Senegal's digital transformation is driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. By supporting digital projects and offering targeted training programs, the country aims to promote inclusion, boost economic growth, and address social challenges.
In Senegal, the General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Young People (DER/FJ) plans to enhance its support for innovation and digitization in 2025 by investing 11.3 billion CFA francs ($18.08 million) in various projects. These funds will be allocated to several initiatives, including financing 15,000 micro-enterprises and facilitating the formalization of 10,000 businesses. The initiative was announced on Wednesday, January 15th, during a ceremony to present the results of the call for empowerment projects launched between September 24th and October 11th, 2024.
With an initial budget of 5 billion CFA francs, DER/FJ successfully financed 9,000 projects in 2024, amounting to a total investment of 5.6 billion CFA francs. Notably, many of these initiatives targeted the digital sector through programs like Lionstech (allocating €1 million to accelerate start-ups) and D4D (mobilizing €350,000 to support 100% digital projects). Start-ups such as Paps (logistics), Kalispot (fintech), and Sotilma (agritech) were among the primary beneficiaries of these programs.
These efforts align with the "New Technological Deal," a Senegalese government initiative aimed at establishing the country as a regional leader in innovation. This strategy emphasizes strategic investments in innovative start-ups and SMEs, which are critical drivers of digital transformation and economic growth.
For 2025, DER/FJ plans a series of initiatives to build upon the success of the previous campaign. In addition to startup financing, DER/FJ intends to significantly enhance the capacities of 10,000 beneficiaries through targeted training programs. These programs will equip them with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today's rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
South African insurtech Naked announced today, January 21, that it has raised $38 million (about R700 million) in a Series B2 funding round led by global impact investor BlueOrchard. Existing investors, including Hollard, Yellowwoods, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and DEG, also participated.
Naked revolutionizes insurance with its fully digital platform powered by AI and automation. Customers can get quotes, purchase coverage, file claims, or pause accident insurance entirely online, without human interaction.
The funding will strengthen AI and automation, expand products and markets, boost marketing to grow its customer base, and meet regulatory capital requirements for its rapid growth.
Data Community Africa (DCA), in collaboration with DataCamp Donates, is offering free DataCamp licenses worth $150 to $300 to African data professionals for 2025/2026.
Participants can choose from learning tracks such as Data Science with R, Data Science with Python, Data Analysis with R, Data Analysis with Python, and Data Analysis with SQL
To access this opportunity, individuals must join the Data Community Africa network. This initiative aims to build data expertise and support Africa’s growing digital economy.
Digital technology is revolutionizing education across the globe, unlocking new avenues for learning, inclusivity, and innovation. By seamlessly integrating technology into the educational landscape, stakeholders strive to bridge educational gaps, cultivate creativity, and empower young people to navigate the complexities of today's interconnected world.
Senegal's Ministry of National Education and Télé-École, an educational television channel, signed a partnership agreement on Thursday, January 16th, under the NuMEd Awards initiative. This collaboration aims to integrate technology and media into Senegal's education system, bridging the digital divide and fostering innovative teaching practices nationwide.
"Through the NuMEd Awards, the Ministry and Télé-École strive to create a virtuous cycle of education – one that is increasingly inclusive, engaging, and interconnected," the Ministry of National Education wrote in a press release. "This will equip every young Senegalese with the tools to succeed and navigate the challenges of the modern world."
The partnership will focus on expanding training programs, developing customized digital content, and ensuring equitable access to online tools for all students, including those in remote rural areas. The ultimate goal is to minimize regional disparities and create a strong foundation for shared academic success.
This initiative aligns with the Senegalese government's broader vision to accelerate the digital transformation of the education sector. This includes incorporating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into school curricula to prepare Senegal's youth for the digital economy of the future. This partnership also coincides with the unveiling of a national digital education strategy, backed by a five-year budget of $206 million.
Télé-École, a pioneer in educational broadcasting, plans to deepen its commitment by investing in digital platforms and introducing innovative teaching methodologies. This collaboration is expected to reach a wider audience and enhance communication among students, teachers, and parents, paving the way for a more connected and inclusive education system.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Integrating trade and technology is critical to digital development, with far-reaching implications for economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. By combining trade policies with technological innovation, countries can unlock new markets, improve productivity, and enhance service delivery.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, met with the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. According to a January 16 press release from the Ministry of Communications, they discussed collaborative strategies to boost Nigeria’s economy and enhance its global competitiveness. The meeting focused on leveraging technological innovation to strengthen trade policies, attract foreign investment, and expand international trade.
Minister Oduwole emphasized the role of digital innovation in advancing trade, highlighting that “International trade and investment is a big agenda for us. We are scaling up where we can be globally competitive.”
Bosun Tijani aligned the collaboration with the Tinubu administration’s focus on driving economic prosperity through technology, noting that “Modern day technology is a key enabler for any economy. If you increase investment in technology by 10%, it can produce a 25% increase in GDP. "
According to Minister Oduwale, areas of collaboration include the National E-Commerce Policy (NEPS 2023-2027), the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), leadership in AfCFTA, and efforts to diversify service exports.
Both ministers urged the private sector to seize opportunities provided by their ministries and highlighted Nigeria’s trade mission in the U.S. as a platform for prospective investors.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the digital economy contributed 13.12% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2024. This underscores the sector’s growing importance as a driver of economic transformation. Strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy could amplify this momentum, fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness in the global digital market.
Hikmatu Bilali
In partnership with Telecom Egypt, the National Network for PWD Services (Taheel) has launched a training program to enhance English proficiency and computer skills for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The initiative, announced on January 12 by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, aims to prepare 500 participants for the job market by equipping them with essential skills and boosting their employability.
The program is part of Taheel’s mission to provide tailored services, including training and employment opportunities, for PwDs.
The Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy is recruiting 290 ICT Assistant III professionals to advance Kenya's digital landscape.
This initiative aims to strengthen ICT capabilities and drive innovation in public service. Applications are open until February 4, 2025.
A trained geologist with extensive experience in business management, entrepreneurship, and technology, he has successfully launched ventures in the finance and automotive sectors.
Justus Obaoye (photo) is a Nigerian entrepreneur specializing in technology and finance. He is the co-founder and CEO of Billboxx, an innovative cash management solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The startup facilitates incoming and outgoing payments while optimizing businesses' cash flow management.
Founded in 2023 by Justus Obaoye and Abdulazeez Ogunjobi, Billboxx addresses the common issue of payment delays that disrupt SME operations. The platform simplifies and automates billing and payment processes, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities.
"We found that many businesses struggle with inefficiencies in billing and cash flow management, often relying on manual processes or Excel sheets," Justus Obaoye noted. This insight led to the creation of Billboxx.
In December 2024, Billboxx secured $1.6 million in a funding round combining debt and equity. These funds will enhance the startup's technological infrastructure, expand its partnerships, and tackle the issue of payment delays affecting SMEs.
Before launching Billboxx, Justus Obaoye had extensive entrepreneurial experience. In 2018, he co-founded Charistouch Technologies, a tech solutions startup that was acquired by Cars45 in November 2019. In 2021, he co-founded Fixit45, an automotive technology company, where he served as CEO until 2022.
Justus Obaoye graduated from the University of Ilorin in Nigeria with a bachelor's degree in geology in 2008. He began his professional career that same year at Schlumberger as a geoscience support specialist. In 2013, he became a data manager at Sahara Energy Field, an energy sector company.
Between 2012 and 2019, he also served as a managing partner at Quantum Bridge, a strategic development consulting firm. In 2022, Justus Obaoye was the Country Manager for Bolt in Nigeria, a mobility company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Moroccan government aims to accelerate the development of a national digital economy by 2030. A key focus of this initiative is developing the local startup ecosystem.
The Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform announced on Sunday, January 19, the creation of a new association dedicated to advancing fintech in Morocco. Named the "Morocco Fintech Center" (MFC), this association already comprises around 15 banks and institutions and remains open to other organizations interested in joining.
According to Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), Morocco's central bank, the MFC is designed to serve as a one-stop shop for fintech companies. It will support their growth through mentorship programs, incubation, acceleration, skill development, and facilitate understanding of the regulatory environment as well as access to financing. Additionally, the MFC aims to foster a collaborative fintech ecosystem that encourages partnerships and networking opportunities while promoting research and development in financial innovation.
In December 2024, Abderrahim Bouazza, Director General of BAM, announced plans to launch a fintech hub in January. This initiative aligns with Morocco's ambition to build a globally competitive local startup ecosystem by implementing specific measures to support the creation, growth, and international expansion of digital startups. This effort falls under the second pillar of the "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, which focuses on energizing the digital economy.
The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government's target of fostering 1,000 certified Moroccan startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030, compared to just 380 in 2022. By 2030, the goal is to raise 7 billion dirhams ($696.6 million) for local startups, a significant increase from the 260 million dirhams raised in 2022. Furthermore, the government envisions Morocco having 10 "gazelles" (high-growth startups) and one to two unicorns by 2030.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is a cornerstone of modernizing public infrastructure and fostering social and economic inclusion. Through ambitious initiatives, many countries are driving digitization, leading to increased transparency and sustainable growth.
Mauritania has reached a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the official launch of the Digital-Y project on Thursday, January 16, in Nouakchott. Overseen by the Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde (photo, center), the initiative aims to modernize public services, promote digital inclusion, and lay the foundation for transparent and efficient governance.
According to Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde, the project underscores the Mauritanian government's commitment to integrating digital tools into public administration to modernize services, strengthen administrative transparency, and drive economic and social development. He emphasized the importance of making these services accessible to all, particularly to reduce regional disparities and foster true digital inclusion.
The Digital-Y project is funded to the tune of €4 million and is being carried out in partnership with the German cooperation. It aligns with Mauritania's national digital transformation strategy, focusing on developing tailored solutions for public services, establishing unified standards, and enhancing the digital capacities of both institutions and citizens. Additionally, the program seeks to boost the national economy through e-commerce and foster strategic partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and technical and financial partners.
Despite ongoing challenges, this initiative represents a significant step forward for Mauritania as it strives to transform its public services into modern, efficient, and inclusive tools. The project is expected to improve Mauritania's e-Government Development Index (EGDI) ranking from the United Nations. In 2024, the country ranked 165th out of 193 countries with a score of 0.3491 out of 1, compared to 172nd in 2022. These advancements underscore the country's efforts to bridge its digital gap and align with international standards.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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He is an experienced graphic designer, art director, and cultural promoter with a proven track record of transforming ideas into innovative and impactful creations.
Fiacre Dagbegnon (photo) is a Togolese entrepreneur committed to driving the digital transformation of businesses and products in Africa. He is the founder and promoter of Klumer, a platform dedicated to players in the event industry.
Launched in 2018, Klumer is an event management solution that provides innovative tools to streamline the work of African event professionals. The platform simplifies fundraising, logistical coordination, and financial management, making it easier to plan and execute successful events. Key features include online voting, crowdfunding, stakeholder networking, and electronic ticketing, fostering greater interaction with target audiences.
"Klumer was developed following the style of Facebook and Instagram. Today, we have nothing to envy when it comes to what Silicon Valley developers have achieved in social network development. The only difference lies in the logistics, which we have yet to fully match," Fiacre explains. The platform has already attracted more than 200,000 users and participants, along with over 250 virtual agencies.
Since 2015, Fiacre Dagbegnon has served as the CEO of EODS C Group, a company specializing in technology and cultural affairs. During his time there, he has also worked as a graphic designer.
Between 2017 and 2020, Dagbegnon worked as a freelance graphic designer. In 2019, he joined La Voix du Peuple, a Togolese weekly publication, as a production graphic designer. From 2020 to 2023, he served as a web interface designer at the French Institute of Togo.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Africa is experiencing a strong resurgence. Travelers are now seeking high-quality lodging options, and tech-savvy entrepreneurs have emerged with innovative solutions to effectively meet this growing demand.
