Africa Data Centres, a unit of Cassava Technologies, announced, on July 25, the expansion of its CPT1 facility in Cape Town.

Supported by a loan of up to $300 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the project will add three new halls and increase the IT load by 6MW, doubling the current capacity.

The CPT1 expansion is part of Africa Data Centres’ strategy to increase data centre capacity across the continent, addressing the growing demand for data services in Africa.

Equipping African youth with cutting-edge skills is set to drive innovation and economic growth, creating opportunities for the youth to join the global workforce. These advancements are pivotal for driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.

Nigeria has partnered with Gluwa, a decentralized financial platform, to train 1,000 youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other technologies. The country is poised to outpace global peers in both economy and technology, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared on July 23.

We are proud to partner with VP @KashimSM’s Presidency Office to train 1,000 Nigerian youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies, preparing them to contribute to the global workforce.

Through this collaborative AI Expertise… https://t.co/nLDZFVqPqA

— Gluwa (@Gluwa) July 23, 2024

The VP announced this while launching the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, Jigawa State, as part of the country's digital transformation strategy. He urged youths to embrace the program, calling it vital for Nigeria’s economic future.

“We are poised to overtake the rest of the world. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to join a global workforce and drive innovation,” he said.

Shettima emphasized the federal government’s vision to create a network of tech hubs nationwide and lauded Gluwa for its significant impact. He highlighted the goal of transforming Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, combining global expertise with local talent.

Nigeria has made significant progress in its digitization efforts. 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.” Improving digital literacy and skills is one of the eight guiding pillars of the strategy, intending to reach a 95% digital literacy level by 2030.

Hikmatu Bilali

Improving regional cooperation leads to better connectivity across African countries. This connectivity is vital for economic growth, as it facilitates trade, communication, and access to information. Through such collaborations, African countries can leverage collective resources to foster economic growth​.

Zambia has ratified the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), strengthening its commitment to advancing telecommunications and ICT development in Africa. The instruments of ratification were deposited at the ATU headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, today July 26, and received by ATU Secretary General John Omo.

The Republic of Zambia... - African Telecommunications Union | Facebook

Alfred Musemuna, Zambia's Charge d'Affaires in Kenya, delivered the instruments on behalf of the Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati. Musemuna conveyed Mutati's message, emphasizing Zambia's dedication to regional cooperation and connectivity. "Zambia recognizes the critical role of the ATU in promoting connectivity for the benefit of all African countries. We are excited to contribute to the Union’s goals of a digitally inclusive Africa," said Mutati.

Countries ratifying the ATU's foundational instruments gain benefits, including full engagement in Union activities, voting rights, eligibility for elections within the Union's Permanent Organs, and the ability to nominate candidates for elective roles.

“ATU is the leading continental organization fostering the development of information and communication technologies infrastructure and services.” With Zambia's ratification, 32 out of 52 African countries represented by ATU have now ratified or acceded to the Union's Constitution and Convention, initially signed by ATU Member States in 1999 and revised in 2014.

This step underscores Zambia's commitment to technological advancement and regional integration through active participation in international forums. As a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Zambia engages in the Regional Standardisation Forum for Africa. The country has also adopted several ITU conventions and guidelines, such as the Guidelines on Child Online Protection, which have been localized and implemented by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, as outlined in the National ICT Policy 2023 Republic of Zambia Implementation Plan 2022 - 2026.

Hikmatu Bilali

Visa is inviting women entrepreneurs in South Africa to apply for the She’s Next program. The program is offering over ZAR1 million (USD 54,540) in funding, along with mentorship and training, to help businesses grow and contribute to the South African economy.

Eligible businesses must be at least 51% woman-owned and 51% black-owned, operate in South Africa, have annual revenue under ZAR50 million (USD 2,728,000), and have been operating for at least one year before July 22, 2024.

Application closes by August 9.

Kemitt, Egypt's top e-commerce platform for furniture and home accessories, has expanded into Saudi Arabia following a recent undisclosed funding round, according to a press release dated July 22.

Founded in 2017, Kemitt connects product and furniture designers with consumers, managing manufacturing, overheads, and last-mile logistics. The platform offers on-demand manufacturing and 7-12 day delivery services.

The recent funding supports Kemitt’s growth plans, including technology upgrades, product expansion, local partnerships, and its Saudi entry.

Cofinity Group, a 15-year veteran in the data center market, has signed strategic partnership agreements with Africa's largest data center operators, the group announced on July 23.

They include PAIX Data Centres, Rack Centre, Raxio, and Digital Realty's African subsidiaries iColo, Teraco, and Digital Realty Nigeria. These data center providers account for over 75% of Sub-Saharan Africa's GDP.

Cofinity’s extensive experience and relationships with these operators offer significant opportunities for enterprises seeking quality colocation data center solutions in Africa.

The adoption of technologies such as AI in health interventions signals progress towards modernizing Africa's health infrastructure. This not only helps in fighting diseases but also positions Africa as a growing hub for technological innovation.

President Yoweri Museveni met with Israeli businessmen Israel Green and Koby Shushan to discuss innovative projects for Uganda, the State House Uganda announced on July 18. The meeting focused on using Artificial Intelligence (AI) through Malera Technologies Limited to combat malaria.

President Museveni met Israeli business leaders Israel Green & Koby Shushan at Nakasero State Lodge. They discussed; Combating Malaria with AI technologies, enhancing tourism with the Ruwenzori Cable Car project & Launching a Ka-Band satellite for rural connectivity. pic.twitter.com/uRly05h2HU

— State House Uganda (@StateHouseUg) July 18, 2024

The initiative will employ the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), an environmentally friendly pest control method that involves large-scale rearing of the target pest followed by sterilization using radiation. SIT has proven successful in countries like Israel and the United States, and it has been approved by Uganda's Ministry of Health.

The discussions covered both the project's budget and timeline. President Museveni directed the immediate allocation of a portion of the current budget towards the project, with additional funding to come from Israel's support program. A follow-up meeting with the Ministry of Finance will delve deeper into financing options.

The World Malaria Report 2020 by the WHO shows that Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate malaria burden, with 95% of cases and 96% of deaths globally in 2020. In Uganda, malaria is the leading cause of illness and death, particularly affecting children under five, according to the Ministry of Health's National Malaria Control program.

This move aligns with the regional strategy for malaria elimination endorsed by the Government of Uganda (GoU). The project reflects a strategic approach to leveraging technology and innovation for sustainable development.

Hikmatu Bilali

Digital progress is critical for Africa's development, providing numerous benefits to the broader economic landscape. Efforts to increase internet penetration in Africa are vital for connecting rural communities, enhancing social outcomes, fostering economic growth, and improving governance.

Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. held a virtual meeting with Elon Musk, entrepreneur and CEO of SpaceX, the operator of Starlink. The Executive Mansion announced the meeting in a release dated July 21.

During the meeting, President Boakai emphasized the value of such engagements for building long-term relationships and improving Liberia’s key sectors through technology. He highlighted the potential of tech collaborations to enhance service delivery and support Liberia’s youth.

Musk discussed the Starlink program’s impact on education and healthcare, noting how improved internet access could benefit rural communities. He expressed support for advancing these initiatives while President Boakai welcomed the discussion as a significant step in fostering international partnerships and invited Musk to visit Liberia.

According to Datareportal, as of 2024, Liberia has about 1.65 million internet users, representing 30.1 % of the total population, showing a notable increase from previous years. The country also has around 859,000 active social media users, indicating growing engagement and connectivity among its citizens.

This discussion represents a crucial step in enhancing international partnerships and harnessing technological innovation, aligning with the Government’s ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, & Tourism) Agenda.

Hikmatu Bilali

The Green Innovation Hub (GiH) at the African Centre for a Green Economy is now inviting applications for its Just Transition Innovation Program (J-TIP). The 6-month business incubation program seeks green enterprises ready to advance Africa’s climate action and low-carbon transition.

J-TIP will support participants with business development training, personalized coaching, and increased visibility. The program also offers mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking with investors.

Applications are open until July 31.

After a first funding round that closed on May 6, the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF) announced its second round, on July 17. This round offers technical assistance to large private sector enterprises, including those in Africa, to help close the digital gender divide.

WiDEF is a joint effort by USAID and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, managed by CARE, the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, and the GSMA Foundation. It will provide successful applicants with technical assistance valued between $50,000 and $150,000 for up to two years.

Applications close by September 12.