Cameroon has started issuing new national identity cards, a key step in its digital identity management initiative. These cards are designed to modernize and secure identity verification.
Cameroonians can pre-enroll, online since February 17, to obtain the country’s new national identity card (CNI). Developed by German company Augentic in partnership with the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN), this new biometric and digital ID marks a significant step forward in identity management, with major security, economic, and social implications.
The new ID card meets international ISO/IEC 9303 standards and incorporates advanced security features. It includes an electronic chip or a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) containing all recorded data, as well as a unique QR code. These technological upgrades strengthen fraud prevention, making identity theft and forgery significantly more difficult while facilitating automated verification both nationally and internationally.
A Gateway to E-Services
Beyond security, the digital nature of the new ID card holds vast economic and social potential. By linking the card to a unique digital identifier, citizens could gain access to secure government platforms, such as tax services, social security, and online payments.
Reliable biometric identification would also simplify banking procedures, enabling remote account openings and expanding financial inclusion. Financial institutions could use digital identities to assess creditworthiness, making it easier for individuals to access microloans and tailored insurance services. A trustworthy digital identity is fundamental to fostering confidence in economic transactions and could also benefit the e-commerce sector.
Additionally, the new ID could serve as the foundation for secure electronic voting systems, reducing electoral fraud risks and ensuring greater transparency in democratic processes.
Towards E-Governance and Smarter Public Policies
Biometric and digital identity plays a crucial role in social planning by providing the government with authenticated data on citizens, including employment status, disability, education level, residency, and family ties. With this data, authorities can better target social programs such as family allowances, scholarships, and housing aid. The digital ID system would also generate reliable statistical insights for economic planning, including tax forecasting and job creation strategies.
However, for the new ID card to serve as a true gateway to digital services and a tool for poverty reduction, Cameroon must establish a robust, interconnected identification system. This requires a strong legal framework to regulate digital identity and stringent data protection measures, as personal information is becoming a critical resource in the fourth industrial revolution.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Algerian government has made digital transformation a key pillar of the country’s socioeconomic development. Beyond investing in infrastructure, authorities are also focused on equipping the population with the digital skills needed to achieve these ambitions.
Algeria's Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, inaugurated a Skills Center in Sétif on February 20. The center will provide free training for young people in advanced digital technologies.
Similar infrastructure will be established nationwide to equip Algerian youth with future-ready skills, enabling their integration into the national and global digital economy. They will offer training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) fields.
The initiative aligns with Algeria Digital 2030, the government’s national strategy, which aims to accelerate Algeria’s digital transformation by expanding ICT adoption across all economic sectors and developing a skilled workforce by prioritizing capacity building as one of its five key pillars.
The importance of digital skills is growing across Africa. According to the World Bank, an estimated 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital expertise by 2030. While Algeria is not part of this region, the trend underscores the necessity of digital training for the continent’s economic transformation. A joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google predicts that Africa’s digital economy will be worth at least $712 billion by 2050, representing 8.5% of the continent’s GDP.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The President of Zimbabwe officially launched the Digital Skills Ambassador Program on February 19. This initiative aims to equip communities with essential digital skills, supporting the country’s vision of becoming a fully digital economy by 2030.
The program, backed by China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeks to bridge the digital divide by empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
With this initiative, Zimbabwe takes a significant step toward enhancing digital literacy, boosting innovation, and preparing its workforce for the future.
As part of its digital transformation strategy, Senegal is targeting a significant increase in the contribution of its digital sector, aiming for at least 15% of GDP within the next ten years. To achieve this ambitious goal, the government is committed to unifying its digital initiatives and streamlining projects to enhance efficiency and impact.
Senegal will establish a Digital Governance Committee, GouvNum, to coordinate and streamline its digital initiatives, officials said. The project, approved during a Council of Ministers meeting on February 19, aims to create a cohesive framework for state-led digital transformation.
According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the past two decades have seen massive investments in modernizing public digital infrastructure and interconnecting government entities. These efforts laid the foundation for a national information system and a government enterprise architecture. However, a fragmented approach to digital projects has led to duplication, inconsistencies, rising inefficiencies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and misalignment between sectoral strategies and the national digital agenda. These challenges hindered the goals set by the previous digital strategy (SN20-25).
The creation of GouvNum aligns with Senegal’s new digital strategy, the New Deal Technologique, set to launch on February 24. This committee will provide a unified governance framework for digital initiatives, ensuring project coordination, strategic alignment across sectors, improved system security, and more effective monitoring and evaluation.
Additionally, GouvNum will enhance the prioritization of digital programs, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and integrated digital transformation. A key objective of this effort is to boost the digital sector’s contribution to at least 15% of GDP within the next decade. This ambition will be driven by a structured approach under the New Deal Technologique, which includes 12 targeted programs designed to accelerate Senegal’s digital economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Horizon Industries officially began operations in Burkina Faso in April 2022. The company is 35% state-owned through the Burkinabè Economic and Social Development Fund FBDES, reflecting the government's stake in the venture.
The Burkinabe government plans to procure IT equipment from local company Horizon Industries to support public administration. Authorities approved the signing of a framework agreement for this purpose during the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, February 19.
The official statement did not specify the type or quantity of equipment to be acquired. However, Horizon Industries specializes in assembling laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and household appliances, suggesting that the deal could involve a range of digital devices.
This initiative aligns with the government's broader digital transformation strategy. Burkina Faso aims to position itself as a leader in integrating ICT into key sectors such as public administration, education, healthcare, commerce, and agriculture. As part of this effort, the government launched the rehabilitation of the National Administration Computer Network (RESINA) in 2024. By August 2023, RESINA was already connecting around 2,800 administrative buildings, with an additional 130 sites announced for integration by December 2024.
Despite these ambitions, Burkina Faso currently ranks 175th out of 193 countries in the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.2895 out of 1—below the regional averages for West Africa (0.3957), Africa (0.4247), and the world (0.6382).
For the IT initiative to be effective, civil servants will require digital skills to use the new equipment efficiently. Additionally, since many administrative tasks may depend on internet access, ensuring high-speed connectivity across government offices will be crucial.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The interoperability of digital payments is emerging as a key driver for modernizing financial systems and enhancing banking inclusion. By connecting banks and fintechs, these platforms foster innovation in the financial sector.
Comoros will implement an interoperable digital payment switch, with Moroccan electronic payment solutions company PayLogic executing the project. The company announced the initiative in a statement on Sunday, February 16, marking a step in the country's financial infrastructure modernization.
"This project is a testament to our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that transform financial ecosystems. By implementing an interoperable payment switch, we are helping to create a more inclusive and efficient financial infrastructure in the Union of Comoros. We are excited to partner with local stakeholders to bring this vision to life," said Mohamed Mekouar, Executive Chairman of PayLogic.
The platform, part of the Financial Sector Development Support Project (PADSF), aims to connect financial institutions, banks, and payment service providers, creating a seamless and inclusive digital payment ecosystem. This interoperability will allow users to make instant transfers between mobile operators, between banks, and between mobile operators and bank accounts.
The initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Comoros’ policy to promote financial inclusion. The institution has encouraged local banks to offer free bank account openings for individuals and fee-free money transfers for the diaspora. Since early August, this measure has led to the opening of hundreds of new accounts, with a goal of reaching a 50% banking penetration rate by the end of 2025.
PayLogic's interoperable switch could strengthen these efforts by improving access to digital financial services, especially for rural populations and the diaspora. Reducing reliance on cash and enhancing transaction efficiency will drive broader adoption of banking and online payment services across the country.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
By working closely with the Nigerian government and its partners, Microsoft is playing a pivotal role in building a digitally skilled workforce and positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI and emerging technologies.
Microsoft has unveiled a $1 million investment in its AI Skilling Initiative, aimed at training one million Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) over the next two years. The announcement was made on February 19 during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, a gathering of business leaders, IT professionals, and developers focused on exploring the latest advancements in AI.
Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams emphasized the company’s dedication to AI’s transformative potential. She also highlighted that Microsoft's commitment to advancing AI skills in Nigeria underscores its dedication to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve greater success.
Microsoft reinforces its commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation with this latest investment. The initiative is poised to drive economic growth, industrialization, social inclusion, and technological innovation, ultimately shaping a future where AI-powered opportunities are accessible to all Nigerians.
This initiative is set to accelerate AI adoption in Nigeria, reinforcing the country's status as a leading force in Africa’s digital economy. It aligns with the strategic goals outlined in Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), which envisions the nation as a global leader in leveraging AI for responsible, ethical, and inclusive innovation. The NAIS highlights Nigeria’s rapidly expanding AI market, which is projected to reach $434.4 million by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.2%.
Hikmatu Bilali
Mobile money is emerging as a crucial tool for financial inclusion in Africa, with growing adoption driven by innovative solutions. In this dynamic landscape, Orange Money continues to expand, offering increasingly tailored services to meet user needs.
Orange Money, the mobile money transfer and payment service of French group Orange, officially opened its headquarters in Abidjan on Tuesday, February 18. This move marks a new step in the company's commitment to expanding mobile financial services across Africa and the Middle East.
According to Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, establishing the headquarters is a key step in Orange's mission to digitize transactions and support its growing customer base. Jérôme Hénique, Executive Director of Orange Africa and the Middle East (OMEA), emphasized that the initiative reflects the company's drive to strengthen its presence in key markets and continue its 15-year history in mobile financial services.