Conservio is a South African online booking platform specializing in nature-based stays across Southern Africa. Founded in 2020 by Lara Dendy Young and Justin Rijnberg in Cape Town, it “helps nature lovers discover and book unique getaways in locations that celebrate nature.”
On January 16th, 2025, it announced the completion of a $1 million funding round to grow its portfolio to over 2,000 properties and attract more travelers.
To book a stay, users create an account on the Conservio website. They can then use the search function to input their desired travel dates, number of guests, destination country (South Africa, Mozambique, or Namibia), and specific region. Conservio's algorithm then presents a curated list of matching properties, including cabins, cottages, camps, lodges, and villas.
Travelers can easily compare options based on their preferences, budget, and availability. Once a suitable accommodation is selected, the booking process is seamless, with secure online payment options available. "Demand for independent travel within Africa is experiencing rapid growth," explains Justin Rijnberg, co-founder of Conservio. "We're witnessing a surge in tech-savvy travelers seeking unique stays beyond city limits. These travelers value the convenience of booking and paying online, seamlessly and in one place."
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
On the cusp of a major digital transformation, Gabon is leveraging innovative technological solutions to modernize its public services. The goal is to position itself as a regional leader in e-governance, streamline access to administrative procedures, and enhance transparency.
Gabon is set to launch a digital public services platform in the first half of 2025. This initiative was announced, on January 15, in Libreville, during the second meeting of the Steering Committee in charge of the implementation of Gabon’s digital program Gabon Digital. The goal is to modernize the administration and provide all citizens with online access to administrative services.
"We will focus on digital payment systems, the national digital identity system, and implementing a public services platform," explained General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies. "Our objective is to enable anyone, anywhere in the world, to connect with public services in real-time."
This platform is part of the program "Gabon Digital", which was launched last November with initial funding of 44 billion CFA francs (approximately $72.4 million) from the World Bank. This initiative reflects Gabon's ambition to solidify its leadership in e-governance in Africa. Although Gabon dropped from 11th to 15th place in the United Nations' E-Government Survey 2024, it remains a leader in Central Africa for digital initiatives.
The upcoming portal will allow Gabonese citizens to securely perform administrative tasks online, streamlining data processing and reducing the need for in-person visits. Key areas of focus include health (e-health), digital payments, and digital identity. The project aims to modernize public services while enhancing their efficiency and transparency.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Frustrated by negative online shopping experiences, this tech entrepreneur decided to create an e-commerce platform that solves these issues.
Ajé is a Nigerian social commerce platform powered by blockchain technology. It was launched in 2022 by Ifeoluwa Wole-Osho to address the lack of trust in online transactions. The startup is headquartered in Lagos.
“I remember a friend who paid for a laptop only to discover it didn’t work, with no recourse to recover their money. These problems weren’t limited to students – small businesses and everyday people across Nigeria faced similar struggles when trading online. The trust gap in these transactions wasn’t just a nuisance; it was a barrier to economic opportunity,” Ifeoluwa Wole-Osho told Disrupt Africa.
Ajé offers a mobile application available on iOS and Android, with over 5,000 downloads according to Play Store data. Users create an account with their personal information and gain access to a secure marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect seamlessly, supported by escrow payments, dispute resolution tools, and multi-currency wallets.
Since its 2022 launch, the platform has gained over 7,500 users and facilitated more than 4,000 secure transactions. It is experiencing rapid growth, with a 50% increase in monthly registrations and a 32% rise in repeat transactions.
“Product listings continue to grow, with over 17,000 total listings, 1,700 of which were added in the last month alone. These metrics demonstrate the platform’s expanding ecosystem and its ability to meet the needs of both buyers and sellers effectively,” added Ifeoluwa Wole-Osho.
Ajé sets itself apart from competitors by combining social commerce, blockchain-based escrow services, and cross-border support, catering to underserved markets. The platform aims to expand its operations and enhance its product offerings to continue meeting the needs of buyers and sellers effectively.
“By Q3 2025, we aim to target the diaspora communities in the UK and Canada, leveraging insights gained from our success in Turkey to serve these broader audiences effectively,” Wole-Osho concluded.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa