• Stokvel Academy provides online courses and tools to help South Africans create and manage stokvels.
• The platform, launched in 2017 in Soweto by Busisiwe Skenjana, aims to expand financial education and reduce youth unemployment.
• The initiative seeks to modernize traditional collective-saving groups and strengthen financial inclusion in underserved communities.

Stokvel Academy, an e-learning platform developed by the Soweto-based start-up of the same name, offers online courses, educational resources and practical tools designed to help individuals and communities create or join stokvels, the traditional collective-saving groups widespread in South Africa. The platform positions itself as a response to limited access to formal credit and low levels of financial literacy.

Busisiwe Skenjana launched the start-up in 2017. She said, “By training young agents, we do not only tackle unemployment, but we also give stokvels the means to become stronger and more resilient.” Her approach combines skills development with community-driven financial empowerment.

The platform hosts a structured catalogue of modules covering basic saving principles, financial planning, cash-flow management, governance of savings groups, risk assessment and investment strategy. Users access these tools through a web browser and learn at their own pace. Stokvel Academy aims to make financial education inclusive by lowering barriers to understanding collective-saving mechanisms.

The platform blends tradition with technology to update a well-established social model. Existing stokvels can use the training to strengthen internal governance, prevent conflicts and improve long-term sustainability. New members can rely on the tools to adopt structured saving practices from the outset.

Limited access to banking services continues to affect a large share of South Africans. Stokvel Academy positions its services as an alternative that supports financial inclusion, capacity building and community empowerment. By training informed and responsible savers, the platform seeks to reinforce household resilience, stimulate local investment and promote forms of solidarity-based economic activity adapted to African realities.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• iFunza enables teachers to share real-time academic updates with parents via web and mobile platforms.

• The app has surpassed 5,000 downloads on Android and targets both urban and rural families with low-data, low-spec features.

• Schools use iFunza to reduce administrative costs and digitize communication and student-performance tracking.

iFunza aims to position itself as a new tool for academic support in Kenya. The application seeks to reinforce collaboration between teachers and parents to monitor student performance more efficiently.

The Kenyan edtech start-up developed iFunza as a web and mobile platform that allows teachers to share grades, assignments and observations in real time. Parents can access their children’s academic records instantly, regardless of their location.

Caroline Ndiangui and Martin Kariithi launched iFunza in 2019. The application operates on iOS and Android and has recorded more than 5,000 downloads on Play Store.

The app streamlines communication between schools and households. Automatic notifications inform parents of homework, absences or lateness, while teachers can send personalized messages to highlight academic challenges or congratulate progress. A centralized dashboard provides a clear view of student development, which enables faster and more tailored academic support.

iFunza works on low-spec smartphones and consumes limited data. The design targets families in both urban centers and rural areas. In a country where personal computer ownership remains limited, iFunza offers an accessible alternative that aligns with Kenya’s digital reality.

The platform helps schools reduce administrative expenses linked to manual report cards, parent notices or communication management. iFunza digitizes school administration and rationalizes pedagogical monitoring by making information accessible online, rapidly and securely.

In a context where education outcomes and student monitoring are major development priorities, iFunza can help improve academic achievement, strengthen accountability among parents, teachers and learners, and foster continuous dialogue around learning.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Google.org will provide $1.5 million to fund a digital literacy and online-safety programme across four African countries.

• JA Africa aims to train 250,000 children, 6,000 teachers and 8,000 parents and caregivers by 2027.

• The programme will deploy Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” curriculum, including Interland, through schools and community networks.

Children in Africa gain access to digital technology at increasingly early ages as connectivity expands across the continent. This rapid exposure, however, brings major risks such as cyberbullying, harassment and exploitation, which compel governments and organisations to strengthen online-safety protections.

JA Africa, the regional arm of one of the world’s oldest youth-focused economic-education organisations, announced on 26 November the launch of a digital-literacy and online-safety programme in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. The initiative uses $1.5 million in funding from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, and targets the training of 250,000 children, 6,000 teachers and 8,000 parents and caregivers by 2027 to reinforce child safety in a fast-growing digital ecosystem.

“Digital connectivity now forms the backbone of modern life in Africa, and our children must be equipped not only to participate but also to stay protected,” JA Africa CEO Simi Nwogugu said. “With support from Google.org, we help young people turn access into opportunity by building a generation of smart, safe and respectful digital citizens.”

The programme relies on Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” curriculum, which teaches digital security, privacy protection, anti-cyberbullying practices and responsible online citizenship. The curriculum uses Interland, a game-based platform, to engage young learners. JA Africa will deploy the programme through school workshops, teacher-training sessions and community-based activities, including in underserved rural areas. The initiative aligns with existing national frameworks on child protection and ICT-in-education policies in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya.

The launch comes as minors face rising digital-exposure risks across Africa. GSMA data shows that 18% of children aged 5 to 7 in sub-Saharan Africa already use mobile Internet. The International Telecommunication Union estimates that one child connects to the Internet every half-second worldwide, highlighting the accelerating pace of early digital access. Yet, in 2024, only 39 African countries had completed a national online-child-protection strategy, while 32% were still drafting one and 41% had taken no formal steps.

The project could ultimately support the creation of common continental standards for online child protection through planned collaboration with education, ICT and communications ministries. JA Africa and Google intend to amplify the programme with awareness campaigns, digital-content production and key events, including Safer Internet Day 2026, to broaden public reach.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• BankerX uses AI-driven tools and media to expand financial inclusion across emerging markets.
• The company’s podcasts rank highly on Apple Podcasts and Spotify among young professionals.
• BankerX GPT supports financial decision-making with a focus on emerging-market users.

Koshiek Karan develops digital tools to reshape how people learn, use, and move money. He aims to open new paths for understanding, investing, and acting within the modern economy.

Karan, a former South African investment banker, now works as a financial content creator and serial entrepreneur. He founded several companies at the intersection of fintech, media, and wellness. He currently leads BankerX, a media and technology business.

BankerX, founded in 2020, positions itself as a hybrid platform combining financial media and technology. The company seeks to expand access to investing, saving, and money management. It relies on artificial intelligence, digital tools, and cross-border communities to support this goal. BankerX builds its offering around financial education, digital content, investor networks, and learning hubs.

The company defines financial inclusion and long-term wealth creation as its core mission, particularly for global audiences in Africa and other emerging markets. It blends AI, digital media, fintech tools, and human networks to help users understand money, invest, and build wealth over time.

BankerX produces content covering personal finance, markets, business, and macro-economy topics. Its podcasts rank high on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with a strong following among young professionals and entrepreneurs.

BankerX also maintains an active presence on social media and its website. It publishes market news, analysis, and open educational resources on investing. The company designs its content to encourage immediate practical application.

The firm develops several technology projects, including BankerX GPT. The tool guides financial decision-making and supports operational tasks in finance, with a particular focus on emerging markets. It helps users analyse financial products, test scenarios, and clarify choices.

Alongside BankerX, Karan co-founded multiple companies. In 2021, he launched AltVest Capital, where he served as executive chairman until 2023. That same year, he created WealthX, an educational platform; RAX Wealth, a wealth-management technology firm; and Flex Fitness, an international wellness community.

Karan holds a finance degree from the University of Cape Town, awarded in 2012. He began his career in 2013 as an investment banking analyst at Barclays Investment Bank. In 2020, he joined Barloworld as a transaction adviser.

This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• OneNine, founded by Senegalese entrepreneur Doudou Ba and Czech-Vietnamese engineer Duc Anh Tran, is building an AI infrastructure focused on African languages.
• The startup already works with over 160 native contributors and several data companies on pilot projects launched in August 2025.
• OneNine plans to process more than 500,000 hours of linguistic data to position itself as a global leader in underrepresented language datasets.

OneNine, a Sweden-based startup co-founded by Senegalese entrepreneur Doudou Ba and Czech-Vietnamese engineer Duc Anh Tran, is developing an artificial intelligence platform that understands and communicates in African languages.

The company emerged from a key observation: most AI systems are trained on dominant languages such as English, French, or Chinese, overlooking hundreds of languages spoken by millions across Africa. OneNine seeks to bridge this gap by collecting, sorting, annotating, and validating voice and text data in native African tongues.

#OneNine is the Data Supply Chain for AI.

We provide production ready dataset to AI labs like @OpenAI @Meta @Google @AnthropicAI @xai @netflix @YouTube saving them 70-80 % FTE.

We are highly specialized in low resource languages and mission to make AI understand everyone.… pic.twitter.com/FxVt4aUHqN

— Doudou BA (@doudou_onenine) October 23, 2025

Launched in August 2025, OneNine’s platform relies on a network of more than 160 African language contributors, supported by automated data-processing tools. The company has already initiated pilot projects with several linguistic data and research firms.

“Many people cannot read or write, but they can speak — maybe not in English, but in their mother tongue. We want AI to hear them,” said co-founder Doudou Ba.

Ba emphasized that Africa has a crucial role in shaping the future of AI. “The next frontier of AI will not depend solely on building more powerful models, but on creating richer and more diverse datasets. Africa, with its hundreds of languages, holds the world’s largest untapped data resource,” he added.

OneNine’s long-term goal is to become a global leader in linguistic data for underrepresented languages. The startup is building a pipeline estimated at over 500,000 hours of audio and text data.

The company recently joined the Google for Startups program and participated in Norrsken Africa Week, an event dedicated to innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment across the continent.

In the short term, OneNine plans to collaborate with major AI laboratories to refine its models and expand its reach. In the long term, it aims to establish the foundation for a truly inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem that reflects the world’s linguistic diversity.

This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Algeria launched a National Digital University Library providing access to 110,990 digitized academic resources, including 90,794 doctoral theses and 15,546 patents.

• The government targets 500,000 digital documents by 2027 to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education.

• The initiative aims to enhance research, innovation, and academic accessibility, though challenges such as limited infrastructure and cybersecurity risks remain.

Algeria has launched a National Digital University Library as part of its strategy to modernize higher education and strengthen research through digital innovation. The initiative, led by Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Kamel Baddari, was unveiled on October 20 in Algiers.

Developed by the Office of University Publications (OPU), the platform gives students, teachers, and researchers access to 110,990 digital academic resources. The collection includes 4,154 OPU publications, 90,794 doctoral theses, 380 Arabic-language works provided by the High Council for the Arabic Language (HCLA), 124 historical books on Algeria’s national movement and the 1954 Revolution, and 15,546 national and international patents integrated in partnership with the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI).

From November 2025, Algerian residents abroad will be able to purchase OPU publications online via the platform.

The digital library forms a core part of the ministry’s strategy to digitalize the higher education system and foster an inclusive, connected academic ecosystem.

Minister Baddari said the project “marks a key step in aligning Algeria’s universities with global digital standards and improving access to scientific knowledge.”

Through this initiative, the government seeks to facilitate administrative efficiency, data access, and knowledge sharing across Algeria’s universities, while improving research output and collaboration between institutions.

The ministry aims to expand the collection to 500,000 electronic documents by 2027, signaling a long-term commitment to digital transformation in academia.

The project involves multiple institutional partnerships to enrich the library’s content and ensure interoperability between research centers. Key partners include the HCLA, the Center for Research on Scientific and Technical Information, the National Center for Studies on the National Movement, and the INAPI.

These collaborations are expected to broaden Algeria’s academic and scientific databases, making them accessible through a unified digital interface.

Despite its ambition, the digital transition faces several obstacles. Some universities and regions still lack sufficient technological infrastructure, and students without adequate digital devices may struggle to benefit from the new platform.

Experts have also warned of cybersecurity risks, including data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and technical system failures.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• The program targets 200,000 Moroccan children for training in digital and AI skills.

• It is part of the “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy to make the country an inclusive and competitive digital hub.

• The initiative is backed by multiple ministries and the AI Movement Center under UNESCO supervision.

Morocco has launched a national program to train 200,000 children in digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills, reinforcing its “Digital Morocco 2030” strategy to boost digital inclusion and prepare citizens for the economy of the future.

The government unveiled the initiative on Monday, aiming to equip younger generations with future-oriented skills, promote technology culture, and narrow the digital divide.

The project stems from a partnership signed in March between the Ministries of Digital Transition, Youth, Economy, and Finance, and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence – AI Movement, affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and operating under UNESCO supervision.

The first phase was simultaneously launched across 12 cities, mobilizing 65 trainers from participating youth centers. The program will gradually expand nationwide after this pilot phase.

The initiative forms part of Digital Morocco 2030, the kingdom’s long-term strategy to position itself as an inclusive and competitive digital hub. The plan calls for training 100,000 youth annually in digital professions, up from 14,000 in 2022, and includes the creation of specialized schools and support for innovation in emerging technologies.

By introducing 200,000 children to coding, robotics, and AI basics, Morocco aims to cultivate a new generation of digitally empowered citizens capable of driving the country’s digital transformation.

Officials say the program could also strengthen Morocco’s technological sovereignty and consolidate its leadership in innovation on the African continent.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Senegal launched a $233 million national program to train 105,000 teachers and administrators in digital tools and artificial intelligence.
• The program is part of the government’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029 and includes distributing computers to science students.
• Connectivity gaps remain a challenge, as 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023, according to the ITU.

Senegal’s government is accelerating its digital transformation strategy through new capacity-building initiatives. In August, authorities already organized digital training for members of parliament.

On September 30, the Ministry of National Education (MEN) officially launched a national program to train teachers in digital skills and artificial intelligence. The initiative also includes providing computers to students in science tracks. Officials described the program as the operational start of the country’s Education Digital Strategy 2025–2029, which carries a budget of CFA130 billion (about $233 million) announced in January.

The program stems from a partnership signed in March 2025 between the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. It targets 105,000 teachers and administrative staff to integrate digital tools and AI into teaching and school management.

The online training will be accessible via computers, tablets, or smartphones connected to the internet. It includes interactive content, self-learning modules, and certified assessments. Teachers will learn to adapt their methods to technological changes, use digital resources to enrich learning, raise student awareness of digital and AI issues, and strengthen cybersecurity and data protection in schools.

“The final objective of this initiative is to integrate digital tools directly into the classroom, not only to modernize teaching but also to create an ecosystem adapted to 21st-century requirements,” the ministry said. “This program is not limited to teacher training. It represents a paradigm shift that will allow Senegalese students to move from being simple consumers of technology to becoming creators and innovators.”

Successful implementation depends on several factors. Access to compatible devices, the cost of internet connections, digital literacy, and telecom coverage remain significant barriers. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), nearly 40% of Senegal’s population lacked internet access in 2023.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Deloitte launched its CyberAcademy in Casablanca on September 19, 2025, to train cybersecurity professionals across Africa.

• The academy offers over 60 certified training programs, integrating AI and aligning with international certifications.

• The initiative supports the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center's goal of expanding its expert team to over 450 by 2025 and leverages Morocco's Tier 1 global cybersecurity ranking.

Africa faces a significant challenge with the scarcity of specialized cybersecurity skills amid escalating cyber threats. Training represents a critical priority for building a resilient and secure digital ecosystem across the continent.

Deloitte, a global audit, consulting, and technology services firm, inaugurated its CyberAcademy in Casablanca on September 19. The academy operates under the umbrella of the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center. This specialized cybersecurity training center targets professionals, students, recent graduates, and individuals undergoing professional retraining. Companies currently struggle to recruit qualified talent in the sector.

The CyberAcademy offers more than 60 certified training courses. These programs cover technical, organizational, regulatory, and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. Some modules already incorporate artificial intelligence, and customizable programs adapt to specific business needs. The academy leverages recognized academic partnerships and international certifications (ISC², ISACA, PECB, etc.) to ensure the quality of its curriculum.

This launch aligns with the ongoing momentum of the Deloitte Morocco Cyber Center, which first opened in February 2023. The center currently employs approximately 100 Moroccan and African engineers, with women constituting about 50% of the workforce. It aims to reach over 450 experts by 2025. Furthermore, Morocco has advanced in global cybersecurity rankings. The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, published by the ITU, assigned Morocco a score of 97.5 out of 100, placing it among the international reference countries (Tier 1).

Deloitte intends to address a proven skills deficit with this academy. Many companies and institutions find it challenging to recruit advanced cybersecurity profiles. This difficulty stems from the proliferation of cyberattacks, digital fraud threats, and heightened regulatory requirements. The country's accelerated digital transformation also drives this need, evidenced by high internet penetration, widespread use of online services, and increasing digitization of public services.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum

• Nigeria, DLN ink deal to supply 47M laptops, tablets for schools

• Hybrid internet plan: 5G, local telecoms, Starlink satellites

• Success hinges on broadband, funding, and teacher training

Nigeria has signed a landmark agreement to roll out what could become Africa’s largest digital education program, aiming to provide laptops and tablets to nearly 47 million students and teachers.

UBEC and Digital Learning Network (DLN) have signed a landmark MoU to launch the National Digital Education Transformation Project.

In line with the Renewed HOPE agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this pioneering public-private partnership will deliver digital devices,… pic.twitter.com/SY8KjpW4Ep

— AISHA GARBA (@AishaMGarba) September 2, 2025

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and U.S.-based Digital Learning Network (DLN) signed a memorandum of understanding in Abuja on Sept. 1 to launch the “Free Laptops” initiative. The project includes teacher training, regional hubs for device assembly and distribution, and hybrid internet infrastructure combining 5G, local telecoms, and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. The plan targets minimum speeds of 50 Mbps for schools, even in rural areas.

“This initiative is more than just technology. It is a promise of access, equity, and opportunity for every Nigerian child,” UBEC Executive Secretary Aisha Garba said.

Less than half of Nigeria’s public primary schools currently have digital equipment. The government aims to equip 95% of Nigerians with digital skills by 2030, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

While the project underscores Nigeria’s push for digital inclusion and education-led economic growth, success will hinge on overcoming challenges including uneven broadband access, sustainable financing, and adequate teacher training.

Samira Njoya