Since its launch in Ivory Coast in 2008, Orange Money has seen rapid growth, reaching 40 million active monthly users as of February 2025. This growth aligns with a regional trend where mobile financial services play a key role in financial inclusion. In 2023, mobile money transactions in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) reached 171,959.1 billion FCFA (approximately $275 billion), a 146.3% increase from the previous year. Ivory Coast, with over 23 million mobile financial service users in 2023, is a major player in this transformation.
The establishment of Orange Money Group’s headquarters in Abidjan creates new opportunities for the Ivorian market and the region. It will allow for closer engagement with users and more responsive service development. West Africa is becoming a leading hub for mobile money, gradually surpassing East Africa in adoption and growth of digital financial services.
Orange Money continues to innovate, introducing QR code payments for merchants and end users. Through a partnership with Mastercard, the company launched a virtual card in 2024. Available in seven countries, the service is set for further expansion in 2025, reinforcing Orange Money’s role in shaping the future of mobile finance in Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Congolese government wants to accelerate financial inclusion by facilitating access to financial services for all segments of the population. To achieve this, it is relying on digital technologies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving to digitize its microfinance sector to accelerate financial inclusion. To this end, it awarded on Friday, February 14, a contract to a consortium comprising PAYCODE FINTECH Congo, BANKTECH Software Services, and Hong Kong Top Wise Communications.
Funded by the government and the World Bank, the initiative involves providing 10,000 electronic payment terminals (EPTs) to microfinance institutions (MFIs) and savings and credit cooperatives (COOPECs). This will enable these institutions to connect to the national electronic payment system of the Central Bank of Congo.
The initiative is part of the Transforme Project, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs and upgrade small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for economic transformation and job creation. According to the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028, the financial inclusion rate in the DRC stood at 38.5% at the end of 2022. The Congolese government aims to increase this rate to 65% by 2028.
Microfinance institutions and savings and credit cooperatives are expected to play a key role in achieving this goal. By the end of 2022, the DRC had 78 COOPECs and 15 MFIs. These two types of institutions accounted for 86.1% of the country’s credit establishments (108 total) and 32.4% of all financial institutions (287). Additionally, the credit portfolio grew by 21% in 2022, reaching $283.5 million, up from $234.3 million in 2021 and $168 million in 2020. Savings mobilization increased from $256.97 million in 2020 to $333.76 million in 2022, a growth of approximately 30%.
The effective use of the distributed terminals by microfinance institutions and savings and credit cooperatives will be crucial for adoption. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy highlights that their geographic coverage remains uneven. Kinshasa, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces alone account for nearly 70% of these institutions.
"Despite their higher number compared to banks, microfinance institutions have fewer operational branches (186) than banks (445) and represent only a small share of the financial sector’s assets, around 3%," the strategy document states.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edité par Sèna D. B. de Sodji
South African Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced the rollout of body-worn cameras for police officers, starting April 2025.
The decision comes in response to a question from the Democratic Alliance, a South African nonprofit, asking when the police service will implement body cameras.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) revealed that it will purchase 100 cameras this year at R28,818 per unit, totaling R2.88 million annually and R14.4 million over five years.
The use of body cameras is crucial for enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in policing.
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As the digitization of financial services becomes a key driver of economic inclusion, Khallasli is emerging in Tunisia as an innovative solution for facilitating electronic payments. Since 2022, it has been offering a range of services through various channels.
Khallasli is a B2B marketplace for digital financial services developed by a Tunisian startup. It offers a wide range of services, allowing users to pay their bills, purchase mobile top-ups, make payments to microfinance institutions, and reload prepaid bank cards. The Sousse-based startup was founded in 2022 by Khatib Chakchouk.
“Khallasli is a fintech that provides single-account electronic payment solutions by connecting service providers and merchants through an innovative business model that enables secure, efficient, and simple transaction management. Khallasli has become a leading payment facilitator and aggregator in Tunisia,” the startup explains on its platform.
To ensure widespread adoption and ease of use, Khallasli offers multiple access channels. Users can complete transactions through a web interface for point-of-sale (POS) partners, a mobile app called Digitis, interactive kiosks, or an API for businesses looking to integrate the startup’s services into their own digital ecosystem.
Khallasli has secured several partnerships to offer this extensive range of services, collaborating with telecom operators in Tunisia such as Orange, internet service providers, travel agencies, banks, and microfinance institutions.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
AI is transforming various sectors and enhancing productivity. African nations are increasingly recognizing its potential and seeking to invest in this field to harness its economic benefits, foster innovation, and strengthen their position on the international stage.
Algeria aims for artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute 7% of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027, Minister of Post and Telecommunications Sid Ali Zerrouki said at the third edition of the CTO Forum Algeria on Monday, February 17. The initiative seeks to diversify the national economy and position the country among global AI leaders.
To achieve this objective, Algeria has invested in top-tier universities specializing in AI, robotics, and mathematics. Additionally, incubators have been deployed nationwide to foster innovation and support the emergence of technology startups.
State-owned telecom operator Algérie Télécom has committed to establishing a 1.5 billion dinar ($11.1 million) investment fund to support startups specializing in AI, cybersecurity, and robotics. This initiative aligns with a presidential strategy to create 20,000 startups as quickly as possible.
In parallel, the government is betting on training programs such as Scale Centers to enhance skills in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, particularly targeting young people without a university education. The National AI Commission has also launched an ambitious strategy to structure and energize this key sector.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure
To support this growing AI ecosystem, Algeria has made significant investments in digital infrastructure. The government has installed 265,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable and connected 1,400 sites with 4G technology, aiming to improve coverage in remote areas. Additionally, it plans to deploy 7,000 new 4G stations by 2025 to boost connectivity and increase internet speeds.
If successful, this strategy could profoundly transform Algeria’s economy by enhancing productivity in key sectors such as industry, agriculture, and services. AI is expected to play a central role in this transformation by optimizing resource management, automating processes, and facilitating data-driven decision-making.
By fostering the emergence of local startups capable of developing advanced technological solutions, Algeria could not only enhance its economic efficiency but also position itself as an exporter of technology. In this regard, Olumide Balogun, Google’s director for West Africa, highlights that AI could add up to $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030. This projection underscores the importance of Algeria’s full commitment to AI development to capture a significant share of this rapidly expanding market.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
In response to the growing challenges of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, many African countries are seeking to strengthen their technological capabilities. In this context, international cooperation is creating new opportunities for development.
Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, Léon-Juste Ibombo (photo, left), met with Russian Federation Ambassador to the Republic of Congo, Ilias Iskandarov (photo, right), on Monday, February 17, to discuss bilateral cooperation in digitization, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
During the meeting, Ibombo confirmed ongoing negotiations to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with Russian institutions, particularly for the creation of a Russian-African Studies Center, which would include IT training for Congolese citizens.
Iskandarov proposed expanding this cooperation by introducing educational programs dedicated to digital transformation in Congo. These initiatives, planned for administrative and industrial centers, aim to provide advanced training for government officials and private-sector IT specialists on digital regulation, data protection, and AI applications.
This meeting is part of the Congolese government’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation through strategic partnerships. Russia, recognized as an emerging power in technology and cybersecurity, has played a key role in enhancing global digital security.
Since 1998, Russia has been a pioneer in addressing information security at the United Nations, demonstrating early awareness of digital age risks. After years of investment and innovation, Russia has strengthened its expertise, positioning itself among global leaders in the sector. According to the International Telecommunication Union, Russia ranks among the top countries in ICT development, with a score of 90.6 out of 100. In cybersecurity, Russia is classified as Tier 2, a category including advanced nations with scores between 85 and 95.
This partnership is expected to bring significant benefits to Congo, including strengthening local digital skills, improving IT infrastructure security, and facilitating access to advanced technologies. Furthermore, this collaboration could serve as a springboard for new international partnerships in the digital sector, positioning Congo as a key player in the African and global tech ecosystem.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Recognizing the increasing threat of cybersecurity breaches and digital fraud to African businesses, two tech entrepreneurs have developed a solution to address these critical issues.
Dojah is a digital solution developed by a Nigerian startup to enhance cybersecurity in client onboarding processes. Through its API, the platform secures user integration by leveraging biometric verification (facial recognition and fingerprint scanning), official document analysis (national ID cards, passports, driver's licenses), and authentication via mobile and banking data. The startup was founded in 2021 by Tobi Ololade and Ayomide Oso.
"We help companies offering financial services and digital businesses stay secure, grow seamlessly, and ensure compliance. Our solution streamlines user onboarding, automates AML compliance checks, and proactively prevents fraud and identity theft through end-to-end verification and real-time monitoring," said Tobi Ololade.
Dojah enables businesses to comply with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations while improving user experience with seamless identification processes. By integrating with multiple official databases and government services, the startup provides fintech companies, banks, marketplaces, and African startups with a fast and reliable solution to secure transactions and prevent identity fraud.
With clients across several African countries and strategic partnerships, Dojah aims to become the leading identity verification provider on the continent. Its flexible, API-based model allows for quick adoption across various sectors, from finance to on-demand services. In 2022, the startup was selected for Y Combinator’s Winter cohort, further accelerating its growth.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa