• Senegal and Finland held political consultations to explore cooperation on digital infrastructure and AI-ready data centers.
  • Dakar seeks to diversify technology partners to meet targets under its “New Deal technologique.”
  • No formal agreement has been signed yet despite growing engagement.

On Thursday, March 26, Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Alioune Sall, met a Finnish delegation led by Outi Holopainen, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The meeting took place during the second session of political consultations between Senegal and Finland.

Both delegations reviewed key digital projects, including infrastructure development, the establishment of an artificial intelligence-compatible data center, and public service connectivity. They also discussed submarine cables as well as two critical issues: disinformation and media literacy.

This engagement with Helsinki reflects Dakar’s strategy to expand its network of technology partners. Senegal requires diversified partnerships to meet the deadlines set under its “New Deal technologique” and to achieve its digital transformation objectives.

In recent months, Dakar has strengthened ties with major technology companies such as Visa and Huawei. It has also engaged with international organizations including the International Telecommunication Union and the World Bank to support its digital and technological projects.

Finland has acted within the framework of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy. The EU launched this initiative in 2021 to build smart, secure, and reliable connections with global partners across sectors including digital.

The initiative aims to mobilize up to 300 billion euros ($345 billion) in investments to achieve these objectives. However, Senegal and Finland have not yet signed a formal agreement despite ongoing discussions and growing cooperation.

This article was initially published by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On mercredi, 01 avril 2026 12:04 Written by
  • Rwanda prepares a phased shutdown of 2G and 3G networks to boost 4G and 5G adoption.
  • Authorities assess infrastructure readiness, economic impact, and risks tied to the transition.
  • Limited smartphone access and rural coverage gaps remain key challenges to inclusion.

Rwandan authorities have initiated plans to gradually phase out 2G and 3G mobile technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate broadband development and adoption as part of the country’s ongoing digital transformation.

On Thursday, March 26, Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, met device importers and private sector stakeholders. She aimed to discuss practical aspects of the transition and to identify ways to improve access to 4G- and 5G-compatible devices for all citizens.

A Transition Anchored in National Strategy

The migration to 4G and 5G networks forms part of the ICT Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which defines Rwanda’s digital transformation framework.

In November 2024, the government, in partnership with Germany, launched a call for expressions of interest to conduct a technical assessment of the phased shutdown of 2G and 3G networks. The study aims to evaluate infrastructure readiness and the maturity of the technological ecosystem.

Moreover, the assessment examines the consequences of failing to transition, including rising maintenance costs for legacy networks, declining manufacturer support, and increased risks related to security and compliance. It also analyzes the impact on coverage, particularly in rural areas, and evaluates the ability of 4G and 5G networks to deliver inclusive, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.

The evaluation also addresses economic factors, including changes in average revenue per user (ARPU), potential revenue losses for operators, user migration conditions, constraints related to access to compatible devices, and effects on pricing and competition. It further considers regulatory challenges and energy efficiency requirements.

Rwandan telecom operators have already started to prepare for the transition. Airtel Rwanda announced in December 2024 its plan to phase out 3G by the end of 2025 and 2G by 2026, aligning with global trends and national broadband ambitions.

Emmanuel Hamez, then chief executive of Airtel Africa’s Rwandan unit, stated that the shift is “not only necessary, but inevitable,” as the operator builds a modern network capable of meeting the demands of a connected and digital society.

An Inevitable Shift Amid Digital Growth

Demand for high-speed connectivity continues to grow rapidly, and 3G has become too slow for many applications, particularly as user numbers and bandwidth needs increase. Rwandan authorities consider the transition essential to keep pace with global trends and the rise of data-driven applications, while gradually reducing reliance on traditional voice services.

Rwanda aims to leverage new technologies to reduce the digital divide, improve connectivity quality nationwide, and stimulate a sustainable and inclusive digital economy. The National Broadband Strategy highlights improved broadband access as a driver of productivity, innovation, efficiency, and job creation.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, many operators still maintain 2G networks to serve users without smartphones, ensure voice services in underserved areas, and support SMS. However, operators globally have begun phasing out 3G and early 4G generations to free up spectrum and support advanced 4G LTE and 5G deployment.

The World Bank estimates that shutting down legacy wireless networks can improve the efficiency of telecom investments in Africa by enhancing coverage and service quality. It states that maintaining these networks represents inefficient capital expenditure because their ARPU remains lower than that of 4G and 5G. It adds that retiring legacy networks allows operators to reallocate spectrum to more efficient technologies that deliver higher speeds and better service quality.

Persistent Challenges in Digital Inclusion

Despite the expected benefits, the transition to ultra-fast broadband raises concerns about digital inclusion. According to data from the International Telecommunication Union, 2G and 3G networks covered 98.8% of the population in 2024, a level comparable to 4G coverage. However, gaps may persist in certain rural or peripheral areas where newer networks remain uneven in quality and availability.

Beyond coverage, usage presents another challenge. Rwandan authorities reported that mobile broadband subscriptions reached 54% of the population in 2024, indicating incomplete adoption. Limited access to compatible devices remains a major constraint. Smartphones, which are essential to fully utilize 4G and 5G networks, were owned by only 45% of the population in 2024.

Additionally, data costs, digital literacy levels, and the relevance of available content continue to affect adoption.

Furthermore, 2G and 3G networks still support specific professional uses, particularly machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Devices such as electronic payment terminals, ATMs, smart meters, and certain industrial and transport systems continue to rely on these technologies. Consequently, stakeholders must address their capacity to migrate to reliable alternative solutions.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On mercredi, 01 avril 2026 12:02 Written by

The Royal Academy of Engineering has selected 16 innovators from 11 African countries for the 2026 edition of its Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, with a total prize pool of £85,000 ($112,774).

Their projects cover sectors including healthcare, digital education, public transportation, clean energy, water and waste management. The grand prize winner will receive £50,000 (over $66,000), while additional prizes will go to the most promising runners-up.

Posted On mercredi, 01 avril 2026 07:19 Written by

The investment firm Novastar Ventures has closed its third fund, worth $147 million, to back high-impact African startups, particularly in climate, clean energy, mobility, and logistics.

Backed by major Japanese investors and development finance institutions, the fund aims to accelerate the growth of companies delivering both financial returns and social and environmental impact.

Posted On mercredi, 01 avril 2026 07:18 Written by

South Africa is modernizing its ID card application process by offering it through selected banks. Citizens can either start the process online and complete it at a branch or, at selected banks, complete the entire process on-site using digital services. Applicants must bring their ID documents, proof of address, and pay the required fees; they will receive a text message once their card is ready for collection.

Posted On mercredi, 01 avril 2026 07:16 Written by
  • Founded in 2024, JumlaJumla builds an integrated commerce and logistics platform in Tanzania.
  • The company connects retailers directly with manufacturers and wholesalers to streamline supply chains.
  • The platform combines order management, delivery coordination and electric-bike logistics to improve efficiency.

David Mallya is a Tanzanian entrepreneur and the co-founder and chief executive officer of JumlaJumla, a technology-driven commerce and logistics platform. The company develops digital infrastructure to facilitate the purchase, sale and transportation of goods.

Founded in 2024, JumlaJumla aims to operate as a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together consumers, retailers, suppliers and logistics partners on a single platform. This integrated approach reduces intermediaries, streamlines transactions and optimizes operations from initial order to final delivery.

For retailers and small businesses, the platform offers a wholesale purchasing system that connects manufacturers directly with wholesalers. This structure improves product access, secures supply chains and enables better management of volumes and costs.

On the logistics side, JumlaJumla relies on a system that combines order management, delivery coordination, route planning, service-level tracking and incident management. The company uses electric bicycles for deliveries, demonstrating its intention to combine operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.

Before founding JumlaJumla, David Mallya served as executive director of Gadgets Tanzania from 2019 to 2025. The company specializes in the repair and supply of IT and telecommunications equipment nationwide. It supports individuals, businesses, organizations and public institutions by providing technology solutions designed to enhance efficiency and productivity.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

Posted On mardi, 31 mars 2026 17:50 Written by
  • Nigeria commits 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national digital economy research program.
  • The initiative supports a broader $2 billion plan to deploy 90,000 km of fiber optic infrastructure.
  • Authorities target ICT contribution of 22% of GDP by 2027.

Nigerian authorities plan to allocate 12 billion naira ($8.6 million) to a national research program on the digital economy. The program aims to strengthen institutions and ensure that the digital transition benefits the entire society by relying on scientific evidence rather than short-term decision-making.

The program, called the National Digital Economy Research Clusters (NDERC), forms part of the BRIDGE project, a national initiative that plans to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure across the country to improve connectivity and support the development of a modern digital economy. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced a call for expressions of interest on Sunday, March 29.

“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage , thoughtful evidence based approaches are required to be deployed in society to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment. Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long-term thinking,” the minister said in a statement published on his social media channels.

The NDERC plans to establish six research clusters covering strategic areas, including connectivity, digital public infrastructure, digital skills and education, digital economy and employment, security and consumer protection, as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The program will mobilize 36 professors from 36 Nigerian universities in collaboration with international academic partners. It will also involve more than 200 researchers to produce rigorous scientific work that policymakers can directly use.

The program aligns with the Nigerian government’s ambition to use digital technology as a driver of socio-economic development. The government expects information and communication technologies to contribute 22% of gross domestic product by 2027.

Meanwhile, authorities expect the BRIDGE project to create new employment opportunities, including up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, while also stimulating innovation. The project should increase GDP per capita by 1.5% and raise the country’s GDP from $472.62 billion to about $502 billion within four years.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On mardi, 31 mars 2026 17:08 Written by
  • Orange launches the 16th edition of POESAM and opens applications until May 10.
  • The competition prioritizes projects using artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity.
  • Winners receive up to €25,000 and access to funding and network support.

Orange announced on Monday, March 30 the opening of applications for the 16th edition of POESAM. Young entrepreneurs from the 17 countries where the telecom group operates have until May 10 to submit their projects through the dedicated platform.

For this edition, the initiative highlights projects that rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and cybersecurity. The program specifically targets solutions developed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and the environment, as these areas concentrate a significant share of Africa’s innovation needs.

The competition follows a two-phase structure. First, organizers conduct a national selection to identify the best projects in each country. Then, selected candidates advance to an international phase where the Grand Prize and a dedicated Women’s Entrepreneurship Prize are awarded.

Winners receive financial support, with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 for the top three awards, and €20,000 for the International Women’s Prize. In addition, the program provides support through Orange’s ecosystem, including networking opportunities and access to development resources.

Since its inception, POESAM has recorded more than 17,000 applications and has recognized numerous startups across the region. The initiative forms part of a broader effort by major telecom groups to support innovation in Africa and the Middle East, as technology ecosystems continue to expand.

Entrepreneurs can submit their applications online via the dedicated platform: https://POESAM.Orange.com/.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On mardi, 31 mars 2026 17:06 Written by
  • HoneyCoin enables businesses to manage, convert and transfer funds across more than 22 markets.
  • The platform provides liquidity of up to $5 million per day for large-volume currency transactions.
  • The company integrates local payment systems, digital assets and APIs to streamline international financial flows.

David Nandwa is a Kenyan technology entrepreneur and the founder and chief executive officer of HoneyCoin, a digital startup specializing in financial solutions for businesses.

Founded in 2020, HoneyCoin provides finance teams with a comprehensive tool to manage, convert and execute payments in foreign currencies. The platform aims to simplify and secure international money flows.

The platform allows users to hold balances in local currencies and digital assets while using local payment methods across more than 22 markets to collect or settle transactions. It also enables users to manage funds, receive payments via bank accounts or mobile money services, send payments to local accounts or wallets on demand and convert currencies instantly within the same wallet.

For businesses handling large volumes, HoneyCoin offers a dedicated service for currency conversion and settlement. This service provides access to liquidity pools across multiple markets, reaching up to $5 million per day for exchanges between local currencies, stablecoins and U.S. dollars.

The platform also allows companies to issue virtual cards in their name, which facilitates team expense management. Moreover, for companies seeking direct integration, HoneyCoin provides a full application programming interface (API), including well-documented endpoints, automated event notifications and ready-to-use libraries for multiple programming languages.

David Nandwa earned a mobile technology certificate in 2020 through the Google Africa Developer Scholarship. He also graduated from Arden University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

He began his professional career in 2016 as a software engineer. He collaborated with Zapata Drinks, an e-commerce beverage platform based in Tanzania, and Eleza, an agricultural technology solution in Kenya. Between 2020 and 2021, he led the integration of Flutterwave technologies within development teams and partner companies.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On mardi, 31 mars 2026 17:04 Written by
  • Kukubela offers courses in African languages including Kimbundu, Kikongo and Lingala.
  • The app has surpassed 35,000 registered users, with strong adoption among African diaspora communities.
  • Founder António Nicolau launched the platform in 2023 to combine language learning with cultural preservation.

Kukubela operates as an online learning platform developed by an Angolan startup. The platform offers courses in several languages spoken in Angola and Central Africa, including Kimbundu, Kikongo, Umbundu, Tshokwé and Lingala.

The application relies on content designed by native speakers, and it aims to deliver both linguistic and cultural learning. The startup, based in Luanda, was founded in 2023 by António Nicolau.

“Engagement remains strongest among diaspora users who seek to reconnect with their cultural identity, as well as among Angolans who want to formalize their knowledge of languages they heard growing up but never formally studied,” Nicolau said.

The application is available on iOS and Android, where it has recorded more than 5,000 downloads on Google Play. Unlike traditional apps that focus on grammar, Kukubela adopts an immersive approach. The modules incorporate cultural elements such as proverbs, traditional stories and everyday dialogues to contextualize learning.

The platform also offers interactive features, including an integrated dictionary, a translator, audio content for pronunciation and a community space that allows users to interact with teachers and other learners. The application targets mobile usage and relies on short learning formats of a few minutes per session to adapt to user constraints. It already reports tens of thousands of users worldwide, particularly within African diaspora communities.

“We currently count more than 35,000 registered users across Angola and the African diaspora abroad, mainly in Portugal, Brazil, the United Kingdom and France. We have around 220 active paying subscribers in Angola and within the diaspora, as well as a small number of trial users,” Nicolau added.

Beyond language learning, Kukubela aligns with a broader effort to promote African cultural heritage. By digitizing languages that remain underrepresented in technology solutions, the platform supports their preservation while facilitating their transmission.

In a context of rapid growth in online learning platforms across Africa, Kukubela illustrates an emerging trend: African startups are targeting cultural niches to deliver solutions tailored to local realities and diaspora needs.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

 

Posted On mardi, 31 mars 2026 17:04 Written by
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