Niger is launching a major overhaul of its identification system to boost security and improve administrative efficiency. The government will use biometric technology to modernize ID documents and better serve citizens.
On June 27, in Niamey, Niger’s Minister of State for the Interior, General Mohamed Toumba, signed two memorandums of understanding with Wissal Samtali, director of the Libyan firm Al Itissan Al-Jadeed, which specializes in biometric and digital identity solutions. These agreements set up a public-private partnership to revamp Niger’s identity documents.
Signature ce Vendredi 27 juin 2025 à Niamey, de deux mémorandums d'entente entre le Ministre d'État, Ministre de l'Intérieur de la Sécurité Publique et de l'Administration du Territoire, le Général de Division Mohamed Toumba et la Directrice de la société Al Itissan Al-Jadeed… pic.twitter.com/MYAo9k7ib1
— النيجر بالعربية Niger Fr (@NigerAR) June 27, 2025
The first memorandum covers the design, financing, construction, and maintenance of a system to issue electronic biometric passports. These e-passports will be made of polycarbonate and contain secure chips to fight fraud and improve the credibility of Nigerien travel documents internationally.
The second memorandum launches the creation of a new electronic national identity card (e-ID). The card will meet international security standards and enable secure online identification. Officials expect it to speed up administrative processes and lay a foundation for efficient digital governance.
These efforts go beyond simple document upgrades. Niger aims to build a digital ecosystem where secure identification supports services such as online authentication, e-government platforms, banking, social protection programs, and border control.
However, authorities must overcome challenges to make the new e-ID a true tool for development and inclusion. They must ensure fair access across the country, build a reliable and connected identification system, enforce legal protections, and secure citizens’ data—a crucial asset in today’s digital economy.
This partnership marks a key step in Niger’s modernization strategy and highlights the growing importance of intra-African cooperation. Wissal Samtali said the deal sends a strong signal that could encourage more cross-border projects in identification technology across Africa.
Samira Njoya
Angola has partnered with American technology company Cybastion to improve its cybersecurity. The government signed a deal with Cybastion, which pledged to invest $25 million to strengthen Angola’s digital defenses.
This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding the two parties signed in March during the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. The partnership is part of Cybastion’s “Digital Fast Track initiative.”
Officials said this first investment marks the initial phase of a broader $170 million program launched with Angola Telecom. The full program includes creating a national cybersecurity agency and training a new generation of cybersecurity professionals. Angola will collaborate with the Cisco Networking Academy to deliver these training programs.
These moves support Angola’s national digital transformation strategy. The government wants to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to drive socio-economic development. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity essential for any successful digital transformation.
In 2024, the ITU ranked Angola in “Tier 4” on its global cybersecurity index, the second-lowest level on a five-point scale. This score shows Angola has made some progress with regulations and international cooperation. However, the country still needs to strengthen technical tools for detection and incident response, improve organizational processes, and boost training and awareness for all stakeholders.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Through these efforts, TikTok is not just promoting digital safety but also actively contributing to mental health awareness and support across Africa, setting a new standard for global social platforms.
As Africa experiences a boom in digital connectivity and online activity, TikTok held its first-ever African Summit on Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health, bringing together mental health experts, NGOs, content creators, and institutional representatives.
Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the event, announced June 27, 2025, is part of the platform’s push to promote healthier and more responsible use of social networks while addressing mental health challenges faced by young Africans in today’s increasingly connected world.
With over 150 million (189.3M per Intelpoint data) monthly active users in Africa, TikTok has firmly established itself as a major player on the continent’s digital scene. Recognizing its influence on behavior, especially among teenagers and young adults, the company is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness around mental health issues and create safer online spaces.
The summit aimed to raise awareness about the effects of excessive social media use on mental health, promote healthy and responsible use of TikTok among young people, and create a safer, more supportive digital environment for African youth. Discussions covered topics such as screen time management and digital dependency, cyberbullying and online social pressures, the impact of algorithms on self-image, and ways to promote educational, positive, and culturally relevant content.
Key stakeholders involved included mental health professionals from the World Health Organization’s Fides Network. NGOs such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya’s Mental360 also took part, along with influential African content creators, including psychologists and doctors serving as new Mental Health Ambassadors.
During the summit, TikTok announced several major commitments. These included strengthening moderation, safety, and parental control tools on the platform, expanding the #MentalHealthMatters campaign across Africa (which has already inspired over 6.5 million posts globally), and launching a new Mental Health Education Fund to support local initiatives. Selected NGOs will receive funding and training to create culturally relevant mental health content and reach wider audiences.
In addition, TikTok is expanding in-app mental health helpline resources across Africa, connecting users directly to local support organizations in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius, and Malawi. Through these efforts, TikTok aims to empower young Africans to use social media more mindfully while building stronger, safer, and more supportive digital communities across the continent.
As more young people come online in Africa, they face increased exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges. The Digital Well-Being Summit and TikTok’s expanded mental health initiatives come at a critical time for Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
These efforts not only protect vulnerable users but also empower young people to engage online more confidently, supporting broader goals for digital inclusion, youth development, and community resilience across Africa. By taking a leadership role in mental health and online safety, TikTok demonstrates social responsibility and positions itself as a platform that genuinely cares about user well-being.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Shoptreo connects African artisans and small brands to local and global buyers
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The mobile platform offers fashion, beauty, decor, and handmade accessories
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The startup raised undisclosed funding to expand its network and international reach
Shoptreo, a Nigerian startup, has launched a B2B e-commerce platform designed to connect artisans, creators, and small local brands to both national and international buyers. The company, founded in 2021 by Emmanuel Jacobs and George Uteh, operates from Aba in Nigeria and Dover in the United States.
“Shoptreo offers digital solutions that streamlines business and financial operations for SMEs in the informal B2B fashion market in Nigeria and West Africa,” the startup explained.
The service is currently available through a mobile application for Android users only. The platform provides an intuitive digital showcase for a wide range of African-made products, including traditional clothing, handmade accessories, beauty products, and home decor items.
In addition to its marketplace, Shoptreo offers sellers tools to manage inventory, track orders, and access training opportunities. The aim is to digitize the informal sector, which is often excluded from traditional distribution networks.
To accelerate its growth, Shoptreo announced this week that it has secured new funding, though the amount was not disclosed. The funds will help expand its artisan network, improve logistics, and boost its global presence, especially among the African diaspora.
At a time when Africa is working to promote its local products, Shoptreo positions itself as a strong alternative. With a model built on technology and social impact, the company reflects the rise of African-led solutions designed for local realities but geared toward global markets.
At Vivatech Paris last April, the startup gained attention for its effective solutions to the persistent challenges of interoperability, cost, and accessibility in cross-border payments across Africa.
Lengo Pay, a fintech solution developed by a Guinean startup, announced its expansion into Morocco on Tuesday, June 24. The Conakry-based startup, founded in 2024 by Thierno Ibrahim Diallo, enables users to make payments, send or receive money, pay bills, and manage a digital wallet without geographic limitations.
The solution operates through a web-based interface rather than a mobile app. It provides a technological infrastructure designed to connect mobile wallets, banks, and merchants. Lengo Pay relies on a robust and scalable API that facilitates the integration of its services into third-party applications, particularly for merchants, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions.
Beyond its technology, the fintech promotes a strong inclusion agenda. It targets both unbanked users and small businesses or informal workers by offering an alternative to traditional financial channels. This aligns with public policies that leverage digital finance to expand access to essential services.
The solution is compatible with several existing mobile payment systems, making it relevant in fragmented environments where various operators coexist.
Currently in its rollout phase, Lengo Pay aims to structure its offering around concrete use cases such as diaspora remittances, cross-border payments for merchants, and the digitization of public payments. Its vision is to build “an online payment gateway designed to meet the diverse needs of the modern commercial landscape.”
This article was written in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
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Côte d’Ivoire appeals for 100 billion FCFA fund ($178M) to support tech startups, calls for private investment.
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Aims to bridge seed funding gap and boost digital transformation.
The Ivorian government is betting on a new strategy to drive the creation and expansion of technology businesses. Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, the Minister of Digital Transition, has formally appealed to private investors to help establish a 100 billion CFA franc fund, approximately $178 million, aimed at supporting the country’s young startups and tech projects.
“Let’s have faith in our youth. They are creators. I call on the private sector to support Côte d’Ivoire’s digital startups. Together, we will build this powerful financial vehicle to accelerate our country’s digital transformation,” Konaté declared during a public address. In an interview with panafrican media Jeune Afrique, he added that the fund seeks to improve access to financing for entrepreneurs often hampered by a lack of seed capital.
The initiative comes amid strong digital momentum in the country. Ivory Coast now hosts nearly 300 active startups and some 10,000 aspiring entrepreneurs in fields such as fintech, edtech, agritech, and healthtech. To structure this ecosystem, authorities adopted a Startup Act in November 2023, which introduced a “Digital Startup” label, fiscal and customs incentives, and a national labeling committee.
Despite these efforts, private funding remains scarce. While some young entrepreneurs already benefit from Startup Boost Capital, a fund launched in 2023 to improve access to financing, many startups remain underfunded and struggle to secure the resources needed to scale.
With this new fund, the government hopes to attract private and institutional capital to complement existing public support and foster the growth of high-potential startups with strong socio-economic impact. The target, as outlined in the Côte d’Ivoire Numérique 2030 strategy, is clear: make digital technology contribute 10% of GDP by 2028.
This article was written in French by Samira Njoya,
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
Amr Gamal started his career in telecommunications, then expanded into industry and finance. He later focused on creating digital tools that meet companies’ operational needs.
Gamal, an Egyptian tech entrepreneur, co-founded and leads Octane, a start-up specializing in digital management of payments and expenses for vehicle fleets.
Octane, founded in 2022, developed a digital platform to manage fleet costs such as fuel, maintenance, spare parts, petty cash, and tolls. The platform uses a closed digital wallet that centralizes all mobility payments in a secure, traceable system.
The platform includes advanced technologies like NFC smart cards, which ensure payments happen only at service stations, reducing fraud risk. The system requires a pump photo for every transaction, sends instant alerts if payments don’t match actual consumption, and collects mileage data manually for accurate tracking.
Octane connects clients to more than 2,400 service stations. It also provides real-time analytics, automated controls, and detailed reports to optimize costs, prevent fraud, and improve fleet efficiency. Recently, Octane raised $5.2 million to expand in the Middle East and North Africa, upgrade its AI tools, and add features like support for electric vehicles.
Before founding Octane, Gamal co-founded TEDxCairo in 2010 to bring together changemakers and spark local and international innovation.
Gamal graduated from Ain Shams University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications. That same year, he began his career at Orange Egypt, where he worked as transmission quality engineer, radio quality and benchmarking engineer, radio frequency optimization team leader, and geomarketing team leader.
In 2015, he joined Procter & Gamble as operations and initiative availability manager for the Near East. In 2018, he became a marketing team leader at Vodafone. In 2022, he served as operations director at FlapKap, a financial company in Abu Dhabi.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Mohamed Khalil Ben Chebil develops digital tools to help employees communicate better with their employers. He focuses on improving work organization and the flow of information inside Tunisian companies.
Ben Chebil, a Tunisian entrepreneur, co-founded and leads Tym, a start-up that builds digital solutions for human resources management.
Tym, launched in 2023, created a platform that aims to modernize HR practices in Tunisia. The platform lets employers collect team feedback and analyze employee expectations and needs. This system helps companies listen more effectively to their staff and adjust internal policies based on real employee concerns.
Tym’s solution integrates employees into decisions about their work environment. It makes it easier for staff to share their thoughts on working conditions and personal challenges.
Ben Chebil graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technology Management from the Higher Institute of Technological Studies in Communications of Tunis in 2022. He earned a master’s degree in Computer Science at the Higher Institute of Computer Science of Tunisia in 2024.
He started his career in 2020 at the Central Bank of Tunisia, working in banking. In 2021, he interned at 1wayDEV, a company offering customer experience outsourcing services. In 2022, he joined Makers Factory, an incubator for content creators, as a support officer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
• Mobile services in DR Congo face heavy taxes, driving up costs for users
• Total tax burden includes VAT, excise duties, and sector-specific levies
• GSMA urges tax reforms to improve digital inclusion and mobile access
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) applies one of the heaviest tax burdens on mobile services in Africa, pushing up the cost of voice, data, and mobile money for users. According to the Mobile Sector Taxation: Comparative Fiscal Burden in DRC report published in June 2025 by the GSMA, this tax pressure is limiting digital access, slowing financial inclusion, and hindering the country’s digital transformation.
The report lists several sector-specific taxes. Revenues from mobile services are subject to a 16% value-added tax (VAT) and a 10% excise duty. Additional levies include a 2% contribution to the universal service fund, charged on turnover, and a 3.6% RAM fee intended to support internet access in universities.
While the dedicated mobile money tax was removed, these transactions remain subject to VAT and excise duties, keeping costs high for users.
The cumulative tax burden increases the final price for consumers, especially for low-income groups. Rural communities, youth, and women are among the most affected, even though mobile services play a vital role in providing access to information, education, and financial services. The GSMA warns that the current tax structure limits the spread of digital tools among vulnerable groups.
Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) supports this concern. In 2024, the average cost of mobile services in the DRC was 16.4% of gross national income per capita, far above the ITU’s affordability benchmark of 2%. The GSMA attributes much of this gap to the high tax burden on operators and consumers.
To improve the situation, the GSMA is calling for a review of the tax system applied to mobile services. The association recommends lowering the excise duty to 3%, reducing the number of sector-specific taxes, and simplifying tax collection to promote investment and compliance among operators.
The GSMA also proposes exempting small mobile money transactions to boost usage among low-income households.
In 2018, the organization stated that tax reform in the sector could significantly expand mobile service penetration, particularly among low-income populations. According to the GSMA’s Advancing Digital Transformation in African Economies report, reducing or eliminating certain taxes could lower mobile internet prices by 13% year-on-year by 2028.
• Oligui Nguema pushes Gabon’s digital agenda at US-Africa summit in Luanda.
• Eyes Botswana’s model, plans data center with U.S. firm Cybastion.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is intensifying diplomatic and economic engagements at the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit, which began Monday, June 23, in Luanda, Angola. His objective is to strengthen bilateral partnerships and inject new momentum into Gabon’s digital strategy.
The head of state notably met with his Botswanan counterpart, Duma Boko. Botswana is frequently cited as a model for its advancements in public administration digitalization and public finance management. Impressed by this approach, President Nguema is considering drawing inspiration from Botswana to reform Gabon’s administrative system. He also met with Thierry Wandji, CEO of U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Cybastion. Cybastion has proposed designing a national data center and training 1,000 young Gabonese in digital careers. This initiative directly aligns with Gabon's national ambition to establish itself as a technology hub in Central Africa.
These initiatives unfold amid a broader economic transformation. To reduce its reliance on extractive resources, Gabon is focusing on diversification, placing digital technology at the core of its strategy. The sector currently contributes approximately 5% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, authorities aim to increase that share to 10-12% by the end of 2025 under the "Gabon Digital" program. This program, backed by 44 billion CFA francs (approximately $72.4 million) from the World Bank, includes infrastructure development, improved internet access, and the modernization of public services.
By leveraging both African and international partnerships, Gabon is working to accelerate its digital transition, strengthen its technological sovereignty, and create new employment opportunities for its youth. The real challenge now lies in the effective implementation of these commitments and their tangible impact on the daily lives of citizens.
This article was written in French by Samira Njoya,
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
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• Guinea hosts first national EA FC 25 tournament June 27–28.
• Goal: grow e-sports, tap Africa’s $1.8B gaming market.
• Costly, limited internet remains key obstacle.
The first national "FIFA Champions Guinea 2025" tournament will take place on June 27 and 28 at Chapiteau By Issa in Conakry. This event, dedicated to the EA Sports FC 25 video game, will gather 32 players from across the country. Organizers aim to promote access to e-sports and support the growth of digital technology in Guinea through this competition.
Guinea is increasingly interested in gaming, viewing it as a path to employment and a way to showcase digital talent. The organizers hope to structure the video game ecosystem, create a database of top players, train them, support them in building digital careers, and connect Guinean youth to a rapidly expanding global market.
According to a report from African video game publisher Carry1st and market research firm Newzoo, Africa's video game market reached $1.8 billion in 2024. This marks a 12.4% increase over the previous year, while global growth was a more moderate 2.1% during the same period. These figures underscore the sector's potential in Africa, presenting significant opportunities for young people, especially in Guinea.
However, Guinea faces several challenges to fully capitalize on this opportunity. Professional gaming relies on high-speed fixed internet for performance, stability, and its capacity to handle large data volumes, all crucial for a smooth and competitive experience. Yet, fixed internet access remains limited and costly in Guinea.
Data from the International Telecommunication Union indicates that in 2024, the cost of fixed internet represented nearly 7.29% of the monthly gross national income per capita. This figure is well above the internationally recommended 2% affordability threshold, which hinders broadband adoption and limits the use of advanced digital services.
To address these constraints, Guinean authorities quadrupled the capacity of the national fiber-optic backbone in December 2024, increasing it from 50 to 200 gigabytes. However, this technical improvement must be followed by a substantial drop in costs and an expansion of coverage nationwide to allow Guinean youth to fully seize opportunities in gaming and digital technology.
This article was initially written in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Mouka Mezonlin
Portia Keleketu is building digital tools to modernize transport in South Africa. She leads Shesha, a ride-hailing app that connects drivers and passengers through a secure, cashless platform.
Keleketu, a South African entrepreneur, launched Shesha in 2024 to offer a local alternative to global ride-sharing giants. As founder and CEO, she designed the app to fit the needs of South African users. “We created Shesha for our market—something safe, easy, and reliable,” she said.
Shesha uses an integrated e-wallet to eliminate cash payments and reduce risk for drivers and passengers. The platform enforces strict safety protocols, including OTP code verification and facial recognition for all users.
The app allows passengers to input the number of travelers and luggage details before booking. It also features an emergency trip option, available to regular users.
Before Shesha, Keleketu founded NetMzansi in 2018 and ran it until January 2025. The company aimed to digitize and improve the minibus taxi industry.
Keleketu began her career in 2008 as a helpdesk technician at Bytes Technologies. She became a project manager there in 2010. In 2014, she joined Anglo Platinum as an information systems analyst. Between 2016 and 2018, she worked as an events manager at 1000 Amazing Events.
She holds a postgraduate degree in project management from Cranefield College, earned in 2014.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Egypt and Thailand have strengthened ties in the digital economy with the Egypt–Thailand ICT Networking Event, organized by ITIDA in collaboration with Thailand and the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo.
The event brought together officials and tech leaders from both countries to explore collaboration in ICT. The forum featured B2B matchmaking sessions, enabling direct connections between Egyptian and Thai tech companies and fostering potential investment, outsourcing, and innovation opportunities.
The event supports Egypt’s digital transformation goals and Thailand’s drive to globalize its software industry.
EdgeNext, an edge computing and cloud infrastructure provider, has announced a partnership with iXAfrica Data Centres, East Africa’s AI-ready, hyperscale data center provider, to bolster the region’s fast-growing digital economy.
The collaboration merges EdgeNext’s global edge platform with iXAfrica’s carrier-neutral infrastructure at the Nairobi One (NBOX1) campus. The result: a powerful ecosystem capable of delivering ultra-low-latency, high-performance, and compliance-ready solutions to enterprise clients in the finance, media, telecom, gaming, and cloud-native sectors.
The partnership is expected to streamline operations for regional and international businesses while enhancing data compliance, security, and real-time performance.