News (1503)
Anambra aims to integrate information and communication technologies across all sectors of the economy. It previously initiated projects to strengthen digital infrastructure, notably through a project to establish an Internet Exchange Point.
Anambra State, Nigeria, plans to develop its own data management platform as part of efforts to fast-track its digital transformation. With an estimated budget of 97.08 million naira (about $57,200), the project received approval last week during a State Executive Council meeting.
“By enabling better data integration across sectors, the platform will ensure that vital information is accessible in real-time for decision-makers, supporting data-driven governance,” said Law Mefor, Anambra’s Commissioner for Information.
The initiative is part of Anambra’s broader ambition to leverage technology to improve governance and drive development. Guided by its strategic vision, "Everything Technology, and Technology Everywhere," the state government aims to establish a digital economy that attracts investors, innovators, and businesses.
To achieve these digital ambitions, Anambra has been implementing various projects to upgrade its digital infrastructure. In August 2023, the state eliminated right-of-way fees to speed up fiber optic deployment. By July 2024, it had launched an extensive project to lay 2,400 kilometers of fiber optic cable, a move that supports its goal of providing free Wi-Fi across the state. Additionally, the government is planning to establish other essential digital infrastructure, including an Internet Exchange Point (IXP).
This data management platform is expected to contribute to Nigeria’s broader digital transformation, as Africa’s digital economy is projected to reach at least $712 billion by 2050—equivalent to 8.5% of the continent's GDP—according to a joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google. However, the timeline for the platform’s development and implementation has not yet been disclosed.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Satellite technologies are becoming a strategic tool for nations looking to fast-track their digital development. In this context, access to advanced technologies is essential to meet the growing demand for connectivity.
Augustin Kibassa, Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information and Communication Technologies (PT-NTIC), visited the facilities of satellite manufacturer Thales Alenia Space in France on Thursday. During his visit, Kibassa met with European company executives and toured the entire satellite production process, from design to launch. This visit aligns with the Congolese government's goal of developing satellite capabilities to meet a range of national needs.
Just two days earlier, on November 12, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed a memorandum of understanding with satellite operator Monacosat. This strategic partnership reflects the DRC's ambition to expand its internet capacity through various telecom technologies, aiming to deliver quality telecom services nationwide, including its most remote regions.
While the PT-NTIC ministry has not disclosed specific strategic goals for the Thales Alenia Space visit, the trip suggests potential responses to the DRC's previously expressed concerns about territorial surveillance. In 2022, the Congolese government announced its interest in acquiring a $100 million Earth observation satellite funded domestically. An official tender was issued by the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation that November.
Whether for telecommunications or Earth observation, satellites represent high-value technology. For the DRC, which faces significant security and economic challenges, satellites could be instrumental in securing borders and localities against rebel groups, identifying areas affected by natural disasters, combating illegal mining activities, and assessing the condition of the country's critical infrastructure.
Samira Njoya
International money transfers play a key role in the global economy, facilitating financial exchanges worldwide. In Africa, the rise of mobile money has revolutionized these transactions, significantly boosting financial inclusion.
Mobile money transfers between countries were among the fastest-growing services in Africa in 2023. The total amount sent reached nearly $29 billion, a 33% increase from $22 billion in 2022, according to the GSMA.
In The State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2024 , published last April, the GSMA explains that this growth was largely driven by the Covid-19 pandemic. During this period, diasporas worldwide widely adopted mobile money transfers to meet the urgent needs of family members in Africa.
This practice, born out of the necessity for quick, secure, and affordable transactions, has endured, especially given the continent’s low banking rate. Mobile money has thus become a critical alternative to traditional banking services. International transfers via mobile money grew from $16 billion in 2021 to reach $29 billion in 2023.
In 2023, international mobile money transfers accounted for 3.18% of the $912 billion transacted through mobile money in sub-Saharan Africa. Although modest, these transfers play a vital role in the sector. Merchant payments, another significant component, reached $74 billion, or roughly 8.11% of the total mobile money transactions, up 14% from 2022. Additionally, transfers between banks and mobile money services (in both directions) rose 15% year-on-year, reaching $210 billion in 2023, according to the GSMA.
