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Orange will train 6 million people in digital skills by 2030 through its Orange Digital Centers.
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The network includes 53 centers across Africa and the Middle East, with 1.4 million beneficiaries in 2025.
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Orange positions trust as a competitive advantage under its “Trust the Future” 2026–2030 strategy.
The digital sector has become a strategic arena where economic ambitions, social expectations, and sovereignty issues converge. Telecom operators now face a dual challenge as they connect users and prove their ability to support Africa’s long-term transformation.
Against this backdrop, Orange has placed trust at the center of its growth model. The company introduced its “Trust the Future” strategic plan for 2026–2030 during a press event held on April 7 and 8 in Morocco. The group assigned a central role to Orange Middle East and Africa in executing this strategy.
Orange defined trust through network quality, cybersecurity, innovation, and corporate responsibility. However, the company also builds trust in Africa through direct engagement with youth, entrepreneurs, and local ecosystems. In this context, the Orange Digital Centers (ODC) represent one of the most tangible pillars of the strategy.
Orange stated that trust has evolved from a communication tool into a competitive advantage in an increasingly complex digital environment. The company aims to build long-term relationships with African youth by providing technical support, improving employability, and strengthening credibility in the job market.
Orange committed to training 6 million people in digital skills by 2030, primarily through its Orange Digital Centers. The company delivers these programs free of charge to expand access and inclusion.
An Integrated Model
The Orange Digital Center ecosystem has expanded across Africa and the Middle East and now includes 53 centers operating in 16 African countries and Jordan. The network partners with 167 universities.
In 2025, the centers reached 1.4 million beneficiaries, including 42% women. The program also supported 450 startups, with 24 receiving funding from Orange Ventures. As a result, the ODC network has moved beyond experimentation and now operates as a structured regional ecosystem.
According to Alia Sahaly, the model derives its strength from integration. The Orange Digital Centers combine multiple components, including coding schools, FabLabs for prototyping, Orange Fab for startup acceleration, and Orange Ventures for financing. This end-to-end value chain links training to investment and reinforces the company’s trust-driven approach.
Employability and Reskilling
Employability remains a core pillar of the ODC model. The centers have delivered 42,000 certifications in partnership with global platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Coursera, and Google.
The program has accumulated more than 277,000 training hours and introduced 13 specialized tracks. It has also issued 500 Google professional certificates focused on web development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, UX/UI design, data, and cloud computing.
The “Master Repair” initiative illustrates the reskilling strategy. The program trains participants in mobile device repair, solar panel installation, and fiber network maintenance.
Rising Demand for Training
Entrepreneurship forms the second pillar of the ODC model. Orange has supported innovators for 16 years through initiatives such as the Orange Summer Challenge and the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East. The company also accelerates startups commercially through Orange Fab.
In addition, Orange highlighted the role of Orange Ventures, a €50 million ($58 million) investment fund, in financing high-potential startups. Through these initiatives, Orange positions itself not only as a connectivity provider but also as a builder of Africa’s digital economy.
Performance metrics support this positioning. Orange reported that 69% of surveyed participants said their skills improved significantly, while 71% said the program contributed meaningfully to their personal and professional development. Three-quarters of respondents reported regular use of acquired skills.
Moreover, Orange stated that demand for training can reach up to 40 times available capacity in some countries, reflecting strong market appetite.
Ultimately, the Orange Digital Center embodies the broader objectives of the “Trust the Future” strategy. The initiative demonstrates that trust depends not only on network reliability or data protection but also on education, inclusion, local innovation, and entrepreneurial support.
In Africa and the Middle East, which Orange identifies as a key growth engine, the ODC network functions as a dual-purpose asset. It delivers social impact while strengthening credibility, talent pipelines, and long-term sustainable growth.
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The United States will launch Africa’s first regional drone training center in Morocco, starting with a pilot during African Lion 2026.
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Sixteen soldiers from partner countries will receive operational drone training in planning and system handling.
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The global military drone market could reach $30.9 billion by 2034, up from $18.2 billion in 2025.
Morocco will host the first U.S. regional drone training center in Africa, according to an announcement by General Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF). The project will begin with a pilot phase during the African Lion 2026 exercise, scheduled from April 20 to May 8 in the kingdom. The U.S. military and several African armed forces will jointly conduct the exercise.
USAREUR-AF will lead the program and will equip African militaries with operational drone capabilities. Sixteen soldiers from partner nations will participate in the initial training phase. The program will include two components: integrating drones into operational planning and handling various drone systems.
This initiative will strengthen military cooperation between Washington and its African partners. It comes as drones gain rapid prominence in global security operations. Armed forces are increasingly deploying drones for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and intervention missions. Moreover, drones often deliver greater cost-efficiency than conventional military equipment.
The expansion of drone usage is driving sustained market growth. Fortune Business Insights estimates that the global military drone market will reach $30.9 billion by 2034, compared with $18.2 billion in 2025 and $20.8 billion in 2026.
African countries are also increasing their interest in drone technologies to address border surveillance, trafficking, and infrastructure security challenges. However, adoption remains uneven across the continent. While lighter and more accessible models are spreading gradually, advanced systems with intelligence and strike capabilities remain costly for many countries.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The Moroccan startup z.systems, which specializes in digitizing neighborhood grocery stores, has raised $1.65 million from the Azur Innovation Fund and existing investors. The company aims to build digital infrastructure for the traditional retail sector, which accounts for the vast majority of food spending in Morocco, and plans to connect 50,000 retailers to its platform by 2030, with support from the government.
- Tenaw Derseh founded Nexudy to connect startups, investors, and mentors across Africa.
- The platform uses intelligent recommendations to match projects with relevant stakeholders.
- Nexudy aims to support startups from idea stage through growth while improving ecosystem efficiency.
Tenaw Derseh is an Ethiopian electronics engineer and entrepreneur. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Nexudy, an online platform that provides users with resources, connections, and support to develop ideas and businesses.
He is leveraging technology to bridge the gap between ideas and viable companies. He aims to make Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem more open and interconnected.
Derseh launched Nexudy in 2025 to serve the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem. He targets startup founders, investors, experts, mentors, and professionals seeking opportunities.
The platform facilitates connections among these actors through an intelligent recommendation system. It identifies relevant stakeholders and projects at the right time.
Nexudy provides founders with a comprehensive environment that supports them at every stage. It guides users from initial idea development to business growth. The platform offers dedicated programs to define business models, improve pitch quality, structure internal governance, and strengthen market traction. It also allows investors to access startups that are ready to raise funds and already structured. It improves deal flow quality and reduces early-stage risk.
Mentors and experts can share their experience through targeted programs. They support founders on key topics such as strategy, growth, and international expansion.
In parallel, Tenaw Derseh co-founded Baacumen in 2024. The platform enables learners to build skills and expand career opportunities through a wide range of courses. Baacumen covers fields including information technology, coding, marketing, and creative skills.
Tenaw Derseh graduated from Haramaya University with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2012. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering in 2019 from the University of Washington. He also obtained a master’s degree in data science in 2023 from Eastern University in the United States.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
In Casablanca, the Morocco Accelerator program has launched its second cohort, featuring 19 Moroccan startups, including diaspora founders, specializing in fintech, AI, healthcare, agritech and deeptech. Supported by the Ministry of Digital Transition, in partnership with Technopark and Plug and Play, the program provides mentorship, market access and connections with investors. It aims to help these startups scale beyond Morocco, in line with the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy.
Egyptian startup Lucky has raised $23 million in a funding round to expand its credit offerings and grow across North Africa. The app already allows millions of users to save money, make payments and access flexible lines of credit. The new funding will support its technology, licensing and compliance efforts as it moves toward becoming a digital bank.
