Applications are now open for the tenth cohort of the develoPPP Ventures program, aimed at Kenyan startups that already generate revenue. Selected companies can receive up to €100,000 (about $113,000) in non-dilutive financing, along with technical support, to accelerate their growth and increase their social, economic or environmental impact in the region.
The Nigerian startup Konnadex has received a $20,000 grant from the Lisk protocol to accelerate the development of its stablecoin payment portal for merchants. The platform offers on-chain invoicing, payment links and automated reconciliation to streamline cryptocurrency settlements. The funding strengthens the company’s market credibility but remains only an early step toward scaling.
M-KOPA Kenya, a subsidiary of M-KOPA Holdings, said it has extended $1.6 billion in credit to customers in the country, largely through smartphone financing. The company says it has reached 4.8 million customers over fifteen years, making it a major source of credit for low-income households.
- Gabon to digitize payments for online visa applications via mobile money
- Move supports broader push to modernize public services and reduce delays
- Part of national strategy to boost digital economy and cut reliance on oil
The Gabonese government is preparing to digitize payments for its online visa application system. The subject was discussed on Friday, November 21, during a meeting between Mark Alexandre Doumba (photo, center), Minister of Digital Economy, Digitalization and Innovation, and mobile money operators Airtel Money, Moov Money and Clikpay Money.
According to the ministry, enabling electronic payments is an “essential step toward providing a fully digital service that is faster, smoother and more transparent.”
The initiative fits into Gabon’s broader digital strategy. The government aims to make digital technology a core driver of socioeconomic development and to reduce the country’s dependence on extractive industries. In September, Gabon adopted a new legal framework to regulate and accelerate the digital transformation of public administration.
Digitizing payments is a key part of this modernization effort. In late October, authorities launched a pilot to digitize social and tax contributions, with a full rollout scheduled for January 2026. Earlier this year, Gabon also partnered with Visa to develop digital solutions for modernizing tax collection, automating fund disbursements and deploying a secure digital identity.
Officials say that digitizing payments will benefit the state “by reducing the costs and delays linked to administrative procedures, improving the quality of public services and strengthening citizens’ trust in public administration.” They added that wider digital payment adoption will support economic development by making transactions easier, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Orange Morocco opens 1.5MW data center in Casablanca to boost digital capacity
- Facility supports cloud, AI, and cybersecurity under Maroc Digital 2030 strategy
- Solar-powered center enhances digital sovereignty amid Africa-wide infrastructure gap
Orange Morocco has opened its new “Orange Tech” data center in Casablanca, a 1.5 megawatt (MW) facility designed to support the country’s growing needs for hosting, cloud services and cybersecurity, while contributing to the national push for digital sovereignty.
In a message on X, the operator said the new site strengthens its position as a trusted partner for companies and public institutions by providing critical infrastructure for Morocco’s digital transformation.
Built on a 15,000-square-meter site, Orange Tech combines operational redundancy with strong energy efficiency. Its technical areas meet Uptime Institute standards, and the facility is equipped with more than 1,000 solar panels, generating about 700 kWp to support self-consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of hosted services. The center is designed to support hosting and cloud workloads and to deliver high availability for applications used by businesses and government agencies, including AI-related use cases.
The project supports the country’s digital ambitions under the “Maroc Digital 2030” strategy and the “New Development Model,” which emphasize digital sovereignty, infrastructure expansion, and skills development. The launch also comes as Orange ramps up its broader strategy, including advancements in 5G, artificial intelligence, and the strengthening of its B2B service portfolio.
For Orange’s business and government clients, the data center promises improved service resilience, greater security for data stored within Morocco, and better overall performance. It also enables new digital services, including sovereign cloud options, local AI processing, and high-availability hosting for mission-critical applications.
The launch takes place as Africa faces a severe shortage of data center capacity. As of mid-2023, the continent accounted for less than 2 percent of global colocation supply, with most facilities concentrated in South Africa, according to the “Data Centres in Africa Focus” report by Oxford Business Group.
Samira Njoya
Seedstars is partnering with the SANAD Fund to launch the SANAD Elevate Her program, which targets women-led startups in Africa and the Middle East. Forty startups will receive tailored support, investment-readiness coaching, and access to networks designed to promote job creation and strengthen economic resilience. Applications are open until Wednesday, November 26.
Egyptian startup Bluworks, which specializes in digitizing workforce management for field employees, has raised $1 million in seed funding to accelerate its growth in Egypt and expand across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The funding will support platform enhancements, the integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), and a stronger focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Glody Kabamba works as a SOC analyst at Rawbank after training at Orange Digital Center.
- He completed multiple online and in-person programs in cybersecurity and IT.
- His goal is to earn top certifications and take on senior cybersecurity roles.
Congolese professional Glody Kabamba is currently a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst at Rawbank in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he monitors, detects, and responds to security incidents to protect the institution’s information systems and data.
He holds a computer science degree earned in 2024 from the University of Kinshasa, with a specialization in information systems and cybersecurity. His studies provided a foundation in programming, databases, networks, and systems analysis, guiding him early toward cybersecurity careers.
Before joining Orange Digital Center programs, Kabamba finished university without professional experience in the digital sector. He wanted to build a solid career in cybersecurity and become a reference in the field. He said he hoped to join a major institution, such as Orange or Rawbank, to apply his skills, take on technological challenges, and contribute to securing information systems.
Kabamba learned about Orange Digital Center training through friends. He saw it as an opportunity to deepen his interest in cybersecurity while benefiting from the support of a recognized training structure.
In February 2025, he joined the ODC and completed several programs through September, including Google Cybersecurity, AWS re/Start, and IT Support. All were conducted under a partnership between ODC and the online training platform Coursera established in April 2024.
He said the cybersecurity and IT Support tracks were mainly online, which required strong autonomy. The AWS re/Start program stood out with in-person sessions supervised by a coach who regularly supported participants.
On the coach’s advice, Kabamba began posting his projects on LinkedIn to showcase his skills to recruiters. This visibility helped him enter the job market. In October 2025, Rawbank’s security department contacted him and offered him his first cybersecurity position, which he accepted as a SOC analyst.
After earning his certifications, he received additional offers, including from Huawei for a potential collaboration and from the Mining Cadastre for consulting work.
Kabamba sees his certifications not as an endpoint but as a starting point toward deeper expertise. His next goals include earning international credentials such as CISSP and CEH, along with advancing to roles with greater responsibility in shaping and managing advanced security strategies.
In the long term, he aims to become a recognized cybersecurity expert and contribute to protecting critical infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo and internationally.
- First USF phase aims to extend 4G to 9,000 people in underserved regions
- New towers deployed with robust structures to support future upgrades
- 360,000 Namibians still lacked 4G coverage in 2024, along with schools and clinics
The Namibian government aims to connect more than 9,000 citizens to 4G as part of the first phase of the Universal Service Fund (USF), which seeks to expand nationwide access to telecommunications services. The target was announced this week during the commissioning of the first tower under the program in the village of Epinga, in Ohangwena region in the north, in partnership with operator MTC.
Alongside Ohangwena, this initial phase covers underserved communities in the Kavango West, Kavango East, Kunene, and Oshikoto regions, with the goal of reaching at least 80% broadband coverage in these areas. About 10,300 additional people are expected to benefit from improved 4G services.
In implementing phase 1, the company is deploying several tower types, including 60-meter lattice towers and 80-meter and 120-meter guyed masts, all designed with strong load capacities. MTC CEO Licky Erastus said this approach ensures structural stability and allows the network to adapt to future innovations.
According to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), 360,000 Namibians — about 12% of the population — were not covered by 4G as of February 2024. The gap also affects 339 schools and 50 health facilities. For 3G, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimated 89% coverage in 2023, while 2G already covered 100% of the population.
Launched in February 2025, the USF has a base investment of 145 million Namibian dollars (about 8.4 million $), funded through government grants and a 0.5% levy on telecom operators’ revenue. While network deployment brings infrastructure closer to communities, effective adoption still depends on several factors: access to compatible devices, service affordability, and digital skills.
According to DataReportal, Namibia had 2.67 million mobile subscribers at the start of 2025, representing a penetration rate of 87.1%. Internet users numbered 1.97 million, or 64.4%.
- Senegal rolls out the Startup Ecosystem program under the 2020 Startup Act.
- More than 500 startups are expected to be labeled, with 150,000 jobs targeted by 2034.
- The initiative offers training, tax incentives, financing access, and a digital one-stop shop.
The Senegalese government launched the “Startup Ecosystem” program on November 20, implementing Law No. 2020-01, known as the Startup Act, adopted in January 2020. The initiative aims to support Senegalese startups, promote innovation, ease access to financing, and strengthen public support.
The program includes a “Startup Ecosystem” label and an online one-stop shop to simplify the labeling process and access to services. More than 500 startups are expected to receive the label, with a target of creating 150,000 direct jobs by 2034. The initiative also connects investors, incubators, technical partners, and young innovative companies, supported by monitoring tools to measure impact.
The launch is part of the Technological New Deal and Senegal Vision 2050, which place innovation and digital development at the center of the country’s strategy. Labeled startups benefit from concrete support measures, including training and capacity-building programs, preferential customs regimes for importing equipment, specific tax incentives, priority access to public procurement, and tailored financing opportunities.
With this launch, Senegal now has an operational and measurable framework focused on impact. The Startup Ecosystem program is expected to stimulate local innovation, attract talent and foreign capital, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in Africa. According to StartupBlink, an international organization that ranks global startup ecosystems, Senegal counts 48 leading startups as of November 2025, ranking 92nd worldwide and among the leaders in West Africa.
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His journey proves that mastering new technical skills can transform a professional's position within an organization. He also demonstrates how strategic data utilization impacts corporate decisions and creates new leadership opportunities.
Thierno Hamidou Sow is a programmer analyst at E-CASH Guinea, a company specializing in digital development. A graduate with a bachelor's degree in software engineering obtained in 2024 from the Kofi Annan University of Guinea, he designs and maintains digital tools for his company and regularly uses datasets in his projects.
While browsing Facebook, he discovered an advertisement from the Orange Digital Center for a data analysis training program offered in partnership with the Coursera platform. This program, resulting from a collaboration announced in April 2024, caught his attention. He enrolled, began the courses on July 1, 2025, and obtained his certification on September 1.
"Before the training, I used data in my projects, but I didn't have a clear idea of how to use it optimally. The training allowed me to understand how to transform raw data into usable information, so that businesses can make fact-based decisions. I acquired the concrete skills I was looking for," he explained in an interview with We Are Tech Africa.
Upon completing the course, he said he gained a practical understanding of the processes for converting raw data into relevant information for business teams. "The certification allowed me to go beyond simple IT development. I now analyze the data generated by applications to propose fact-based solutions, better respond to market needs, and bring more value to the company," he added.
After obtaining the certification, he presented it to his management and explained the value of data analysis for the company's activities. Convinced of the usefulness of these skills, management entrusted him with his first project involving marketing data to help guide management decisions.
The results obtained were considered significant by the company, which sees this as a way to improve its analysis of the market and its performance. In recognition of this work, Thierno Hamidou Sow, then a developer, was promoted to programmer analyst, a role that combines software development and data analysis to meet operational needs.
For the future, he plans to "continue deepening my skills in data science and artificial intelligence, to better combine development and data analysis."
Melchior Koba
He concentrates on digital tools that automate complexity and enhance AI technology access. He develops an approach optimized for local and international adoption, ultimately seeking to scale the practical applications of artificial intelligence.
Okechukwu Nwaozor, a young Nigerian entrepreneur born in 2007 who is a self-taught programmer, is emerging as a new face of artificial intelligence in Africa. He is the founder and chief executive of OkeyMeta, a technology company specializing in generative AI and language models.
Founded in 2022, OkeyMeta is a platform designed for African and international use. It offers models capable of processing text, analyzing images, generating code, and automating tasks. These functions are accessible via APIs that can be integrated into any internet-connected application.
The platform's main model, OkeyAI, is a multimodal language model described as capable of analyzing multiple data types and adapting to queries in real time. It operates in the background, with users interacting through chat interfaces or APIs that send their requests to the model and return a response within milliseconds.
OkeyMeta enables the creation of virtual assistants, customer service chatbots, writing tools, document analysis systems, and image or code generation modules without users having to train their own model. The platform targets developers, startups, and businesses looking to integrate automated functions into their services, such as email response, decision support, or content personalization.
The platform also offers a fine-tuning function, which allows for the creation of a customized version of the model using an organization's data or for a specific use case. The user can define the model's name, version, tone, and domain of expertise, then provide content examples to guide its adaptation.
In April 2025, Okechukwu Nwaozor held a position as a software engineer at OIC Hub, an IT company and training center in Nigeria that also organizes workshops, events, and conferences related to programming and digital technologies.
Melchior Koba
He is redefining the current landscape by creating a clear structure for accessing African languages. This effort opens up a structured educational space that profoundly changes how these languages are studied.
Frank Akinwande Williams is a Nigerian entrepreneur working in edtech and digital culture in Lagos. He is the co-founder and chief executive of Lingawa, an online platform dedicated to learning African languages.
Founded in 2022 by Frank Akinwande Williams, Yvonne Williams, and Uche Azinge, Lingawa offers courses adapted to the pace and availability of each user through flexible schedules and the support of specialized tutors. The platform focuses on individualized progression, allowing everyone to advance at their own speed.
Learners are matched with a native tutor, selected according to their goals, level, and learning style. The tutors take the time to explain concepts, verify understanding, and encourage repetition, a method particularly useful for beginners or those wishing to reconnect with their heritage language. Lingawa currently offers Yoruba and Igbo courses.
The platform also integrates cultural content into the learning path. Films, songs, games, and interactive media are used to create a learning environment rooted in familiar contexts. The objective is to facilitate the acquisition of linguistic reflexes over the course of the sessions.
Lingawa also provides users with a mobile application that allows for revision between lessons using flashcards, games, and progress tracking tools. This complementary support helps maintain a regular pace and reinforces learning. The platform also offers virtual immersion sessions, designed to practice listening and speaking in near-real-life situations.
Frank Akinwande Williams holds a bachelor's degree in medicine, obtained in 2008 from the University of Birmingham in England. He is also a graduate of the University of York, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in economics and finance in 2012. He also holds a master's degree in financial administration, obtained in 2018 from Harvard Business School in the United States.
He began his professional career in 2012 as an investment banking services analyst at Morgan Stanley in the United Kingdom. In 2014, he joined Helios Investment Partners in London as an associate for portfolio operations and investments. In 2018, he joined Actis, a British investor, as a partner, before becoming a director in 2020, a position he held until 2022.
Melchior Koba
He explores new methods in development and cybersecurity. His work shows the transformative effect of training and proficiency on professional practices.
Ibrahim Hamadoun Macinanké is a Malian full-stack developer and IT support and maintenance technician. He holds a bachelor's degree in management IT obtained in 2023 from the University School of Technology and Management in Mali.
Between 2019 and 2020, he also completed a one-year program in science and technology, mathematics, physics, and web and mobile development at Tianjin University of Science and Technology in China.
Currently a web developer and administrator for the Chamilo e-learning platform, he seeks out every opportunity to strengthen his technical skills. He aims to deepen his mastery of modern back-end development and clarify the uses of artificial intelligence in professional environments.
With this goal, the former cybercafe manager joined the Orange Digital Center (ODC), a digital skills training and innovation support center run by telecoms operator Orange. There, he is enrolled in a training program called "Meta Back-End Developer," which he completed with a certification in July 2025. He discovered the program earlier this year through his technology monitoring. It results from a partnership signed in April 2024 between ODC and Coursera, the international online learning platform.
Through this initiative, he also obtained several supplementary certifications in June 2025, including "AI for Everyone," "Prompt Engineering Generative AI for Marketing & Advertising," and "Computer Networks and Network Security."
These courses "allowed me to better understand the best practices of professional development, database management, and the fundamental principles of AI," he told the editorial team of We Are Tech Africa.
Macinanké said he was able to "immediately apply my new knowledge in my personal projects. I improved the structure of my applications, strengthened back-end code security, and refined my working method." He also revealed he is currently working on "a technological component and a 'made in Mali' application that will be among the most beneficial solutions for my fellow citizens."
He believes the entirety of this training has had a direct effect on his technical level and his skills, including those he had already consolidated previously, and that it will guide his future projects.
Despite the certifications obtained, Ibrahim Hamadoun Macinanké plans to continue his online training, contribute to collaborative projects, and get involved in developer and cybersecurity communities.
"My goal is to become a back-end focused full-stack developer specialized in cybersecurity, capable of creating high-performance and secure applications for the service of education and technological innovation," he said.
Melchior Koba