Sub-Saharan Africa is poised to see the fastest growth in demand for digital skills globally, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This poses a significant challenge in preparing young people for these emerging opportunities.
Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates partnered on Tuesday to train over a million young Malagasy people in new technologies through the "Digital School" and "Coders Initiative" projects. The initiative, announced at the World Government Summit in Dubai, aims to equip youth with in-demand digital skills to improve their employability and contribute to Madagascar's economic development.
“The future lies in preparing our future generations to face challenges with innovative technological weapons that will forge their world of tomorrow. The hopes of an entire generation lie in our hands, the leaders of today. We must assist them towards a better future,” President Andry Rajoelina (photo) stated.
Digital School, already established in eight countries, will provide flexible learning opportunities through digital training centers in Madagascar. These centers will utilize advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to complement the national curriculum and develop students' skills in areas like coding and data analysis. The "Coders Initiative" will likely focus on more intensive training programs for specific IT professions.
With over 1.5 million instructors trained and 60,000 students enrolled globally, Digital School has a proven track record of success. Its expansion into Madagascar, coupled with the "Coders Initiative", has the potential to significantly improve the digital literacy and employability of young Malagasy people.
Samira Njoya
With his public international law training, he is disrupting the African legal landscape by developing innovative digital solutions that make quality legal services more accessible to citizens on the continent.
Daniel Bobasha (photo) is a multifaceted professional hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo with experience in the fields of entrepreneurship, writing, and banking. A graduate in international public law from the Protestant University of Congo, Bobasha is the founder and CEO of Mibeko Tech, a legaltech startup that is revolutionizing the legal sector in Africa.
Mibeko Tech, under Bobasha's leadership, has designed and developed digital solutions to cater to the specific needs of the legal industry in Africa. Not only is the company a pioneer in this regard, but it also serves as a hub and think tank dedicated to fostering the growth of the legaltech sector across the continent. One of the notable achievements of Mibeko Tech is the development of an app that seamlessly connects Congolese individuals with 135 qualified lawyers, enhancing access to legal services.
In addition to its innovative technological solutions, Mibeko Tech offers a range of online courses covering various subjects, such as legal watch design and the legal challenges of innovation. The startup has also facilitated the purchase of over 28 legal documents through its platform.
Bobasha's entrepreneurial endeavors extend beyond the realm of legaltech. Mibeko Tech has launched #FundaYe, an initiative aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence. This platform not only empowers women by providing them with essential knowledge about their rights and avenues for support but also streamlines the process of lodging complaints. Its CEO is, since January 2024, a banker at Trust Merchant Bank. Before this, he served as the head of digital banking products at EquityBCDC, a part of the Equity Group, a leading Kenyan banking entity with a strong presence across 10 African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Melchior Koba
The Angolan government is launching a series of digital projects to streamline access to public services and meet citizens' demands for electronic solutions. However, the success of these initiatives may hinge on improving the country's internet infrastructure.
The implementation of Angola's ambitious Digital Acceleration Program (PADA) is encountering challenges, with limited internet access across the country emerging as a major hurdle.
During a public consultation session on PADA, Meick Afonso (photo), Director General of the Institute of Administrative Modernization (IMA), highlighted the issue to stakeholders, stating that for the transformation to be successful, it is essential that every citizen is connected.
PADA, a $300 million initiative funded by the World Bank, aims to drive digital inclusion, expand access to public services, and stimulate the digital economy. Ultimately, it seeks to transform Angola into a fully digitized society, streamlining access to administrative documents.
However, achieving this vision hinges on a reliable internet infrastructure. While recent developments such as Angola's connection to Meta's 2Africa fiber optic cable and a $249 million loan for a national broadband project bode well, current penetration remains low.
Statistics from the Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM) indicate 10.08 million internet users in the country. However, a December 2023 report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ranks Angola 24th in Africa for ICT development, with a score of only 44.1 out of 100.
Samira Njoya
In an ever-changing entrepreneurial environment, Tanzania's Dar Teknohama Business Incubator stands out for its commitment to supporting and promoting the most promising technological initiatives.
The Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi), established in 2011 by the Tanzanian Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) in collaboration with InfoDev, a World Bank program, is a hub for technology startups. Under the guidance of CEO George Mulamula, it is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in Tanzania.
DTBi is focused on promoting the growth of emerging companies in the information and communication technology sector and innovative startups and individuals. The goal is to stimulate job creation and bolster the national economy. With the ambition to be the central hub for technology startups, DTBi actively identifies and delivers value-added services essential for the success of its clients, thereby contributing to their growth and market success.
The incubator provides a wide array of business development services designed to enhance the market survival chances of early-stage ICT startups. These services encompass access to shared resources, assistance in securing financing and market access, credible support, strategic advice, and robust business management. Furthermore, DTBi encourages the formation of professional networks to keep abreast of technical trends and seize market access opportunities, thereby creating a conducive environment for business growth and success.
DTBi provides workspaces and coworking spaces to encourage collaboration. It has implemented training and financial management programs. With the backing of telecom operators such as Tigo, Airtel, and the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), DTBi has achieved more than 38 innovations and 33 incubations. The incubator has generated over 659 direct jobs and more than 17,000 indirect jobs.
Melchior Koba
The Fate Foundation, in collaboration with Orange Corners Nigeria and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has launched applications for the tenth cohort of its incubation program for Nigerian entrepreneurs. The six-month program offered both physically and virtually will provide participants with capacity-building sessions, expert advice and mentorship, industry visits, and networking opportunities. The deadline for applications is February 18.
South Africa is looking to capitalize on the growing trend of remote work by attracting "digital nomads" to its shores, hoping to boost tourism and inject dynamism into the local economy.
The South African Department of Home Affairs has released draft amendments to current immigration regulations, which include two new visa categories: a visa for remote work and a visa for essential skills. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the news in his newsletter last week.
"A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa. [...] International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for," he wrote.
To be eligible for the remote work visa, digital nomads must meet several criteria, including qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and a job offer. They must also have a minimum annual income of at least 1 million rand (around $53,088) to live adequately in the country.
Countries such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles are already offering this type of visa to tap into the rich market of 35 million digital nomads worldwide. The Western Cape Government has invited public comment on the proposed amendments
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Accelerate Africa has opened applications for its second cohort, seeking promising African startup founders. Selected participants will receive mentorship from experienced founders, access to a network of over 75 investors, and the opportunity to showcase their ventures at a demo day. The deadline for applications is February 16.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital education in schools, highlighting the need for integrating modern technologies and teaching methods to prepare students for an increasingly digital world. This shift aims to equip future generations with the skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities of our digital society.
Swiss building materials giant LafargeHolcim unveiled its "Connected Classrooms" initiative on Friday, February 9, aiming to address the challenge of school dropout in Morocco.
The three-year program, launched in early 2023, targets schools near LafargeHolcim's sites across the country, initially providing 26 schools and 13,000 students with high-quality IT equipment. This includes desktop and laptop computers, interactive whiteboards, printers, projectors, and Wi-Fi connections.
"We are [...] invested in various projects to support education and children in communities near our sites, with a particular focus on preventing school dropout," said Zineb Bennouna, Communications and CSR Director at LafargeHolcim Morocco, in a press release.
The initiative promotes community-based education and provides access to online educational resources. This aligns with the government's efforts to digitize educational services and improve the quality of the system.
LafargeHolcim describes the program as part of its broader "N'Bniouw l'7ayat" social responsibility program, which aims to create an inclusive learning environment and reduce school dropout within local communities.
Samira Njoya
Driven by the vision of transforming recruitment practices, she spearheads Niajiri Platform Ltd., leveraging innovative technology to connect employers with top talent in the industry.
From connecting job seekers with opportunities to helping businesses run more efficiently, Lillian Secelela Madeje (photo) is a Tanzanian entrepreneur making waves in the tech and social impact space.
Driven by a passion for innovation and empowerment, Madeje founded Niajiri Platform Ltd. in 2018. This "workforce development tech platform" leverages machine learning and data analytics to equip individuals with job-ready skills and connect them with suitable opportunities. It also streamlines the recruitment process for employers, providing access to a network of talented professionals.
Niajiri Platform is just one facet of Madeje's entrepreneurial journey. She's also a founding board member of Tanzania Startup, fostering collaboration and support within the country's burgeoning startup ecosystem. Additionally, she sits on the board of Jumo Tanzania, a fintech company expanding financial access in emerging markets across Africa and Asia.
Beyond technological pursuits, the entrepreneur also spearheads Ekihya, a management consultancy offering tailored solutions to help Tanzanian organizations optimize their operations. Her passion for development extends beyond business. Madeje actively contributes to social impact initiatives, as evidenced by her qualitative research work on financial inclusion with IDEO.org.
Madeje's dedication to innovation and community impact has garnered recognition. She is the recipient of the 2019 Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Award from Park University, USA, and holds a Master's in Business Administration from African Leadership University's School of Business.
Melchior Koba
Following successful landings in Dakar and Accra last November and December, the telecommunications infrastructure embarked on its onward journey across the West African sub-region.
The 2Africa fiber optic submarine cable has landed in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a press release issued on Thursday, February 8 by Bayobab (formerly MTN GlobalConnect), one of the partners investing in the telecoms infrastructure alongside Orange, Meta, and China Mobile International.
2Africa will be the seventh submarine fiber optic system to connect Nigeria, which already draws part of its high-speed connectivity from Google's Equiano cables, SAT3, MainOne, Glo1, Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), and West Africa Cable System (WACS). This new asset represents the private sector's contribution to the project to improve broadband access initiated by the government in 2020. The aim is to cover 90% of the national territory by 2025.
The digital economy is expanding worldwide, but access to broadband connectivity remains a challenge in Africa, where it has the potential to unlock numerous development opportunities. Networks are still largely concentrated in urban areas, hindering the reduction of the digital divide, at the heart of the battle for inclusion that many organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union have been waging for the past 30 years.
In Nigeria, the importance of broadband is well established. The impact the service has had on the country's startup ecosystem over the past ten years is reflected in the dynamism of its tech entrepreneurs, whose solutions meet real, practical local needs. Today, Nigeria is one of the startup ecosystems that attracts the most foreign investment in Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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In Africa, the fintech landscape is dominated by payment and money transfer startups. But there are a few outliers. One such company is Affacto, a platform that specializes in financing the cash flow of SMEs involved in import-export between Africa and Europe. Affacto was founded by Aïssata Naba Coulibaly, a Malian entrepreneur who spoke with We Are Tech Africa about this niche market and what makes her company unique.
We Are Tech: When we talk about the trade supply chain in Africa, who are we talking about exactly?
Aïssata Naba Coulibaly: The trade supply chain in Africa generally encompasses various sectors of activity such as production, processing, distribution, retail, etc. The specific links involved can vary depending on the sector.
However, in general, the supply chain includes key sectors from the manufacturing of products to their availability on the market for consumers. Each link within these sectors can therefore represent an actor in the African trade supply chain.
WAT: Which of those specific needs does Affacto address?
ANC: Affacto provides factoring services. Factoring is a financing solution that enables businesses to obtain quick cash advances by selling their unpaid invoices. This debt collection is managed by a factor, a specialized credit institution.
In addition to playing the important role of improving cash flow in a supply chain where costs can occur at different stages, factoring also helps to reduce financial risks. By assigning receivables to a factoring company, the company can reduce the risks associated with late payments or bad debts, thus providing some financial protection. Financial cycles are also accelerated. Factoring can help accelerate financial cycles by providing immediate liquidity, allowing businesses to pay their suppliers faster and maintain smooth operations in the supply chain. Optimization of supplier relationships is not to be forgotten.
By having liquidity more quickly, companies can negotiate more advantageous payment terms with their suppliers, thus strengthening relationships within the supply chain. It should be noted that factoring offers a certain financial flexibility by allowing companies to raise funds according to their needs, which can be crucial in a dynamic business environment. Overall, factoring plays a key role in providing financial solutions that contribute to the efficiency and stability of the supply chain.
WAT: The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) notes the emergence of digital platforms that facilitate access to finance for supply chain actors. In a context where traditional commercial banks are still at the heart of credit in Africa, what selling points do you put forward to meet such success?
ANC: We have, first and foremost, increased accessibility. Digital platforms can broaden access to finance by using innovative technologies, thus reaching a wider range of supply chain actors, including small and medium-sized enterprises that may face difficulties in obtaining credit from traditional banks. Our processes are simplified.
By leveraging technological solutions, digital platforms can simplify the application, evaluation, and disbursement processes for funds, thus accelerating the financing cycle. This can be particularly attractive for businesses seeking quick disbursements.
It is worth noting that digital platforms can use algorithms and advanced data analytics to assess credit risk more accurately, offering a more flexible and individualized approach compared to traditional bank credit models.
Digital platforms can also contribute to financial inclusion by targeting segments of the population that are generally underrepresented in the traditional financial system, thus promoting broader participation of supply chain actors.
In summary, digital platforms can differentiate themselves from traditional banks by leveraging technology to improve accessibility, simplify processes, use advanced data analytics, and promote financial inclusion, thereby contributing to meeting the diverse needs of supply chain actors in Africa.
WAT: Micro and small businesses (MSMEs) often lack the financial traceability banks require to qualify for credit. How do you ensure that your financial support to MSMEs will be recovered since they form a sizeable part of your clientele?
ANC: To address the challenges of financing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), financial service providers, including those specializing in factoring, have developed a variety of mechanisms to mitigate the risks associated with their limited financial traceability.
One approach is cash flow analysis. Financial service providers can conduct in-depth analyses of MSME cash flows to assess their ability to repay financing. This approach can be less reliant on traditional credit history.
The use of alternative data is another solution. Factoring platforms can leverage alternative data sources, such as transaction data, payment history, or invoice information, to assess the creditworthiness of MSMEs, in addition to or as a substitute for traditional credit criteria.
More flexible assessment models that consider non-traditional indicators can also be adopted to adapt to the realities of MSMEs that may not have complete financial traceability.
Factoring companies can implement robust guarantee and collection mechanisms to minimize risks. This may include personal guarantees, receivables assignments, or other collateral forms.
By implementing these approaches, financial service providers can help mitigate the risks associated with MSME financing, thereby promoting financial inclusion and supporting small-scale supply chain actors.
WAT: The UNCTAD report "The Potential of Africa to Capture Technology-Intensive Global Supply Chains" indicates that Africa only contributed 1.9% to the $2.2 trillion global supply chain finance in 2022. What are the obstacles hindering the continent's progress?
ANC: The financing of trade supply chains in Africa is hampered by several factors, including the lack of adequate financial infrastructure, complex legal and regulatory frameworks, as well as challenges related to trust and transparency in commercial transactions. Additionally, issues related to financial market maturity and financial literacy also play a role in this context.
WAT: Given the challenges that hinder access to finance for trade supply chain actors in Africa, what innovative solutions can be implemented to address these challenges and transform the financing landscape?
ANC: It is essential to develop a collaborative vision at all levels to support supply chain financing at all stages. At Affacto, we have launched the Affacto Flow service, which allows us to finance suppliers, clients, freight forwarders, and logistics companies on the third-party holding side. We have decided to bring all stakeholders together in the same place to enable them to collaborate at all levels of the chain.
WAT: With the AfCFTA, a market of 1.4 billion people in Africa, what opportunities could unlock access to finance for trade supply chain actors?
ANC: The effectiveness of trade supply chain financing in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which brings together 54 African countries, can contribute to market expansion for businesses.
With the continental market, businesses will have access to more orders, which will support their production, distribution, and marketing activities. Logistics and transportation companies will be able to capitalize on financing to develop and improve their infrastructure across the continent, facilitating the efficient movement of goods.
SMEs make up a significant portion of the supply chain actors in Africa. The targeted financing they could benefit from would help strengthen their production capacity, market access, and compliance with international standards. The funds could even be used to develop and adopt technological solutions to improve their supply chain management, increase their visibility, and facilitate their transactions within the AfCFTA.
It is important to note that financing could also be used to set up training programs to strengthen the skills of supply chain actors, particularly in regulatory compliance and best business practices.
In summary, in the era of the AfCFTA, access to finance for SMEs can provide trade supply chain actors in Africa with the ability to catalyze their efficiency, competitiveness, and growth. This will promote further economic integration on the continent.
WAT: Currently, Affacto operates in Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. What are its short-term plans for expansion?
ANC: We aim to establish strategic partnerships with banks, debt funds, other fintech companies, and all other supply chain actors.
We are currently raising funds and plan to expand our services to other West African countries and explore the two Congos. We are in discussions with a country in the sub-region to set up an innovative mechanism that will allow SMEs that win public contracts to finance their principals through the financial market.
Interview by Muriel Edjo
Operating across a network of five incubators in Senegal and The Gambia, Teranga Tech Incub provides young entrepreneurs with equipped workspaces, programs, and events to help them innovate and succeed.
Teranga Tech Incub, a network of five incubators in Senegal and The Gambia, is backed by the French Embassy and aims to promote and support youth entrepreneurship, particularly in the digital sector.
The network offers two main services through its incubators in Dakar, Saint-Louis, Kaolack, Ziguinchor, and Banjul. The first is a six-month mentoring program supporting around 70 projects per year across two cohorts per incubator. This program helps entrepreneurs structure their projects.
Secondly, the network organizes events promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, including events hosted by other organizations lacking a presence in Senegal or Gambia.
Teranga Tech Incub also provides equipped and connected workspaces, collaborative areas, and expert networks to strengthen the ecosystem. They hold awareness sessions on entrepreneurship and organize events featuring experts in various sectors like blue economy, agritech, and audiovisual.
Examples of supported companies include online store platform Boutique Sénégal, Web3 specialist Kucibok, and maritime safety solutions provider O'Connect.
To achieve its mission, the network has partnered with organizations like Polaris Asso, Concree, Jokkolabs, and Simplon.
Melchior Koba
U.S. tech giant Microsoft announced plans to open a new data center campus in Centurion, South Africa, last week. The company said the facility represents "the next step in its commitment to enabling and accelerating the pace of digital transformation in South Africa, and Africa, in an inclusive, trusted, and responsible manner."
The bespoke solution was designed by a Beninese entrepreneur in a bid to enhance access to fresh produce.
In 2020, Beninese startup DigitAll Farmer introduced Aliments Bénin, an e-commerce platform that aims to enhance fresh product accessibility. The platform bridges the gap between consumers and producers, fostering a vibrant marketplace for agricultural goods.
Founded by Novalie Houngbédji, Aliments Bénin operates as a web-based platform, eliminating the need for a dedicated mobile application. Users access the platform via their browsers, where they register by providing their email address and creating a secure password. At this juncture, users make a pivotal choice, choosing the “seller” status for those marketing their products or the “customer” status for those seeking to make purchases.
Aliments Bénin boasts an extensive array of offerings, ranging from locally-produced beverages to butchered meats, grocery staples, fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, tubers, and seafood. By connecting producers directly with consumers, the platform has catalyzed awareness and amplified sales for nearly a hundred agricultural entrepreneurs. Households, restaurants, and pastry shops alike have embraced the convenience of ordering quality agri-food products at equitable prices.
“We were able to help nearly 100 producers increase the awareness of their products and increase their sales by more than 7,000,000 FCFA [11,500 USD] in 2021. Several households, restaurants, bakeries, and others were able to order and have quality agri-food products delivered to them at fair prices,” Novalie said in 2022.
To ensure swift fulfillment, Aliments Bénin also operates a delivery service. Once orders are placed, the platform takes charge, dispatching goods to customers across multiple communes within the country. The solution has earned DigitAll Farmer several recognitions, including the Encouragement Award (XOF5 million) at the 2021 Tremplin Startup UEMOA competition. Additionally, in November 2022, the platform secured third place in the inaugural Moov Africa Startup Challenge, earning an XOF1 million check and in-kind prize worth XOF540,000.
Adoni Conrad Quenum