- Namibia plans to invest about $1 million to boost cybersecurity capabilities.
- The initiative forms part of a broader 682 million Namibian dollar ICT budget for 2026/2027.
- Authorities aim to strengthen NAM-CSIRT and address rising cyber threats, including 1.2 million attacks recorded in 2024.
Namibian authorities plan to invest 17.4 million Namibian dollars (about $1 million) in cybersecurity and other key areas in the coming months. The government aims to expand national capabilities in this strategic sector.
This funding forms part of the 682 million Namibian dollars allocated to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus presented this budget to Parliament last week, according to local media.
The minister stated that authorities will center actions around the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT). The government will use the funds to support the implementation of the cybercrime bill, establish a 24/7 security operations center, and develop a national digital forensics laboratory. Authorities will also strengthen national cybersecurity frameworks.
This budget supports broader efforts to secure Namibia’s cyberspace. Authorities launched NAM-CSIRT in July with an initial budget of 20 million Namibian dollars. The government created this entity as the central national authority responsible for managing cyber threats and cybersecurity incidents.
NAM-CSIRT aims to strengthen the security and stability of critical infrastructure and information systems across Namibia, including public institutions, agencies, and other key sectors.
Authorities are also developing complementary initiatives. These include a mobile application that allows users to report scams, receive real-time alerts, and access online safety guidance. The government is also advancing public awareness campaigns and drafting legislation on cybercrime and data protection.
These efforts come amid accelerated digital transformation and a rise in cyber threats. NAM-CSIRT detected 549,556 IT vulnerabilities across Namibia’s digital landscape between April and June 2025. This figure represents a 1.62% increase compared with the previous quarter.
Authorities recorded 1.2 million cyberattacks in 2024. These figures highlight growing risks to the country’s digital infrastructure.
Namibia currently ranks in Tier 4, the second-lowest cohort, of the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index. The country performs relatively well in organizational measures, with a score of 16.35 out of 20.
However, Namibia must improve in other areas, including the legal framework, technical measures, capacity building, and international cooperation. The country recorded an overall score of 36.93 out of 100.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Nigeria plans to deploy more than 5,000 AI-powered surveillance cameras in Plateau State.
- Authorities will begin deployment in Jos before expanding nationwide.
- The initiative raises questions over infrastructure, data reliability, and short-term effectiveness.
The Nigerian government plans to deploy a network of more than 5,000 digital cameras integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen security in Plateau State, in central Nigeria. Authorities state that this initiative builds on systems already deployed in Lagos and Enugu states.
President Tinubu: FG to Deploy AI-Enabled Camera Networks to Combat Insecurity in Plateau. pic.twitter.com/608mMEHPxX
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) April 3, 2026
President Bola Tinubu announced the plan on Thursday, April 2, during an address in Jos, the state capital recently hit by a deadly attack. He stated that Communications and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijjani will oversee the installation of the devices in coordination with local authorities and security agencies.
The government will begin deployment in Jos before extending the system across the state.
However, authorities have not provided details on the system’s technical specifications or operational framework.
Nguuma Tyokaha, an ICT expert, said in a March interview with Radio Nigeria that Nigeria can significantly reduce kidnappings and other security threats through artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and locally adapted smart surveillance systems.
He stated that AI can analyze large volumes of data, identify patterns, and support decision-making despite not being human. He added that these capabilities make AI a strategic tool for modern security operations.
Tyokaha explained that these technologies can anticipate kidnapping hotspots by using historical data such as locations, timing, victim profiles, and criminal methods. He said systems can generate “heat maps” to identify high-risk areas, enabling authorities and communities to implement preventive measures.
Authorities are introducing this technology within a broader digital transformation strategy. The government aims to expand ICT integration across sectors to support socio-economic development and address structural challenges.
Insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues. For example, an armed attack on March 29 killed around 30 people. The country also faces ransom kidnappings, intercommunal violence, and attacks attributed to armed and terrorist groups.
Authorities have not specified a deployment timeline, although the government statement refers to “immediate” implementation. This lack of clarity raises questions about execution modalities and short-term effectiveness.
Observers also question whether existing infrastructure can support such a system. They highlight concerns about local technical capacity and the availability of reliable and up-to-date data required to ensure system relevance.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Gabon is finalizing a national digital strategy structured around five core pillars.
- The government has increased its 2026 digital economy budget by 156.2% to CFA82 billion ($145 million).
- Authorities aim to centralize governance and reduce fragmentation across public information systems.
The Gabonese government is adopting a structured approach to connect public administrations, optimize data management, and improve access to services. Authorities are finalizing a national roadmap to guide this transformation.
Digital Economy Minister Mark Alexandre Doumba presented the main orientations of the future national digital strategy on Friday, April 3 in Libreville. He unveiled the framework document at the headquarters of the National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies (ANINF) during a meeting with senior public administration IT officials. He stated that the document sets the country’s trajectory to modernize the state and strengthen service delivery to citizens and businesses.
The strategy relies on five core pillars. The government will pursue reforms and implement an appropriate regulatory framework. It will develop digital infrastructure. It will digitize and dematerialize public services and payments. It will promote national entrepreneurship and develop local skills. It will also transition toward a smart administration and economy based on structured and valorized data.
The minister stated that these pillars aim to reduce fragmentation across information systems, improve interoperability between administrations, and establish centralized management of digital projects at thenational level.
This initiative builds on an ongoing digital transformation process. The ministry has allocated CFA82 billion (about $145 million) for 2026. The government increased this budget by 156.2% from CFA32 billion in 2025.
The government will prioritize investments in connectivity, infrastructure modernization, and public service digitization. It will also support skills development and data governance.
Authorities have not yet disclosed detailed contours or an implementation timeline. However, the government aims to break with fragmented management of digital projects by introducing centralized governance. It will rely on sectoral master plans and strengthened oversight of information systems.
Gabon already operates under a solid legal framework. The government aims to build a unified, coherent, and sovereign digital strategy to improve public sector performance and enhance service delivery to citizens.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Africa’s digital economy could reach $180 billion by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050, according to IFC and Google.
- Governments are investing in tech hubs to structure innovation ecosystems and attract capital.
- More than 1,000 tech hubs operated in Africa in 2024, up from fewer than 600 in 2019.
African countries are accelerating the creation of technology hubs to structure innovation and capture a growing share of the global digital economy. Governments are investing in dedicated spaces that bring together startups, research centers, universities, and large companies. They aim to replicate, at their scale, the model of global Silicon Valleys.
Early Leaders Build Structured Ecosystems
Some ecosystems have already established themselves as benchmarks. Nairobi, known as the “Silicon Savannah,” relies on an innovation ecosystem structured around fintech and mobile services. The success of M-Pesa has helped position Kenya as one of the most advanced markets in digital payments. The Konza Technopolis project, a technology city under development, illustrates this ambition with multi-billion-dollar long-term investment plans.
Nigeria’s Lagos is emerging as the continent’s leading technology hub. The country attracts a significant share of venture capital funding in Africa. Dedicated zones such as Itana (formerly Talent City Lagos) and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone support this momentum by creating environments tailored to innovation and technology companies.
Kigali is pursuing a proactive strategy. The Kigali Innovation City project, valued at around $2 billion and spanning 70 hectares, aims to bring together universities, research centers, and companies in an integrated ecosystem supported by attractive public policies.
These hubs share common characteristics. They concentrate talent, host incubators and accelerators, provide dedicated infrastructure, and attract increasing investor interest.
A New Generation of Hubs Emerges
Beyond these pioneers, a new wave of projects is intensifying competition among African countries.
In Morocco, authorities are preparing to launch Casa Tech Valley in Casablanca. The project will cover 6.5 hectares in the Sidi Othmane district. It will build on the existing Casablanca Nearshore ecosystem and aims to attract high-value technology investments while creating thousands of jobs.
In Benin, Sèmè City is already operating as a model that combines education, entrepreneurship, and research in one location. Authorities expect at least 130,000 graduates from the International Institute of Science and Innovation (CIIS) by 2030. They also aim to create more than 100,000 jobs over the same period, including at least one-third self-employment and 40% for women.
In Guinea, the City of Science and Innovation of Guinea, launched in 2024, reflects the ambition to structure a national technology ecosystem.
Other initiatives are emerging across the continent. Senegal is developing the Diamniadio Digital Technology Park, while Gabon is planning a future technology village. These projects highlight a now widespread dynamic.
Infrastructure-Led Continental Strategy
The International Trade Centre (ITC) reports that Africa had more than 1,000 tech hubs in 2024, compared with fewer than 600 recorded by GSMA in 2019. This increase reflects a strategic shift. Governments are no longer only supporting startups; they are now investing in infrastructure capable of structuring complete ecosystems.
These hubs concentrate resources, foster synergies among stakeholders, and gradually attract investment. They are becoming essential levers to support sustainable innovation and strengthen the continent’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Somasoma AI, founded in 2025, provides AI-driven learning tools for students and teachers
- The platform aims to improve education quality while reducing repetitive academic tasks
- Founder Marcella Karimi seeks to balance automation with human-centered teaching
Kenyan entrepreneur and author Marcella Karimi is leveraging artificial intelligence to modernize education while maintaining a strong human focus in teaching. Karimi co-founded and leads Somasoma AI, a digital platform designed to transform how students learn and how teachers support their classrooms.
Founded in 2025, Somasoma AI offers an online environment where users create accounts and access AI-powered learning tools. The platform aims to simplify daily academic tasks and improve teaching quality. It enables students to focus on their progress rather than repetitive work.
Moreover, the platform provides a range of tools that support both classroom and home learning. It helps students understand key concepts and includes tracking and assessment features that measure progress over time and identify areas for improvement.
Somasoma AI also equips teachers with resources to manage and organize educational content directly on the platform. In addition, it allows educators to monitor student development and adapt activities based on individual needs. As a result, the platform streamlines day-to-day classroom management and enhances teaching efficiency.
Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Marcella Karimi works as an editorial assistant at Storymoja Africa, a publishing company. She graduated from the University of Nairobi in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in education, specializing in geography and Kiswahili. Prior to that, she completed a teaching internship at Alliance High School between 2021 and 2022.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Tunisia completed 20 digital projects in Q1 2026 while 121 remain in progress out of 192
- The government is advancing reforms including e-invoicing, digital tax systems and online public services
- The country ranks first in North Africa and third in Africa in the UN’s 2024 E-Government Survey
Tunisia accelerated the digitalization of its public administration as it completed 20 digital projects in the first quarter of 2026 and advanced dozens of others. The government reported that 121 projects are currently in progress out of a total of 192 initiatives launched nationwide. Sofiene Hemissi announced the figures on April 2 during a session at the National Council of Regions and Districts.
The government is advancing several major digital reforms across ministries and public services. The minister highlighted the planned rollout of electronic invoicing within the Ministry of Finance, which authorities expect to deploy in the third quarter of 2026. The reform aims to strengthen transparency and improve tax fairness.
In addition, the government is developing other key projects, including electronic tax stamps, remote payment of vehicle tax and the introduction of an online tax identification system.
Moreover, the authorities are expanding digitalization across strategic sectors. They are developing online administrative services, implementing digital hospital systems and digitizing education systems and transport services. These reforms form part of a national digital transformation strategy that Tunisia has been structuring since 2024.
The government aims to modernize public action and improve administrative efficiency. It is deploying digital infrastructure, strengthening skills and progressively digitizing procedures across all public sectors.
The transition should improve transparency, reduce administrative delays and expand citizen access to public services. Furthermore, the reforms are strengthening Tunisia’s international positioning in digital governance rankings.
According to the “E-Government Survey 2024” published by the United Nations, Tunisia ranks first in North Africa, third in Africa and 87th globally. The country recorded an E-Government Development Index score of 0.6935, which stands above the African average and reflects its progress and ambitions in digital governance.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- DAS medhub, founded in 2024, offers AI-driven symptom assessment and real-time healthcare connections
- The platform acts as a single entry point linking patients to verified doctors, hospitals and pharmacies
- Founder Divine Sebukpor integrates conversational AI to streamline diagnosis and reduce waiting times
Ghanaian AI and machine learning specialist Divine Sebukpor is developing a digital healthcare platform to streamline access to medical services through real-time interaction and data analysis.
Sebukpor founded and leads DAS medhub, a digital health platform that aims to simplify, accelerate and improve access to care for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Founded in 2024, DAS medhub operates as a single entry point into the healthcare system, where patient care begins with a simple conversation.
The platform provides guided symptom assessment designed to simulate a natural exchange with a trusted interlocutor. It then connects users with certified doctors, hospitals or pharmacists for fast and personalized care. The user experience begins when patients describe their symptoms through text or voice input.
The platform uses a multilingual interface and a large medical database to analyze the situation. It delivers immediate recommendations, including first-aid advice, and evaluates the severity of the condition.
Moreover, DAS medhub directs patients toward the most appropriate solution, whether consulting a doctor, purchasing medication or visiting a hospital. Following its analysis, the platform connects patients with verified healthcare professionals through a secure system. It ensures the seamless and secure transfer of medical records to facilitate consultations, prescriptions and appointment scheduling. As a result, the platform reduces waiting times and improves care coordination.
Alongside his role at DAS medhub, Divine Sebukpor serves as project development manager at Andeda S.L, a firm specializing in data analysis and advisory services. In addition, he mentors young talent as a volunteer within ALX Ghana, which trains youth in digital skills. He also acts as an ambassador for Extern, a U.S.-based company that helps young people explore and launch their careers.
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 signs a memorandum to digitize and interconnect its education system nationwide
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Government integrates reform into a 2024–2029 strategic plan focused on digital transformation
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Authorities expand digital training to 250,000 youth to support workforce readiness
The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship (MINEDU-NC) and the Universal Service Development Fund (FDSU) signed a memorandum of understanding in Kinshasa on April 2. The agreement aims to strengthen digital integration across the country’s education system.
The initiative seeks to modernize the management of schools, administrative offices, and provincial education departments. It also aims to ensure secure and reliable circulation of educational data.
Paterne Binene-A-Kadiat, Director General of the FDSU, said the framework will connect central administration, provincial departments, management offices, and schools.
“This collaboration framework, which provides for the interconnection of central administration, provincial departments, management offices and schools, aims to facilitate information flow, data management and improve education system management at all levels,” he said.
The memorandum defines an integrated education ecosystem based on five pillars. Authorities structured the system around global interconnection, interoperability of information systems, institutional oversight, data reliability and traceability, and modern digital governance.
The plan includes the deployment of secure digital platforms, interoperable information systems, and digital equipment for schools. The FDSU will act as the technical arm for digital inclusion and will expand access to technology in rural and peri-urban areas. This expansion aims to reduce the digital divide across the country.
The partnership aligns with the ministry’s 2024–2029 five-year plan, which positions digital transformation as a strategic lever for education reform. Authorities are integrating this initiative into broader national priorities.
The agreement complements a national digital training program targeting 250,000 young Congolese. Officials launched the operational phase of this program on February 12 with the training of 200 instructors in Kinshasa.
Authorities expect these measures to deliver a more connected education system and centralized data management. The government also aims to improve transparency and operational efficiency across the sector.
In addition, the reforms seek to better prepare young people for digital careers, reinforcing workforce readiness while supporting long-term economic development.
Samira Njoya