Healthcare in Tunisia prioritizes efficiency and transparency. To meet the evolving needs of its population and enhance service delivery, the country has fully embraced digital transformation within the healthcare sector.
Tunisian Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani (photo, right) on Wednesday inaugurated a digital platform for managing medicines and health products, a significant step in the country's pharmaceutical sector digital transformation.
Developed by the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products (ANMPS), the platform aims to streamline administrative processes, particularly for issuing marketing authorizations (AMMs) and promotional licenses. It will also improve medicine traceability and provide citizens with online access to administrative services.
“This initiative will enable Tunisia to join the ranks of developed countries that rely on the pharmaceutical industry and the export of medicines,” stated Ferjani. He also highlighted that this innovation will help improve Tunisia’s ranking in global health standards by targeting the GBT3 level established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The digital platform is designed to simplify and accelerate administrative processes, particularly for issuing marketing authorizations (AMMs) for medicines and promotional licenses. It will also enhance the traceability of medicines while making administrative services accessible online to citizens.
The project, carried out by a team of over 100 Tunisian experts with support from the United States, is part of a broader digitization program aimed at modernizing several strategic sectors in Tunisia. These efforts have already elevated Tunisia to the top spot in North Africa and third place on the continent for e-government, according to the UN’s “E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development.” With an online service development index of 0.6935 out of 1, Tunisia significantly surpasses the African average of 0.4247.
In addition to modernizing pharmaceutical administration, this initiative aims to enhance transparency, attract investment, and improve interconnectivity between government departments. With this advancement, Tunisia reaffirms its role as a regional leader in digital transformation, strengthens its healthcare sovereignty, and aligns with global best practices.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
African fintech Moniepoint has received investment from Visa. This partnership, announced on January 23, aims to expand financial access and foster economic growth across the continent.
The collaboration will leverage Visa’s expertise in global payments and Moniepoint’s deep understanding of African businesses to enhance payment infrastructure and support SMEs.
This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing digital payments and empowering Africa’s economic future.
He is a venture capital investor with over 25 years of experience in executive and management roles. His focus is on investing in technology companies based in Africa and the Middle East.
Ahmed El Alfi (photo) is an Egyptian entrepreneur and venture capitalist dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs across Africa. He is the founder and chairman of Sawari Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in technology-driven businesses in the region.
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Cairo, Sawari Ventures focuses on funding startups in North Africa that leverage innovative technologies and knowledge-based solutions. The firm’s mission is to support entrepreneurs in building transformative businesses capable of driving sustainable economic growth in local markets.
Sawari Ventures primarily invests in early-stage and growth-stage startups across a diverse range of sectors, including consumer internet, fintech, edtech, healthtech, deeptech, e-commerce, and enabling infrastructure. A portion of its budget is allocated to seed investments, contributing to the strengthening of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In 2011, El Alfi co-founded Flat6Labs, a regional startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on seed and early-stage investments in Africa and the Middle East. This initiative has played a critical role in nurturing startups by providing funding, mentorship, and resources.
El Alfi also ventured into education with the launch of Nafham in 2011, an online platform offering educational videos aligned with the Egyptian public school curriculum. The platform aims to enhance access to quality education for students across the country.
In 2013, El Alfi launched The GrEEK CAMPUS, a technology and innovation park in Cairo. He served as its chairman until 2022. The campus provides state-of-the-art office spaces for startups and established companies in technology and media, fostering a collaborative and innovative business environment.
With more than 25 years of experience in executive and leadership roles, Ahmed El Alfi has become a pivotal figure in Africa’s tech ecosystem. His investments and initiatives continue to empower entrepreneurs and accelerate the region’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A recognized pioneer in African blockchain, he brings years of experience to the field. He has collaborated with numerous public and private sector organizations and successfully founded several startups throughout his career.
Lorien Gamaroff (photo) is a South African computer scientist and co-founder, as well as the CEO, of CentBee, a company specializing in cryptocurrency payments.