Challenges and Recommendations for Further Development
Despite this strong growth, the expansion of international mobile money transfers in sub-Saharan Africa faces structural challenges. One key issue is the relatively low adoption of mobile financial services, even though mobile phone penetration is high. In 2023, the region counted 856 million mobile money subscriptions out of 980 million mobile phone subscriptions.
To accelerate growth in this sector, the GSMA recommends increasing partnerships between telecom operators and banks to enhance interoperability and lower transaction costs. Meanwhile, governments could support these efforts by investing in digital infrastructure in remote areas and adopting favorable regulations. These actions would make mobile money services even more accessible, amplifying their impact on financial inclusion globally.
Samira Njoya
Africa hosts a growing number of startups fueled by increasing digitalization. However, many struggle to scale due to limited resources and mentorship. Targeted programs are essential to enhance their growth and competitiveness locally and globally.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has partnered with AfriLabs to launch the NASENI Innovation Hub, aimed at empowering Nigerian innovators and startups. The partnership was forged at the 2024 AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) held from November 5 – 8 in Cape Town, South Africa. It aims to bridge the support gap for young creators, providing resources to commercialize groundbreaking technologies and drive sustainable economic growth.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, emphasized the hub’s role in advancing Nigeria’s technological and industrial goals, saying: “At NASENI, we are committed to transforming Nigeria into a global leader in technology and industrialization. The establishment of this innovation hub marks a pivotal step in fostering homegrown solutions, nurturing local talent, and creating a dynamic ecosystem that will drive sustainable development through science and engineering.”
The hub will offer infrastructure, mentorship, and capacity building to nurture ideas, foster industrialization, and position Nigeria competitively in the global tech space. It will run specialized programs, including the NASENI Reverse Japa Programme, which supports Nigerian researchers abroad in commercializing innovations locally, and the DeltHer Expansion Programme, which empowers women in engineering. FutureMakers by NASENI will nurture young innovators through grants and mentorship, while the Placeholder Programme addresses public sector challenges with innovative solutions. NASENI Xceler8 will accelerate startups in science, engineering, and manufacturing.
Nigeria has a vast pool of talented innovators, but a lack of infrastructure, funding, and mentorship often stifles their potential. According to the Global Innovation Index 2024, which captures the innovation ecosystem performance of 133 economies, Nigeria ranked 113th, highlighting the urgent need for focused investment in science, technology, and innovation ecosystems.
This partnership establishes a foundation for a sustainable innovation ecosystem to drive Nigeria’s industrialization and economic transformation. By empowering innovators and fostering collaboration, NASENI and AfriLabs are building a future where Nigerian innovations thrive locally and impact the global stage.
Hikmatu Bilali
Between 2022 and 2024, African countries saw their average scores on the E-Government Development Index rise by 4.8%, from 0.4054 to 0.4247. Djibouti is keeping pace with this trend, ramping up efforts to digitize as many services as possible.
Djibouti announced, on November 14th, the pilot phase of a digital building permit platform. The platform is designed to streamline and speed up the permit process for both individuals and businesses. This move follows the May 2024 announcement at the 8th session of the Council of Ministers, where plans for an e-permit system were first unveiled. The platform is set to integrate into the national online services portal, which already offers a variety of digital public services.
To support this initiative, the Djiboutian government has sought technical and financial partnerships. Earlier this week, they reached out to the European Union as part of the "Global Gateway" investment strategy. The e-permit implementation is part of the broader "Djibouti Digital Foundation" project, which aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation.
A United Nations report released in September categorized Djibouti as a country with a medium E-Government Development Index (EGDI), scoring 0.2911 out of 1. However, Djibouti's Online Services Index, a component of the EGDI, remains low at 0.2092 in 2024.
During the pilot phase, building permits will be issued within seven days, as stated on Djibouti's national online services portal. Applications can be submitted from Saturday to Thursday between 7 AM and 2 PM.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In a context where access to technology remains uneven, countries are seeking innovative solutions to improve connectivity. International partnerships, particularly in satellite technology, are essential levers to bridge this digital divide.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Tuesday, November 12, signed a memorandum of understanding with Monaco's leading satellite operator, Monacosat, to expand satellite infrastructure in the country. The agreement, signed by Congolese Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Augustin Kibassa Maliba (photo, left), aims to bridge the digital divide in rural and remote areas.
The partnership will involve discussions to finalize the details of deploying a satellite telecommunications network in the DRC, leveraging Monacosat's satellite capacity. According to a statement from the Congolese Ministry of ICT, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in rural and hard-to-reach areas by leveraging Monacosat’s satellite capabilities to expand connectivity. “We have decided to work closely together and consult on matters of mutual interest, focusing on the deployment of a satellite telecommunications network in the DRC through the acquisition of satellite capacity from Monacosat,” the statement read.
This initiative aligns with DRC's “Horizon 2025” National Digital Plan, which seeks to develop a robust digital infrastructure to connect the country. It follows a recent cooperation agreement signed with the Polish government to support digital infrastructure expansion in the DRC.
Despite government efforts, the country continues to show low connectivity rates. According to the Congo Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPTC), as of June 30, 2023, only 30.79% of Congolese had access to mobile internet, and a mere 0.0174% had fixed internet access. The United Nations' latest "E-Government Survey 2024," published in September, highlighted this gap, noting that the DRC’s telecom infrastructure development index stands at 0.1591, well below the African average of 0.4534.
If negotiations succeed, Monacosat would extend its coverage across the DRC using its TurkmenAlem52E/MonacoSAT satellite, which already operates in Africa. This initiative could not only connect millions of Congolese but also facilitate access to education, healthcare, and digital public services, contributing to the country’s overall development. It could also help offset delays in the fiber optic network expansion, which is estimated to require nearly 50,000 kilometers of additional coverage.
Samira Njoya
Insufficient information about market supply can fuel inflation. Sometimes, unscrupulous merchants exploit shortages to artificially inflate prices. Preventing such practices is crucial for economic and social equity.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has unveiled a new mobile app, TALO, developed by local talent to improve economic oversight. Presented to the Council of Ministers, last Friday, by Deputy Prime Minister Daniel Mukoko Samba, the app aims to improve transparency and price regulation through real-time monitoring of commercial practices and stock flows.
TALO comprises two modules: a mobile module for field investigators to collect and centralize price data weekly, and a platform for businesses to directly submit information on inventory, pricing, and pricing structures. The system aims to enhance transparency in commercial practices and strengthen economic regulation.
Its adoption demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and restoring trust in economic oversight for both businesses and the public. According to Mukoko Samba, the initiative seeks to turn oversight functions into genuine regulatory tools, free from abuses, to ensure a fairer and more reliable business environment.
TALO aligns with broader efforts to improve economic regulation in the DRC. By enabling more transparent and effective management of economic controls, the app supports adherence to standards, strengthens control missions, and safeguards due process for businesses. It also facilitates complaint collection and the detection of potential irregularities.
With this system, the government aims to create a more equitable economic framework that fosters transparency and strengthens the trust of economic actors. Raising operator awareness, through the distribution of a guide on economic oversight, is also essential to securing a more regulated and investment-friendly business environment in the DRC.
Africa's pharmaceutical market faces supply chain issues and counterfeit drugs, but technology offers a solution. Leveraging digital tools can address these challenges, create economic opportunities, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure - making a lasting positive impact on public health and economic growth.
Prosper Africa, a Presidential-level national security initiative focused on strengthening strategic and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, has launched a pilot project under its Africa Tech for Trade Alliance (AT4T). The initiative, announced on November 12, aims to digitize and improve transparency in Africa’s pharmaceutical supply chains. Launched in collaboration with USAID’s e-Trade Alliance, IBM Consulting, and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), it introduces the Pulse by NABP™ platform in South Africa.
British Robinson, Coordinator of Prosper Africa, highlighted the importance of partnerships in developing technology-driven solutions under the Digital Trade for Africa (DTA) initiative. “Through Prosper Africa’s Tech for Trade Alliance, we support partnerships that leverage technology to create products that yield both financial and social benefits for Africans and Americans alike,” he stated.
Designed to link U.S. and global pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Roche with African distributors and pharmacies, Pulse by NABP™ aims to foster transparency, improve communication, and establish a secure framework for medication distribution.
This initiative also includes AI-based training for African pharmacies and retailers through IBM’s watsonx.ai, empowering them with data-driven tools to optimize their sales strategies. The Pulse platform is set to address Africa’s complex pharmaceutical distribution challenges, paving the way for increased economic growth and access to healthcare across the continent.
Africa has one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical markets in the world, valued at approximately $26.85 billion in 2023, according to the Africa Pharmaceutical Market Size, Industry Report, 2030 by research and consulting company Grand View Research. This market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from 2024 to 2030, fueled by an increasing demand for healthcare services as the population grows and ages.
However, the continent faces challenges, including fragmented supply chains, logistical barriers, and regulatory differences, which drive up costs and reduce product availability. The Pulse platform aims to address these challenges by increasing supply chain visibility, which could help African pharmacies minimize losses, maintain consistent stock, and forge profitable partnerships with international suppliers.
The initiative aligns with recommendations outlined in the African Development Bank Group's 2022 report, A New Frontier for African Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry. The report emphasizes that strengthening logistics integration is essential to developing Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, enabling efficient intra-African and international trade, particularly in pharmaceutical products.
Hikmatu Bilali
The volume of electronic and electrical waste is growing in Africa every year. Successfully giving this waste a second life could help ease current environmental pressures while creating wealth for young people.
On Wednesday, November 13, Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and German development agency GIZ announced the launch of the "Master Repair" project, backed by a joint €2.85 million investment. This initiative offers specialized training in electronic device repair, as well as in the installation and maintenance of solar panels and fiber optic networks. The program targets young men and women in Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, and Egypt, with a particular focus on individuals with disabilities.
The project is positioned as an inclusive approach to enhancing youth employability and promoting the creation of micro-enterprises in electronic repair and sustainable technology sectors.
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, stated, “This partnership with GIZ illustrates our commitment to supporting young people, especially women and persons with disabilities, towards sustainable professional integration and a more inclusive economic future. Together, we invest in skills that not only create opportunities but also strengthen the foundations of a circular and resilient economy for tomorrow.”
Master Repair is part of the develoPPP program, commissioned by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the "Decent Work for a Just Transition" special initiative. The project aligns with the mission of Orange Digital Center to promote digital inclusion and support digital skill development for employment, particularly among youth and women.
According to Market Research Network, the global market for electronic maintenance and repair was valued at $98.1 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $142.7 billion by 2030, growing at an average annual rate of 4.5% between 2024 and 2030. While specific data on Africa is unavailable, it’s evident that this market holds promise. With the World Bank reporting that a majority of Africans live on less than $5 a day, purchasing new devices often requires significant financial sacrifice, making repair a more affordable option than replacement.
Increasing the number of young people skilled in repair and maintenance is also expected to better meet the needs of households and businesses across the region.
Digital transformation is a top priority for the Djiboutian government, which aims to establish the country as a technology hub by 2035.
Djibouti wants to strengthen its cooperation with the European Union (EU) to accelerate its digital transformation. The goal was at the center of discussions between Mariam Hamadou Ali, Djibouti’s Minister Delegate for Digital Economy and Innovation, and Denisa-Elena Ionete, the EU ambassador to Djibouti.
