His aim is to break down the barriers to language learning. By using technology, he intends to make the process more interactive, engaging, and most importantly, more effective.
Algerian content creator and entrepreneur Younes Aithamou (photo) is the founder and chief executive officer of Fluently, an online language learning platform launched in 2024.
Aithamou's goal with Fluently is to revolutionize language education by making it more appealing, accessible, and aligned with contemporary digital trends. The platform utilizes technology to deliver customized learning experiences designed to meet the individual needs and goals of each user.
Fluently's lessons are immersive, integrating language acquisition with realistic scenarios. To enhance engagement, the platform incorporates interactive quizzes, games, and gamified activities. It monitors each learner's progress and provides access to a private community of instructors.
Currently, Fluently features over 1,000 quizzes and serves more than 1,000 students, facilitating the learning of more than six languages, including French, English, Spanish, and German.
Beyond Fluently, Aithamou is a brand ambassador for Samsung Electronics and the creator of "Fluently Talk," the official podcast of his educational platform. The podcast features inspiring narratives, expert insights, and practical guidance for both language learners and entrepreneurs.
Since 2022, Aithamou has also been active as a content creator on Instagram. He holds the position of content marketing director at Litmad, a company specializing in the production of foam for mattresses, pillows, and other sleep and wellness products. Additionally, Aithamou collaborates as an influencer with the creative communication agency The Crew Algeria.
Aithamou, who joined the University of Algiers in 2023, is currently pursuing studies in dentistry.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Algeria's ENIE plans to produce 2 million tablets in 2025 to equip 8,800 educational institutions
- The initiative aims to reduce schoolbag weight and enhance education quality through digital tools.
- ENIE has not announced when production will start, raising concerns about meeting the September 2025 deadline.
Algeria's National Electronic Industries Company (ENIE) aims to manufacture two million electronic tablets in 2025 for distribution to 8,800 educational institutions, the company's Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Abbes Bourassi announced on Wednesday. Speaking to the Algeria Press Service (APS) during the reopening of ENIE's showroom in Algiers, Bourassi detailed the ambitious production target.
This initiative is anticipated to bolster the government's goal of expanding the use of information and communication technologies within the national education system. The government has outlined plans to equip half of the country's primary schools with electronic tablets for the upcoming academic year. These devices are envisioned for use in school administration and are also expected to streamline access to online educational materials, research, learning tools, and communication channels for both students and educators.
In remarks carried by APS, Minister of National Education Mohammed Seghir Sadaoui stated that the project intends to "reduce the weight of students' schoolbags, but more importantly, to enhance schooling conditions and the quality of education, aligning them with digital advancements." The Algerian government's ultimate vision is to transform Algerian schools into a benchmark for modernization and innovation through the integration of digital tools. To this end, digital platforms have been implemented for various stakeholders, including teachers and parents, skills assessment, and appointment scheduling for diploma verification.
ENIE has yet to release a precise schedule for the commencement of electronic tablet production. This lack of a specific timeline raises concerns regarding the company's capacity to deliver the devices by the start of the September 2025 school year, in accordance with the government's stated commitments.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In an African continent where logistical efficiency and inventory management remain significant hurdles, this Nigerian startup seeks to offer a tailored technological solution.
RetailLoop, a Nigerian startup's e-commerce solution, offers an integrated platform for retail chains, incorporating artificial intelligence, data analytics, inventory management, and operations automation. Founded in 2022 by Emeka Ehinze with the goal of transforming retail network management in Africa, the startup operates from bases in Austin, Texas, and Lagos, Nigeria.
Specifically, RetailLoop enables retailers to monitor their stores' performance in real time, automate restocking processes, and optimize distribution based on local demand. The platform aims to enhance product availability while lowering operational expenses.
The solution is accessible via an online platform, requiring users to create an account to use its features, as it does not offer a mobile application. Its software-as-a-service (SaaS) model allows it to cater to both large retail chains and expanding regional operators. RetailLoop claims to potentially reduce losses from stockouts by up to 30% and improve profitability through data-driven insights.
Having gained traction with several retailers in Nigeria, RetailLoop is now seeking to expand its presence into other African markets. Amidst the rapid digital transformation occurring across Africa, the startup joins a growing number of African ventures leveraging technology to structure and professionalize the retail sector. By addressing the complexities of managing multiple store locations, RetailLoop positions itself as a significant contributor to logistics optimization on the continent.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
- Google will implement an 18% VAT on all digital services in Senegal starting June 1, 2025, following the country's new digital tax regime introduced in July 2024.
- Professional clients must provide local tax information (NINEA or commercial register number) for compliant invoicing.
Starting June 1, 2025, Google will levy an 18% value-added tax (VAT) on all its digital services for users based in Senegal, signaling a significant step in the Senegalese government's push for digital taxation.
The U.S. tech giant will now require its business clients in Senegal to provide their local tax identification details, specifically the national identification number for businesses and associations (NINEA) or the commercial register number. This information will be used to generate invoices compliant with Senegal's General Tax Code. The VAT will apply across Google's digital service portfolio, including Google Ads, Google Cloud, software subscriptions, and streaming platforms.
This move follows the implementation in July 2024 of a new tax framework that mandates VAT on digital services provided by foreign companies without a physical presence in Senegal. To date, few multinational digital firms have officially complied. Google's adherence to this regulation positions it as one of the first major industry players to do so, potentially setting a precedent for others that have yet to follow suit.
According to Senegal's Directorate General of Taxes and Domains (DGID), the digital VAT has already generated over 1 billion FCFA (approximately $1.7 million) in its initial year. The government's medium-term objective is to increase these revenues to 10 billion FCFA as part of its broader strategy to modernize its tax system and broaden the digital tax base.
Google's compliance, as a global leader in digital services, is therefore considered a pivotal development for the success of this tax reform. It is anticipated to not only increase tax revenues for Senegal but also to foster greater parity between local businesses and multinational corporations operating online.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A seasoned technology executive and entrepreneur, his venture RecoMed aims to improve healthcare access across Africa, with a specific focus on South Africa.
South African tech entrepreneur and business executive Sheraan Amod (photo) is the founder and chief executive officer of RecoMed, an online platform for booking medical appointments.
Launched in 2013, RecoMed provides a seamless connection between patients, healthcare practitioners, and other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. The platform allows patients to conveniently schedule medical consultations privately via their computers or mobile phones, offering access to a broad network of nearby healthcare providers.
RecoMed also connects healthcare providers with a diverse array of medical schemes, life insurers, websites, and other channels, thereby facilitating increased patient flow to their practices. Additionally, RecoMed enables patients to obtain and download prescriptions and locate the closest pharmacy.
The platform currently records over 100,000 bookings each month and attracts more than 200,000 monthly visitors. It boasts a network of over 3,000 registered and available practitioners.
Concurrently, Amod serves as the chairman of The Virtual Agent, a company that provides a data and client relationship management tool tailored for real estate agents in South Africa. His involvement with RecoMed builds upon a substantial prior entrepreneurial track record.
In 2004, he established Trafik Students Network, a marketing startup. Following this, in 2009, he launched Personera, a software platform integrating social media to promote personalized products and fan merchandise. In 2013, he founded Springlab, a technology company and investment firm.
Amod earned a bachelor's degree in computer science and electrical engineering from the University of Cape Town in 2007. He further obtained a master's degree in engineering management from Stellenbosch University in 2008. Between 2007 and 2009, he worked as a social media expert at DiploFoundation, an organization focused on international relations and diplomacy. From 2017 to 2020, he chaired En-novate, an immersion platform dedicated to fostering innovation.
He was honored with the Frost & Sullivan Innovation Award in 2017. In 2021, his startup RecoMed was recognized by the Yale Africa Startup Review as one of the 30 most innovative young companies in Africa.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
An entrepreneur active in various ventures across Southern Africa, he aims to enhance the quality of road transport services via his platform, myRunner.
Zimbabwean entrepreneur Vusumuzi Mkhwananzi (pictured) is the co-founder and chief executive officer of myRunner, a tech firm focused on simplifying and enhancing the safety of bus travel.
Established in 2017 by Mkhwananzi, Josiah Mahachi, Millcent Mkhwananzi, Gift Chirinda, and Mandla Ncube, myRunner operates as a ticketing platform enabling users to book bus journeys across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and several other African nations at any time. The platform incorporates advanced features such as real-time bus tracking and fleet management tools for operators.
The startup also aims to streamline cross-border and domestic transport for small and medium-sized enterprises, providing a range of services including an electronic wallet, online marketplace, transport and freight brokerage, grocery delivery, and digital services. Additionally, it assists businesses in more effectively managing their online commercial activities.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Mkhwananzi serves on the board of directors for the Brussels-based operational center of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Prior to launching myRunner, he co-founded Global Simcards International in 2012, a company specializing in business development and operational management, where he held a board position until 2024.
Mkhwananzi earned a master's degree in business administration from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy in 2020.
myRunner garnered recognition as the top startup in Zimbabwe at Seedstars Harare in 2017. The company received the Total Startupper of the Year award in 2018 and was nominated to represent Zimbabwe at the Southern Africa Startup Awards. In 2024, myRunner was among 42 African startups selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub, a collaborative initiative between African countries and the United Nations Development Programme.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
- Galaxy Backbone seeks collaboration with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to support digital transformation, focusing on secure cloud storage, data protection, and high-speed connectivity.
- No agreement signed yet but further developments expected as discussions continue.
Galaxy Backbone is continuing its push to broaden its clientele among Nigerian federal entities. The state-owned technology firm recently engaged with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Abuja to discuss potential technological collaborations as part of the customs agency's ongoing digital overhaul.
"We understand that Customs is undergoing a significant transformation with the Trade Modernization Project (TMP). As the Federal Government's ICT backbone, we are here to explore how our proficiency in cloud storage, secure connectivity, data backup, and cybersecurity can bolster your evolving operational requirements," stated Ifeatu Anafulu, Marketing and Business Intelligence Manager at Galaxy Backbone.
This outreach aligns with Galaxy Backbone's objective to serve as the primary provider of shared ICT infrastructure, applications, and services for all ministries and federal government institutions amid an accelerating digital transformation landscape. For instance, in November 2024, the company inked a deal to fortify the digital infrastructure of Bauchi State. Prior to that, in July 2024, it had pledged its support for the digital transformation of Enugu State. Galaxy Backbone was also tasked with connecting local government secretariats to the internet.
Should this potential collaboration come to fruition, Galaxy Backbone's support could expedite the Nigerian Customs' digital transformation journey. Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Customs Controller, affirmed that "partnerships with organizations such as Galaxy Backbone are crucial to ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of Customs' digital infrastructure." He also voiced optimism regarding potential collaboration, particularly in areas like secure data storage, platform hosting, and high-speed connectivity for the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN).
As of now, no formal agreement has been signed or announced by either party. Further developments will be necessary to gain a clearer understanding of the prospects and potential ramifications of this engagement.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Nigerian preventive healthcare startup Platos Health announced on May 7 that it has raised $1.4 million in pre-seed financing. The round included backing from Google for Startups, Invest International, and notable angel investors affiliated with Google, Tesla, and Unicredit.
This funding milestone underscores Platos Health’s growing credibility and ambition to reimagine health systems by focusing on early intervention and holistic risk reduction, rather than reactive treatment.
The company is scaling nationwide through 300+ pharmacy partners and preparing for global expansion into emerging markets.
Ms. Geek Africa, an initiative under the Girls in ICT Rwanda, supported by Smart Africa and other partners, is inviting girls aged 13 to 21 from Smart Africa member states to submit innovative, AI-powered solutions under the theme “AI for Africa: Innovate Locally, Impact Globally.” The competition aims to empower young African women to tackle pressing local and continental challenges through technology.
Applicants must submit a written concept of no more than 500 words outlining the problem they aim to solve, how their solution uses Artificial Intelligence, a simple conceptual design or drawing to illustrate how it works, and a clear explanation of how it could be implemented or scaled. Submissions can be an idea, a prototype, or a working product, and must be original or represent a meaningful innovation on an existing solution.
The deadline to submit entries is May 16, 2025. Finalists will receive high-level exposure, prizes, and access to mentorship opportunities.
A marketing expert by trade, he leverages his skills to support businesses. With a passion for both music and technology, he also developed a platform designed to give artists international visibility.
Congolese marketing specialist and renowned trainer, Gracy Omokoso (photo) is the Chairman and CEO of Streameex, a streaming platform dedicated to live broadcasting of concerts and events in Africa.
Launched in 2021, Streameex aims to bring African artists closer to their audiences through a high-quality streaming experience. The platform also provides event organizers with powerful tools to achieve their goals, enhance their impact, and offer the public unforgettable moments.
Streameex is an initiative of Go Freelance, a communication and digital marketing consulting agency co-founded by Gracy Omokoso. This platform was born from the desire to allow artists to showcase their art on a global scale while offering music lovers an immersive and engaging experience.
Gracy Omokoso graduated from the National Pedagogical University of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he earned a bachelor's degree in marketing in 2015. That same year, he began his professional career at AG Partners, a communication agency, as an advertising manager and digital officer. From 2021 to 2024, he worked as a digital marketing coach at Kadea Academy. Since 2024, he has been working as an independent consultant in this field.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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- Morocco has allocated $3.6 million to modernize 45 wholesale fisheries markets, enhancing transaction transparency and product traceability.
- Part of the Halieutis strategy, the project supports sustainable fisheries, food security, and economic growth, with the sector contributing 2.3% of GDP and generating over 700,000 jobs.
Morocco has invested 34 million dirhams (approximately $3.6 million) to digitize auctions in 45 wholesale markets as part of its efforts to modernize the fisheries sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries, aims to boost transaction transparency, improve product traceability, and optimize distribution across the national market.
State Secretary Zakia Driouich announced the plan on Tuesday, May 6, before the Chamber of Advisors, specifying that the digitization encompasses all documents used within these facilities. This move will enable better tracking of seafood product flows and help to curb informal practices that persist in some marketing channels.
This investment aligns with the Halieutis strategy, launched in 2009, which seeks to establish Morocco as a competitive and sustainable fisheries hub. Beyond its contribution to food security, the sector accounts for about 2.3% of the national GDP, providing 220,000 direct jobs and over 500,000 indirect jobs. In 2024, national production reached 1.42 million tons, valued at 16.3 billion dirhams, solidifying the kingdom's position as a leading global exporter of processed and frozen seafood products.
More than just digitizing paperwork, this initiative sets the stage for a broader transformation of the sector. By automating sales processes, the government hopes to not only enhance the operational efficiency of wholesale markets but also to create a foundation for interconnecting various stages of the value chain, from catch to final distribution. Over the long term, this approach could facilitate the integration of new technologies, such as real-time traceability systems, logistics management platforms, and tools for monitoring prices and traded volumes.
To date, 45 of the 70 existing wholesale markets have been included in this operation. The project is ongoing, suggesting further investment phases to extend digitization across the country, particularly in landing sites and fishing villages.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in partnership with Mastercard, hosted a capacity-building workshop on Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from both the public and private sectors. The event also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NDPC and Mastercard to deepen their collaboration on data privacy and security.
About 150 Data Protection Officers from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the country participated in the workshop, which aimed to enhance institutional compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws and foster a culture of responsible data handling.
The MoU signals a strong and growing relationship between the NDPC and Mastercard and reflects Nigeria's readiness to engage in responsible data governance with international partners.
South African Airways (SAA) confirmed it was hit by a cyberattack on Saturday, 3 May 2025, which briefly disrupted its website, mobile app, and some internal systems.
The airline announced in a release dated May 6 that it activated its disaster recovery and business continuity protocols, restoring essential services the same day and maintaining uninterrupted flight operations and customer support.
An investigation has been conducted with independent digital forensic experts to determine the source and scope of the incident, believed to involve external cybercriminals. The airline reported the breach to the State Security Agency, South African Police Service, and the Information Regulator, in compliance with national security and data protection laws.
Investigators are assessing whether any data was accessed or stolen. SAA has committed to notifying affected individuals if a breach is confirmed.
By digitizing the "gam'eya," a long-standing collective savings tradition in Egypt and across the Arab world, this Egyptian startup is making it easier for millions of users to participate. With investor backing, the company now has its sights set on expanding internationally.
MoneyFellows, an Egyptian fintech startup, has developed a mobile application that structures, secures, and digitizes the collective savings method known locally as "gam'eya." Founded in Cairo in 2018 by Ahmed Wadi, the company announced on Monday, May 5, that it had successfully completed a $13 million funding round to support its expansion into other African and Middle Eastern markets.
To use MoneyFellows' various services, users create an account with their personal information. The core principle mirrors the traditional model: users form a group where each member contributes a fixed sum at regular intervals. In each cycle, one member receives the total pooled amount.
"If we run circles of 10 people each and only find nine members for some, we step in to fund the missing one. Instead of canceling the group, we finance one slot, which activates and monetizes the remaining nine," Ahmed Wadi told TechCrunch.
MoneyFellows' innovation lies in structuring this process through algorithms, a participant rating system, and a user-friendly interface, leading to greater transparency, regularity, and enhanced security without the need for traditional banking services.
The startup aims to become a significant player in digitized community savings. By targeting a demographic often excluded from conventional banking while addressing tangible financial management needs, MoneyFellows aligns with the broader push for financial inclusion.
The mobile application is available on both iOS and Android platforms, with over 5 million downloads according to the Play Store. However, the fintech firm claims more than 8 million downloads, with the equivalent of over 7 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately $138 million) managed on the platform.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa