On Monday, May 11th, Eswatini's Ministry of Technology launched the "Startup World Cup" initiative to drive innovation. The program gives young local entrepreneurs a pathway to turn their ideas into real businesses and connect with global investors. The kingdom is looking to create jobs and make its mark on the world stage, with winners even getting a shot at competing in Silicon Valley.
The iHatch incubation program opened applications for its 5th cohort on Wednesday, May 6th. This one-of-a-kind initiative spans all of Nigeria's states and offers a ten-month support track. Selected entrepreneurs will receive hands-on training, expert mentorship, and product development assistance. The goal is to strengthen local innovation hubs and turn early-stage ventures into investor-ready businesses. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
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The University of Burundi has created a Digital Teaching Support Unit to strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes.
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Surveys show that only 19.69% of students regularly follow digital courses, while just one in five students owns a computer.
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Despite infrastructure and connectivity constraints, 85.04% of students and 96.1% of teachers support the expansion of digital learning.
The University of Burundi has established a Digital Teaching Support Unit. The university announced the initiative last week as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education in Burundi.
According to the rectoral decision establishing the unit, the structure will develop and strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes within the university. The unit will also initiate and support projects and programs aimed at integrating digital technologies to improve teaching quality. In addition, the structure will promote research, reflection and partnerships in educational technologies.
To support implementation, the university appointed focal points across all faculties and institutes. These representatives will assist lecturers in adopting digital teaching practices while identifying training and resource needs. They will also monitor emerging opportunities in educational technologies and help foster a digital culture within the higher education system.
Between Potential, Delays and Challenges
The initiative comes as Burundian authorities seek to digitize higher education in line with trends across several African countries. Policymakers view the integration of ICT into teaching and learning processes as a way to improve access to educational resources, modernize teaching methods and strengthen digital skills among students and teachers.
However, Burundi continues to lag behind in that area. Richard Ndayishimiye, dean of the Higher Institute of Commerce (ISCO) at the University of Burundi and an expert in higher education digital transformation, highlighted those challenges in January during the 8th AUPTIC conference in Lausanne, Switzerland.
He cited difficulties linked to the digital divide, limited access to connectivity and energy infrastructure, and the need to strengthen digital skills within the university community.
Survey data cited in the report showed that only 19.69% of students regularly participate in digital learning, while 49.32% of teachers said they organize digital courses. In addition, 82.7% of students expressed training needs, compared with 93.5% of teachers.
The survey also highlighted equipment shortages among students. Only one in five students owns a computer. Smartphones remain more widespread, but many devices remain incompatible with certain educational applications. Campuses also offer limited or no properly equipped workspaces.
Nevertheless, the university community has shown strong interest in digital learning. According to the survey, 85.04% of students support the expansion of digital technologies, while 96.1% of teachers favor further digital development in higher education.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Qooxy has surpassed 200,000 downloads across its platforms and exceeded 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.
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The Algerian startup focuses on secondary and interior cities that global delivery platforms often underserved.
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Qooxy aims to evolve from a food delivery service into a broader multi-service platform inspired by African and Middle Eastern super-app models.
Founded in 2020 in the city of Sétif, Algeria, Qooxy has developed a food delivery and home services application tailored to the needs of Algerian cities with limited access to structured delivery services. Qooxy co-founder Sofian Hachid helped launch the platform.
The company allows users to order meals from partner restaurants while tracking deliveries in real time through a mobile application available on iOS and Android devices. The platform has recorded more than 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, according to marketplace data. Meanwhile, the startup said it has exceeded 200,000 downloads across all distribution channels.
Qooxy said it has concentrated its operations on inland Algerian cities, where large delivery companies maintain a limited presence. The startup said it aims to address a fragmented market in which many restaurants still operate without advanced digital infrastructure.
To support that strategy, Qooxy has deployed a logistics model designed to shorten delivery times in secondary urban centers. The company relies on a network of independent couriers connected through a dedicated application called “Qooxy Agent.”
Beyond restaurant delivery, the startup has gradually positioned itself as a broader multi-service platform capable of linking merchants, couriers and consumers across several Algerian cities.
“We started by facilitating home delivery, but we consider this only the beginning of a service designed to simplify interactions between different stakeholders: easier evenings, smoother days and more accessible services for users,” the startup said.
Moreover, Qooxy’s strategy mirrors the approach adopted by several African and Middle Eastern super-apps, which have progressively expanded into local commerce, rapid delivery and proximity-based services.
The emergence of companies such as Qooxy has also highlighted the growing momentum of Algeria’s startup ecosystem. Public authorities have supported that ecosystem in recent years through several initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and accelerating digital transformation.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Ousmane Ndiaye founded SeneCard in 2024 to address critical data reliability and access challenges in Senegal’s healthcare and education systems.
- The company utilizes QR codes and contactless chips to provide real-time access to patient medical histories, treatments, and allergies during emergencies.
- SeneCard expands its digital ecosystem beyond health to include smart school cards and the digitization of health insurance providers.
Senegalese entrepreneur Ousmane Ndiaye currently serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SeneCard. His firm specializes in digital solutions for the health, education, and professional data management sectors.
Ndiaye established SeneCard in 2024 to modernize user tracking and improve administrative efficiency. The company focuses its primary commercial activities on the digital health market.
The firm produces electronic health cards that utilize QR codes and contactless chip technology. These devices grant medical professionals immediate access to patient records, active treatments, and specific allergies. This system improves patient safety, particularly during medical emergencies. Furthermore, users update their medical information in real-time without the need for a physical card replacement.
SeneCard also develops personalized medical records to meet the specific requirements of individual patients. In addition, Ndiaye supports the digital transformation of health insurance companies and social security institutes.
The company simultaneously applies its technology to the education sector through smart school cards. These cards integrate identification features with academic tracking and facility access. Students use these tools to record attendance, check grades, and access library or cafeteria services.
Ndiaye maintains a diverse professional portfolio alongside his entrepreneurial ventures. He serves as the lead developer for Delivair, a French firm that connects travelers with individuals shipping packages. He also works as a full-stack developer at INSOFT and teaches at the Superior Institute of Informatics (ISI).
Ndiaye earned a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from ISI in 2025. He also holds a Master’s degree in English from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. He launched his professional career in 2020 as a web development intern at the National Center for Agronomic Research.
Between 2021 and 2025, Ndiaye held developer positions at several prominent technology firms. These employers included Sirel976 Production and SESA Technologies. He also provided technical expertise to Obertys, a consulting firm serving the banking and technology sectors.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Lova Diakité founded Joonapay in 2023 to centralize financial management for SMEs and large corporations across the UEMOA region.
- The platform automates manual tasks by integrating invoicing, supplier payments, and real-time expense tracking into a single interface.
- Joonapay supports diverse payment methods including bank transfers, credit cards, and mobile money, with plans to launch physical and virtual corporate cards.
Malian tech entrepreneur Lova Diakité leads this shift from his base in Côte d’Ivoire. Diakité serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joonapay. This financial platform specifically serves the needs of businesses operating within Francophone West Africa.
Diakité established Joonapay in 2023 to simplify daily corporate operations. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools through a unified digital interface. The solution currently assists small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Furthermore, large financial departments utilize the platform to manage complex regional requirements.
The software centralizes several essential financial services for its users. Clients create professional invoices and receive customer payments directly through the system. The platform also enables users to settle supplier invoices and track corporate cash flow. Additionally, Joonapay supports multiple payment channels including bank transfers, credit cards, and mobile money services.
Joonapay prioritizes the automation of repetitive financial duties. Many regional firms still perform these tasks manually, which increases the risk of error. The platform simplifies internal validation processes and provides real-time oversight of professional spending. Teams use the system to centralize receipts and manage expense justifications efficiently. Meanwhile, the company prepares the upcoming launch of both virtual and physical corporate cards for employee expenses.
Diakité brings significant international experience to the West African fintech sector. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in the United States. He launched his professional career in 2015 within the university’s IT support department.
His career progressed through several specialized technical roles in the American market. Diakité joined Edu-Tech Academic Solutions as a support engineer in 2018. He then managed systems and networks for The Baldwin School starting in 2020. US-based healthtech firm Hinge Health recruited him as an IT specialist in 2023. Finally, Diakité served as a systems engineer for Camunda, a German company specializing in business process automation, before focusing on his current venture.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on May 7 to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and public administration modernization.
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The agreement covers public service digitization, artificial intelligence, open government, data governance and emerging technologies.
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Both countries plan to launch technical exchanges, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives, including hackathons, to support joint digital projects.
Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on Thursday, May 7, to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and administrative modernization. Officials signed the agreement on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the African Governance Forum.
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Akanvariva Lydia Lamisi signed the protocol, which outlines several priority areas. The agreement focuses on public-service digitization, open government, artificial intelligence, data governance and data valorization. In addition, both governments plan to promote emerging technologies as tools to improve administrative efficiency.
Beyond political commitments, the partnership also establishes concrete operational mechanisms. The cooperation framework includes exchanges of expertise, technical missions, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives such as hackathons. Both countries aim to encourage the development of high-impact joint projects, strengthen administrative capabilities and stimulate national digital ecosystems.
The initiative forms part of a broader trend of closer cooperation among African countries on digital sovereignty and public-sector efficiency. Morocco continues to expand partnerships as it implements its digital strategy through 2030 and strengthens its position as a regional digital-services hub.
At the same time, Ghana continues to emerge as a leading digital innovation player in West Africa, particularly through progress in digital financial services and digital identity systems.
The agreement also comes as civil society organizations attending the Rabat meetings adopted a joint declaration aimed at strengthening political commitment to transparency and citizen participation across the continent.
Samira Njoya
Sales app Bumpa and financial platform Vendorcredit have partnered to launch “Bumpa Capital,” a financing solution designed to support Nigerian merchants. The service uses merchants’ sales data to speed up access to loans, reducing the administrative hurdles associated with traditional bank financing. Through the partnership, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses will gain access to more flexible growth financing directly through the platform they already use to manage daily operations.
WAWU Africa will award grants of 250,000 nairas (about $184) to 20 Nigerian entrepreneurs in June 2026.
To qualify, applicants must complete an entrepreneurship training program, operate a registered business and submit a solid business plan.
The initiative aims to support the growth of viable and sustainable businesses by prioritizing skills and preparedness over political or personal connections. Applications open on Saturday, May 30.
The SIA Startup Foundry accelerator program announced its latest cohort last week. Fifty-six early-stage startups from Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia will take part in an intensive month-long boot camp aimed at refining their business models. At the end of the program, ten finalists will be selected, with six receiving funding. The initiative seeks to help entrepreneurs turn tech ideas into viable businesses at a time when access to capital remains a major challenge.
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South Africa published a draft regulation to introduce a national digital identity system alongside physical identity cards.
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The system will operate through the “MyMzansi” mobile application and will use biometric authentication, NFC, Bluetooth and QR code verification.
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The government aims to strengthen security, reduce identity fraud and expand access to digital public services.
South Africa advanced its digital government strategy on Monday, May 4, as the Ministry of Home Affairs published a draft regulation paving the way for a national digital identity system that will operate alongside existing physical identity cards.
The government designed the initiative under its “Home Affairs @ home” strategy, which aims to allow citizens to access administrative services directly from their smartphones. The system will operate through a mobile application called “MyMzansi,” which will allow users to store and use secure digital versions of official documents.
Meanwhile, authorities stated that the digital identity will remain valid for five years and will require biometric facial verification for remote renewal. The government also plans to introduce authentication technologies including NFC, Bluetooth and QR codes to facilitate identity verification across public and private services.
However, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the digital identity will remain optional and will not replace physical identity cards.
The government confirmed that both formats will coexist in a hybrid system designed to modernize public administration while maintaining inclusion for citizens with limited digital access.
A Tool to Fight Fraud and Financial Crime
At the same time, the government framed the reform as a broader security initiative beyond administrative digitization. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the system would strengthen efforts to combat identity theft, financial fraud, corruption and illegal immigration. The project includes advanced security mechanisms such as biometric capture, liveness detection, data encryption and device-based identity binding to a specific mobile phone. In addition, authorities plan to strengthen data protection frameworks as global concerns over cybersecurity and privacy continue to rise.
Toward a Fully Digital Administration
The South African government aims to position the digital identity system as the foundation of a broader e-government infrastructure. Over time, authorities plan to integrate multiple services into the MyMzansi platform, including driving licences, academic certificates, social services and selected police and judicial procedures.
The reform comes as South Africa seeks to modernize public services that often face criticism for administrative delays and long queues at government offices. The draft regulation remains open for public consultation until June 6, 2026, before potential final adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Tunisian entrepreneur Oussama Dhahri founded CapsaFood in 2021 to connect consumers with local restaurants through a mobile application.
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The platform currently operates in Gafsa, where it is expanding its network of restaurants and delivery workers.
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CapsaFood provides a digital marketplace for users, restaurants and delivery workers, enabling ordering, revenue tracking and income generation through deliveries.
Oussama Dhahri, a Tunisian chemist and entrepreneur, developed CapsaFood as a digital food delivery platform that connects consumers with local restaurants and enables online ordering from smartphones, tablets and computers. The founders launched CapsaFood in 2021 alongside Amine Chortani and Hadil Fouli.
The platform operates exclusively in Gafsa, where the company continues to expand its network of partner restaurants and delivery drivers. Meanwhile, the platform allows users to download the mobile application, create an account and browse menus from participating restaurants. Users select meals, confirm orders and enter delivery addresses before receiving their food at home, at work or at any specified location. In most cases, customers complete payment upon delivery.
At the same time, CapsaFood extends its services beyond consumers by offering tools for restaurants and delivery workers. Restaurant partners manage operations through the application, track revenues and monitor transactions in real time. Delivery workers also join the platform to complete deliveries and generate income through order transportation.
Alongside his startup activities, Oussama Dhahri works as head of research and development projects at Les Laboratoires MédiS, a pharmaceutical manufacturer. He trained as a chemical engineer at the École centrale polytechnique privée de Tunis. Before launching his entrepreneurial career, he completed internships at the Groupe Chimique Tunisien and at Air Liquide, which operates in industrial gases, healthcare and engineering services.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Orange Bank Africa appointed Ivorian executive Audrey Koffi Niamkey as chief executive officer to lead the bank’s next phase of growth in the WAEMU region.
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The digital bank has distributed more than CFA710 billion ($1.2 billion) in loans to over 3.3 million customers in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal since its launch in 2020.
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Audrey Koffi previously served as director of commercial development and strategy after joining the bank in 2020 as chief risk officer.
On Wednesday, May 6, Orange Bank Africa announced the appointment of Ivorian executive Audrey Koffi Niamkey as its new chief executive officer. She succeeds Jean-Louis Menann-Kouamé and will oversee the bank’s commercial strategy, strengthen operations in existing markets and lead expansion across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
“I am honored to take the leadership of Orange Bank Africa today. Over the past years, under the leadership of Jean-Louis Menann-Kouamé, the company has built a solid and relevant model aligned with the realities of our markets. We will continue this momentum with a clear ambition: accelerate access to simple, accessible and tailored financial solutions while strengthening our innovation capacity across the region,” Audrey Koffi said.
Orange Bank Africa emerged in July 2020 from a partnership between Orange Group and banking group NSIA. The institution operates as a fully digital bank across the UEMOA region and has positioned itself as a major financial inclusion player in West Africa. Since launching operations in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, the bank has distributed more than CFA710 billion (about $1.2 billion) in loans to over 3.3 million customers.
Audrey Koffi brings extensive institutional knowledge to the role. She joined the company in 2020 as chief risk officer and most recently served as director of commercial development and strategy before her appointment as CEO.
She graduated from the University of Abidjan in 2005 with a master’s degree in economics and business management. She began her professional career in 2008 at Standard Chartered Bank as a financial analyst. At the same time, she also worked as an auditor for Deloitte.
In 2009, she became head of internal control at financial company SOCOFIN, now known as Alios Finance. From 2010 to 2020, she served as head of risk and compliance at BGFIBank Congo.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Sentech Africa Tech Week 2026 will take place on May 12-13 in Cape Town, South Africa. The event will bring together business leaders, government officials and innovators to discuss the development of Africa’s digital economy. The agenda includes artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and infrastructure. It will also feature a startup competition and an awards ceremony honoring achievements in the technology sector. Organizers say the event aims to help translate policy and strategy into concrete action.