled defrauding victims and cut off the Nigerians from the proceeds. Recruits lacked formal contracts and were paid in cash or via personal accounts.
Olukoyede highlighted collaboration with international partners to uncover links to global fraud networks. He countered the notion that Nigerians are the primary perpetrators of fraud, stating that foreign syndicates exploit Nigeria’s reputation to mask operations.
The raid follows a November 2024 operation where Nigerian police arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals, for cybercrimes and activities threatening national security. These efforts align with the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, which criminalizes identity theft, phishing, and hacking, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to tackling cybercrime on a global scale.
Hikmatu Bilali
The expansion of fibre optic network in Africa is a critical development in the journey toward digital transformation. This achievement supports key objectives, including bridging the digital divide, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the continent’s position in the global digital economy.
Technology services provider of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), has successfully deployed its cutting-edge fibre optic network in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin, it announced on December 16. This marks a major milestone in Phase II of the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) project. The expansion reflects GBB's commitment to enhancing Nigeria's digital connectivity and accelerating its transformation into a digitally inclusive nation.
Prof. Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, hailed the achievement, stating: "The expansion of our fibre optic network to Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin is a significant step in bridging the digital divide and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy. This infrastructure empowers us to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions for both the public and private sectors."
With an extensive cross-country optical fibre backbone now spanning over 5,000 kilometers across 27 state capitals, GBB continues to solidify its role as Nigeria’s digital backbone. The project integrates the nation’s six geopolitical zones, enhancing digital inclusion and fostering economic growth.
The newly completed Abuja-to-Lagos route, which connects key cities such as Minna, Bida, Mokwa, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibadan, and Lagos, is a strategic development designed to bolster network reliability. This closed-loop network ensures service redundancy and reduces potential downtime, offering users a seamless, world-class digital experience.
The fibre optic network enhances high-speed, secure connectivity for government institutions and businesses, empowering them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. With this deployment, GBB reinforces its commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and its vision of a digitally inclusive society.
As Galaxy Backbone (GBB) extends its network, it reinforces its position as a key partner in driving Nigeria's digital economy, fostering innovation, and enabling sustainable development. This initiative aligns with GBB’s vision of building a smarter government, which will pave the way for smart communities, cities, and a more technology-driven nation. It also marks a significant step towards fulfilling its mandate of operating a nationwide IP-based network to provide a unified platform for connectivity and infrastructure services for all Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The expansion aligns with Nigeria's National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 which aims to increase broadband penetration to 90% by 2025, a goal supported by GBB’s ongoing projects.
Hikmatu Bilali
The e-commerce market in Nigeria is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a tech-savvy youth population and the growing adoption of online shopping. The entry of international players is intensifying competition, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the local economy.
Three weeks after its launch in Nigeria, Chinese online retailer Temu has soared to the top of download charts on both Android and Apple Store. Its swift success stems from a targeted marketing campaign combined with a compelling offer of low-priced products imported directly from China. By tailoring its services to local needs—such as payments in naira and home delivery—Temu has captured the attention of Nigerian consumers.
Temu’s entry into Nigeria is part of a broader strategy by Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein, Aliexpress, and TikTok Shop to offset increasing restrictions in Western markets. Following its debut in South Africa, Nigeria became Temu’s second African market, solidifying its foothold on the continent.
To break into Nigeria, Temu employed an aggressive launch strategy backed by massive advertising investments. In 2023, the company was Meta's largest advertiser, spending nearly $2 billion on ads. This approach has not only outpaced established local and international competitors but also driven up advertising costs for rivals.
Temu’s key advantage lies in its direct-shipping model, sourcing products directly from Chinese manufacturers. By cutting out intermediaries, it offers a wide range of ultra-competitive prices, appealing to a market characterized by high price sensitivity and low brand loyalty.
However, this model poses significant challenges for the local economy. The influx of low-cost imported goods puts pressure on domestic platforms like Jumia and threatens small Nigerian businesses, especially in the growing fashion and design sectors.
Temu’s arrival has drawn mixed reactions. While consumers applaud access to affordable and diverse products, analysts warn of long-term repercussions for local enterprises. Some experts urge the government to consider protective measures, inspired by countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, which have implemented taxes and tariffs to safeguard their domestic markets from e-commerce giants.
Policies requiring foreign firms to create local jobs or establish production centers could help mitigate the economic impact while leveraging foreign investment.
Nigeria’s e-commerce market, valued at $8.53 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $14.92 billion by 2029, growing at an annual compound rate of 11.82%, according to Mordor Intelligence's E-commerce in Nigeria Market Size & Share Analysis (2024-2029). This rapid growth reflects the increasing adoption of online shopping, driven by a young, tech-savvy population.
To ensure this growth benefits the local economy, Nigeria must strike a balance between welcoming international players and protecting local businesses. Temu’s rapid rise highlights the transformative shifts in Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape while raising critical questions about maintaining a sustainable economic ecosystem.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji