The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has launched the SA Tech Challenge 2025, inviting South African tech innovators to apply for a chance to win R1 million in funding (about $55,000), gain global exposure at the G20 Summit in Cape Town, and unlock major growth opportunities.
Applicants must be South African-owned and headquartered, post-revenue companies with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover under R250 million. Solutions must be at least at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7—beyond prototype and already in use—and address at least one of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with measurable impact and potential for global growth.
The challenge targets companies in six sectors: Digital Platforms, FinTech, Secured Digital Infrastructure, Circular Economy, Innovations for Connectivity, and Innovations for Development (including Agri-tech, Health-tech, and Ed-tech). Applications close on Monday, June 30, 2025.
The West African Internet Governance Forum (WAIGF) 2025 officially commenced on May 19 in Abuja, Nigeria, hosting its 17th edition at the Digital Economy Complex, NCC building in Mbora. The event, themed "Building a Resilient, Inclusive, and Safe Digital Future for West Africa," brings together stakeholders from across the region to advance internet governance.
Scheduled for five days, WAIG will strengthen the capacity of West African stakeholders by addressing key issues and emerging trends specific to the region, highlighting its growing influence in the digital landscape. The forum includes the School of Internet Governance, the Youth Internet Governance Forum, and main sessions featuring the African Parliamentary Track on Internet Governance.
Participants include policymakers, academics, private sector representatives, ECOWAS officials, and government bodies from across West Africa, all collaborating to promote a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital future for the region.
By enabling trusted data sharing and safeguarding privacy, the strategy helps build a secure digital environment that encourages investment and innovation.
Kenya has officially launched its National Data Strategy and Policy, a milestone announced by the Principal Secretary for the State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, on May 19 via X. This initiative is set to fast-track the growth of Kenya’s digital economy by harnessing data as the backbone of artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship, smart public services, and evidence-based policymaking.
Eng. Tanui highlighted key objectives, including enabling trusted data sharing, protecting privacy under the Data Protection Act, breaking down institutional barriers to ensure interoperability, and spurring innovation through over 22,000 digitized eCitizen services and the Maisha Namba Digital Identity system.
To guide this transformative effort, a multi-stakeholder technical working group within the Ministry’s Data Directorate will spearhead the development of an inclusive, future-ready data framework. The government's commitment to this initiative is reinforced by partnerships with organizations such as the European Union Delegation to Kenya, GIZ Kenya, and the African Union Commission
This policy is particularly impactful for Kenyan citizens, as it aims to unlock economic value across sectors like agriculture, health, finance, and manufacturing. By promoting data-driven innovation and ensuring data privacy, the strategy supports job creation, equitable prosperity, and the development of open data platforms beneficial to youth and startups.
The Strategy aligns closely with the Kenya National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, which outlines a comprehensive framework to harness digital technologies for national development, focusing on four key pillars: digital infrastructure, digital government services and data management, digital skills, and digital innovation and enterprise.
Hikmatu Bilali
A finance graduate, he works in emergency and security services. Through his tech startup, he is rethinking solutions to security and efficiency challenges in Africa and around the world.
Warren Myers (photo), a South African finance expert and tech entrepreneur, is the founder of Aura, a smart emergency response platform that connects users to the nearest private armed or medical responder in real time.
Founded in 2017, Aura aims to make emergency services more accessible and affordable, especially in regions where public infrastructure is often overstretched. Using intelligent technology, the platform links individuals in distress to a network of verified private responders. In South Africa alone, Aura’s network includes more than 2,500 security personnel and healthcare professionals on standby.
Aura’s tech integrates seamlessly with existing client interfaces through APIs, WhatsApp, custom-built apps, or a range of IoT devices. This flexibility allows security and medical companies to reach new customers especially large corporations while diversifying revenue streams.
On May 16, 2025, the company, already operating in South Africa, Kenya, and the United Kingdom, announced it had raised $15.1 million to support its expansion into the United States.
“I'm incredibly grateful to our partners and customers for their ongoing trust and most importantly, to my exceptional team. Their dedication to our vision of a world where everyone feels safe is the true driving force behind everything we do,” Myers said in a statement.
Myers earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Finance from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2007. In 2009, he joined Myertal Tactical Security, a company focused on surveillance solutions, as Chief Operating Officer. He was promoted to CEO in 2010, a role he held until 2019.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The used goods market presents significant opportunities through digitization. In Egypt, the startup Sylndr is aiming to become a leading player by focusing on technology, high-quality service, and transparency.
Sylndr is an e-commerce platform developed by an Egyptian startup. It allows users to buy, sell, finance, and service used cars through its web and mobile platforms. The Cairo-based startup was founded in 2022 by Omar El Defrawy.
It offers a mobile application available on iOS and Android, where it has already been downloaded more than 50,000 times, according to the Play Store. Users create an account with their personal information and can access Sylndr’s various services. The model it promotes aims to bring greater transparency and trust to a market that remains largely informal and fragmented. It also stands out through its quick buyback policy, six-month warranty on vehicles, and installment payment options.
On Tuesday, May 20, the startup announced a fundraising round of USD 15.7 million. “This fundraising enables us to scale nationally and expand our product offering, while continuing to build Egypt’s leading mobility platform,” said Omar El Defrawy in the statement released by the startup.
“And when we started to scale that business, it became very clear to us that the market is much bigger than that, and creating value to customers would require us to build other compelling businesses that integrate with what we’re doing,” he added.
In a context where new car prices continue to rise and consumers are looking for affordable alternatives, Sylndr is emerging as both a practical and accessible solution. The startup works with over a thousand dealerships across the country and supports its growth both online through its various channels and offline.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
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Benin launches new AI-powered customs platform
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The platform enhances data sharing among trade actors, aiming to reduce fraud, speed up goods processing, and attract investment.
Benin has rolled out a new national intelligent customs management system, developed by trade facilitation technology firm Webb Fontaine, marking a significant stride in the West African nation's digital transformation efforts.
Webb Fontaine announced the official launch of Customs Webb on Wednesday, May 21. The new system is now operational across all of Benin's customs offices, including ports, airports, and land border posts, replacing the older ASYCUDA (SYDONIA) software.
Anicet Houngbo, Managing Director of Webb Fontaine Benin, stated that Customs Webb is designed to foster a "more efficient, less burdensome, transparent, and intelligent environment for customs operations," enabling Benin to fully leverage this technological advancement.
The platform's deployment was accelerated over 14 months without any disruption to ongoing customs activities. It incorporates artificial intelligence tools aimed at boosting transparency, efficiency, and the fluidity of trade. Since its implementation, the system has already processed over 100,000 customs declarations, recorded more than 200,000 payments, and issued 100,000 vehicle passes. It currently supports 800 active users and connects 95 organizations.
This initiative aligns with the Beninese government's digital strategy, launched in 2016, with the goal of positioning the country as a regional hub for digital services in West Africa. As part of this broader strategy, Benin previously rolled out the Single Window for Foreign Trade between 2018 and 2024, also in partnership with Webb Fontaine. This process included the progressive integration of tools such as the Port Community System and an electronic cargo tracking solution.
The new system significantly enhances the interconnection of Benin's primary trade platforms, enabling automatic data sharing among customs, port authorities, transporters, and banks. This improved interconnection is expected to expedite goods processing, mitigate fraud risks, and optimize tax revenue collection. Ultimately, it aims to bolster Benin's appeal to investors by offering a more transparent, faster, and more secure business environment.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Drawing on a robust background in pharmacy and a knack for innovation, he's taking on the core challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. His startup uses technology to broaden access to medications and boost the efficiency of local pharmacies.
George Kesse (photo), a trained pharmacist and Ghanaian medical technology entrepreneur, is the driving force behind AdvancePharma Innovations. As founder and CEO of the startup, established in 2020, Kesse aims to enhance medicine accessibility and affordability in community pharmacies through digital solutions.
AdvancePharma Innovations focuses on developing technological tools to bolster pharmacies' digital infrastructure and regulatory systems. Its offerings include a digital platform for medicine traceability and verification, enabling pharmacies to track and analyze supply chain data. This information, in turn, facilitates improved care management, supports patient adherence to treatment, and assists in the management of chronic diseases.
Kesse earned a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in 2000. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in health services administration from Strayer University in 2010. In 2020, he completed an executive master’s in business and leadership from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. He also holds a professional certificate in strategic marketing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
His career began in 2001 as an inspector pharmacist at the Pharmacy Council of Ghana. In 2002, he moved to Novartis as a medical representative in Ghana. From 2013 to 2019, Kesse was part of the digital health startup mPharma, initially as country director in Ghana and later as global head of business development. Most recently, from 2020 to 2023, he served as growth lead at BroadReach, a health innovation company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Mauritania to digitize justice system under reform program led by President Ghazouani
• Key measures include IT infrastructure assessment, online nationality request system, and websites for courts and judicial services.
The Mauritanian government is set to integrate digital technologies into its justice reform program, one of the key directions adopted during a meeting of the High Committee for Justice Reform and Development, chaired on Tuesday, May 20, by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (photo).
According to the official statement released after the meeting, several measures are planned to modernize the justice system. These include conducting a diagnostic study to identify needs in IT equipment and digital infrastructure, creating an online system for processing nationality requests, and developing websites for courts and judicial services.
This initiative aligns with the Mauritanian government’s broader ambition for digital transformation. Authorities aim to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, boost transparency, and stimulate social and economic development. Several services have already been digitized in recent months, including criminal record requests.
The digitization of the justice sector is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The agency notes that digital tools can enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to justice. “When implemented strategically, digital justice can advance the rule of law and protect human rights, while strengthening the effectiveness of judicial systems and institutions.”
However, the UNDP also warns of the risks linked to digitization. Digital systems may expose personal and legal data to abuse, including privacy violations, hacking, data sales, or biased predictive tools. Additional challenges include limited Internet coverage, lack of compatible equipment, high costs of digital services, and insufficient user skills.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
This move marks a significant milestone in Nindohost’s pan-African strategy, positioning it as a key player in enabling reliable and scalable digital infrastructure for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises.
Moroccan-based hosting provider Nindohost announced, on May 19, its expansion into 13 African countries, reinforcing its mission to deliver robust, ultra-efficient, and locally adapted cloud and hosting infrastructure across the continent.
“For nearly two decades, Nindohost has been forging excellence in hosting in Morocco. Today, we export this know-how to 13 countries in Africa — from Senegal to Kenya, Ghana and South Africa,” the company stated.
As part of this expansion, users across Africa will experience ultra-low latency and full compliance with local data regulations through Nindohost’s strategic Points of Presence. The company’s service portfolio now includes multi-tenancy hosting, virtual private servers, dedicated servers, managed cloud solutions, and advanced cybersecurity services—all designed to meet a wide range of business needs. Customers will also benefit from 24/7 multilingual support in French, English, and Arabic, delivered by locally based expert engineering teams. To ensure accessibility and convenience, Nindohost has introduced flexible billing options, including local currency transactions and country-specific payment methods.
Traditionally, many African websites have relied on servers located outside the continent, resulting in higher latency, increased costs, and potential regulatory challenges. Nindohost's expansion into 13 African countries directly addresses these issues by offering localized hosting solutions tailored to the continent's needs.
Local hosting significantly strengthens Africa’s digital infrastructure by enhancing website performance, ensuring data sovereignty, reducing operational costs, and improving cybersecurity. It also enables better compliance with regional regulations while fostering local innovation and job creation through investment in tech infrastructure.
This expansion comes at a pivotal moment as Africa experiences a surge in digital transformation, driven by rising internet penetration and growing demand for secure, scalable digital services. Nindohost’s presence in new markets empowers businesses to scale their digital operations efficiently, while maintaining regulatory alignment and global standards. With the African web hosting market projected to reach $3.21 billion in revenue by 2025 and grow to $6.26 billion by 2029 at an annual rate of 18.14%, according to Statista, the need for robust, locally anchored hosting infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Hikmatu Bilali
As AI adoption grows across industries—from telecommunications and energy to healthcare and insurance—the demand for advanced GPU processing is rising rapidly. The partnership is set to accelerate the availability of powerful AI infrastructure to African businesses, making it easier and more cost-effective for them to adopt technologies.
Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sand Technologies, a global enterprise AI solutions provider. The announcement, made during the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, marks a major milestone in expanding access to AI and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) solutions across the continent.
“By providing Sand Technologies with access to our GPU solutions, we are enabling them to develop advanced AI applications for clients while expanding Cassava’s presence across multiple sectors,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “Our GPU-as-a-Service model offers African businesses scalable, affordable AI computing capacity essential for competing in a digital-first world.”
Sand Technologies will use Cassava’s NVIDIA-powered GPU infrastructure to build and deploy enterprise-grade AI solutions globally. The companies will jointly identify pilot projects and co-create industry-specific solutions that leverage AI to drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation across the continent.
AI development, especially machine learning and deep learning, requires powerful GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). These are often expensive and complex to maintain in-house. The delivery of AI solutions and GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS) across Africa significantly benefits African businesses by providing affordable, scalable access to high-performance computing power necessary for developing and deploying AI tools. This removes infrastructure and cost barriers, enabling startups and SMEs to integrate AI into operations such as customer service, data analysis, and automation.
As digital transformation accelerates across Sub-Saharan Africa, artificial intelligence is emerging as a key driver of economic opportunity. The United Nations projects that AI could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to the region’s economy by 2030, unlocking new pathways for productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth. Yet access to scalable computing infrastructure remains a significant barrier. This partnership addresses that gap by combining Cassava’s GPU infrastructure with Sand Technologies’ enterprise AI capabilities.
Hikmatu Bilali
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She uses technology to uncover and nurture talent. Through her initiatives, she actively helps strengthen the role of women and youth within the digital ecosystem.
Bénie B. Koy (photo) is a strategy consultant and tech entrepreneur from the Democratic Republic of Congo. She is the founder and CEO of Diamant Brut, a start-up specializing in educational technologies.
Founded in 2024, Diamant Brut is an online learning platform that helps its users identify, develop, and showcase their natural gifts and talents. The goal is to turn them into concrete, actionable, and marketable skills. All the training programs offered are entirely digital.
Before launching Diamant Brut, Bénie B. Koy founded Talentus Consulting in 2019, a strategy and management consulting firm, where she serves as president. The firm supports companies in their digital transformation projects. In 2023, she also co-founded the Congolese branch of the international organization Women in Tech, where she holds the position of strategic director. The organization works toward greater inclusion of women in the tech sector.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management obtained in 2002 from the University of Littoral Côte d’Opale in France. She then pursued her studies at IAE Paris-Est, earning a master’s in marketing in 2006. She is also a graduate of ESSEC Business School, with a master’s in information systems management obtained in 2018.
She began her professional career in 2007 at Randstad, a talent placement company, as a junior product manager. In 2018, she joined CGI Business Consulting as a strategy consultant, then in 2019 moved to Capgemini, a French tech services firm, as an information systems consultant. In 2023, she worked for the Legrand Group, specialized in electrical and digital building infrastructures, as a change management consultant.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Orange Liberia announces $200M investment to expand rural network coverage
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The investment aims to boost customer experience, expand subscriber base, and drive uptake of high-value digital services as traditional telecom revenues stagnate
Orange Liberia has unveiled a $200 million investment blueprint for the next six years, targeting accelerated growth and extensive network expansion throughout the nation, with a particular focus on underserved rural communities.
The ambitious plan was announced by CEO Jean Marius Yao last week during the inauguration of the company’s new headquarters, baptised "Icon 16." The event marked a strategic milestone for the operator. "This is more than just a corporate facility. […] It's a bold commitment to Liberia's digital vision and a symbol of faith in our future," stated Abdullah Kamara, chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority.
This significant investment arrives as telecommunications operators across Africa contend with plateauing or declining voice revenues. Orange is strategically pivoting towards data services and mobile money as primary engines for growth and profitability. Upgrading the network is expected to not only improve the customer experience but also draw new subscribers and stimulate the adoption of high-value digital services.
The initiative expands upon an existing collaboration with Chinese technology giant ZTE to deliver connectivity to Liberia's remote regions. Since acquiring Cellcom in 2016, Orange Liberia has solidified its position as one of the country's preeminent telecom providers, alongside Lonestar Cell MTN. As of early 2025, Liberia recorded 1.84 million internet users, translating to an internet penetration rate of 32.4%, according to DataReportal.
Ultimately, this strategic investment is poised to help Orange reinforce its market standing amidst the accelerating digital transformation and heightened competition within Liberia's telecommunications sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
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Côte d’Ivoire signs three AI-related MoUs at first National AI Conference
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Agreements support rollout of National AI Strategy (SNIA)
On Monday, May 19, Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization signed three memorandums of understanding with technology firms during the country’s first National AI Conference, held in Abidjan. These agreements are part of a broader push to foster local innovation, build digital skills, and support the rollout of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (SNIA).
The first agreement, signed with the Digital and Technologies Center of Excellence (CEDITECH), aims to launch training programs tailored to the needs of the Ivorian market while supporting digital entrepreneurship. A second deal, with Amini Corp—a startup specializing in AI-powered environmental data—focuses on strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty and promoting inclusive technological innovation. The third partnership, with local hardware distributor TBI, will provide training for public sector employees on how to use AI tools effectively.
These initiatives fall under the SNIA, adopted in March, which aims to build a robust ecosystem for innovation, digital inclusion, and youth capacity building. They also come amid growing interest in AI’s potential on the African continent. A recent McKinsey study estimates that AI could add as much as $1.2 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, representing a 5.6% increase.
Through this national strategy, the government seeks not only to modernize public administration but also to create high-quality job opportunities for young people, who account for over 70% of the population. The ultimate goal is to position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional tech hub in West Africa, as AI applications gain traction across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and financial services.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Czech Republic’s support is expected to enhance Zambia’s capacity to develop digital tools, strengthen cyber resilience, and accelerate digital public services aligning with Zambia’s vision of building an inclusive, tech-driven economy.
The Czech Republic has committed to deepening its partnership with Zambia through enhanced technology transfer and capacity building, signaling a stronger bilateral focus on digital transformation. This commitment, announced May 14, was made during a high-level meeting between Czech Deputy Prime Minister Marian Jureka and Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati.
“We have prioritized several areas to advance our ‘Digital Zambia’ agenda,” Mutati stated. “We’ve laid the groundwork with forward-thinking legislation, including a national AI strategy, Cybersecurity and Cyber Crimes Law, and policies that support trust and safety in cyberspace.”
Minister Mutati expressed appreciation for the Czech Republic’s continued support in fostering digital inclusion in Zambia, highlighting scholarships already awarded to Zambian professionals in key tech areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Information Technology, and Cybersecurity.
The Minister also emphasized Zambia’s focus on digitizing government records, a presidential priority under President Hakainde Hichilema, and an area where further Czech cooperation is welcome.
Deputy Prime Minister Jureka shared how digitalization and AI have enabled the Czech Republic to improve public services and reduce government workforce size by 10% without compromising efficiency.
Jureka pledged cooperation in Data Management and Processing – including best practices for central administration and provincial service delivery, and cybersecurity – ensuring safe digital environments as Zambia expands its digital infrastructure.
Digital technology is increasingly becoming a key driver of economic progress. According to Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science, the ICT sector grew 17.8% in 2024, contributing 3.5% to GDP. This underscores the importance of continued investment and international collaboration in digital transformation.
By strengthening technical capacity and digital infrastructure, this partnership has the potential to accelerate economic diversification, enhance public sector efficiency, and expand digital access to underserved regions—ensuring the ICT sector continues to be a catalyst for inclusive, tech-driven growth in Zambia
Hikmatu Bilali