Founded in 2017, CentBee offers an innovative platform that merges social networking with digital money management, simplifying everyday transactions. Built on blockchain technology, the platform allows users to make payments with brands and stores worldwide. It also enables secure and straightforward storage, sending, and receiving of digital money.
“A lot of people think that Centbee is a crypto wallet but we are not a crypto wallet. We don’t support multiple cryptos, we don’t have charts, we don’t allow users to trade or anything like that. It does fit solidly in the mobile money category which is how a lot of emerging economies work these days,” said Gamaroff in 2024.
In addition to his role at CentBee, Gamaroff serves on the advisory board of the African Utility Week Conference, a three-day trade show and conference bringing together professionals from Africa’s electricity, energy, and water sectors. He is also an ambassador for the Bitcoin Association in Africa.
Before founding CentBee, Gamaroff co-founded LiveBet in 1999, an online sports betting platform where he served as Chief Technology Officer until 2002. In 2014, he founded Bankymoon, a trailblazing company in blockchain applications. The following year, he co-founded Blockchain Academy, serving as Training Director.
Gamaroff holds a degree in computer science and music from Rhodes University (1997) and a software engineering degree from the University of South Africa (2008). His professional journey began in 1998 at Grey Group, a global advertising agency, where he worked as a creative director. He later held Chief Technology Officer roles at various firms, including Professional Development Institute, a software publisher, and Invirohub, a company specializing in smart metering and monitoring solutions for public, private, and residential sectors.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As a global leader in e-government, ranking sixth worldwide, Saudi Arabia is increasingly attracting African nations seeking partners for their digital transformation journeys. This growing interest was recently solidified with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Morocco in December 2024.
Rwanda is exploring potential collaboration with Saudi Arabia in digital transformation, the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation announced earlier this week. Minister Paula Ingabire met with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to discuss a potential partnership.
Discussions between the two ministers focused on innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, and enhancing technological capacity. Any eventual partnership would fall under the framework of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to leverage ICT and innovation to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and transition to a knowledge-based, upper-middle-income economy by 2035.
Saudi Arabia, ranked sixth globally on the UN's 2024 E-Government Development Index, boasts a near-perfect score of 0.9602 out of 1. The kingdom has also excelled in subcategories like online services (0.9900) and telecom infrastructure (0.9841). Moreover, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recognizes Saudi Arabia as a cybersecurity model, having fully complied with all five pillars of the cybersecurity index.
In contrast, Rwanda ranks 118th on the global e-government index, with a score of 0.5799—above the East African average (0.3903) and the continental average (0.4247) but below the global average of 0.6382. The ITU also highlights Rwanda as a strong performer in cybersecurity but still faces gaps in technical measures.
A potential partnership with Saudi Arabia could significantly accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation. However, while broad areas of cooperation have been discussed, the specifics are yet to be outlined. Talks remain early, and no agreements have been finalized or officially announced.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Director of the Egyptian Military Academy, Ashraf Salem Zaher, hosted ICT Minister Amr Talaat and his delegation at the Academy’s Strategic Command headquarters to discuss collaboration opportunities.
The meeting, announced on January 21, focused on launching a joint initiative between the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Military Academy. It seeks to train 2,000–3,000 students in cutting-edge fields like AI, software development, data science, cybersecurity, and digital arts.
The program will offer academic pathways, including diplomas, master’s degrees, and professional certifications, alongside cultural and soft skills training.
Digital skills training equips youth and marginalized populations with opportunities to participate in the digital economy, reducing unemployment and poverty. Ultimately, digital investments bridge the digital divide, foster social inclusion, and create resilient, technology-driven economies poised for sustainable development.
Eswatini has partnered with Google to leverage Google’s cutting-edge tools and expertise to advance its ‘Government in Your Hand’ initiative. The collaboration, announced on January 20, under the theme “Innovating Together: Strategic Partnerships for Eswatini’s Digital Transformation and Economic Prosperity” focuses on equipping Eswatini’s youth with essential digital skills to navigate and excel in a tech-driven world.
Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, underscored the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration symbolizes a shared vision of leveraging innovation to transform Eswatini into a digital hub that competes globally. With 70% of our population being youth, this initiative lays the foundation for creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and accelerating sustainable economic development.”
The Government in Your Hand initiative is a flagship program aimed at digitizing public services, increasing citizen engagement, and improving government efficiency. The partnership will empower the youth with digital skills, enhance public service delivery through advanced technology, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Eswatini's digital readiness is rated as 'systematic,' with a score of 2.6, reflecting steady progress in critical areas of digital transformation, according to the 2024 Digital Readiness Assessment Report developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Efforts are focused on overcoming outdated technology and addressing limited digital skills, particularly within local government. While the country’s strong literacy rate of 89.28% provides a solid foundation for developing digital competencies, significant gaps remain, especially among older populations and rural communities, further compounded by the absence of an ICT-focused education policy.
The initiative will address unemployment, stimulate economic growth, and create a sustainable, innovation-driven ecosystem. Eswatini’s collaboration with Google reflects a growing trend among African nations to prioritize digital transformation as a key driver of economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
Hikmatu Bilali
As part of its digital transformation ambitions, the Congolese government has set a goal of developing the country's digital sector and infrastructure. This initiative is part of the 'Congo Digital 2025' strategy, which is set to conclude this year.
Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy Léon Juste Ibombo (photo, right) unveiled an ambitious roadmap on Wednesday to tackle the challenges of digital, financial, and social inclusion by the end of the year. Reappointed to his position, Ibombo reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the sector in line with directives from President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, who emphasized the need for "tangible results" during the last Council of Ministers.
"The President of the Republic firmly reminded government members of the need to accelerate the implementation of priority projects, which symbolize the expected response to the population's essential needs. He stressed the importance of concrete achievements," Ibombo explained.
The roadmap established by the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy is built around several strategic pillars. According to the roadmap, the priority for postal service operator SOPECO is to restore a peaceful social climate, a prerequisite for advancing structural reforms and developing new innovative digital products. Congo Telecom SA is preparing to launch its mobile network in the country's main cities, a critical project for the historic operator. The Digital Economy Development Agency (ADEN) is tasked with supporting young innovators, overseeing the e-government portal, and organizing initiatives such as the Denis Sassou N’Guesso Prize, in partnership with Huawei.
The Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN) is also a key project in that roadmap. It plans to connect 186 rural localities to electronic communications and train 1,200 young people in digital skills. Other initiatives include restructuring the General Directorate of Posts and Telecommunications and reducing the digital divide through the Regulatory Agency for Posts and Electronic Communications (ARPCE).
A rigorous monitoring and monthly evaluation system will accompany this mobilization to ensure the completion of priority projects. Through modernizing infrastructure and strengthening digital capabilities, this roadmap is expected to make 2025 a pivotal year for digital inclusion and the socio-economic development of the Republic of the Congo.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
After achieving significant growth in smaller cities across eastern Algeria, logistics startup Wajeez has successfully expanded to the capital, Algiers. The company now plans to expand its operations to other countries throughout the African continent.
Founded in 2018 as FoodBeeper by Mohamed Salah Tourab, Wajeez is a digital platform that streamlines the delivery of meals and fresh produce. Since its inception, the startup has broadened its services to encompass a variety of items and personalized shopping experiences.
The Wajeez mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, has been downloaded over 100,000 times according to data from the Google Play Store. After creating an account, users can easily utilize the search bar at the top of the page to locate specific items or partner stores. They can then add products to their cart, complete the checkout process, and receive their deliveries.
When users search for a store, they gain access to its entire catalog. Additionally, Wajeez features a loyalty program that offers rewards, discounts, and a premium service.
Wajeez Gold is a subscription service that provides access to exclusive offers. With a monthly subscription, users can enjoy 5% cashback on all food orders, earn double loyalty points for quicker rewards, and unlock the Courier service, which allows them to send, receive, and purchase anything they desire within their city without hassle.
The platform is currently operational in 13 cities across Algeria. In 2023, it expanded its reach to Dakar, Senegal, marking an important milestone in its African expansion plan.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Febriol Bewa
He has approximately seven years of experience in business finance and evaluation. With GoGetta, he aims to empower African entrepreneurs by providing access to funding for their projects.
Sthembiso Zwane (photo) is a South African finance expert and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of GoGetta, a startup specializing in venture capital and private equity.
Founded in 2022, GoGetta connects venture capital opportunities in Africa with investors worldwide. The company identifies high-growth African businesses in need of funding and links them with potential investors.
Through GoGetta, international investors can fund promising African companies in exchange for equity stakes. Before listing a company on its platform, the startup conducts a rigorous evaluation of its financial health, market position, leadership capabilities, and growth potential, ensuring optimal returns for its investors.
Sthembiso Zwane has been serving, since 2013, as a marketing and finance assistant at the KwaZulu-Natal Society for the Blind (KZNSB), an organization advocating for the rights of blind and visually impaired individuals in the KwaZulu-Natal region. Additionally, he works as an investment professional at Grovest Corporate Advisory, an investment firm.
Zwane holds a bachelor’s degree in financial management from IIE Varsity College in South Africa, which he earned in 2015. Between 2019 and 2022, he worked as an investment manager at Fulo Capital, a housing fund focused on student accommodation with an emphasis on impact investment.
In 2023, he was recognized as one of the 200 Most Influential Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian magazine.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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With the ongoing digital transformation, instant payment systems are emerging as key solutions to ensure fast, secure, and accessible transactions. They are essential for modernizing economies and providing more efficient and inclusive banking services.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday launched the Somali Instant Payment System (SIPS). Developed jointly by the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) and the Somali Bankers Association, SIPS is designed to facilitate instant, secure, and transparent transactions between local banks.
“For our country to rebuild, we must support the private sector and investment. We are preparing laws to safeguard people’s finances, prevent terrorist funding, and implement government plans that are central to the security, economy, and development of Somali society” said Hamza Abdi Barre during the launch event.
SIPS serves as a centralized platform connecting the CBS and local private banks, enabling real-time money transfers between financial institutions. The system aims to reduce interbank payment delays, eliminate inefficiencies, and minimize the risks associated with cash transactions, which remain prevalent in the country. Key stakeholders include the CBS, which oversees and regulates the system, and private banks, which act as access points for businesses and individuals.
The launch comes as Somalia pursues economic recovery, seeking to modernize its financial infrastructure and promote the digitization of services. By implementing a modern payment system, the Somali government aims to boost investor confidence, strengthen efforts to combat illicit financial practices, and enhance transparency in financial transactions.
With SIPS, Somalia enters a new economic era. The system is expected to not only improve banking efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of local businesses but also contribute to overall economic growth. It paves the way for inclusive prosperity for Somali citizens and lays the foundation for a resilient and innovative economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is dedicated to providing financial services that transform the lives of individuals and businesses across Africa. His primary goal is to promote financial inclusion throughout the continent.
Ken Kakena (photo), a tech entrepreneur from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is the co-founder and CEO of fintech startup Mekka Group. Founded in 2024, Mekka Group develops technological infrastructure aimed at transforming how businesses in Africa make and receive payments. It offers tailored financial solutions to help companies place orders, pay suppliers, collect payments, access instant credit, and track their financial activities in real-time.
Mekka Group provides personalized financial solution that allows businesses to place orders, pay suppliers, collect payments, access instant credit, and monitor their finances in real time. Whether for freelancers, merchants, or large corporations, the startup adapts to the specific needs of each client.
The company also facilitates the sending of electronic invoices and receipts. In terms of payments, the startup enables users to accept transactions via mobile money or cash from anywhere and transfer funds to their bank accounts.
Before Mekka Group, Ken Kakena co-founded Wizall Money in 2015, a startup specializing in mobile money solutions for businesses, organizations, and governments to handle disbursement and collection operations. It operates in Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Ken Kakena holds a master’s degree in marketing, which he earned in 2012 from ISTEC Business School Paris, a higher education institution specializing in business and marketing. Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, he worked from 2013 to 2016 as a mobile financial services consultant at Advise Consulting & Technology, a company specializing in organizational, management, and business training consulting.
With Wizall Money, Ken Kakena received the Makatuno Prize in 2019, which honors individuals and companies that have elevated the DRC’s reputation internationally. In 2021, Wizall Money also won the award for Best Digital Innovation Company at the annual event Calebasses de l’excellence Awards.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Madagascar aims to accelerate the digital transformation of all sectors of the economy. Last week, the government identified two pilot sites to launch the country's hospital digitization program.
The Malagasy government plans to transform the National Center for Distance Learning of Madagascar (CNTEMAD) into a digital university. A working meeting was held on Tuesday, January 21, bringing together various stakeholders: the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, the CNTEMAD leadership, and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), which serves as the technical partner for the initiative.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the technical improvements necessary for the project’s implementation. “One of the agenda items was the development of a timeline for the project’s implementation, as well as the coordination of the technical aspects required for its realization,” informed the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications in a press release, without providing further details.
Established in 1992, CNTEMAD primarily relies on printed materials for instruction, supplemented by assignments, in-person group sessions, and practical ICT-focused exercises. The institution encourages group work and offers audiovisual resources upon request. Examinations are conducted twice a year. In 2024, CNTEMAD served approximately 17,000 students. Its transformation into a digital university aligns with efforts to digitize the national education system as part of a broader national digital transformation initiative.
In July 2024, the government launched the process of digitizing schools across the country. The project aims to equip administrative and educational zones and institutions with tools and resources to leverage digital technologies effectively.
However, challenges remain. Internet availability and access to compatible devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) may limit student access to the digital university's platforms. According to the Communication Technology Regulation Authority (ARTEC), internet penetration in Madagascar was 32.57% in 2024, with an estimated population of 30.3 million.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
With over 120 million inhabitants, Ethiopia has an immense digital potential.
The country is actively working to expand internet access, modernize its infrastructure, and embrace innovative technological solutions.
Ethiopia is working to accelerate internet development and bridge the digital divide, Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla said on Monday. Speaking at the opening of the Internet Development Conference (IDC), Molla emphasized the government's commitment to building an inclusive and dynamic digital ecosystem for all citizens.
The Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy will serve as a roadmap for this effort, guiding the modernization of internet infrastructure, raising digital literacy awareness, and promoting responsible technology use. The government also aims to collaborate closely with member countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to improve connectivity in remote areas and ensure equitable and secure internet access.
Ethiopia has made significant progress in recent years. 4G coverage now reaches 34.8% of the population, and 5G services are available in 14 cities. The country currently boasts 80.5 million mobile subscribers and 45 million broadband users. Innovative solutions like Telebirr, a mobile payment service with 51.54 million users, demonstrate the potential of digital technology to drive financial inclusion and transform economic transactions.
The GSMA's Digital Economy Ethiopia Report forecasts further growth in connectivity, with more than 50 million Ethiopians expected to be connected to mobile internet by 2028, nearly double the current figure. This increased connectivity could contribute approximately $2.5 billion to the agricultural sector and $2 billion to the manufacturing industry by 2028.
These advancements are expected to solidify Ethiopia's role as a driver of digital transformation within the IGAD region while delivering sustainable economic and social benefits for its citizens.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji