An engineer by training and passionate about problem-solving, he leverages his technological expertise to deliver high-impact digital solutions for businesses and individuals.
Thomas Brennan (photo) is a South African software engineer and tech entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Franc, a startup specializing in investment and financial technology.
Founded in 2018 by Brennan and Sebastian Patel, Franc aims to simplify investing and saving for South Africans. The platform offers a robo-advisor that helps users develop personalized investment strategies based on their financial goals. It provides access to a cash fund (money market) with higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, and an equity fund tracking stock market performance. Franc is fully digital and requires no minimum investment or administrative paperwork.
Thomas Brennan graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He then pursued further studies at the University of Oxford, earning a PhD in Engineering Science in 2008. His professional career began that same year at AHL, a British investment management firm, where he worked as a quantitative analyst. That same year, he also became an associate product manager at Google.
In 2009, he joined GeoMed, a South African IT company, as a research consultant. The following year, he became a research assistant at the University of Oxford. In 2012, he moved to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as a research engineer. From 2015 to 2018, he served as head of research and development at Discovery Ltd, a South African insurance company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Morocco is banking on international cooperation to achieve its digital transformation ambitions. In recent months, the North African kingdom has strengthened ties with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Estonia.
Morocco is seeking closer cooperation with Finland on digital transformation. The topic was discussed on Tuesday, January 28, during a meeting in Finland between Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco’s Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and Lulu Ranne, Finland’s Minister of Transport and Communications. The meeting was part of a Moroccan delegation's visit.
Talks focused on research, technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and data, according to a statement from Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition. El Fallah Seghrouchni emphasized “the importance of leveraging Finland’s expertise in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies while stressing the need to share best practices to strengthen Moroccan expertise in these fields,” the statement said. She also met with key Finnish technology players, including Nokia.
This initiative falls under Morocco’s broader international cooperation strategy for implementing its “Digital Morocco 2030” plan, officially launched in September. In December, Rabat signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia to enhance e-government collaboration. Morocco has also strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Estonia—widely considered a global leader in digital transformation.
Morocco currently ranks fourth in Africa and 90th worldwide in the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.6841 out of 1. This surpasses the North African average (0.5776), the broader African continental average (0.4247), and the global average (0.6382). However, challenges persist, particularly in developing human capital and improving online services. While the country has made significant strides in cybersecurity, positioning itself as a model in the region, further efforts are needed to strengthen measures and build capacity.
Finland, conversely, ranks ninth globally in e-government and is recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as a benchmark in cybersecurity, having achieved a perfect score (20/20) across key pillars, encompassing legislative, technical, organizational, capacity-building, and cooperative measures.
Morocco’s push for international cooperation could accelerate its ambition to make digital technology a key driver of socio-economic development, targeting a contribution of 100 billion dirhams (around $10 billion) by 2030. However, discussions with Finland remain at an early stage, and no agreements have been signed or announced yet.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The 5th edition of the Cyber Africa Forum (CAF) will take place in Cotonou, Benin, on June 24-25, 2025, marking a major shift after previous editions were held in Abidjan. This key platform, dedicated to digital transformation and cybersecurity challenges in Africa, is backed by Benin’s Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Digitalization.
With over 1,000 participants expected, this edition aims to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation, combat cyber threats, and harness opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI).
Panels and conferences will explore critical topics such as regulatory frameworks, digital infrastructure, green technology, local talent development, cybersecurity, and e-governance. Inclusion will also take center stage, with the Cyber Africa Women program promoting women’s participation in the digital sector.
The event will feature interactive initiatives, including a hackathon and a crisis management exercise, emphasizing innovation and cybersecurity. Additionally, the CAF CIO CISO CLUB will bring together industry experts to share best practices.
According to Franck Kié, General Commissioner of CAF, this edition is "an opportunity to strengthen pan-African cooperation and position Africa as a key player in the digital space."
Since its launch in 2020, the CAF has gathered over 6,000 participants and 100 partners, solidifying its status as a premier platform for digital decision-makers across the continent.
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, officially commissioned the ICT Community Centre at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
The initiative, announced on January 28, was launched in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative. It aims to bridge the digital divide and address the gender gap by expanding access to digital skills and technology.
The centre will serve as a hub for IT programs designed to empower women and youth, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of driving economic diversification through digitization and innovation.
X has announced a partnership with Visa as the first official partner for the upcoming X Money Account, set to launch later this year. This collaboration marks a significant step toward transforming X into an all-encompassing financial platform.
Linda Yaccarino, X CEO, revealed yesterday, January 28, that the X Money Account will enable secure and instant funding to the X Wallet via Visa Direct, allowing users to seamlessly connect their debit cards for peer-to-peer (P2P) payments.
Additionally, users will have the option to transfer funds instantly to their bank accounts, enhancing financial accessibility and convenience.
Agriculture remains the largest economic sector in Africa. However, climate variability and extreme weather events pose significant risks, reducing crop yields, increasing post-harvest losses, and threatening livelihoods. Leveraging digital tools could mitigate these challenges.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTN Nigeria and advanced weather intelligence company Tomorrow.io to develop a Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) System. The initiative, signed on January 24, 2025, at NiMet Headquarters in Abuja, aims to deliver localized, actionable weather advisories to farmers via mobile SMS to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience.
NiMet Director General and CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the government’s food security agenda, ensuring farmers receive timely weather updates to make informed decisions.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting government initiatives and highlighted the broader impact of the project on agriculture, emergency management, and the Nigerian economy.
Nigeria is highly vulnerable to climate change, ranking 160th out of 181 countries in the 2020 ND-GAIN Index, which assesses nations based on their exposure to climate risks, global challenges, and their capacity to enhance resilience. This underscores the urgent need for adaptive measures to safeguard its economy and population.
The DCAS system is expected to empower farmers with real-time weather insights, mitigating climate-related risks and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. As per the MoU, the parties will work together to develop, implement, and test the DCAS platform, delivering weather-based advisories to farmers via SMS notifications.
This initiative represents a convergence of digital technology, climate resilience, and economic development. By leveraging mobile connectivity to deliver climate-smart solutions, Nigeria can modernize its agricultural sector, enhance food security, and build a more resilient economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
She promotes financial inclusion in Africa, leveraging technology to offer digital solutions to businesses and individuals in Nigeria.
Adaeze Onwumere (photo) is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Aku, a fintech company dedicated to accelerating financial inclusion and economic development across Africa.
Founded in 2019, Aku provides digital payment and banking solutions. Its platform enables users to send and receive money and pay bills via USSD, a mobile app, and other channels. By democratizing access to banking and digital payments, the company aims to foster greater financial inclusion.
Beyond payments, Aku also allows customers and merchants to save and access credit. Its accounts come with no annual or monthly maintenance fees, and all banking transactions are completely free. The Aku app has already been downloaded over 10,000 times on Google Play.
Adaeze Onwumere holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and African studies from Yale University (2012) and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2021.
She began her professional career in 2012 with Econet Global, a pan-African technology company, initially as an intern before spending five years in various roles. She later became head of commercial and operations at Cassava Fintech, a subsidiary of the group. Between 2018 and 2019, she served as chief operating officer at EcoCash Holdings, a company specializing in digital financial solutions.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is an experienced entrepreneur, an expert in strategic planning and sales management. He is actively involved in promoting entrepreneurship in Africa.
Jean-Patrick Ketcha (photo) is a Cameroonian entrepreneur and the founder and executive director of Le Boukarou, an organization dedicated to supporting businesses and innovators.
Founded in 2016, Le Boukarou assists young entrepreneurs and women in sub-Saharan Africa by providing modern co-working spaces, mentorship and training programs, as well as funding solutions to help them turn their projects into reality. The organization guides them through every stage, from structuring their ideas to launching their businesses. With the backing of 13 partners, Le Boukarou claims to have reached more than 42,000 people and supported over 40 startups. Among the entrepreneurs it has assisted is Arthur Zang, the inventor of the CardioPad, a connected electrocardiogram device.
Committed to fostering entrepreneurship in Africa, Jean-Patrick Ketcha serves on the strategic advisory board of the Centre d’Employabilité Francophone of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and is a board member of Afric'innov, an association providing support organizations with tools and resources to better assist entrepreneurs across the continent.
Before launching Le Boukarou, he co-founded Spread Ideas Kamer, a non-political association promoting idea-sharing, skill exchange, and the recognition of individual expertise.
Jean-Patrick Ketcha holds a master's degree in law from Paris Nanterre University (2006) and a master's in international business and trade from OMNES Education in France.
He began his professional career in 2010 as a sales manager at Société de Bétons Industriels du Cameroun, where he was promoted to operations director in 2014. In 2016, he joined real estate firm Millenium Immobilier as head of internal control.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
To address the challenge of securing adequate resources, many African countries are embracing digital solutions. These technologies are streamlining tax collection, increasing transparency, and fostering development by making government agencies more efficient and accessible.
The Central African Republic (CAR) has launched e-Tax, a digital platform designed to simplify and improve the collection of taxes and duties. On Monday, January 27, it organized an information and training workshop, in Bangui, to introduce officials from the Directorate General of Taxes and State Property (DGID) to the platform.
Supported by the European Union, the initiative aims to enhance efficiency, increase transparency, and reduce the costs associated with tax administration. “Modernizing the tax administration through digitalization is a key lever for improving public revenue collection, ensuring transparency, and strengthening the fight against tax fraud,” said Jean Marc Dewerpe, head of cooperation for the European Union in CAR.
The adoption of e-Tax reflects the Central African government's commitment to modernizing public services and strengthening the country’s financial autonomy. So far, 301 large companies and 325 medium-sized enterprises have already been registered on the platform, and many taxpayers are beginning to benefit from its advantages. The system introduces features such as online tax filing and electronic payments.
The successful implementation of e-Tax is expected to significantly improve tax collection, reinforce citizens' tax compliance, and ensure greater transparency in public administration. With this initiative, the country also aims to bridge its gap in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), where it currently ranks 182nd worldwide with a score of 0.0947 out of 1, according to the United Nations.
Samira Njoya
The Innovators for Impact (i3) initiative is now accepting applications for its third cohort, aimed at ventures dedicated to improving access to affordable, high-quality health products and services across Africa. Applications will remain open until February 28, 2025, with the final cohort announced on April 30, 2025.
Eligible ventures must focus on addressing healthcare needs in Africa and have a legal presence or headquarters on the continent. They should provide tech-enabled solutions that enhance pharmacy services, excluding businesses solely focused on research.
This initiative seeks to empower innovators who can bring meaningful change to Africa’s healthcare landscape through partnerships, funding, and support.
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In an increasingly digital global economy, there is a critical need to equip the continent’s youth with the skills required to thrive. Diversification into the digital sector is essential to build resilience, foster innovation, and create sustainable growth opportunities.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) has launched the "Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies" (READY Salone) project, it announced on January 24. Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the four-year initiative will harness the potential of Sierra Leone’s youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities, to thrive in the digital economy.
During the project’s launch, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasized the transformative role of digital skills: “Trade is digital. It’s how business happens now, and young people are leading the way. Through READY Salone, we’re partnering with government and business to create a digital-friendly environment and build the online skills of youth, women, and persons with disabilities.”
READY Salone focuses on four key pillars: enhancing digital literacy, improving entrepreneurial competitiveness through upskilling, strengthening tech-focused business support services, and developing inclusive national digital strategies. Through this initiative, 3,000 youth and 250 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will access digital skills training and business opportunities, while an awareness campaign will reach 10,000 young people, encouraging digital careers and entrepreneurship.
The event also featured a slogan competition with 100 youth participants and discussions with financial institutions on advancing inclusive finance for women and launching a Skills for Youth Employment Fund (SkYE Fund) for Sierra Leonean youth.
The READY Salone project aligns with Sierra Leone’s National Digital Development Strategy (NDDS) which focuses on improving digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The strategy reinforces efforts to bridge digital and economic divides by fostering inclusion, with a particular focus on women, rural communities, and marginalized groups, such as persons with disabilities (PWD).
Haja Salimatu Bah, Minister of Communication, Technology, and Innovation, highlighted the alignment, stating, “The READY Salone project’s focus on creating digital jobs and successful digital freelancers aligns perfectly with our national goals. We look forward to collaborating with ITC to amplify the impact of our work.”
Hikmatu Bilali
The government has ambitious goals for the digital economy this year, with expanding high-speed connectivity at the forefront. Improving and expanding high-speed internet access is a top priority. While fiber optics remain crucial, the government is also exploring other technologies to achieve this goal.
Guinea is moving closer to launching a satellite to strengthen its digital sovereignty and technological capabilities.
On Friday, January 24, Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, met with a delegation from AirSAT Technology, a Chinese company specializing in commercial satellite solutions, to discuss potential collaboration on the project.
According to a ministry statement, the satellite project aims to facilitate large-scale data transmission and lay the groundwork for technological skills transfer in the aeronautics sector. The initiative also includes plans to train local engineers to manage processes related to the operation and maintenance of satellite technologies.
This initiative aligns with Guinea's push for digital sovereignty. Such a project could be a turning point for the country, equipping it with a critical tool to modernize its telecommunications and reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure.
According to Space in Africa’s 2023 Annual Report on the African space industry, the sector was valued at $19.49 billion in 2021, with projected growth of 16% by 2026, reaching $22.64 billion.
By pursuing this ambition, Guinea could join the ranks of African nations leveraging space technologies to support their development. To date, nearly fifteen African countries have invested over $4.71 billion in 58 satellite projects, with further developments underway. Nations such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya are already utilizing their satellite capabilities to enhance internet connectivity, monitor climate change, and optimize natural resource management.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Telecommunication Union's 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index highlighted Africa's significant cybersecurity gap compared to other regions. It also suggested that with the right policies and investment incentives, the continent can rapidly improve its cybersecurity posture.
The African cybersecurity market holds significant economic potential for both local companies and international investors, despite facing various challenges. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market, valued at $0.6 billion in 2024, is expected to grow to $1.28 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%.
The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report reveals that 36% of businesses are skeptical about their country's ability to manage a critical infrastructure cyberattack. Additionally, 27% remain neutral on the issue, while only 9% express confidence, highlighting the continent's vulnerability to escalating threats in an increasingly digital landscape. Ransomware attacks are particularly prevalent, targeting sectors such as finance, email, social media, and critical infrastructure, including energy and transportation, as noted in Interpol's 2023 African Cyberthreat Assessment Report. These attacks disrupt economies and undermine public trust, with African banks experiencing a notable increase in attacks on their digital payment systems.
Several factors contribute to this vulnerability. Many African countries have inadequate cybersecurity budgets and face a significant shortage of skilled professionals. While some nations have implemented data protection legislation, many still lag behind. Furthermore, businesses and citizens often underestimate the severity of cyber threats. According to Orange Cyberdefense's 2023 Security Navigator report, cyberattacks could result in a 10% loss in GDP across Africa, with extortion cases rising by 70% in 2023. This situation presents a real opportunity for developing solutions tailored to the continent's specific challenges. African universities and training centers can expand their curricula to meet the growing demand for qualified professionals, while local startups can innovate by creating products and services that address local needs.
Cybersecurity is essential for Africa's successful digital transformation. Addressing existing weaknesses is crucial for building trust and ensuring resilience in the digital age. African governments can support this transformation by implementing policies that foster innovation and investment in cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique context of the continent.
Samira Njoya
Launched in 2022, the Ivorian fintech offers a range of financial services to local communities. To accelerate its growth, it has forged strategic partnerships with organizations such as La Poste and the Coffee and Cocoa Board.
Push CI is a fintech solution developed by Ivorian company SEAD Group SA. It offers an all-in-one mobile account linked to a virtual or physical Visa card to simplify financial management for its users.
Launched in 2022 by Steven Bedi, along with Selma Ouiguini, a former Société Générale executive, the Abidjan-based startup provides a mobile app available on iOS and Android. The app, which has surpassed 100,000 downloads according to Play Store data, enables users to create an account and access a full range of digital financial services tailored to both individuals and professionals.
Linked to a phone number, the account provides two types of international Visa cards: a physical card (priced at 5,000 CFA francs, about $8) for in-store payments, ATM withdrawals, and online purchases worldwide; and a free virtual card for secure online transactions.
Push CI enables users to send and receive money instantly, both to other Push accounts and via leading mobile money operators. The app also allows users to pay utility bills – electricity, water, and internet – and top up their phone credit with a few clicks. Users have real-time access to detailed transaction histories for effective financial tracking.
To cater to users without internet access, the fintech provides a USSD code for accessing all its services. Additionally, the customer service center offers multilingual support in French, Dioula, Baoulé, Bété, and Mooré.
In January 2025, Push CI was selected alongside nine other Ivorian startups for the Ivoire Tech Champions Challenge. Winners will enjoy various benefits, including a visit to Silicon Valley in the United States from February 24 to 28, 2025.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Editing by Feriol Bewa