For several years, she has been working to transform the healthcare sector, convinced that innovation can improve everyday care. She is multiplying entrepreneurial initiatives to ensure that technological advances directly benefit patients.
Wafa B'chir (photo), a Tunisian entrepreneur and university lecturer specializing in entrepreneurial culture within the health sector, is the co-founder and senior partner of Connect’Innov, a key support structure for innovation in health and biology.
Launched in 2020, Connect’Innov focuses on identifying, supporting, and promoting innovative technological projects across e-health, medtech, and biotech. To achieve this, the organization provides a range of initiatives tailored to the specific needs of emerging project leaders.
Among its flagship offerings is Connect’Innov Prep, a training program designed to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and innovation for individuals in the pre-incubation phase. The organization also delivers general training on innovation and entrepreneurship and operates an incubation program for startups in the ideation stage. Through Connect’Innov Link, the structure fosters connections between innovative ecosystems, encouraging collaboration and the sharing of expertise. To date, Connect’Innov has implemented over 40 programs and events, supporting more than 100 startups.
In addition to her work with Connect’Innov, B'chir is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of World Bio Consulting. Based in France, her company offers scientific consulting and project support services in biomedical research, encompassing basic, preclinical, and clinical research across both therapeutic and diagnostic areas.
A strong advocate for women in technology, B'chir serves as a mentor for the Women TechEU project, an initiative backed by the European Union. This program aims to empower European women leading deep tech startups to become the tech leaders of tomorrow.
B'chir's academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in molecular genetics, obtained in 2007 from the University of Toulouse, followed by a master’s degree in pathophysiology in 2009. She further holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular biology, and nutrition, which she earned in 2013 from the University of Auvergne.
Her career began in 2017 at MRM Proteomics, a company specializing in proteomics, where she held successive roles as a proteomics technologies scientist and later as a project and product manager. In 2019, she joined the research center at CHU Sainte-Justine in France as a scientist in biochemistry and molecular medicine. From 2020 to 2021, she also taught at UPSAT, the Faculty of Health Sciences in Tunisia.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He's all in on technological innovation to revolutionize how households use electricity. His startup is focused on making energy cleaner, smarter, and accessible to everyone.
Jon Kornik (photo), a South African serial entrepreneur and finance expert, is at the helm of Plentify, a smart energy startup aiming to democratize access to clean and affordable electricity. Kornik, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, is leveraging technological innovation to reshape household electricity consumption.
Founded in 2017, Plentify develops cutting-edge technologies that link household appliances to more economical and environmentally sound energy sources. The company’s focus is on crafting smart, sustainable solutions that promote energy savings and contribute to the development of more resilient energy systems.
Among Plentify's flagship offerings is HotBot, an intelligent controller designed for water heaters (geysers). HotBot optimizes energy consumption and incorporates a leak detection system, mitigating the risk of expensive bursts. Another key innovation, SolarBot, analyzes weather data, load-shedding schedules, and consumption patterns to maximize users’ solar energy production.
Before co-founding Plentify, Kornik launched Selador Capital in 2008, a social venture capital firm dedicated to fostering profitable businesses in South Africa. The same year, he established the Sub-Saharan Africa office for South Pole Carbon Asset Management, a company specializing in carbon asset development and climate consulting.
Kornik holds a master’s degree in finance from the University of Cape Town, earned in 2005. He furthered his education in 2011, obtaining a master’s degree in social enterprise and entrepreneurship from Columbia Business School.
His career began in 2006 as a business analyst at McKinsey & Company. In 2011, he joined Google, initially as Head of Energy and Sustainability, before being promoted in 2014 to Director of Energy Access and Investments, a role he held until 2016.
By Melchior Koba
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• The Democratic Republic of Congo unveiled a new biometric passport featuring an RFID chip, polycarbonate pages, and advanced security features
• The initiative supports digital sovereignty, online applications to digitize civil registry processes, and reduce offline dependency.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) launched its new biometric passport on Tuesday, May 27, a move aligning the nation with international standards and bolstering its digital sovereignty. The document, a result of government-led reforms, is a key component of a broader initiative to secure citizen identities.
Available to the public starting June 5, the passport integrates a contactless Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) electronic chip that securely stores the holder's biometric data. It also features an ultra-durable polycarbonate page and incorporates advanced visual security elements, including holograms, UV inks, and watermarks, to virtually eliminate forgery. The passport's page count has expanded from 32 to 38, offering increased capacity for frequent travelers.
According to Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the document complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard 39794. This adherence, she noted, ensures both the free movement of Congolese citizens and the protection of their personal data.
The new passport’s incorporation of advanced biometric technologies enables reliable and immediate identification, serving as a robust deterrent against document forgery, identity trafficking, and impersonation, particularly in a regional environment marked by escalating cyber threats.
The passport's introduction is part of the DRC's 2024-2028 Government Action Program, which prioritizes the progressive digitization of public services and the integration of advanced technologies into official documents. Congolese citizens can now submit applications online, with payment options including electronic transfers or through Equity BCDC Bank. Biometric capture centers are currently being established in provincial capitals across the country.
This transition to a digitized system aims to streamline procedures, reduce processing times, and enhance the reliability of civil registry databases, addressing the fact that nearly 70% of travel document procedures in the DRC are still conducted offline.
Ultimately, this biometric passport is expected to facilitate digital integration, providing secure access to government services such as e-visas and online issuance of civil status documents. It could also contribute to the development of an interoperable national database, a valuable tool for social planning, migration policy, and the enhancement of border services.
However, realizing these ambitions will necessitate the DRC establishing a robust legal framework for data protection and building a trustworthy, interconnected digital identification infrastructure that safeguards citizens' rights in the era of digital transformation.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Nigerian Edtech Startup Tespire LLC has been awarded a $100,000 equity-free grant as one of the 12 startups selected for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, run in partnership with Co-creation Hub (CcHUB). The award follows a highly competitive selection process that saw over 1,000 startup applications from across the continent.
This milestone marks a significant step in Tespire’s mission to transform education through technology. The company, which provides data-driven tools for schools and institutions, has developed integrated software and free internet-enabled tablets to enhance school administration and boost revenue generation.
With support from the Mastercard Foundation and CcHUB, Tespire will further refine its solutions, expand its reach, and continue working to close gaps in education access and quality across Africa.
Access to the internet is now a necessity. It improves access to education, healthcare, financial services, and job opportunities. This milestone in Kura is a powerful example of how rural connectivity can directly transform lives—and why it’s urgently needed across Nigeria.
For the first time, the 12,000 residents of Kura, a rural community on the outskirts of Abuja, have access to mobile network and internet services, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, announced on May 29. This development is thanks to a landmark partnership between a rural connectivity initiative, Huawei, and telecom provider Glo.
The new telecom tower was deployed in just two days. Within 48 hours of going live, Kura residents consumed 81.4GB of data and logged 13,144 minutes of voice calls. The site has maintained 100% uptime, with peak LTE download speeds reaching 5.0 Mbps, the minister revealed.
Beyond personal connectivity, the project also supports vital community infrastructure. The local health centre is now linked to global doctors via Huawei’s telemedicine solutions, enabling remote diagnostics and consultations. Meanwhile, the school in Kura is equipped with digital classroom technology, providing students with access to high-quality online learning resources and global educational content for the first time.
A free public WiFi zone has also been launched, ensuring that the entire community, not just those with mobile devices, can benefit from the new digital access.
This pilot is a blueprint for future deployments across Nigeria’s underserved regions. As the project scales, millions more Nigerians could soon experience the transformative power of digital inclusion, from better education and healthcare to economic opportunities and beyond.
Over 20 million Nigerians still live without internet access, according to the Minister. To close this digital gap, the Federal Government has launched a major initiative to deploy 7,000 new telecommunications towers across underserved communities, aiming to connect those who remain entirely cut off from mobile and internet services.
Hikmatu Bilali
By providing an accessible and tailored digital solution, this tech tool helps improve menstrual health among adolescent girls in Burundi and promotes equal opportunities in education and personal development.
Oky is a digital health solution developed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and adapted to the Burundian context by Santé communauté développement (SaCoDé). It aims to break the taboos surrounding menstruation and provide adolescent girls with reliable information about their reproductive health. Oky was launched in May 2023 in Bujumbura.
"In the Burundian context, menstruation is shrouded in silence, myth, and taboo, and is also subject to a certain level of stigmatization," explained Clémentine Irakoze, a representative from the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS. She added, "These girls do not all have knowledge about biological changes, including the menstrual cycle, infections linked to poor menstrual practices, and some lack the means to obtain the sanitary products they need."
The Oky app, co-developed with young Burundian girls, including those with disabilities, is available on both iOS and Android platforms. According to the Google Play Store, it has been downloaded over 50,000 times. It features a cycle tracking calendar, personalized advice, and educational content presented in Kirundi, specifically adapted to local cultural norms.
By using Oky, girls can gain a better understanding of their bodies, plan activities based on their menstrual cycle, and reduce anxiety associated with menstruation. The application further empowers girls by equipping them with essential knowledge crucial for their well-being and education. UNICEF has also received support from various organizations to develop similar Oky applications in Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) for Central Africa and the Great Lakes region and Congo’s National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) are exploring a bolstered partnership in the digital sector.
Discussions to that effect took place between André Alain Kiyindou, AUF regional director, and Oboulas Conrad, ANSSI director general, on the sidelines of the Osiane Tech Fair in Brazzaville. Their talks focused on various areas of cooperation designed to back Congo’s digital transition and tackle evolving technological hurdles.
Key priorities addressed included the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by younger generations, raising awareness about cybercrime, and developing relevant content for vocational training in digital fields. Both parties concurred on the significance of providing pertinent training that encompasses both technical and ethical aspects. This approach aims to support shifts in the labor market and ensure the responsible deployment of technologies.
This initiative underscores a mutual commitment to cultivating a robust, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem. It also aligns with Congo's ambition to foster digital sovereignty while bolstering human capital in critical information and communication technology (ICT) sectors. With a population where 76% are under 35, according to the 2023 General Census of Population and Housing, Congo possesses a significant talent pool for digital sector growth.
Nevertheless, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 18 to 35 stands at 41%, according to an Afrobarometer survey. Consequently, this partnership could help deliver tailored training that is both technical and ethical, thereby assisting labor market evolution and promoting the responsible use of technologies.
The meeting between the AUF and the ANSSI may culminate in tangible projects in the coming months. These potential initiatives include the creation of joint training modules, the organization of awareness workshops, and the strengthening of collaboration between academic institutions and public bodies responsible for cybersecurity.
Samira Njoya
• Liberia launches digital health insurance pilot for vulnerable groups
• MoU signed by LTA, NIR, and NICOL to oversee digital infrastructure
The Liberian government is embarking on a pilot program to expand health insurance access for its most vulnerable citizens by leveraging digital technologies. A memorandum of understanding to launch the initiative was signed on Tuesday, May 27, by the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), in partnership with the National Identification Registry (NIR) and the National Insurance Company of Liberia (NICOL).
The pilot project, set to begin enrollment on July 1, will initially target 5,000 individuals. "The MoU is a pilot project that will provide coverage for groups often underprivileged, including persons with disabilities, unemployed women and youth, pregnant women without support, and children engaged in street trading," the LTA stated in a Facebook post.
Under the agreement's terms, the collaboration will utilize digital identification systems provided by the NIR to ensure robust beneficiary verification and efficient data management. The LTA will oversee the technological infrastructure, guaranteeing secure communication and high-quality service delivery.
This initiative aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's pledge during his inaugural State of the Nation address to establish a national health insurance scheme, aiming to provide affordable healthcare to the country's most disadvantaged. Abdullah Kamara, acting chairman of the LTA, highlighted that studies in other nations demonstrate technology's potential as a catalyst in this domain. Liberia is also pursuing a broader digital transformation agenda.
Officials emphasize that this is currently a pilot program. A successful outcome will allow for comprehensive evaluation of enrollment procedures, service quality, and beneficiary feedback, with the goal of refining the system for a potential large-scale rollout.
However, limited digital penetration, particularly in Liberia's rural areas, could pose implementation challenges. Data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) indicates that internet penetration in Liberia stood at just 23.5% in 2023. The ITU also reported that 59% of Liberians owned a mobile phone, though it did not specify the number of smartphone users.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Togo launches recruitment for "Digital 2025–2030" strategy consultant in bid to update its digital roadmap
New strategy targets digital inclusion, innovation, and economic growth
Focus areas include skills, cybersecurity, and tech startups
The Togolese government, through its Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation, has initiated a recruitment process to select a consultant to develop the nation's next digital strategy. Dubbed "Togo Digital 2025–2030," this new roadmap is designed to update the country's existing strategic framework from 2020, integrating the latest technological advancements and addressing emerging national priorities.
The forthcoming strategic document will outline a series of priority programs and projects aimed at strengthening the digitization of public services, boosting digital entrepreneurship, expanding access to digital services for marginalized populations, and fostering economic growth through innovation.
This initiative underscores Togo’s ambition to establish itself as a significant digital player in West Africa, capable of attracting investments in information and communication technologies. In 2022, the digital sector contributed approximately 4% to the national GDP, a growing figure, though still short of the long-term goal to reach 10% in the coming years.
Despite recent progress, significant challenges persist. In 2023, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) reported that internet penetration reached 84.72%, with over 7.8 million mobile subscribers in a population estimated at 8.9 million. However, the utilization of digital services remains uneven across different regions and social groups within the country.
The "Togo Digital 2025–2030" strategy is expected to focus on several key areas, including improving network coverage, developing local digital skills, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and bolstering the tech startup ecosystem.
The new strategy will also build upon the achievements of its predecessor. Notable progress from the previous framework includes the launch of the e-Gouv government platform, the establishment of digital service centers, and the adoption of crucial legislative texts on cybersecurity and personal data protection.
Through this refreshed roadmap, Togolese authorities aim to stimulate innovation, enhance technological sovereignty, and accelerate the country’s socio-economic transformation.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Algeria and Russia sign cybersecurity MoU to strengthen digital defenses
Agreement includes research, tailored solutions, and training
Deal builds on 2023 Algeria-Russia strategic pact amid rising cyber threats
Proxylan SPA, an Algerian state-owned economic enterprise and a subsidiary of the Centre for Scientific and Technical Information Research (CERIST), signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday, May 25, with Russian cybersecurity firm Positive Technologies. The agreement aims to bolster Algeria's information system protection capabilities as the North African nation accelerates its digitalization efforts across both public and private sectors.
"This is an extremely positive step for the development of cybersecurity programs to benefit Algerian businesses and institutions across all digital sectors," said Idris Si-ahmed, CEO of Proxylan. "Such a partnership illustrates the strong ties between Algeria and Russia."
Specifically, the memorandum outlines joint projects focused on research, the design of cybersecurity solutions tailored to the Algerian context, and the deployment of training programs to strengthen local expertise. The cooperation could also expand into other technological domains, including smart cities, e-government systems, and critical digital services, particularly in the banking sector.
This partnership follows a strategic agreement signed in 2023 between Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which sought to deepen bilateral relations in forward-looking sectors.
Through this initiative, Algeria aims to establish a sovereign digital infrastructure capable of supporting its ongoing digital transformation. In this context, cybersecurity has become a strategic pillar, especially as cyberattacks targeting institutions and businesses are on the rise. Data from Kaspersky indicates that over 70 million cyberattacks have targeted Algeria, partly driven by the increase in remote work and widespread connectivity. This situation underscores the critical need for customized solutions and specialized skills to protect vital infrastructure.
On the Russian side, Positive Technologies, founded in 2002 and listed on the Moscow Stock Exchange, is considered a leader in the cybersecurity sector. The company already serves sensitive entities in North Africa and the Middle East. The partnership with Algeria could enable Positive Technologies to expand its footprint in North Africa while addressing the increasing demand for cybersecurity solutions adapted to specific national requirements.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He embodies a committed vision of technology in the service of youth. At the helm of an incubator he founded, he harnesses innovation to train, support, and showcase the country’s digital talents.
Robin Businde, a computer scientist and entrepreneur, is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nguvu Tech, a technology incubator established in 2020 that supports young individuals in their digital and creative ventures.
Nguvu Tech positions itself as a catalyst for innovation, providing a collaborative workspace and think tank for young Congolese developers and creatives. The incubator offers training and coaching across diverse fields including technology, education, entrepreneurship, art, and culture. Its overarching objective is to foster the emergence of local and inclusive digital solutions.
Among its services, Nguvu Tech specializes in graphic design, website and application development, and IT systems development. The incubator has also launched Openclasslearn, an e-learning platform designed to enable young people to acquire skills and pursue independent training online. Through these initiatives, Nguvu Tech aims to blend technological innovation with social impact and cultural enrichment.
Businde, who earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Kigali Independent University in Rwanda in 2024, previously worked as a web developer for the Nigerian digital company 3D Africa Youths Organization between 2022 and 2023.
In 2024, his dedication was recognized at the EclosionHack Hackathon, where Nguvu Tech secured second place with its YETU MUSEUM project. This digital platform, designed for the exhibition and sale of artworks, incorporates artificial intelligence for the authentication of artistic creations—a project that uniquely converges technology, culture, and entrepreneurship.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He relies on local innovation to develop sustainable solutions and train digital talents. Through his initiatives, he is building a technology ecosystem rooted in Kribi, yet oriented toward the whole of Africa.
Jacques Bonjawo (photo) is a Cameroonian scientist and tech entrepreneur, committed for several years to digital transformation on the African continent. He is the founder and president of Ocean Innovation Center (OIC), a technology and entrepreneurship hub established in 2017 in Kribi, southern Cameroon.
The OIC operates as both an incubator and accelerator for startups, with a core mission to train young people in digital professions, foster the creation of high-potential technology companies, and generate employment opportunities within the sector. Beyond enterprise development, the center actively supports the social inclusion of women through technological innovation and assists local businesses in their digital transformation journeys.
The OIC offers collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate interaction and project development among entrepreneurs and investors. It currently provides approximately 20 online courses led by over 50 experts, having already trained more than 1,000 students in information technology, communication, and digitalization. The center boasts over 100 classrooms, ready to accommodate new learners.
In addition to his work with the OIC, Jacques Bonjawo chairs the Africa AI Forum, a pan-African platform dedicated to artificial intelligence. This initiative promotes an ethical and responsible approach to AI development on the continent, encouraging collaboration between African experts and international partners.
Bonjawo's extensive career in technology and finance began after earning a Master's degree in Finance and Investments from George Washington University in the United States in 1995. He started at PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1997 as a senior associate. The following year, he joined Microsoft, serving as a systems engineer and project manager before becoming a program manager in 2000. From 2004 to 2005, he oversaw the Microsoft IT Academy program.
In 2005, Bonjawo moved to Aditi Technologies, a software development company, as a program manager. More recently, he served as the Information Systems Manager at General Dynamics Information Technology, an American tech company, between 2019 and 2020. From 2019 until February 2025, he also chaired the Industry Board of Alumni Affairs at George Washington University.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
• Madagascar launches e-Ariary pilot to modernize payments
• Designed for mobile phones and offline use, the currency supports everyday transactions
• The trial involves banks, public services, vendors, and more.
Madagascar's central bank launched a 10-month pilot program for its digital currency, the e-Ariary, on Friday, May 23, aiming to modernize the financial system and boost inclusion across the island nation. The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on physical cash, lower transaction costs, improve financial traceability, and expand access to financial services, particularly in rural areas.
"We hope that, by the end of this process, the use of banknotes will decline, as managing them is very expensive for the Central Bank," said Aivo Andrianarivelo, Governor of the Central Bank of Madagascar. He noted that the 100 Ariary note, equivalent to about $0.022, does not even cover its printing cost and has a short lifespan of approximately six months, requiring frequent replacement that Madagascar cannot undertake domestically.
The e-Ariary is designed for broad accessibility, usable via smartphones, basic mobile phones, and offline methods such as QR codes, smart cards, and point-of-sale terminals. Its primary applications will include everyday transactions like merchant payments, transportation fares, salary disbursements, and social transfers, with an emphasis on affordability for all users.
The digital currency is intended to complement, rather than replace, existing financial tools, particularly mobile money platforms, which will continue operating in parallel. In 2023, Madagascar recorded over 10 million mobile money accounts, significantly outnumbering the 3 million traditional bank accounts. Mobile money platforms facilitated nearly 342 million transactions totaling 38,161 billion Ariary (approximately $8.5 billion USD), underscoring the increasing prominence of digital services in the country's financial landscape.
The pilot program will rigorously test the technical infrastructure, transaction security, and priority use cases of the e-Ariary. It will also assess the digital currency’s broader socio-economic impact. A diverse group of stakeholders is participating in the trial, including commercial banks, microfinance institutions, state-run entities such as the utility company Jirama, market vendors, the Treasury, and the tax administration.
Central to the rollout will be extensive user awareness campaigns, as public understanding and confidence are considered vital for the successful adoption of the e-Ariary. If successful, the project is expected to usher in a new era of digital payments in Madagascar, establishing a more inclusive, transparent, and interoperable financial ecosystem while supporting ongoing efforts to formalize the economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Reducing the cost of mobile data in Ghana is a significant step toward promoting digital inclusion, economic participation, and national development. For many Ghanaians, affordable internet access is not just a convenience but a necessity for education, e-commerce, financial services, and civic engagement.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has assured Ghanaians that the cost of mobile data will drop by the end of 2025. He said the Ministry is working closely with telecommunications stakeholders to make data more affordable.
Speaking during the 2025 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on May 19, held under the theme "Gender Equality in Digital Transformation," the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on this promise.
“To the young people and all citizens of this country, I promised that by the end of this year, we’ll see data prices drop — and I remain committed to it. We will deliver, but trust the process,” he said.
His remarks follow recent public criticism on social media, where concerns were raised that a committee he established in February has not yet led to a reduction in data tariffs. The Minister clarified that the committee’s mandate was not to cut prices directly but to develop a strategic plan.
He urged the public to be patient, pointing to ongoing efforts to correct market imbalances caused by what he described as “eight years of policy distortions” under the previous administration.
The assurance comes at a time when high data costs continue to be a major concern for consumers and digital entrepreneurs alike. High data costs remain a major barrier to inclusive digital development, particularly in remote areas where infrastructure is weaker and incomes are lower.
According to recent market surveillance by the Billing Verification Unit of the National Communications Authority (NCA) published April 2024, the average cost of 1GB of data per month in Ghana is GH₵6.30 (approximately $0.61). The study further revealed that the cheapest 1GB package costs as little as GH₵1.08 ($0.10), while the most expensive reaches GH₵16.77 ($1.62). This wide disparity in pricing highlights the inconsistencies in data affordability across different service providers and regions, reinforcing the need for regulatory oversight and market reforms.
Hikmatu Bilali