News (1626)
African startups are increasingly vital to the continent's technological development, driving innovation, creating jobs, and attracting investment. Their growth requires a supportive environment to maximize their impact and strengthen their contribution to the digital economy.
Senegal's legal framework for startups is entering a new phase. On Wednesday, January 29, the government adopted the implementing decree for Law No. 2020-01 of January 6, 2020, governing startup creation and promotion. This long-awaited decree, years in the making, establishes a clear regulatory framework and introduces incentives for young, innovative companies.
The law aims to stimulate startup creation and growth in Senegal, focusing on creativity, innovation, new technologies, and national and international competitiveness. To qualify, companies must be based in Senegal, with at least one-third of their capital owned by Senegalese citizens, whether residing in the country or abroad. Existing businesses meeting the criteria can also benefit from startup status, which offers advantages such as streamlined administrative processes, preferential customs regimes, training and capacity-building programs, specific tax incentives, and access to financing.
This decree aligns with Senegal’s broader digital transformation strategy. In February, the country will launch the "New Technological Deal," an ambitious program designed to reshape the economy around four key pillars, including innovation and tech entrepreneurship. As part of this initiative, Senegal signed a memorandum of understanding with Google to provide artificial intelligence solutions and digital tools to accelerate the growth of local startups and SMEs.
The law's enactment is a major step forward for Senegal. By fostering a supportive environment for startups, it paves the way for increased entrepreneurial activity, greater competitiveness in global markets, and accelerated digital transformation. This structured legal framework is also expected to attract more investors and boost the tech sector, positioning Senegal as a leading innovation hub in West Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
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.
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
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
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
Data centers are critical to Africa's digital development as they provide the foundational infrastructure for storing, processing, and transmitting data. The expansion of data centers in Africa supports digital transformation, accelerates innovation, and boosts economic growth by attracting investments and enabling businesses to scale in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
PAIX Data Centres, a provider of digital infrastructure in Africa, has announced the construction of a state-of-the-art data centre in Dakar, Senegal, marking a significant milestone in its West African expansion. This new development, revealed on January 27, underscores PAIX’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for high-quality digital infrastructure across the continent.
For Boubacar Fall Sy, Managing Director of PAIX Data Centres Senegal, “The construction of this new data centre in Dakar demonstrates our commitment to the development of digital infrastructure in West Africa. We look forward to providing local and international businesses with world-class colocation and connectivity services, facilitating their digital transformation.”
The PAIX Dakar facility is designed to meet the highest global standards, offering 1.2 MW of IT load to ensure a stable power supply for critical operations, 918 m² of colocation space to provide scalable hosting solutions, and 330 secure bays for IT equipment in a controlled environment. The first phase of the project is set to be operational in 2026, enabling businesses to access reliable connectivity and world-class colocation services.
Aligned with its environmental goals, PAIX aims to use 100% renewable energy for its data centres by 2030. The Dakar facility will incorporate innovative design strategies to maximize efficiency, minimize water consumption, and reduce its carbon footprint, supporting Senegal’s sustainability efforts.
Dakar, already a critical connectivity hub with submarine cables such as ACE, MainOne, SAT3, and SHARE, will soon benefit from the 2Africa cable, further positioning the new data centre as a strategic access point for businesses targeting West African markets. The facility will provide essential digital infrastructure to support innovation, bolster competitiveness, and drive economic growth in the region.
The project will have a significant socio-economic impact. It is expected to create 200 construction jobs and 20 full-time operational roles while also providing opportunities for local suppliers, including architects, contractors, and maintenance providers. This development will strengthen Senegal’s digital infrastructure, attract international investment, and foster technological growth.
The number of data centres in West Africa surged from 2 to 47 between 2012 to 2022, according to the World Bank's 'Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023,' reflecting the region's accelerating digital transformation. This trend aligns with the Digital Senegal 2025 strategy, which seeks to position the country as a leader in the digital economy, underscoring the critical role of infrastructure like the new PAIX data center in achieving these objectives.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Guinean government prioritizes financial inclusion. To this end, several initiatives are underway to expand access to digital financial services.
Guinean fintech company Digital Wallet-Guinée (Diwalgi S.A.) launched a new electronic money solution, "Kulu-Guinée," on Friday, January 24. The launch, attended by Guinean government officials, marks a significant step forward in the country's efforts to digitize its economy.
"Nearly 60% of the adult Guinean population still lacks access to formal financial services. This situation exposes a large portion of our citizens, particularly merchants and informal workers, to significant risks. Kulu represents an innovative solution that not only promotes financial inclusion but also ensures transaction security while helping integrate our citizens into the formal economy," said Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy.
The Kulu-Guinée platform offers various services, including secure money transfers using a QR code, a phone number, or a unique Kulu identifier. It also provides payment options for everyday needs, such as shopping, transportation, hairdressing or dining services, and even salary payments.
This private initiative aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to accelerate the country's digital transformation, notably through the Simandou 2040 Strategic Plan, which positions digital technology as a key driver of economic modernization.
The platform is expected to strengthen digital financial inclusion, provide a safer and more convenient payment solution, and facilitate the integration of Guineans—particularly informal workers—into the formal economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Like many African countries, Cameroon is working to incorporate information and communication technologies (ICT) into its public services to improve its administration. This transition relies heavily on training government employees to modernize their administrative practices and effectively address the challenges of the digital age.
Cameroon will begin the construction of four "smart campuses" in Yaoundé, within the next five months, the government said last Monday. The project, a partnership with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is part of the government's digital transformation strategy to modernize public administration.
"The four smart campuses will accelerate the awareness and training of young Cameroonians," said Joseph Le (photo, center), Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, at the first session of the project's Steering Committee. "KOICA has shared the plans for these campuses with us, and construction is expected to begin simultaneously at all four sites by June at the latest. This timeline aims for the campuses to be operational within 24 months."
The $8 million project aims to promote e-governance and train current and future public servants in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The campuses will be built at the National School of Administration and Judiciary (ENAM), the National School of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information and Communication Technologies (SUP'PTIC), the Higher Institute of Public Management (ISMP), and the Ministry of Public Service.
Cameroon currently ranks 155th out of 193 countries on the United Nations e-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.4294, a drop of 14 places from 2022. By modernizing its administration and enhancing the skills of younger generations, the government aims to build a more efficient and resilient public administration.
Samira Njoya
Healthcare in Tunisia prioritizes efficiency and transparency. To meet the evolving needs of its population and enhance service delivery, the country has fully embraced digital transformation within the healthcare sector.
Tunisian Health Minister Mustapha Ferjani (photo, right) on Wednesday inaugurated a digital platform for managing medicines and health products, a significant step in the country's pharmaceutical sector digital transformation.
Developed by the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products (ANMPS), the platform aims to streamline administrative processes, particularly for issuing marketing authorizations (AMMs) and promotional licenses. It will also improve medicine traceability and provide citizens with online access to administrative services.
“This initiative will enable Tunisia to join the ranks of developed countries that rely on the pharmaceutical industry and the export of medicines,” stated Ferjani. He also highlighted that this innovation will help improve Tunisia’s ranking in global health standards by targeting the GBT3 level established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The digital platform is designed to simplify and accelerate administrative processes, particularly for issuing marketing authorizations (AMMs) for medicines and promotional licenses. It will also enhance the traceability of medicines while making administrative services accessible online to citizens.
The project, carried out by a team of over 100 Tunisian experts with support from the United States, is part of a broader digitization program aimed at modernizing several strategic sectors in Tunisia. These efforts have already elevated Tunisia to the top spot in North Africa and third place on the continent for e-government, according to the UN’s “E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development.” With an online service development index of 0.6935 out of 1, Tunisia significantly surpasses the African average of 0.4247.
In addition to modernizing pharmaceutical administration, this initiative aims to enhance transparency, attract investment, and improve interconnectivity between government departments. With this advancement, Tunisia reaffirms its role as a regional leader in digital transformation, strengthens its healthcare sovereignty, and aligns with global best practices.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
As a global leader in e-government, ranking sixth worldwide, Saudi Arabia is increasingly attracting African nations seeking partners for their digital transformation journeys. This growing interest was recently solidified with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Morocco in December 2024.
Rwanda is exploring potential collaboration with Saudi Arabia in digital transformation, the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation announced earlier this week. Minister Paula Ingabire met with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to discuss a potential partnership.
Discussions between the two ministers focused on innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, and enhancing technological capacity. Any eventual partnership would fall under the framework of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to leverage ICT and innovation to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and transition to a knowledge-based, upper-middle-income economy by 2035.
Saudi Arabia, ranked sixth globally on the UN's 2024 E-Government Development Index, boasts a near-perfect score of 0.9602 out of 1. The kingdom has also excelled in subcategories like online services (0.9900) and telecom infrastructure (0.9841). Moreover, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recognizes Saudi Arabia as a cybersecurity model, having fully complied with all five pillars of the cybersecurity index.
In contrast, Rwanda ranks 118th on the global e-government index, with a score of 0.5799—above the East African average (0.3903) and the continental average (0.4247) but below the global average of 0.6382. The ITU also highlights Rwanda as a strong performer in cybersecurity but still faces gaps in technical measures.
A potential partnership with Saudi Arabia could significantly accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation. However, while broad areas of cooperation have been discussed, the specifics are yet to be outlined. Talks remain early, and no agreements have been finalized or officially announced.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital skills training equips youth and marginalized populations with opportunities to participate in the digital economy, reducing unemployment and poverty. Ultimately, digital investments bridge the digital divide, foster social inclusion, and create resilient, technology-driven economies poised for sustainable development.
Eswatini has partnered with Google to leverage Google’s cutting-edge tools and expertise to advance its ‘Government in Your Hand’ initiative. The collaboration, announced on January 20, under the theme “Innovating Together: Strategic Partnerships for Eswatini’s Digital Transformation and Economic Prosperity” focuses on equipping Eswatini’s youth with essential digital skills to navigate and excel in a tech-driven world.
Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, underscored the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration symbolizes a shared vision of leveraging innovation to transform Eswatini into a digital hub that competes globally. With 70% of our population being youth, this initiative lays the foundation for creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and accelerating sustainable economic development.”
The Government in Your Hand initiative is a flagship program aimed at digitizing public services, increasing citizen engagement, and improving government efficiency. The partnership will empower the youth with digital skills, enhance public service delivery through advanced technology, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Eswatini's digital readiness is rated as 'systematic,' with a score of 2.6, reflecting steady progress in critical areas of digital transformation, according to the 2024 Digital Readiness Assessment Report developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Efforts are focused on overcoming outdated technology and addressing limited digital skills, particularly within local government. While the country’s strong literacy rate of 89.28% provides a solid foundation for developing digital competencies, significant gaps remain, especially among older populations and rural communities, further compounded by the absence of an ICT-focused education policy.
The initiative will address unemployment, stimulate economic growth, and create a sustainable, innovation-driven ecosystem. Eswatini’s collaboration with Google reflects a growing trend among African nations to prioritize digital transformation as a key driver of economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
Hikmatu Bilali