By leveraging digital tools to drive equal opportunity, he is providing a practical solution to the educational and economic gaps that persist in rural areas.
Ntende Beka Isabirye is a Ugandan entrepreneur and the founder of Tech Reach Africa, a non-profit organization working to expand access to digital skills for students, teachers and young people in rural Uganda, with the aim of improving educational outcomes and income opportunities.
Founded in 2021 under the name ICT4Education and later rebranded as Tech Reach Africa, the organization operates primarily in eastern and central Uganda. Its work focuses on bringing practical digital learning to rural schools and underserved youth, positioning digital skills as a key driver of long-term community development.
As part of its school outreach, Tech Reach Africa deploys mobile computer labs to remote schools, giving students and teachers hands-on experience with basic computing and digital tools.
The organization also runs training programs for out-of-school youth and recent graduates, designed to help participants overcome financial and geographic barriers to employment. Courses cover web development, graphic design, videography and photography.
So far, 2,650 students from 21 schools have taken part in the school program. In addition, 350 teachers from those schools have been trained as digital mentors, enabling them to pass on skills and integrate digital tools into classroom teaching. Separately, more than 870 young graduates have completed the organization’s vocational training programs.
In 2017, Isabirye became a youth issues consultant for Swisscontact, a Swiss technical cooperation foundation, in Uganda. Between 2018 and 2024, he worked as a trainer with Dance4Life, an organization focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. From 2019 to 2020, he also served as a project coordinator for Irise International in Uganda, which specializes in menstrual health management. He holds a diploma in organizational leadership and civic engagement from Louisiana State University, obtained in 2024.
Melchior Koba
By combining technology and sustainability, he’s transforming the African travel landscape. His approach ensures a better experience for travelers while delivering meaningful benefits to local communities.
Ryan Apreala is a Rwandan computer scientist specializing in artificial intelligence. He is the founder, chief executive, and creative director of Outside Hospitality, a technology startup operating in the tourism sector.
Founded in 2022, Outside Hospitality advocates a form of tourism grounded in respect for people, cultures, and the environment across Africa. The company seeks to present a more authentic image of the continent by moving away from stereotypes and focusing on meaningful experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities.
The startup is developing a digital platform that connects travelers with distinctive experiences while supporting hospitality businesses through creative services. These services include brand strategy, storytelling, and digital marketing, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
“Sustainability is embedded across all our activities, from the experiences we offer to the businesses we support. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce a sustainable financing mechanism that rewards environmentally responsible companies and funds innovation in sustainable travel,” Apreala said.
Apreala graduated from the African Leadership University in Rwanda, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in software engineering and artificial intelligence in July 2025. He began his career in 2020 as a research assistant at the Boston University School of Technology in the United States. In 2023, he worked as a business development analyst.
Melchior Koba
Ghanaian startups are invited to apply for the sixth cohort of the UNICEF StartUp Lab, a six-month accelerator focused on tech-driven solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impacting children and youth. Selected teams will receive expert mentoring, industry-specific support, and up to $6,000 in prototype funding. Additionally, the top three startups will be awarded $15,000 to help scale their impact. Applications are open until February 20.
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Chad accelerates “Tchad Connexion 2030” digital transformation strategy
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Government, Huawei discuss expanding connectivity and digital public services
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Low internet access highlights urgency, with just 13.2% online in 2025
Chad is moving to accelerate the rollout of its national digital strategy, “Tchad Connexion 2030,” as it seeks to expand connectivity and modernise public services.
The Minister of the Digital Economy and Digitalisation, Boukar Michel, held talks on Wednesday, December 24, with a Huawei North Africa delegation to discuss priorities for the country’s digital transformation. The delegation was led by Jason Ye, Huawei’s Vice President for North Africa.
Talks focused on expanding telecommunications infrastructure, widening access to connected services, and speeding up the digitalisation of public administration. With internet access still uneven across the country, these areas are central to the government’s digital policy goals.
Authorities are relying on partnerships with technology providers to narrow the digital divide, particularly in rural areas, and promote broader digital inclusion. Improving network coverage, deploying solutions tailored to local conditions, and strengthening technical skills were highlighted as central drivers of the transition.
For Huawei, which is involved in several digital infrastructure projects across Africa, the discussions fit within its broader approach of working with governments seeking to modernise their economies. Both sides explored the possibility of turning the talks into concrete projects aligned with the objectives of “Tchad Connexion 2030.”
The talks come against a backdrop of low connectivity. According to DataReportal, only 13.2% of Chad’s population had internet access at the start of 2025, with sharp disparities between urban areas and rural regions.
Samira Njoya
Osee Soke is using artificial intelligence to develop communication tools for people with hearing impairments through his startup DeafSync.
Benin-based software and mobile developer Osee Soke is the co-founder and chief executive of DeafSync, a technology startup that develops artificial intelligence-powered tools aimed at reducing communication barriers for people with hearing impairments.
Founded in 2023, DeafSync develops digital solutions designed for use in everyday situations, including education, healthcare and daily interactions.
The company says its products are developed in collaboration with user communities to ensure they respond to practical needs.
One of its main products, Deaf Translator, is an application that converts written text into sign language videos and translates sign language captured on video into readable text. The application also includes a learning feature to support sign language training.
DeafSync has also developed Lambda, an online training platform focused on skills development. The platform offers more than a dozen courses across several categories, including data science certifications and employment support services such as CV review and job interview preparation.
Soke holds a professional degree in computer programming from the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin, obtained in 2021. He began his career in 2022 as a mobile developer intern at agritech company Biolife Tech before working as a freelance software engineer and WordPress developer.
Melchior Koba
Rwandan fintech Kayko recently raised $1.2 million in seed funding to scale its management platform for small businesses. Founded in 2021, the startup already supports over 8,500 SMEs in tracking sales, inventory, expenses, and taxes through its POS system. Kayko plans to leverage this data to develop credit scoring models and streamline access to financing.
After years in Nigeria’s banking sector, she moved into entrepreneurship with a focus on expanding access to digital banking and online payments.
Onyinye Olisah is a Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder and chief executive officer of OnUs Financial Services, a digital payments company that helps African businesses accept online payments securely across borders.
Founded in 2022, OnUs Financial Services aims to serve as a growth driver for modern African companies by offering an integrated platform to receive, process, and manage payments. The company has developed two main products, PayOnus and BankOnus, providing payment and digital banking services to both businesses and individuals.
PayOnus is a web- and mobile-based payment platform designed for businesses. It enables fast and secure online transactions and supports multiple use cases, including e-commerce payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and subscription management, with an emphasis on reliability and data protection.
BankOnus is aimed at individual users. The platform functions as an all-in-one financial companion, going beyond standard digital banking features to help users manage day-to-day finances, access banking services, and carry out certain transactions on behalf of partner organizations.
Olisah graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature in 2004. She later earned a master’s degree in public and international administration from the University of Lagos in 2021.
She began her banking career in 2007 at Intercontinental Bank as a teller, before moving into roles in customer relations and customer service management. In 2010, she joined Serengeti Communications as a director. Two years later, she moved to Standard Chartered Bank as a relationship manager.
In 2016, Olisah was appointed branch manager at ProvidusBank in Lagos. She joined fintech firm Interswitch Group in 2017, where she held several roles, including sales manager, regional team lead, and head of the service management group. Between 2022 and 2024, she continued her career in financial technology at Bud Africa, serving as vice president of sales.
Melchior Koba
Trained in finance, he built a healthcare startup that uses digital tools to connect patients, pharmacies, and medical professionals.
Aloys Koum is a Cameroonian entrepreneur with a background in banking. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Pharma Dream, a digital platform that helps patients find nearby pharmacies and access reliable health advice through a streamlined process.
Launched in 2019, Pharma Dream was created to improve access to healthcare services. The platform connects users with a broad network of pharmacies and healthcare professionals, allowing them to quickly identify the most suitable pharmacy for their needs. The company currently works with more than 200 partner pharmacies.
In addition to pharmacy location services, Pharma Dream offers online access to medical guidance. Qualified doctors are available to respond to health-related questions, while the platform also publishes educational content on various medical conditions, produced by health professionals.
Koum is a member of the International Committee of Digital Health Experts in Africa (CEISNA). He also serves as an administrative manager at the International Bank of Cameroon for Savings and Credit (BICEC).
He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and macroeconomics from the University of Yaoundé II and a master’s degree in business administration and finance, completed in 2012.
Melchior Koba
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Ghana, Japan discuss launching AI and data science training programme
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University of Tokyo-led initiative targets 30,000 African AI professionals
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Plan supports youth employment amid high joblessness and digital skills demand
Ghana is discussing plans with Japan to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) and data science training programme for students, aimed at equipping young people with future-ready digital skills and strengthening the country’s role in the global digital ecosystem.
The discussions took place last week during talks between Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, and a delegation from the University of Tokyo.
The proposed programme forms part of the “Development of AI/Data Science Resources for Economic Growth in Africa” initiative led by the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Laboratory. The initiative seeks to build Africa’s AI capacity by extending the Global Consumer Intelligence (GCI) programme to the continent, with plans to train 30,000 AI professionals over the next three years in collaboration with African universities and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Under the proposal, the programme would be delivered online in English to students at public universities and selected secondary schools, with industry-recognised certification designed to improve employability and practical digital skills.
Talks also addressed support for entrepreneurship in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as well as job opportunities through collaborations between Japanese companies and local startups facilitated by JICA.
The government is also seeking local and international partnerships to strengthen digital skills training for young people.
As part of its “One Million Coders” programme, which aims to train one million young people over four years, Ghana has already engaged potential partners including TikTok, TECHAiDE, Google, Huawei, Microsoft, AWS and Code Racoon. These efforts come as the World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Youth unemployment remains a major challenge. Official data show that unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 averaged 32% in 2024, while the rate for people aged 15 to 35 stood at 22.5%.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Algeria introduces electronic stamp duty payments for commercial register filings
- “Tabaakoum” platform enables card-based payments and digital receipt acceptance
- Move supports digitalisation, transparency, and reduced informal economic activity
Algeria’s finance ministry and trade ministry have signed a protocol to introduce electronic stamp duty payments for commercial register filings, the two ministries said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
The agreement enables the use of the “Tabaakoum” digital payment platform for stamp duties linked to commercial registration. Payments can be made via interbank cards or the state-backed Edahabia card.
The digital receipt generated by the platform will now be accepted as official documentation for business registration or modification filings. The move aims to offer more flexibility to businesses and increase the transparency of financial transactions.
The initiative comes as electronic payments see rapid growth in the country. Data from the Monetics Group (GIE Monétique) shows more than 5.2 million payments via electronic terminals between January and July 2025 generated nearly 47.2 billion dinars ($363.8 million), a total that already exceeds all of 2024.
Beyond simplifying procedures for merchants and entrepreneurs, the shift to electronic payments for the commercial register is part of a broader national strategy to modernize public services and reduce the informal economy. The government has recently launched multiple initiatives to expand digital payments, encourage e-commerce and improve online service access in a country where internet penetration now reaches about 77% of the population.
By facilitating commercial registration and reducing the costs and delays linked to in-person procedures, the state aims to improve the competitiveness of the entrepreneurial sector and enhance the traceability and transparency of economic activity.
Samira Njoya
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Developed in Kenya, Safia Health redefines how people and businesses manage health, prevention, and physical excellence.
Safia Health is an e-health platform developed by a Kenyan startup that combines digital health tools with training and coaching programs adapted to different user profiles, from elite athletes to beginners. The platform aims to help users improve performance, reduce injury risks, and manage their overall health. Based in Nairobi, the startup was founded in 2024 by Diana Wambui.
At the core of Safia Health’s model is a focus on prevention and accessibility. The company says its platform is designed to help users make informed decisions about their health by providing practical, easy-to-use tools. Its stated objective is to close the gap between early prevention and long-term management of chronic conditions, particularly in contexts where access to healthcare remains uneven.
Rather than responding to health problems after they emerge, Safia Health promotes a proactive approach that emphasizes education, personalized monitoring, and long-term behavior change. The platform offers tailored sports performance programs aligned with users’ fitness levels, continuous progress tracking, wellness assessments that provide a broader picture of physical condition, and recovery guidance aimed at supporting sustainable physical activity.
By relying on data tracking and analytics, the platform enables users to better understand their physical performance, detect weaknesses, and adjust their routines accordingly. According to the company, this preventive approach can also help reduce healthcare costs by limiting reliance on reactive medical care and encouraging earlier interventions.
More broadly, Safia Health positions itself as a response to structural weaknesses in healthcare systems across Africa, including delayed access to care, low levels of health literacy, and the lack of personalized solutions for daily health management. The startup’s ambition is to contribute to a shift toward prevention-driven healthcare models for a wider population.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Clea allows Nigerian companies to pay foreign suppliers quickly and transparently
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The fintech offers a mobile app with digital wallets and competitive FX rates
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The startup was founded in 2024 by Sheriff Adedokun
Clea is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup that enables companies to pay international suppliers directly and transparently, without the delays and high costs typical of traditional banking channels. The startup was founded in 2024 by Sheriff Adedokun.
The startup said it simplifies international payments for importers, exporters, and logistics providers by offering fast, compliant, and cost-effective transactions to global suppliers. It said its mission is to support African trade by building modern financial infrastructure that reduces friction related to foreign exchange, settlement, and compliance.
The solution is available through a mobile application on iOS and Android. It positions itself as a technology-driven financial intermediary, connecting African businesses with overseas suppliers by facilitating cross-border payments in foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar.
Through its system, users can fund a digital wallet, initiate international transfers in a few steps, and access competitive exchange rates. The user experience is designed to be seamless, with registration and verification completed once, after which businesses can make payments quickly based on their operational needs.
As intra-African economic integration deepens, particularly with initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), solutions like Clea address one of the main friction points in international trade for SMEs and importers: secure, fast, and affordable cross-border payments. By positioning itself within Africa’s fintech ecosystem, the startup contributes to smoother trade flows, lower operating costs for businesses, and stronger competitiveness in global markets.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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ONDA has launched a fully digital passenger journey at Casablanca airport for AFCON 2025
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Self-service and biometric systems are deployed across Terminals 1 and 2
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The airport handled a record 292,221 passengers between December 8 and 18
Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) has announced the launch of a fully digitalized passenger journey at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, alongside the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025). The initiative aims to ease passenger flows and significantly improve the travel experience during the tournament.
The system relies on advanced digital and biometric technologies. Ten Self Bag Drop kiosks have been installed on level 0 of Terminal 1 for Royal Air Maroc passengers, enabling fully automated check-in and baggage drop. In Terminal 2, twelve self-service kiosks allow passengers traveling without checked baggage to check in independently and proceed directly to boarding areas. Several airlines, including Air Arabia, Saudia, and EgyptAir, have already integrated their applications into the system, strengthening interoperability.
The rollout comes amid exceptionally high traffic linked to AFCON 2025, with thousands of supporters traveling through Casablanca. Between December 8 and 18, Mohammed V Airport handled a record 292,221 passengers, accounting for 33.7% of total air traffic in Morocco, confirming its role as the country’s main air hub during the competition.
These measures are part of ONDA’s “Décollage 2025” strategy unveiled last year, which targets the full digitalization of Morocco’s airports. The plan includes the creation of a Digital Factory, the deployment of biometric e-gates, and the rollout of the “SMART AIRPORT” system to monitor infrastructure in real time and anticipate operational disruptions. Together, these initiatives aim to modernize airport operations while strengthening passenger security.
Samira Njoya
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Sonatel Orange launches high-speed satellite internet services nationwide
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The operator targets near-universal coverage by combining satellite, fiber, 5G, and 4G
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The rollout supports Senegal’s Horizon 2050 digital infrastructure strategy
Sonatel Orange announced on December 22 the launch of its first high-speed satellite internet (VSAT) services in Senegal. The move positions the operator as the first in the market to offer near-national coverage by combining satellite technology with fiber-optic networks, 5G, and 4G, with the aim of narrowing access gaps between urban centers and remote areas.
Sonatel, premier opérateur de l’Internet par satellite au Sénégal
— Groupe Sonatel (@GroupeSonatel) December 22, 2025
Grâce à l’Internet par satellite, les zones les plus éloignées peuvent désormais accéder à une connectivité fiable, en complément de la Fibre, de la 4G et de la 5G.
L’offre satellite Orange renforce la résilience… pic.twitter.com/AwrjjM9jOd
Speaking at the launch, Sonatel Group Chief Executive Officer Brelotte Ba said the deployment aligns with the Senegalese government’s vision to modernize digital infrastructure. He said the operator now has the technological and operational capacity to support the implementation of the Senegal Horizon 2050 plan, relying on local infrastructure and national expertise.
Operationally, Sonatel Orange is using a technology mix that combines fixed networks, next-generation mobile networks, and satellite solutions. In partnership with Eutelsat/Konnect, the operator has been marketing satellite internet offers since December 10 for households and businesses, with coverage estimated at around 99% of the country. The unlimited plans primarily target rural, border, and hard-to-reach areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.
The initiative fits into a broader public policy framework aimed at reducing territorial disparities and strengthening nationwide digital continuity. As part of this effort, Sonatel also plans to deploy an additional one million fiber-optic connections between 2026 and 2028, raising the number of homes that can be connected to nearly two million by 2028, including areas that have so far been underserved.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, the project also carries institutional and economic implications. By positioning itself as a technology partner to the state and local governments, Sonatel aims to support the digitalization of public services, particularly in education, healthcare, and public administration. The goal is to improve citizen access to essential digital services and strengthen digital inclusion across the country.
Samira Njoya