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Morocco's CNSS launches $4.4M tender for cybersecurity upgrade
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Move follows major data breaches impacting millions of users
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Project aims to modernize systems, ensure legal data protection
Morocco's National Social Security Fund (CNSS) has launched an international tender worth 40 million dirhams ($4.4 million) to strengthen its cybersecurity following a series of cyberattacks that compromised sensitive data. The initiative aims to modernize the institution's digital systems and secure the personal information of millions of employees and affiliated companies.
The tender is divided into two parts. The first, valued at 6 million dirhams, is for accelerating the institution's overall digital transformation. The second, estimated between 19.99 and 39.98 million dirhams, is for acquiring specialized expertise, implementing advanced technical solutions, and deploying security systems that comply with Law 09-08 on personal data protection.
The tender's specifications impose strict guarantees, including the destruction of files after contracts are executed, a ban on unauthorized data use, and the adoption of agile methodologies to ensure the effectiveness of the security measures.
This initiative comes amid the growing vulnerability of Moroccan digital infrastructure to cyber threats. A massive attack on April 8 by the group Jabaroot compromised the data of nearly 500,000 companies and two million employees. A second intrusion reported in September highlights the persistent system vulnerabilities and the lack of a robust, proactive security architecture, despite the CNSS's strategic importance to the country's social safety net.
The project is designed to significantly boost the CNSS's digital resilience and restore public trust. By securing its systems, the institution can ensure more reliable data processing and the continuity of essential services such as mandatory health insurance, which covers low-income households and non-working individuals. This effort will also supplement the government's ongoing legal and regulatory actions to protect public and private infrastructure from rising cyber threats.
Samira Njoya
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Côte d'Ivoire secures $95M UAE funding for digital projects
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Funds target AI, cloud, and civil service modernization
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Deal boosts Abidjan-Abu Dhabi tech and governance ties
Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Public Service and Administrative Modernization, Anne Désirée Ouloto-Lamizana, has secured a $95 million funding commitment from the United Arab Emirates. A letter of intent is scheduled to be signed by mid-October, with the funds expected to be released by the end of the year, the Ivorian Press Agency reported on Sunday, September 14.
The funding, which will be managed by a joint steering committee, is earmarked for several key projects. These include the construction of a modular data center and a sovereign cloud, the creation of a center of excellence for artificial intelligence and innovation, and the enhancement of the Integrated Management System for Civil Servants and State Agents (SIGFAE) through the integration of AI-powered features. The objective is to accelerate the digitalization of government services while improving human resource management and public service quality.
This initiative is part of the Ivorian government's broader effort to strengthen governance and position the country as a major technological player in West Africa. It also highlights the growing cooperation between Abidjan and Abu Dhabi in strategic sectors like digital innovation, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
If the project materializes, it could reinforce Côte d'Ivoire's role as a hub for administrative technology and innovation in the region. It is also expected to foster talent development and professional integration for young people, including in the UAE. However, the project's success will depend on the rigorous implementation of the announced reforms and the country's ability to secure and sustain these infrastructures in the face of ongoing digital sovereignty and cybersecurity challenges.
Samira Njoya
- Cameroonian startup Quicky Africa launched "Quicky Services," a mobile application connecting clients with service providers across multiple sectors.
- The app, available on iOS and Android, has over 500 downloads and emphasizes vetted professionals and transparent pricing.
- The platform faces challenges including logistical reliability, quality control, and coverage in less dense areas.
As on-demand mobile services gain traction, Cameroonian startup Quicky Africa has introduced a suite of applications. Its success will depend on its ability to retain both end-users and service providers.
Quicky Services, a mobile application developed by Quicky Africa, aims to link service providers and clients across various sectors. The offering encompasses transport, maintenance, repair, wellness, and lifestyle services. Ossoe Pierre Harisson and Liliane Mitambo launched the Yaoundé-based startup in 2025.
Its solution includes a mobile application accessible on both iOS and Android platforms, where it has garnered over 500 downloads, according to Play Store data. Users create accounts by providing personal information; upon account validation, they access diverse service providers in the aforementioned fields.
The startup claims to prioritize reliability by selecting professionals whose profiles undergo background verification, which enhances user trust. Service prices are presented unequivocally at the time of booking and, importantly, during payment. Regarding payment methods, the application integrates mobile money from telecom networks, but cash payments are also permitted.
The user experience incorporates geolocation, proximity-based provider selection, and features for comparing offers. The iOS version specifically mentions the distance between the requested address and each provider. However, the solution still faces challenges including logistical reliability, quality control, and coverage in less dense areas.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
• Algiers airport to deploy AI systems from December 2025
• Upgrades include facial recognition, smart gates, contactless travel
• Plan aims to make airport a major African and global hub
Algerian authorities plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into services at Algiers International Airport starting this December. The modernization effort aims to elevate the airport's service quality to meet international standards.
Mokhtar Mediouni, CEO of the Algiers Airport Services and Infrastructure Management Company (SGSIA), announced the initiative on Sunday, September 14, at a press conference reported by the Algeria Press Service (APS). The upgrades will include facial recognition, body scanners, contactless travel, and smart gates. Mediouni said these technologies will optimize the use of airport spaces like halls, parking lots, and boarding areas while simplifying passenger entry and exit procedures.
This digitalization effort is part of a broader strategy to transform Algiers International Airport into a "regional hub". The goal is to leverage Algeria's strategic location near Europe, positioning the airport as a major transit point for global passenger and cargo traffic. The ambition is also to elevate the airport to a leading African hub, serving as a gateway for travelers from the continent to Asia, the Americas, and Europe while offering modern services.
Algiers International Airport is the country's main airport. Authorities projected it would handle around 10 million passengers in 2024, following 7.3 million in 2023 and 6.5 million in 2022. The airport is also central to the African and global expansion strategy of the national airline, Air Algérie.
In April 2025, the state-owned airline announced the launch of new direct routes to six destinations in Africa and Asia starting this winter. The new routes include Guangzhou (China), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), N'Djamena (Chad), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Libreville (Gabon), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). By the end of 2024, Air Algérie was already serving 25 African destinations with a passenger flow of 179,000 people.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Janngo Capital has announced an investment in Jobzyn, a Moroccan startup that utilizes technology to simplify, clarify, and expedite the hiring process. The move is set to accelerate Jobzyn’s mission to deliver a next-generation hiring experience for both employers and job seekers across Africa and the MENA region.
With Janngo Capital’s backing, Jobzyn is now positioned to scale its solutions across the continent, offering a more transparent, data-driven, and inclusive model for employment that could play a critical role in addressing Africa’s growing demographic and economic challenges.
The investment also aligns with Janngo Capital’s broader mandate of building, growing, and financing pan-African digital champions that combine economic performance with inclusive social impact.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana, in partnership with Togo’s Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP), held a three-day Border Coordination Meeting aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation in the management of telecommunications services from September 9-11.
The meeting, held at the NCA Tower in Accra, brought together regulators and mobile network operators (MNOs) from both countries to address cross-border frequency interference and improve service quality for consumers living along the Ghana-Togo frontier.
The outcome is expected to not only reduce interference but also strengthen cross-border collaboration as the region pushes toward greater connectivity and digital inclusion.
Bertin Nahum, a French entrepreneur of Beninese descent, is a co-founder and CEO of Quantum Surgical, a medical robotics company based in Montpellier.
Founded in 2017, Quantum Surgical designs and develops robotic systems for interventional surgery. The company's research focuses on improving cancer treatments, particularly for liver cancer, which continues to have a high mortality rate.
Quantum Surgical's flagship product is Epione, a robotic platform for image-guided percutaneous procedures. It enables targeted ablation of liver tumors with a high degree of precision. This technology is designed to improve success rates and broaden access to this form of treatment.
Epione incorporates artificial intelligence tools to optimize needle placement and surgical planning. It is marketed to specialized hospitals and interventional surgery practitioners, paving the way for wider use of robot-assisted surgery.
Quantum Surgical has received several awards, including the Prix Galien in 2022, a prestigious honor in the field of biopharmaceutical research. In 2023, the company was selected for the French Tech 2030 program, which supports emerging innovation leaders in France.
Nahum’s first company was Medtech SA, which developed and commercialized medical and surgical assistance technologies. Established in 2002, it was acquired by Zimmer Biomet in 2016.
An engineer who graduated from the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Lyon in 1994, Nahum also holds a master's degree in robotics from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.
Melchior Koba
After working for several years in financial institutions, she shifted her focus to entrepreneurship. Her goal is to make it easier for Kenyans to finance their projects.
Janet Kuteli, a Kenyan entrepreneur in the financial sector, is the founder and CEO of Fortune Credit, a Nairobi-based microfinance institution.
Founded in 2014, Fortune Credit aims to support marginalized populations and small business owners who are excluded from traditional banking. This includes those in the informal sector, such as motorcycle taxi drivers. The company offers credit and insurance services to promote economic empowerment for rural Kenyans.
Fortune Credit leverages data from mobile payment platforms, such as M-Pesa, to assess borrowers' credit profiles and offer loans tailored to the needs of self-employed workers. This mechanism has enabled many moto-taxi drivers to secure financing to purchase their own vehicles, turning their work tools into a sustainable asset.
The institution also provides agricultural loans to smallholder farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperatives. These financial solutions help with the purchase of inputs, equipment, and agricultural business development.
Fortune Credit was selected as one of the ten finalists for the 2025 Africa's Business Heroes competition. The company serves over 23,000 active clients, has disbursed more than 40,000 loans since its inception, and collaborates with over twenty international partners.
Kuteli earned a bachelor's degree in accounting in 2001 and a master's degree in business administration in 2012 from Kenyatta University. She began her career in 2007 at the Co-operative Bank of Kenya, where she served as Deputy Head of the Microcredit Department and later as Branch Manager for the Embakasi and Kawangware branches. From 2013 to 2014, she managed the Kenyatta branch of the National Bank of Kenya.
Melchior Koba
• Cameroon launches digitalization program to modernize local governance
• 240 of 374 municipalities signed on; key challenges remain
• Goal: boost transparency, online services, and investment appeal
The United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (UCCC) unveiled its "Program for the Digitalization of Councils and Cities" (PDCV) in Yaoundé on Thursday, September 11. The initiative aims to modernize local governance by providing municipalities with shared digital tools and online services for citizens.
The PDCV is structured around four main pillars: a shared digital platform for municipalities and the UCCC, the creation of an integrated suite of digital services, enhanced digital skills for municipal staff, and program coordination and monitoring. The stated goal is to make local governments more transparent, efficient, and better connected with their constituents.
The project is part of Cameroon’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes the gradual dematerialization of administrative procedures and the interconnection of public services. As part of this effort, 374 municipal websites have already been developed. However, for these sites to become fully operational, each municipality must sign a memorandum of understanding with the UCCC. So far, 240 municipalities have taken this step, while 134 have not yet signed, according to the association.
Ultimately, the PDCV is expected to increase the visibility of local governments, facilitate citizens' access to online administrative services, and make regions more attractive to investors. However, several challenges remain, including inadequate ICT infrastructure, a limited internet penetration rate of 41.9% as per DataReportal, a lack of skilled personnel, energy instability, and insufficient municipal financial resources. The program's success also hinges on the effective implementation of the General Code of Decentralized Territorial Collectivities, which allocates 15% of state revenues to decentralization.
Cameroon faces significant challenges in digital governance. According to the 2024 United Nations E-Government Development Index, the country ranks 155th out of 193, with an index score of 0.4294, well below the global average of 0.6382. This program represents a strategic opportunity to bridge this gap and firmly establish Cameroonian administration in the era of smart digital governance.
Samira Njoya
The solution connects North African consumers with popular Turkish clothing and lifestyle brands. The Moroccan startup recently raised $1 million to support its growth and expand its reach in the region.
Justyol is a Moroccan online platform that provides North African consumers with access to Turkish clothing, lifestyle, and accessory brands. It was launched by a Casablanca-based startup, founded in 2022 by Ahmed Badran, Ahmed Rashed, and Anas Ahmed. In September 2025, the startup raised $1 million in September 2025 to support its growth.
"We are building more than just a platform; we are creating the infrastructure that will define the future of cross-border commerce in North Africa, serving hundreds of thousands of customers with unprecedented access to global products at competitive prices," said Ahmed Badran.
The company's mobile application is available on both iOS and Android and has been downloaded more than 100,000 times on the Play Store. The platform offers a wide selection of popular Turkish dresses, jackets, and pants. Justyol frequently provides significant discounts to make the items more accessible and also offers delivery services.
"Our platform is your gateway to premium Turkish fashion and an ever-expanding selection of lifestyle products. We are proud to provide superior quality products and exceptional service to our valued customers," the platform explains.
By positioning itself as a bridge between Turkey and North Africa, the startup is addressing a growing demand for international products and a need for greater diversity in local markets. Its business model could inspire other startups to explore similar niche markets.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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- Burkina Faso advances digital education through PACTDIGITAL initiative
- Plans include online platform, updated curricula, ICT equipment in schools
- Challenges remain: poor connectivity, limited training, equipment shortages
Burkina Faso is pushing forward with the integration of digital technology into its education system. The Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACTDIGITAL), led by the Ministry of Digital Economy, outlined its support for the Ministry of Secondary Education and Technical and Vocational Training on Wednesday, September 10.
The project's key initiatives include updating telecommunications and ICT curricula to better align with job market demands, launching an online learning platform, strengthening local skills in creating educational multimedia content, and providing digital equipment to scientific high schools in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso.
According to Haoua Ouattara/Dama, the project coordinator, these actions aim to digitize core ministerial processes, modernize teaching practices, and pave the way for new digital-related careers. Boubacar Savadogo, the Minister of Secondary Education, stated that the support will help improve the quality of training and increase the number of skilled digital professionals.
The initiative is part of the Burkinabè government's broader digital transformation goals, which aim to leverage technology for key sectors, including education. For example, a project to develop 95 educational mobile applications was announced in February 2024. UNESCO believes that digital learning has the potential to expand access to education, improve learning outcomes, and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle 21st-century challenges.
However, the integration of ICT into Burkina Faso's education system faces several obstacles. A 2023 government assessment highlighted structural and technical challenges, including insufficient coordination among different stakeholders, a lack of widespread public awareness, and limited and expensive internet connectivity. The report also pointed to issues with cloud service functionality, low fiber optic coverage in educational institutions, a lack of adequate training, and a shortage of computer equipment and logistical materials.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
• Omar Zergoun co-founded Yalitec, a logistics startup for online merchants.
• Platform offers express delivery across 58 wilayas with real-time tracking.
• Services include multi-carrier shipping, automated labels, and fast payments.
Omar Zergoun, an Algerian tech entrepreneur, is the co-founder and CEO of Yalitec, a startup providing logistics and shipping solutions tailored to e-commerce businesses.
Founded in 2020, Yalitec has developed a full technology platform that helps companies optimize the management and tracking of their deliveries. The firm offers express delivery for online merchants to consumers in more than 58 wilayas, supported by real-time tracking through a dedicated web app.
The startup’s integrated system enables merchants to ship with multiple carriers simultaneously, generate shipping labels automatically, and benefit from flexible billing with accelerated payment collection. “Shipping should not be a nightmare. With Yalitec, you get first-class courier services both locally and internationally, along with a dashboard to monitor, manage, and grow your online business,” the company said.
Zergoun graduated from Badji Mokhtar University of Annaba in 2017 with a degree in marketing and later earned a master’s in service marketing from the University of Algiers 3 in 2020.
He began his career in 2019 as a commercial marketing manager at Gbatis, an Algerian construction company. He later joined Process House, a consulting and training firm, where he worked as a graphic designer between 2019 and 2021 before fully focusing on Yalitec.
• Rural connectivity program targets 30 new localities under PNCR Phase II.
• Goal is to cut digital divide and expand access to education, health, and trade.
• Internet penetration remains 52.7% in urban areas vs 24.6% in rural zones.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization is leading the second phase of the National Rural Connectivity Program (PNCR) through September 25, 2025, with support from the country’s telecom regulator ARTCI. This stage aims to connect 30 additional localities to high-speed internet. The rollout began in the Worodougou region, where the villages of Yanfissa, Kangana, Kognimansso, and Dougbe are already online.
Next in line are the regions of Kabadougou, Grands-Ponts, Nawa, Sud-Comoé, Nzi, Guémon, Cavally, Poro, and Tchologo. The project seeks to narrow the digital divide between urban and rural areas, making it easier for communities to access education, healthcare, commerce, and financial services.
“Rural connectivity is central to President Alassane Ouattara’s vision of social and digital transformation. He sees technology and innovation as key drivers of economic and social development,” said Minister Kalil Konaté. “This program ensures that every citizen, regardless of where they live, has easy access to high-speed internet and digital services.”
The PNCR is part of broader government efforts to position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional digital hub. According to ITU DataHub, internet penetration in the country is 52.7% in urban areas, compared with just 24.6% in rural zones. Household access to home internet shows a similar gap: 85.7% in cities versus 57.7% in the countryside.
Ultimately, the program is expected to reduce the urban-rural gap in connectivity, strengthen digital inclusion, and boost local economic development in previously underserved areas. It could also support entrepreneurship, improve access to e-government services, and better prepare rural populations to integrate into the national digital economy.
• Chad plans integrated digital platform for licenses, permits, and vehicle papers.
• Project seeks to cut costs, improve traceability, and reduce delays for users.
• Country ranks 189th out of 193 on UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index.
Chad is preparing to modernize its transport-related administrative services through an integrated digital system. The initiative was discussed on September 9 during a meeting chaired by Transport Minister Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, focused on digitizing financial services within her department.
The project aims to centralize all services offered by the ministry into a single platform. These include the issuance of vehicle registration cards, driver’s licenses, technical inspection certificates, transport licenses and permits, and the mandatory consignment note (LVO). The goal is to make services more accessible, ensure traceability, and reduce both processing times and costs for users and businesses.
This plan aligns with a broader national push to modernize public administration and digitize government services. Chad has already taken steps such as partially digitizing administrative procedures and creating online platforms to track official documents.
However, the country still lags in digital governance. According to the United Nations, Chad scored 0.1785 out of 1 on the 2024 E-Government Development Index, ranking 189th out of 193 countries. This underlines the urgent need to accelerate digital transformation to make public services more effective, reliable, and accessible.
The rollout of an integrated digital system could address key challenges. It would simplify administrative processes, cut costs, reduce fraud and document loss, and strengthen efficiency in the transport sector. In the long term, it is expected to boost competitiveness, improve access to services for citizens, and reinforce transparency in public operations.