This cooperation aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy, which aims to drive both digital and green transitions while delivering reliable, sustainable connections for partner countries. Key projects under discussion include e-permits, e-cabinet systems, cybersecurity, and digital skills training.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Djibouti currently ranks 17th out of 47 African countries in ICT development, with a score of 61.6 out of 100—down from 16th place in 2023, when it scored 63.6. Additionally, the United Nations places Djibouti among the countries with a mid-range e-government development index (EGDI), scoring 0.2911 out of 1.
In cybersecurity, Djibouti ranks as a Tier 4 country by ITU standards, reflecting a basic government-driven commitment to cybersecurity. Legislative measures are cited as a strength, but the ITU notes that additional progress is needed in technical measures, organizational frameworks, capacity development, and cooperative actions.
The EU’s support is expected to boost the Djibouti Digital Foundation project, which is already backed by the World Bank. This project is aimed at transforming Djibouti into a tech hub by 2035 through the expansion of digital services and the establishment of a supportive environment for private-sector ICT investment.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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African and Middle Eastern entrepreneurs with innovative projects are being celebrated for solutions that blend social impact with digital transformation. By showcasing these startups, the Orange Social Entrepreneur Prize highlights ingenuity aimed at addressing regional challenges.
The top international winners of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (OSVP/POESAM) have been announced. Moroccan startup SAVEY, Tunisia’s WeFix, and Côte d'Ivoire's Cocoa Shield were officially presented to the public on Tuesday, November 12, during an international ceremony held in Casablanca, Morocco.
According to an Orange press release, these winners were selected from a pool of 1,600 applicants from 17 countries. The awarded projects in this 14th edition of OSVP cover diverse fields, including education, health, e-commerce, agriculture, and environmental protection.
The Grand Prize was awarded to Moroccan startup SAVEY, which offers a digital and logistical solution to reduce food waste by selling unsold or near-expiry food items. This solution earned them €25,000 in funding.
The second prize went to Tunisian startup WeFix, which provides a digital solution to support individuals and companies in the sustainable management of electronic and household appliances. This start-up received €15,000 in funding.
In third place was Ivorian startup Cocoa Shield, which uses AI and IoT to monitor and track cocoa crops, helping to combat crop diseases. This start-up was awarded €10,000.
The International Women’s Prize, celebrating a female-led startup with significant impact, was awarded to MyTindy (Morocco), an online platform connecting artisans with international customers to facilitate direct and independent sales. This platform received €20,000 in funding.
Finally, the "Coup de Cœur" prize went to Intella, an Egyptian start-up developing a multi-dialect Arabic speech-to-text transcription engine, one of the most accurate in the world, aimed at bridging the gap between AI advancements and the Arab-speaking world.
In addition to these awards, the national winners of POESAM 2024 from Orange’s 17 markets in the Middle East and Africa will receive support from Orange Digital Centers. This support will help them expand their businesses beyond national borders through a network active in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Samira Njoya
Mobile internet access in Africa is evolving rapidly, yet speed disparities persist. While some countries report strong connection speeds, others struggle to keep up due to infrastructure and technological challenges.
South Africa leads the African continent in terms of mobile download speeds, averaging 34.5 Mbps, according to a report published, on Monday, by mobile data analytics firm Opensignal. This speed is 50% faster than that of Zimbabwe, which ranks second, and four times faster than Angola, which is at the bottom of the list.
Titled The State of Mobile Network Experience in Africa, the report covers 27 African countries and attributes these disparities to differences in network infrastructure investments and spectrum management. In South Africa, sustained efforts to modernize infrastructure and the rapid adoption of 4G and 5G technologies have enabled faster, more reliable connectivity. Conversely, Angola remains reliant on older technologies like 2G, which limit speeds and hinder the use of modern applications—a challenge also affecting countries like Zimbabwe and Mali, where infrastructure still needs significant upgrades.
In terms of Consistent Quality (CQ), a measure of the stability needed for services like video calls, South Africa and Tunisia perform well, with CQ scores of 58.6% and 57.6%, respectively. However, in over half of the African countries analyzed, CQ scores fall below 30%, indicating unstable connectivity that limits user experience, especially in countries like Mali, Guinea, and Cameroon.
To address these gaps, Opensignal suggests governments should invest in infrastructure, ensure efficient spectrum allocation, create supportive regulatory frameworks, enhance digital skills, address device affordability, and promote wider adoption of 4G and 5G technologies.
According to the GSMA increased mobile internet use could add about $795 billion to Africa’s GDP between 2023 and 2030. This underscores the significant economic impact that enhanced connectivity could have across the continent.
Samira Njoya
Reliance on manual, paper-based records leads to unnecessary costs in today’s digital age. Digitization could save Africa millions, improve public resource allocation, reduce government operational costs, and cut retrieval times, boosting productivity and efficiency - especially in services requiring quick information access.
Information and records management company Metrofile Kenya has announced a partnership with the Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) to advance digital transformation in Kenya’s records management sector. This collaboration was launched at KARMA’s 8th annual conference, held from 4 to 8 November. It seeks to establish a secure, efficient, and digitally forward approach to managing records nationwide.
At the event, Metrofile Kenya Managing Director Jackline Mburu highlighted the importance of effective records management in building a digital economy. “With EverFiles, we’re ensuring data sovereignty and smooth access to vital information. This partnership will empower Kenyan businesses and government bodies to manage their digital assets with confidence,” she said.
Metrofile’s EverFiles platform, central to this partnership, offers innovative solutions aimed at streamlining record-keeping, enhancing productivity, and promoting data sovereignty. Together, Metrofile and KARMA are setting new standards for Kenya’s digital transformation journey in records management, reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in digitizing government services.
This collaboration will help Kenya address the financial and operational inefficiencies of outdated, paper-based systems. It aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 initiative, a national development blueprint aimed at transforming the country into an industrialized, middle-income economy by the year 2030. A major pillar of this vision is public sector reform, which includes the digitization of government services to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
In July 2024, Mary Kerema, the Secretary for ICT, eGovernment, and the Digital Economy stated that the Kenyan government was aiming to digitize at least 80% of public services and make them accessible via the eCitizen platform. She pointed out that nearly 17,000 services had already been digitized and put online as part of the National Digitisation Plan (2022-2032).
Thanks to the accelerated digitization of public services, the President of the Republic, William Ruto, claimed in November 2023 that the State's monthly revenue had increased from around 1.5 billion shillings (11.7 million USD) in previous years to 9 billion shillings. This growth was due to many factors, including a reduction in the cost of managing paper documents.
Hikmatu Bilali
In today's digital age, access to technology is crucial for development. Initiatives that empower people with digital skills and tools are essential for creating a more inclusive and prosperous future.
On Sunday, November 10, Guinea’s Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah inaugurated the country’s first laptop assembly unit in Mamou, located within the Higher Institute of Technology (IST). This project, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Chinese company Green View, and local partner Guinea Technologie Innovation (GTI), marks a significant step toward positioning Guinea as a technological leader in West Africa.
"Guinea needs to be a player in technology. We must not only consume phones and laptops but also manufacture them. We have resources, a vision, and the responsibility to train the talent to bring this vision to life," said Prime Minister Bah.
The initiative is part of the “Simandou 2040” vision led by the transitional president, Mamadi Doumbouya, which aims to modernize and diversify Guinea’s economy. As part of this strategy, the government intends to transform Mamou into a regional tech hub, called “Mamou Valley,” where academic institutions and businesses will collaborate to drive innovation. Additional initiatives are underway, including the construction of regional universities, the establishment of a Science and Innovation City, and the redesign of technology training programs.
With 4.87 million internet users as of January 2024, according to DataReportal, and an internet penetration rate estimated by the government at 52% in May, Guinea has potential for further digital inclusion. However, the high cost of computers and smartphones remains a barrier. This laptop assembly project is expected to help lower these costs, making technology more accessible, while also boosting the digital job market and supporting national economic transformation.
Samira Njoya