The African accelerator Innovate Now has selected 19 Kenyan startups for its 11th cohort focused on assistive technology. The ventures address issues in AI-powered accessibility, mobility, inclusive education and digital inclusion. Over the next eight months, founders will receive dedicated mentorship, test their solutions with people with disabilities, and take part in tailored coaching ahead of a final Demo Day.
Cyber Carnival 2026 will take place this June in Nairobi, Kenya, with dates yet to be confirmed. Framed as a full-scale festival, the event combines cybersecurity and technological innovation with elements of African culture. It will bring together professionals, tech enthusiasts, and the wider public through workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits designed to make digital security more accessible while showcasing local creativity.
Kenyan data protection authorities have launched an investigation into Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses amid concerns they may capture and expose sensitive information. The glasses, which can record video, take photos and respond to voice commands, are reported to capture private content that is then reviewed by human contractors. The case has reignited debate over privacy and consent in the era of wearable technology.
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Tarik Fadli develops digital platforms to streamline administrative and business processes.
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Algo Consulting Group operates across sectors including notary services, hospitality, transport, and HR.
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The company leverages technology to improve efficiency, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
Moroccan entrepreneur Tarik Fadli is leveraging digital technologies to streamline administrative procedures and modernize organizational management across multiple sectors.
Fadli founded and leads Algo Consulting Group, a digital services firm that designs and deploys technology solutions aimed at simplifying operations for organizations in industries such as hospitality, transport, agriculture, public administration, and human resources.
Founded in 2007, Algo Consulting Group has developed Wraqi, an online notary platform that enables users to complete procedures remotely that were traditionally reserved for physical notary offices.
The platform aims to simplify access to notarial services while reducing constraints related to travel and paper-based document management. The company has also developed Quotelo, a booking engine designed for meetings, conferences, and group events in the hospitality and events sectors. The tool allows users to search, compare, and book conference venues based on specific criteria while offering greater transparency on features and pricing.
In addition, Algo Consulting Group markets Ajiel, a digital platform that enables companies to manage payroll and employee benefits independently.
The platform allows businesses to process salaries and manage staff benefits while complying with legal and tax requirements.
The company develops ticketing solutions for rail, bus, and broader transport networks. It also provides comprehensive logistics tools designed to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance transparency.
For the agriculture and fisheries sectors, the group develops traceability solutions that allow stakeholders to track products from origin to points of sale or auction markets.
Tarik Fadli graduated in computer science from the University of Colorado Denver. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Salford, obtained in 2014. He earned a postgraduate diploma in data and systems analysis from the University of Oxford in 2015 and holds certification as a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) architect.
Fadli began his career in 2000 in the United States, where he worked as a solutions architect and IT manager at CTL Thompson, a consulting engineering firm specializing in geotechnics, materials, environment, and structures. In 2007, he joined Microsoft Middle East & Africa as a principal solutions architect before founding his own company.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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VoiceUp enables anonymous and secure internal reporting for organizations.
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The platform streamlines case management from submission to resolution.
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Founder Ahmed Genedy brings experience from Coca-Cola and the energy sector.
Egyptian tech entrepreneur Ahmed Genedy is leveraging digital innovation to improve transparency and accountability within organizations through his platform iVoiceUp.
Genedy co-founded iVoiceUp in 2019 and serves as chief executive officer of the company, which provides a structured, anonymous, and secure system for collecting and managing internal reports.
The platform aims to transform how organizations handle whistleblowing and internal alerts by combining technology with governance best practices.
iVoiceUp operates a comprehensive reporting and case-tracking system accessible to multiple stakeholders, including whistleblowers, investigators, and management teams.
The process follows a structured workflow that includes report submission, assignment to relevant teams, investigation, and documented resolution. Users can submit reports in text or voice format and attach supporting digital evidence. The platform emphasizes anonymity to encourage individuals to report incidents they might otherwise hesitate to disclose publicly.
iVoiceUp automatically notifies designated personnel as soon as a report is submitted. The system integrates automated distribution mechanisms, support functions, and collaborative tools that enable rigorous and structured case tracking.
By optimizing information flows, the platform allows organizations to process more cases faster while ensuring full traceability of actions, decisions, and outcomes.
The solution also helps organizations standardize procedures for collecting, documenting, and resolving incidents, thereby limiting impacts on employees and corporate reputation.
Ahmed Genedy graduated from the American University in Cairo with a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 2015. He joined The Coca-Cola Company in 2017 as a project manager before moving into the renewable energy sector.
He served as managing associate at Solariz Egypt from 2018 to 2019, where he worked on the design, financing, installation, and commissioning of photovoltaic solar power plants.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Cairo-based startup Qualiphi supports over 500,000 students across 40 universities.
- The platform uses AI to align academic pathways with labor market needs.
- The company targets expansion across the Middle East and North Africa.
Qualiphi, founded in 2025 by Nevien Magdy and based in Cairo, has developed a technology solution designed to transform how universities manage career pathways. The platform operates as a Career Services Management (CSM) system that enables universities and schools to digitize their career services. The tool covers key stages, including career exploration, skills development, access to internships and job opportunities, and connections with recruiters.
“The platform [Qualiphi] currently supports more than 500,000 students and graduates across 40 universities, along with a growing network of employers seeking to identify, attract, and develop the next generation of talent,” the startup said.
Qualiphi targets the persistent gap between academic training and labor market needs. The platform integrates analytics and recommendation tools to guide students toward career paths aligned with employer expectations while facilitating recruitment processes for companies.
Moreover, the solution reflects a broader regional trend toward digitizing higher education and employability services.
The startup has already secured partnerships with academic institutions and public sector stakeholders, aiming to build an integrated ecosystem linking universities, students, and employers.
Qualiphi has recently strengthened its market position through external growth operations aimed at expanding its services across the Middle East and North Africa. The company aims to scale its platform regionally while improving graduate employability and providing businesses with more structured access to emerging talent.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Nigeria plans a national cybersecurity coordination council to strengthen resilience.
- Cybercrime costs the country over $500 million annually.
- Africa recorded more than $3 billion in cyber-related losses between 2019 and 2025.
Interpol estimates that cybersecurity incidents across Africa caused financial losses exceeding $3 billion between 2019 and 2025, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing governments and businesses.
The Nigerian government aims to strengthen collective resilience and improve coordinated responses to evolving cyber threats across both public and private sectors.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NIGERIA'S NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY COORDINATION COUNCIL TO STRENGTHEN CYBER RESILIENCE
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) April 1, 2026
The Federal Government has signalled its intention to work collaboratively with the private sector and key stakeholders toward the establishment of a Cybersecurity Coordination… pic.twitter.com/BSqEJIyj9h
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the initiative in a statement released on April 1. He said the proposed council would operate as a non-statutory, multi-stakeholder coordination platform.
The council will bring together key actors to strengthen partnerships, facilitate the sharing of reliable information, and ensure sustained cooperation among institutions responsible for cybersecurity.
Tijani said recent cybersecurity incidents have posed significant risks to customers and disrupted operations across major private institutions, public systems, and Nigeria’s service industry.
“These incidents highlight the increasingly coordinated and sophisticated nature of cyber threats, orchestrated by organized actors and malicious networks seeking to undermine trust in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem,” the statement said.
Nigeria, like many African countries, faces an acceleration in cyber threats as digital adoption expands.
A January 2026 report by Deloitte stated that organizations across sectors experienced a notable increase in attacks in 2025, ranging from AI-driven scams and ransomware incidents to identity theft affecting everyday users.
“Over the course of the year, a clear trend emerged: attackers became more sophisticated and more agile […]” Deloitte said, adding that threat actors are expected to rely even more on automation and AI-driven tools in 2026.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reported that Nigeria loses more than $500 million annually to cybercrime, underscoring the economic stakes.
This trend threatens the government’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy.
Speaking at a conference in January, Tijani stressed that achieving this goal depends as much on trust as on physical infrastructure, given the growing importance of digital systems.
“If we lose trust in this sector, citizens will be discouraged from using tools capable of transforming our economy. If we maintain that trust, citizens will believe in these tools, and they will help make Nigeria prosperous,” he said.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Electrum provides cloud-based payment software used by four major South African banks.
- The platform integrates multiple payment providers through a single interface with smart routing.
- Founder Dave Glass brings experience from Standard Bank, ACI Worldwide, and fintech firms.
Dave Glass co-founded Electrum in 2012 and currently serves as chairman of the board. The company develops cloud-based payment software that simplifies connectivity between payment services for banks and retailers.
Electrum enables institutions to integrate payment providers either directly or through aggregators using a single interface.
The platform incorporates advanced features, including intelligent routing, which selects providers based on availability and existing commercial agreements.
This architecture allows businesses to optimize transaction flows while improving efficiency and reliability in payment processing.
Electrum leverages a modern infrastructure tailored to the South African market. The platform enables companies to capture new opportunities in the payments sector by offering speed, flexibility, and solutions aligned with local use cases.
Four major South African banks currently use the platform, reflecting its growing adoption in the financial ecosystem.
Dave Glass graduated from the University of Cape Town with a bachelor’s degree in information systems in 2002. He later earned a master’s degree in management of information systems from Trinity College Dublin in 2008.
He began his career in 2003 at IQbusiness South Africa, where he worked as a consultant in management and digital transformation.
He joined Standard Bank in 2004 as a technologist, before moving in 2009 to Touch Networks as a fintech project manager.
He became head of professional services at S1 Corporation in 2010 and held the same position at ACI Worldwide in 2012, a global provider of payment systems.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Senegal joins a regional $718,200 digital circular economy initiative across four countries.
- The program targets SMEs with digital tools to improve waste valorization.
- Africa dumps or burns nearly 90% of its waste, underscoring urgent reform needs.
Senegal has launched the Digital Innovation for Circular Economy (DICE) Africa project to address mounting waste management challenges through digital innovation.
Authorities introduced the initiative on March 30 as part of a regional program also deployed in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the circular economy and improve waste valorization using digital solutions.
The initiative seeks to remove structural constraints in the sector while strengthening economic and social opportunities linked to waste management.
The Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) leads the project with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The program operates with a budget of about 1 million Canadian dollars (approximately $718,200) over 30 months across the four countries. The initiative combines research, capacity building, and funding mobilization to create a sustainable ecosystem around the circular economy.
Oluwatosin Ajide, DICE Africa coordinator, said the program places local innovation at its core. He added that organizers will identify grassroots solutions capable of addressing sector-specific challenges.
Ajide said the program will organize a hackathon to stimulate innovation among Senegalese talent and develop digital tools tailored to the needs of circular economy businesses. These tools will support the rollout of a national digital platform designed to facilitate exchanges and improve SME competitiveness.
Waste management remains a major challenge across Africa as volumes rise and collection systems struggle to keep pace. The African Clean Cities Platform estimates that nearly 90% of waste generated on the continent is dumped in uncontrolled landfills or burned in open air.
Senegal produces more than 3 million tonnes of waste annually, while sub-Saharan Africa hosts 19 of the world’s 50 largest dumpsites and could become the largest waste-producing region over time.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Yenza provides digital career guidance to students across hundreds of schools in South Africa.
- The platform integrates self-assessment, skills development, and access to education and job opportunities.
- Founder Jared Molko brings experience from Google across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
South African tech entrepreneur Jared Molko is leveraging digital tools to improve career guidance and help young people make informed professional choices.
Molko co-founded Yenza in 2019 and serves as chief executive officer of the platform, which aims to make high-quality career guidance and development services accessible to all students.
The company positions its solution as an alternative to traditional guidance systems, which often fail to provide personalized and data-driven support. Yenza offers an integrated digital solution that guides users through every stage of their career journey, from self-discovery to access to education and employment opportunities.
The platform collaborates with hundreds of leading schools across South Africa and brings together expertise in technology, career development, education, and psychology. For institutions, Yenza provides academic and post-secondary guidance tools, administrative dashboards to track student cohorts, and training and support programs for educators.
For students, the platform facilitates self-awareness, supports informed career decisions, encourages the development of essential skills, and expands access to study and job opportunities. Career counselors use structured processes, detailed reports, and personalized support to maximize insights generated by the platform’s analytics. Parents also benefit from improved visibility into their children’s profiles, along with tools to guide decision-making, save time, and avoid costly mistakes.
Jared Molko holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Institute of Marketing Management in South Africa, obtained in 2005. He also earned a diploma in psychological analysis from the Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2017.
He joined Google South Africa in 2011 as a business analyst and held several strategic roles until 2017. He served as head of YouTube advertising solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa, head of YouTube mobile for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and later as commercial lead for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- DR Congo launches a national digital university portal integrating its first digital library.
- The platform centralizes academic data and services to improve governance and efficiency.
- Internet penetration stands at 30.5%, highlighting infrastructure challenges to adoption.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a national digital portal to modernize its higher education system and expand access to academic resources. The government inaugurated the platform on March 30 in Kinshasa under the Higher Education, University, Scientific Research and Innovation (ESURSI) framework. The portal integrates the country’s first national digital library and provides unified access to educational and scientific content for students, teachers, and researchers.
The World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) support the initiative, which aims to reduce inequalities in access to knowledge, particularly between urban and rural areas.
The platform already offers several services, including academic pathway management, student identification, equivalency processing, and modules for scholarships and assessments. The system establishes the foundation for a harmonized and secure national academic infrastructure.
Marie-Thérèse Sombo, Minister of Higher and University Education, said the government will expand the platform progressively.
“In a phased approach, this portal will also integrate a national open and distance learning platform to democratize access to education, a system for archiving scientific output […] and advanced digital services to support academic management,” she said.
Beyond access to content, the reform aims to improve governance across the university system. Authorities expect centralized data to improve student tracking, enhance diploma credibility, and reduce fragmentation across information systems.
The country’s participation in the “Gateways” initiative, led by UNESCO and UNICEF, aligns the reform with international standards. However, infrastructure remains a major constraint.
DataReportal reported that DR Congo had 34.7 million internet users by the end of 2025, representing a penetration rate of 30.5%. In this context, broadband access and the adoption of digital tools by public administrations and academic institutions will determine the platform’s effectiveness.
Authorities must now transform the portal from a technical tool into a lever for modernization capable of supporting public governance, scientific production, and, ultimately, the national digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The EAI Africatek 2025 conference will take place from June 25 to 27, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The event will bring together researchers, government officials, companies, startups, and students to discuss how Artificial Intelligence can drive digital transformation. It aims to develop solutions tailored to African needs—particularly by supporting startups—and to expand the use of AI across society.
The Nigerian organization Cascador is accepting applications for its ScaleUp 2026 program, a 12-week initiative for founders of growth-stage startups. The program aims to help companies move from early traction to institutional funding by offering strategic guidance, mentorship, and support with blended financing. Its objective is to enable high-impact businesses to scale sustainably in Nigeria.
The fintech company Cashi is partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out an interoperable digital payments platform in Central Africa, initially targeting Chad. The platform, accessible via mobile phones, payment terminals and SMS, is designed to facilitate everyday transactions, reduce reliance on cash and broaden access to financial services, particularly for small businesses and underserved populations.