Kenyan e-mobility startup BasiGo has announced the completion of a $5 million financing round. The funds, raised in the form of debt from British International Investment (BII), a British development finance institution, will be used to expand the assembly of electric buses in Kenya.
Nigerian cryptocurrency exchange platform Bitmama has acquired neobank Payday to expand the services of its platform Changera. According to information reported by TechCabal, Bitmama, valued at $30 million, has reportedly offered Payday's investors $1 million in equity and will take over the neobank's customer deposits and debts.
The founder of the TechHorizon-Tanzania program, Caroline Mohoni, is passionate about community education. In this interview, she introduces the initiative she currently champions for women in ICT-related matters.
We Are Tech: What is TechHorizon?
Caroline Mohoni: TechHorizon-Tanzania is a program that aims to bridge the digital divide in Tanzania through comprehensive training in digital and ICT skills. It caters to everyone, from those with a background in technology looking to enhance their expertise to those without technological training seeking foundational knowledge to foster innovation for self-employment or improvement in their current endeavors.
TechHorizon offers four services: an online learning platform providing courses in digital skills; community technology centers offering access to digital resources, physical training spaces, and community development activities to address the urban-rural digital gap; practical education workshops in digital skills and mobile technology extending training to remote areas; and a digital empowerment program focused on women and girls, equipping them with digital skills to reduce the gender gap in tech education and employment.
TechHorizon-Tanzania envisions significant empowerment, improved employability, educational progress, and community development. It aligns with SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
We Are Tech: What inspired the creation of TechHorizon Tanzania?
Caroline Mohoni: The program, initially named "ICT Basic Skills with Caroo," was born in September 2021 after realizing that 60% of Tanzanians lack basic digital skills, with rural areas being even more disadvantaged as 80% of people in those areas have no access to digital technologies. Women, in particular, are disproportionately affected, with only 13% having access to the internet compared to 21% of men.
We Are Tech: What has the program achieved so far?
Caroline Mohoni: Regarding user enrollment and engagement, we have over 262 trainees who have been trained via online platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams) and Vide App, a mobile application for educational content creators. As of October 2023, we have seen an impressive 28% increase in enrollments in the last 4 months. Post-training evaluations indicate an average improvement of 73% in participants' digital skills where they study or work. Our women-focused digital empowerment program has resulted in a 34% increase in women's professional participation, narrowing the gender gap in digital skills.
We Are Tech: What challenges do you face in your activities in Tanzania?
Caroline Mohoni: While striving to have a significant impact in Tanzania, TechHorizon still faces challenges such as a lack of essential services like internet connectivity and access to quality electricity in rural areas. This affects the accessibility and effectiveness of digital training initiatives. Our limited financial resources also hinder the scalability and reach of TechHorizon programs, impacting the depth and breadth of the impact our programs aim for. Cultural barriers also present a significant challenge. Cultural perceptions and attitudes toward technology and education hinder the acceptance or participation of populations in digital literacy programs, especially among certain demographic groups or in specific regions. Some societal considerations also impede women and girls from pursuing further education or careers in technology. Addressing these challenges requires a multidimensional approach, adaptive strategies, collaboration with communities and local authorities, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. At TechHorizon, we continuously work to overcome these challenges to maximize our impact and efficiency in Tanzania.
We Are Tech: What do you need to make your actions more efficient?
Caroline Mohoni: Our needs come in various forms. Adequate funding is crucial to expand programs, reach more communities, improve infrastructure, and support ongoing initiatives. We hope for the government to upgrade technological infrastructure, especially in rural areas, as it is essential to ensure reliable internet connectivity and access to necessary training resources for populations in these areas. A firm collaboration with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies can amplify our impact, facilitate community engagement, and streamline program implementation.
We Are Tech: What are your plans for the future?
Caroline Mohoni: TechHorizon has short-, medium-, and long-term goals, aiming to create a sustainable impact on Tanzanian communities.
Within two years, we aim to expand the reach of our digital literacy programs to more regions, focusing on rural and underserved areas; significantly increase enrollments in our training programs, especially among women and marginalized communities; advocate for effective improvement of technological infrastructure in targeted areas to ensure reliable connectivity for learning.
Within five years, we aim to strengthen existing programs to deepen their impact on participants by providing advanced skills and specialized training, develop strategies for program sustainability, including partnerships with local stakeholders, capacity building, and financial planning, build stronger ties within communities through technology hubs, encouraging collaboration and community initiatives.
Beyond five years, we aim to expand our initiatives nationally, establishing a more extensive network of community technology centers and mobile technology workshops across Tanzania. We also aim to make progress in reducing the gender gap in technology education and employment by aiming for more equal representation in the tech sector. Finally, we want to advocate for policies supporting digital inclusion, targeting government support and initiatives further reducing the digital divide in Tanzania.
Background:
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Caroline Mohoni works at Mkombozi Commercial Bank PLC as the Manager of ICT Audit. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Information Technology at the Institute of Accountancy Arusha. A former employee of KPMG East Africa and the e-Government Authority (e-GA), she has made a mark in the local digital scene over the years through various achievements and accolades. She is a member of cohort 47 of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the youth advisory council of DOT Tanzania. While still a student, in 2019, she developed a water vending system controlled by a mobile phone and integrated with a water quality monitoring device as part of the cooperation between the University of Dar es Salaam and KTH University in Sweden under the DAWASA project to address water issues in Tanzania. In 2020, she was among the 100 Tanzanian Sheroes. In March 2022, she was awarded by the Next Einstein Forum as part of the Woman Emerging Careers Awards.
Digital transformation is a key pillar of President William Ruto's government, with efforts underway to digitize various sectors across the country. However, one crucial area remains untouched: the identification system. This has once again sparked resistance from the Kenyan population.
Maisha Namba, the digital identification system planned by the Kenyan government, will not see its anticipated launch this year due to a recent decision by the High Court of Kenya. The court has ordered a halt to the system's rollout, citing the absence of a data protection impact assessment.
The court's decision imposes a stay on the implementation or further progression of the government's November 1, 2023, resolution to deploy or pilot Maisha Namba, encompassing the digital card, unique personal identifier, and a national population register. This pause is mandated until a comprehensive data protection impact assessment is conducted, as stipulated in section 31 of the Data Protection Act, according to the High Court.
This legal development follows a petition filed by civil society groups, including the Katiba Institute, the Nubian Rights Forum, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and the Coalition of Human Rights Defenders. The petitioners argue that the biometric and biographical data collected during registration were obtained unlawfully, and the government lacks a legal foundation for the digital identity system. Additionally, concerns are raised about data protection, the exclusion of many Kenyans from the system, and the expeditious rollout scheduled for this December.
This marks the second instance where the High Court has intervened to suspend the deployment of a digital identification system in the country. The previous system, Huduma Namba, initiated by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, faced similar criticisms and suspension on the same grounds.
The court emphasizes that any implementation of the system must await the completion of a data protection impact assessment, as outlined in Article 31. This article governs the collection, storage, use, and sharing of personal information, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding privacy and personal security.
Samira Njoya
With the explosion of e-commerce in Africa, efficient delivery services have become an essential cog in the wheel. In Morocco, a tech entrepreneur has embarked on the adventure to revolutionize last-mile delivery.
Kaalix, a technological solution developed by a Moroccan startup, empowers users to access a range of delivery services conveniently from their smartphones or computers. Founded in 2019 by Ilyess Hammouda, the Casablanca-based startup has quickly gained traction in the country.
Accessible through its mobile app available on both iOS and Android platforms, Kaalix offers a multitude of services. Users can effortlessly order food from their favorite restaurants, shop online at various boutiques (including grocery stores, clothing stores, and supermarkets), or directly access a courier service for delivery needs independent of existing partner stores. This flexibility allows users to pick up parcels within the city without requiring an order from a partner store or restaurant.
For restaurant and store deliveries, users can easily browse menus and catalogs, add items to their cart, and have their purchases delivered directly to their desired location. Real-time tracking of delivery drivers from within the app provides added convenience and transparency. Importantly, delivery rates are tailored to the user's location, ensuring fair and transparent pricing.
In 2021, Kaalix partnered with the e-commerce platform Marjane, expanding its reach and user base. Its rapid growth is evident in the number of downloads its Android app garnered on PlayStore. According to PlayStore, the app has already been downloaded more than 100,000 times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Incubators, accelerators, and fablabs are now vital players in driving technological development. In Cameroon, Kmer Tech actively supports these structures, empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating innovation.
Established in 2020, Kmer Tech is a Cameroonian network of support structures dedicated to accelerating technological and innovative entrepreneurship. Its mission is to prepare the ecosystem for a thriving digital economy, empowering incubators and startups through comprehensive support programs.
Kmer Tech champions the interests of incubators, providing them with resources and visibility through branding, lobbying, and access to valuable partnerships. It also promotes, develops, and enhances the competitiveness of startups within the network.
Responding to the challenges of the digital age, Kmer Tech launched the KMER TECH TIE project (Tech-Innovation-Entrepreneurship) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This national program aims to equip companies and organizations with the skills and technologies needed to address outstanding socio-economic problems in Cameroon. KMER TECH TIE usually culminates in the KmerTech TIE Champion competition–launched in December 2021, which recognizes and rewards innovative startups across various sectors. In 2022, the competition awarded six startups in the healthcare, education, and commerce sectors.
Furthermore, the network's KMER TECH ESO SUPPORT program empowers its member hubs with grants ranging from XAF100,000 to 250,000 (approximately $160 to 400), depending on their specific activities.
With over 134 members and supporting more than 22 startups, Kmer Tech plays a vital role in driving youth employment and accelerating technological entrepreneurship in Cameroon. The network receives valuable support from ST Digital, the European Union, and the French Embassy in Cameroon.
Melchior Koba
Africa's burgeoning technology ecosystem is attracting investors from around the globe, with over $2.95 billion invested in the continent's startups within the first nine months of the year alone, according to the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.
On Monday, December 4, the MasterCard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, a $200 million impact-investment initiative of the MasterCard Foundation, announced a $27 million investment in three African investment companies dedicated to supporting early-stage startups. The investment aims to stimulate technological innovation and accelerate digital transformation across the continent.
Chui Ventures, VestedWorld, and SME Impact Fund are the three investment companies receiving the funding, with allocations of $9 million, $10 million, and $8 million, respectively. These companies are focused on identifying and nurturing high-potential startups in various sectors, primarily in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.
"We are excited to welcome Chui Ventures, Vested World, and SME Impact Fund to our expanding family of investment vehicles. These strategic partnerships represent our ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable development in Africa through impactful investments. Stay tuned for more developments in the very near future," commented Samuel Akyianu, Managing Director of the MasterCard Foundation Africa Growth Fund.
The establishment of the Africa Growth Fund aligns with the MasterCard Foundation's broader efforts to drive digital transformation across Africa. This year alone, the fund has invested in several startup-focused investment companies, including Nigeria's Aruwa Capital Management ($2.2 million) and Uganda's Inua Capital ($5 million). Additionally, the foundation demonstrated its support for Uganda's national startup policy, which aims to enhance the attractiveness of the country's technological ecosystem.
Commenting on the MasterCard Foundation's investment, Joyce Ann Wainaina, Managing Director of Chui Ventures, stated, "This investment validates our effort to drive African innovation and entrepreneurship, and we are eager to unlock the potential of these promising ventures."
Adoni Conrad Quenum
India and the Republic of Kenya have maintained robust bilateral ties spanning various sectors since 1948. Recently, the two countries decided to step up their cooperation in the digital field.
Kenyan President William Ruto embarked on a three-day visit to India on Monday, December 4. The visit culminated in the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) spanning critical sectors, including technology, public digital infrastructure, defense, agriculture, energy, and healthcare.
Underscoring the importance of this strategic partnership, President Ruto remarked, "Kenya and India will expand partnership in technology along other sectors. We will benefit tremendously from India’s capacity and experience as a global leader in technology."
The digital agreement paves the way for India to facilitate the transfer of skills and technologies tailored to Kenya's specific needs, particularly in the areas of health, education, ICT, and digital governance. Additionally, the two countries' Heads of state explored avenues for Kenya to harness the potential of e-health by leveraging digitization and technology in telemedicine and telehealth initiatives.
India's burgeoning ICT sector has garnered global attention in recent years, prompting partnerships with numerous nations seeking to emulate its success. In Africa, aside from Kenya, countries like Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Egypt, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mauritius have established partnerships with India to advance sectors such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure.
The initiative aligns with President William Ruto's vision of harnessing digital technology to drive socio-economic development in Kenya. The country aspires to become a benchmark for digital transformation in Africa by 2027. This ambitious goal entails developing a cutting-edge digital infrastructure, expanding high-speed internet access nationwide, digitizing education and select government services, and enhancing the population's digital skills.
Samira Njoya
Before entering a new market, companies and brands typically undergo a crucial phase of market research. In Angola, Filipa Oliveira offers her expertise in market research and economic intelligence to assist these companies.
Filipa Oliveira (photo) is an Angolan entrepreneur holding a degree in Economics from the University of Coimbra (1992) and a Master's in Strategic Marketing Management from the University of Sao Paulo (2015). She is also one of the co-founders and the CEO of Market Intelligence Research Angola (MIRA).
Established in 2016, MIRA comprises a dedicated team of experts proficient in market research, data analysis, and business intelligence. Leveraging their extensive experience in the Angolan market, the company excels in collecting, processing, and developing reliable information systems. This valuable resource is then made accessible to both private and state institutions, aligning with MIRA's mission to transform information into actionable ideas that empower clients to gain a competitive edge in their respective markets.
Beyond her role at MIRA, Filipa Oliveira is actively engaged in fostering entrepreneurship in Africa. Since 2019, she has served as a mentor at Founder Institute in Luanda, a business accelerator facilitating the transformation of entrepreneurial ideas into fundable startups and, subsequently, into global businesses.
Since 2010, she has been a board member of the Pan African Media Research Organisation (PAMRO), a collaborative platform that contributes to the creation of a comprehensive continental media research database.
Her professional journey includes a stint at Marktest Angola (2007-2016), a subsidiary of the Portuguese Marktest Group specializing in market research and software development. It was her experience with this company that inspired the creation of MIRA.
Melchior Koba
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of e-learning platforms, and their usage has continued to rise since. Recognizing the effectiveness of this approach, the Tunisian government has embraced e-learning platforms as a key tool for training its civil servants.
Nizar Ben Néji (photo, center), Tunisia's Minister of Communication Technologies, inaugurated the "Digital Learning Academy" platform on Friday, December 1. The primary goal is to provide 680,000 civil servants with access to online training courses to enhance their digital skills.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communication Technologies, is overseen by Smart Tunisian Technoparks, a Tunisian technopark specializing in information and communication technologies.
The launch of the Digital Learning Academy aligns with Tunisia's comprehensive digital strategy, set to be fully implemented by 2025. This strategy prioritizes the digitization and simplification of administrative procedures alongside the development of enhanced digital services for citizens. To effectively implement these objectives, government employees must adapt to evolving digital standards and embrace new technologies. The Digital Learning Academy addresses this need by providing civil servants with access to a comprehensive range of free, internationally certified online training courses, fostering a more digitally skilled and adaptable workforce.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Lawyers Hub is one of the most important players in the African legal technology landscape. Through its thought leadership and innovative programs, it is shaping the future of law and technology on the continent.
Founded in 2017 by digital law expert Linda Bonyo, Lawyers Hub is a pan-African organization that champions legal and technological innovation across the continent. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the organization provides digital policy guidance, leverages technology to empower startups, and fosters a thriving legal technology ecosystem.
Steered by a team of committed and experienced professionals, it has set up several programs and activities to support its objective. One of these, the Africa Digital Policy Institute, offers in-person and virtual training sessions targeting different industries on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data protection, and compliance courses for legal professionals and practitioners. It also manages the Africa Law Tech Association and the Africa Startup Law Accelerator.
Lawyers Hub organizes flagship events that bring together key stakeholders within Africa's legal and technology sectors. For instance, The Africa Law Tech Festival, an annual gathering attracting over 2,000 participants from more than 40 countries, serves as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration on the latest trends and developments in legal technology. Africa Legal Innovation Week, another marquee event, convenes legal technologists from across Africa to delve into the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of justice and the legal sector. The 2023 edition of that innovation week took place from November 27 to December 1st.
Through these initiatives, Lawyers Hub empowers African lawyers in technology law and equips ecosystem players and governments with the knowledge they need to navigate the policies governing the technology industry. The organization further recognizes outstanding achievements and groundbreaking advances in the world of law and technology through the Africa Legal Innovation Awards. These awards honor individuals working in the legaltech space in Africa, including lawyers, policymakers, and innovators.
The organization collaborates with several international companies and organizations. Among others, these include Mozilla, Witness, Edgelands Institute, UNESCO, and the University of Cambridge.
Melchior Koba
Egyptian proptech startup Partment has expanded into Greece, Disrupt Africa announced yesterday.
"This expansion aligns with our global vision of enhancing people’s well-being through sustainable second home access, making real estate investments affordable and accessible to all," said Nadim Nagui, Partment co-founder and CEO.
After several years working for non-profit organizations, the entrepreneur decided to promote local tourism. He developed several solutions –including LearnSwahili App that promotes Swahili and mobile games –to achieve his goal.
Elias Patrick (photo) is a young Tanzanian entrepreneur with an International Diploma in Business Information Technology (IDBIT) obtained in 2016 from NCC Education in England. He is the founder and a tutor for edtech platform LearnSwahili App Ltd.
Founded in January 2023, LearnSwahili App Ltd's mission is to provide an immersive and enriching platform where individuals can learn Swahili, connect to its cultural heritage, and gain new opportunities for personal and professional development. Apart from teaching Swahili and promoting its culture, the startup also promotes local tourism.
In July 2022, the entrepreneur unveiled three mobile games he and six other technicians have been working on to promote local tourism. The games available in 177 countries are named Kilimanjaro Block Puzzle, Serengeti Block Puzzle, and Tanzanite Crush, after Tanzania's main tourist attractions.
Apart from his duties with LearnSwahili App Ltd, Elias Patrick is also the Managing Director of TechForward Tanzania, a non-profit organization that harnesses the transformative power of technology to drive positive change. He is also the knowledge management specialist for Nacopha, an organization created by people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to serve as the apex body and ultimate voice for their concerns in Tanzania.
Before entrepreneurship, Elias honed his digital marketing skills at UBA Tanzania (2018-2020) and McDaan Ltd. (2020). He then joined Save the Children International (2021-2022) as the communications and knowledge specialist. In 2016, the Tanzanian was voted Entrepreneur of the Year by the Learnit Institute of Business and Technology and the UK's NCC Education.
Melchior Koba
Digital transformation is rapidly gaining momentum across Africa, and The Gambia is actively embracing this shift, implementing initiatives to harness the transformative power of technology and reap the benefits of the digital economy
After nine months of collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), The Gambia is preparing to launch a comprehensive "twin-pronged" digital strategy: one for transformation, the other for identification. This plan aims to propel the country into a new era of innovation, fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and government efficiency, as the UNECA says in a statement.
The strategy will be validated at a workshop to be held in the Gambia from Wednesday, December 19 to Thursday, December 20. Among other things, its digital transformation component envisions robust e-government services, streamlined administrative processes, and seamless interactions between citizens and the state. It also calls for the development of high-quality digital infrastructures and the empowerment of citizens in digital skills.
Meanwhile, the digital identification component calls for a standardized, interoperable system, seamlessly connecting citizens to a vast array of government and private sector services. It also defines the means that will be deployed to protect citizens' privacy, in line with best practices and international standards in digital identity management.
The comprehensive strategy is designed to tackle the digital divide, ensuring equitable access for all. According to studies carried out in the country, digital identification could contribute between 1% and 3% to real GDP in the years following its implementation.
Samira Njoya