Morocco is ramping up efforts to establish itself as a leading technology hub on the continent. Following the launch of several digital platforms, it is now assessing its progress in various sectors.
Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi (photo), told the House of Representatives, on Monday that since January 2024, 51,000 criminal record extracts have been issued online out of 60,613 requests. Additionally, 6,727 electronic applications for Moroccan nationality certificates have been submitted remotely.
These updates are part of the initial assessment following the launch of several digital platforms by the Ministry of Justice. During the session, Ouahbi also noted that the state collected 16 million dirhams (approximately $1.6 million) through the electronic payment service for fines issued by fixed radar cameras. The platform for tracking court cases and files recorded 23 million visitors in 2023 and 12 million between January and July 2024.
The digitization of Morocco's judicial sector is advancing under the "Digital Morocco 2030" plan, which aims to leverage digital technologies as a driver of social and economic development. The plan seeks to position Morocco as a leading African nation in the digitization of public services by 2030, with the goal of ranking among the world’s top 50 countries in this field.
According to the "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development," Morocco ranks fourth on the continent in the online administration development index, scoring 0.6841 out of 1, ahead of Seychelles (0.6773) and just behind Tunisia (0.6935).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The digital revolution in Africa is happening fast and is making big changes in many different areas. This shift is trying to improve the quality of services given to people, whether in education, healthcare, government, or infrastructure.
The Guinean National Transitional Council (CNT) approved a €66 million credit agreement on Wednesday, October 23, with French investment bank Bpifrance. The loan is aimed at supporting the country’s digital transformation. Specifically it focuses on the shift from analog to digital radio and televiso.
The project includes the installation of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), modernization of the radio network, the construction of five regional studios by Thomson Broadcast, and the digitization of the country’s audiovisual archives. The goal is to ensure better broadcast quality for the population, providing high-definition services while preserving Guinea’s audiovisual heritage through a comprehensive digitization of historical content, including films, radio and television programs, and audio and video recordings.
This initiative aligns with Guinea’s commitments to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for digital migration, a transition that has been anticipated for nearly two decades. The agreement, signed on June 25, consists of two main components: a direct loan of €25 million from the French Treasury and a private loan of €31 million guaranteed by Bpifrance Assurance Export.
The allocated funds will also help equip major Guinean cities with autonomous production and broadcasting facilities. The National Audiovisual Institute (INA) will be responsible for the digital preservation of the country’s audiovisual archives, thus contributing to the promotion of Guinea’s cultural heritage.
This initiative is strategically important for Guinea, not only in terms of modernizing media infrastructure but also in enhancing access to information and creating new economic and employment opportunities in the media and audiovisual production sector.
Samira Njoya
In recent years, Gabon has emerged as a leader in Central Africa's digital sector, showcasing impressive advancements. The country is now focused on leveraging this progress to establish itself as a frontrunner in digital transformation across the continent.
Gabon is set to take a crucial step in its digital transformation with the launch of the Gabon Digital project, scheduled for November 7. Announced during the steering committee’s first session on Tuesday, October 22 in Libreville, the initiative aims to leverage digital technologies to boost the country's economic competitiveness and enhance administrative transparency.
The project is backed by an initial loan of 44 billion CFA francs (approximately $72.4 million) from the World Bank and focuses on several key areas. These include improving social aid management through the implementation of a unified social registry, securing data with the construction of a state-of-the-art data center, establishing a cybersecurity incident response center, digitizing civil registration systems, and introducing a digital payment system.
This initiative is part of the National Transition Development Plan (PNDT) 2024-2026, in which digital transformation plays a central role. It is also linked to other programs like eGabon, which aims to strengthen the healthcare system to improve access to medical services and promote equitable healthcare for all Gabonese citizens.
For nearly five years, the digital sector's contribution to Gabon's economy has remained around 5% of GDP. However, authorities are targeting an increase to 10-12% by 2025. The Gabon Digital project is seen as a key driver to accelerate this growth by maximizing the impact of digital solutions on the national economy.
Beyond modernizing the administration and promoting transparency, the project is expected to stimulate the emergence of new business sectors and create jobs in the digital domain. Additionally, it aims to diversify Gabon’s economy, which remains heavily reliant on the oil sector, laying the foundation for more sustainable and resilient development.
Samira Njoya
He wants to be a key player in growing Gabon's digital economy. To do this, he helps tech projects and teaches young people different digital skills.
Simplice Mve Asseko (photo) is a Gabonese expert in digital project management and an IT coordinator. He is the founder and CEO of Cyberschool Entrepreneuriat, an incubator dedicated to new information and communication technologies.
Founded in 2010, Cyberschool Entrepreneuriat leverages technology to promote entrepreneurship and supports young people in bringing their projects to life. The incubator offers training and support programs, as well as specialized seminars on creating business plans. To facilitate project tracking, it developed the Business Booster app.
The incubator regularly organizes digital luncheons, bringing together IT professionals, and offers training workshops in programming, software development, and IT project management for both young people and professionals.
Simplice Mve Asseko also works as an IT coordinator for Renault Group in France. He graduated from CY Tech, a school of science, engineering, economics, and management, where he earned a master’s degree in IT project management in 2012.
Between 2017 and 2018, he worked on several projects for ENGIE Home Services, a company specializing in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. In 2021, he served as an agile coach and product manager at Gabon's National Employment Office.
Melchior Koba
An expert in international trade, he shifted to entrepreneurship by offering e-mobility solutions. His goal is to help taxi drivers increase their earnings.
Serge Itjo (photo) is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and business graduate. He is the founder and CEO of Klandoo, a tech startup specializing in taxi booking services.
In 2023, Klandoo launched a mobility platform allowing users to book professional drivers. Using geolocation technology, the app connects users with nearby taxi drivers.
For partner drivers, the app provides access to a wide customer base. They operate independently, keeping 80% of their earnings while Klandoo takes a 20% commission. The startup also prioritizes safety, conducting regular vehicle inspections. In case of an accident or assault, both drivers and passengers are covered through partner hospitals.
“Drivers are available 24/7. However, for any trips—business, tourism, shopping, conferences, congresses, airport transfers, private parties, weddings, or events—it is important to book a day or even a year in advance,” explains the Cameroonian entrepreneur.
In addition to his role at Klandoo, Serge Itjo works as a project manager at Air Liquide, a company specializing in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare. He holds an engineering degree in international trade, earned in 2002 from École Supérieure de Commerce International (ESCI) in France.
Melchior Koba
The initiative is part of NamPost’s digital transformation program. Called “Project Sky,” it aims to enhance the organization's operational efficiency, optimize the customer experience, and promote financial inclusion.
NamPost, Namibia's national postal operator, launched a mobile app and online banking services last week to expand access to its financial services. Customers of the state-owned enterprise can now check balances, make payments, and transfer funds electronically from their smartphones or any internet-enabled device without visiting a post office.
“The MyNamPost Banking App and Internet Banking are not just technological upgrades—they represent a commitment to bringing modern financial services to the people of Namibia, wherever they are. Our customers now have more control over their finances with digital tools that are simple, affordable, and convenient,” said Festus Hangula, NamPost’s Managing Director.
Emma Theofelus, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, acknowledged that innovative platforms like NamPost’s are crucial for financial inclusion. According to the World Bank, 71.35% of Namibians over the age of 15 had an account with a financial institution or mobile money provider in 2021, out of an estimated population of 2.5 million. However, she emphasized the need to equip all citizens “with the necessary skills to take advantage” of these services, noting the limited access to smartphones and the internet.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports that 79.6% of the Namibian population owns a mobile phone. Although the proportion of smartphone users is not specified, the ITU indicates that internet penetration in Namibia stands at 62.2%, with 63.2% of households having internet access at home.
However, the cost of internet access in Namibia remains relatively high compared to ITU standards, which recommend costs below or equal to 2% of gross national income (GNI) per capita. Namibians currently spend 2.6% of their GNI on mobile internet and 8.7% for fixed internet. According to the World Bank, Namibia’s GNI per capita was $12,170 in 2023.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Last July, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a program aimed at training young people in digital skills. A few months after its launch, authorities are now assessing its progress.
Ethiopian authorities have trained 31,000 citizens in coding within three months, according to a recent statement by Belete Mola, Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology. He made this announcement while reviewing the results of the past fiscal year.
Belete Mola stated, “Over 246,000 citizens have enrolled in the training, and 31,000 of them have been certified. The young people trained as coders and the tech startups with creative potential will receive special support.”
The "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" initiative, launched last July by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, is part of the "Digital Ethiopia 2025" plan. Its aim is to provide training in programming, Android app development, data science, and fundamental digital skills in artificial intelligence.
This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goal to establish itself as a major tech hub in East Africa. The World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. Through the "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" program, Ethiopian youth are being prepared to meet this demand.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
South African digital transformation company Obami's Tech in Kind initiative is offering up to R1 million ($62,300) in pro bono digital services to South African non-profits and SMEs.
Selected organizations will receive up to R100,000 each in digital transformation services, including access to content digitization, course and program design.
Applications are open until October 31, 2024, and winners will also receive expert guidance and ongoing technical support to enhance their digital operations and efficiency.
Intra-African trade encounters numerous obstacles, including the absence of a unified payment system. The adoption of Papss addresses these challenges by streamlining payment processes and reducing dependence on foreign currencies, thereby promoting increased trade within Africa and enhancing economic integration.
Kenyan President William Ruto has called on commercial banks to expedite their adoption of the Pan-African Payments and Settlement Systems (Papss), urging them to transition away from using the U.S. dollar for intra-African trade. The president revealed this at the launch of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Accelerator programme at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 16.
Ruto emphasized the need to reduce transaction costs on the continent, which currently result in Africa losing over $5 billion annually. “With Papss, we can conduct transactions in our local currencies, significantly lowering exchange rate challenges and reducing transaction costs for businesses across Africa,” he noted, further encouraging banks to sign on to the system to enhance regional trade.
Raimond Molenje, acting CEO of the Kenya Bankers Association, confirmed that the association is actively working with the Central Bank of Kenya to implement a national switch to the Papss system, which would facilitate smoother trade with neighboring East African countries. This development aligns with Papss's goal of creating a single market for Africa and increasing intra-continental trade.
Papss, which was introduced by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2019, facilitates seamless payments in local currencies across African nations. Initially piloted in the West African Monetary Zone, it was formally rolled out by Afreximbank in September 2021, with full operations beginning in early 2022.
The AfCFTA creates a single market for goods and services, allowing Kenyan businesses to access a market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion. This significantly expands their customer base and revenue potential.
Hikmatu Bilali
Investing in digital infrastructure positions Africa for significant economic advancement by opening up opportunities for e-commerce, tech startups, and improved public services. Governments can leverage this trend to create jobs for its population
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EVNT Technologies, a leading Saudi Arabian IT firm, aimed at transforming the state's digital landscape. The signing took place during the 2024 GITEX Global Summit in Dubai which ended on October 18.
The governor highlighted that this initiative “is a critical step towards realizing our vision of a truly digital Benue. It is about creating opportunities, empowering our people, and laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth."
Through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), the partnership will focus on expanding digital infrastructure, skills training, and digital policy development.
Hamad Al Saleh, founder of EVNT Technologies, expressed enthusiasm for making Benue a model for digital transformation in Nigeria. The implementation is expected to begin within 90 days, focusing on infrastructure development, capacity building, and digital innovation.
This move aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030 (NDEPS), which aims to “transform the country into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.” Benue, by becoming a model for digital transformation, can leverage this trend to create jobs for its population.
Hikmatu Bilali
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AI is projected to contribute significantly to the global economy. Africa’s investment in AI ensures the continent can tap into this booming sector, increasing its global competitiveness and fostering local innovation.
Zambia is establishing a second Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in Lusaka. Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, announced this on October 20 while speaking at a solar panel handover and AI training event for teachers at Katoba Secondary School in Chongwe District.
Mutati revealed that the Katoba Secondary School will be transformed into an AI hub to advance AI-assisted learning and technological skills across schools nationwide. He emphasized the potential of AI to revolutionize Zambia’s education system, saying "AI will help teachers prepare lesson plans more efficiently and track student progress," highlighting its ability to make education more responsive to students’ and teachers’ needs.
This AI center complements the one launched a month earlier at the University of Zambia in collaboration with Google, aimed at fostering tech-driven solutions to the country's social challenges. This new hub will function as a training ground, enabling other schools to adopt AI-driven educational tools.
The initiative is funded by Ecobank, with Managing Director Aina Moore emphasizing the importance of providing students with access to modern technology and sustainable energy sources. This is part of Zambia’s larger effort to integrate AI into its educational system, positioning the country as a leader in tech-enabled learning in Africa.
Additionally, Zambia’s move towards AI integration comes in the wake of scholarships awarded by the Czech Republic for Zambian professionals to study AI, as well as calls from the Chamber of Mines for AI to be included in the Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) curriculum.
These efforts are crucial, given that Zambia’s education system faces quality and access issues. In Zambia, the allocation for Early Childhood Education (ECE) has consistently remained low, with only about 0.4% of the education budget allocated to it between 2016 and 2020, according to the Zambia Education 2024 Budget brief by UNICEF. This falls significantly short of the recommended 10% investment. As a result, many children are deprived of crucial early learning experiences, entering primary school underprepared and at a disadvantage for Grade 1, hindering their ability to catch up with their peers. AI-driven tools could significantly improve lesson planning, personalized learning, and the monitoring of student progress, helping to close these educational gaps.
Hikmatu Bilali
A technology and finance entrepreneur, he has founded and led two companies. His solutions and works have earned him numerous awards and recognitions.
Muriuki Collins is a Kenyan IT specialist and tech entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise and contributions to Africa's finance sector. He is the co-founder and CEO of Terra, a company offering innovative digital wallet services.
Founded in 2012 by Muriuki Collins and Martin Nyaga, Terra enables African businesses to achieve their financial goals through a platform that centralizes and simplifies access to various financial services. By integrating features such as payments, loans, and identity verification (KYC), Terra provides a comprehensive solution for managing and deploying digital wallets across the continent.
Today, Terra operates in over 25 countries and manages more than 5 million mobile wallets. Among its key clients are the Kenya Tea Development Agency, which serves at least 650,000 farmers, and Food for Education, a mobile platform supporting one million schoolchildren.
Beyond Terra, Muriuki Collins founded SwypePay in 2017, where he also serves as CEO. This startup focuses on automating business operations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, helping them grow and develop more efficiently.
Muriuki holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Systems Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, which he earned in 2013. He began his professional career in 2011 as a systems engineer at Novel Technologies EA Ltd. From 2014 to 2019, he served as a fintech consultant for the Kenya Tea Development Agency.
In 2023, Muriuki Collins was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by Business Daily, recognizing influential and progressive figures in Kenyan business. He was also recognized by The Founder Africa as one of the continent's most promising entrepreneurs.
Melchior Koba
Tech company Yango Group and Zindi, which connects organizations with data scientists, will host the 2024 Lusaka Mobility Prediction Hackathon on October 26. The competition will focus on predicting traffic patterns affected by weather.
The event will bring together data scientists and tech enthusiasts in Zambia to tackle real-world urban mobility challenges.
The hackathon aims to inspire Zambia's data science community by offering prizes to the top three participants. It is part of Yango’s commitment to driving urban solutions through data and technology.
A screenwriter, director, and writer, he became an entrepreneur to support rural farmers. By leveraging technology, he helps them sell their products to a wider audience.
Abdulai Barrie, a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Salone Agro Market, a technology platform focused on agriculture. The platform’s primary goal is to empower farmers while improving their market access across Sierra Leone.
Founded in 2019 and registered under the startup SALGRO Ltd., Salone Agro Market connects buyers and sellers of agricultural products. It provides small and large farmers alike with a marketplace to sell their produce, while also facilitating access for commercial businesses and large enterprises seeking to purchase these products.
In addition to connecting buyers and sellers, Salone Agro Market supports small farmers by providing access to inputs, processing equipment, transportation solutions, and information systems. The platform is accessible offline via USSD codes, ensuring maximum inclusivity. It also offers real-time information on market prices, weather forecasts, and facilitates direct transactions between sellers and buyers.
Alongside his work at Salone Agro Market, Abdulai Barrie is the editor of the Commonwealth Youth Council newsletter, an organization focused on youth development within the Commonwealth. He also serves as a project manager at Sierrapreneurs, an initiative promoting youth entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone. Since 2018, he has been the co-founder and creative director of Creative Media Network SL, a multimedia production company.
Abdulai Barrie holds a certificate in entrepreneurship, financial management, and reporting for innovators, awarded in 2021 by the Institute of Public Administration and Management at the University of Sierra Leone. A former screenwriter and director, he also worked as a writer for Hidden Voices Africa, a platform publishing human interest stories, from 2023 to 2024.
In recognition of his commitment to innovation and social development, Abdulai Barrie secured third place in the 2024 Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM) in Sierra Leone. He will represent his country in the continental phase of the competition.
Melchior Koba