Public Management (405)
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
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
Earlier last year, Algerian authorities launched the digitization of the national agricultural registry. They have completed the digitization goal ahead of schedule.
On Sunday, November 3, Mohamed Yazid Hambli, President of Algeria's National Chamber of Agriculture, announced the completion of the digitization of the National Agricultural Registry (RNA). The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the second National Exhibition of Agricultural Equipment, Products, Livestock, Agribusiness, and Refrigeration in Mascara.
"The process of digitizing the National Agricultural Registry, initiated early last year and carried out by the National Chamber of Agriculture, is now fully complete. This initiative has allowed for the issuance of digital cards to farmers across all 58 wilayas," stated Mohamed Yazid Hambli (photo, center).
Under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria has leveraged digital transformation as a driver of development since 2019, achieving substantial progress on various digital indicators. According to the International Telecommunication Union, Algeria reached a score of 80.9 on the ICT Development Index in 2024, up from 77.8 in 2023, marking a notable advancement in the tech sector.
However, the digitization of the RNA faces several challenges. Farmers and local agents require training to effectively use digital tools, while limited access to telecommunications networks in rural areas hinders connectivity. Robust measures are also essential to protect the privacy and security of farmers' sensitive data. These obstacles could reduce the initiative's effectiveness if not addressed.
If these challenges are overcome, the RNA digitization could transform agricultural resource management by enabling better monitoring of land, crops, and water resources. It would allow for more targeted subsidies and aid based on farmers' actual needs and improve transparency in production chains. By facilitating precise resource management and enhancing transparency in the agricultural sector, this initiative could support more sustainable and equitable agricultural development.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Guinea is making strides in digitalizing its public administration, but there's still room for improvement. According to the United Nations, the country's digital governance score increased from 0.2955 in 2022 to 0.4006 in 2024. Despite this progress, Guinea remains behind and is working to accelerate its digital transformation.
The Guinean Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Small and Medium Enterprises recently announced the upcoming launch of an administrative document management platform (PLAGED) on November 13. This platform aims to simplify administrative procedures for citizens, marking a significant step toward digital governance in Guinea.
This initiative follows Guinean Prime Minister Bah Oury’s recent call for a concerted push to improve the country's digital administration, where progress has lagged. Oury attributes this delay to limited familiarity with the rapid evolution of digital technologies. According to the United Nations' report "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development," Guinea scored 0.4006 out of 1 on the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), ranking 29th on the continent. This is an improvement from a score of 0.2955 in 2022, reflecting gradual progress in online government services.
The report also noted Guinea’s Online Service Index score of 0.4808, which assesses the technical features of national websites as well as policies and strategies for online service delivery across general and sectoral levels.
Earlier this year, in April, Guinean authorities launched “e-Learning” and “e-Consulting” initiatives to modernize administrative processes with innovative training and management tools. The introduction of PLAGED aligns with these efforts, supporting the government’s digital strategy to improve service delivery and accelerate the adoption of digital tools across public administration.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Ghanaian government is ramping up efforts to bridge the country’s digital skills gap. Officials recently announced plans to launch a $5 million fund aimed at fostering technological innovation.
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (photo, left), Ghana’s Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, launched the “eSkills4Jobs” program last week. The initiative aims to equip over 5,000 young Ghanaians with essential digital skills, with a focus on supporting women from marginalized communities and people with disabilities.
The program is a partnership between the Ghanaian government, the World Bank, and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT.
“The digital economy is here to stay, and we must ensure no one is left behind. eSkills4Jobs will focus on creating tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources to enable participants to build relevant skills,” Owusu-Ekuful said.
The initiative aligns with the Ghanaian government’s broader goal of training one million young people in digital skills to meet the demand for a skilled workforce in a rapidly digitalizing economy. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), 20% of Ghanaian companies currently rely on foreign recruitment for digital skills, primarily because they cannot find qualified local talent. The World Bank estimates that approximately 625 million Africans will require digital skills by 2030.
The Ghanaian government believes that the skills acquired through the eSkills4Jobs initiative will not only enhance individual employability but also contribute to the overall growth of Ghana’s economy. World Bank data from 2022 shows that 3.1% of Ghana’s active workforce is unemployed.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Mali is undergoing a digital transformation, prioritizing the digitization of a strategic sector to simplify daily life for its citizens.
The Malian government has unveiled a National Strategic Digital Health Plan (PSNSN) for the period 2024-2028, according to local media reports. This initiative, backed by a projected budget of $35 million, aims to significantly improve access to quality specialized healthcare by 2028. Key components of the PSNSN include modernizing health infrastructure, implementing telemedicine solutions, and creating a national health database.
The initiative is supported by several key partners, including UNICEF, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the World Health Organization (WHO). “This plan is an essential tool to modernize our healthcare system and meet the needs of the Malian people,” stated Assa Badiallo Touré, Minister of Health and Social Development.
Launched shortly after the government’s 2024-2028 roadmap, the PSNSN aligns with the broader goal of universal access to primary and specialized healthcare. It is a cornerstone of Mali’s digital transformation strategy, supported by the World Bank.
A major challenge for the project will be ensuring seamless interoperability between different health information systems. To address this, the plan prioritizes centralizing information to securely provide healthcare professionals with access to patient medical records.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the power of digital technology in education, in Africa as elsewhere. Since then, African governments have been launching initiatives to promote its development and improve access to quality education for all.
On Thursday, October 24, the Ivorian Minister of National Education and Literacy, Mariatou Koné (photo, center), officially presented and launched the National Digital Education Strategy of Côte d'Ivoire (SNDECI). This roadmap, based on recommendations from the National Education and Literacy General Assembly (EGENA), reflects the government’s commitment to elevating the Ivorian educational system to be among the world's best within the next five years.
“Digital education supports traditional teaching and will significantly enhance the quality of our education system without replacing in-person learning. By integrating modern technologies into our schools, we reduce geographical, social, and economic inequalities, allowing the education system to provide more interactive and engaging learning to every child, wherever they are,” stated Mariatou Koné.
The new strategy aligns with the 2021-2025 National Digital Development Strategy and the country’s national development plan, which aim to transform Côte d'Ivoire's economy through the integration of digital technologies across all sectors, including education. It is built on three pillars: infrastructure, organization, and training. The strategy, with an estimated budget of 220.7 billion CFA francs (about $364 million), will include training for teachers and administrative staff, the acquisition of digital equipment, and the installation of modern technological infrastructure in schools.
The implementation of this strategy is expected to bring multiple benefits, enhancing the accessibility and equity of the education system. It will bridge quality gaps between regions, particularly in rural areas, and provide students with the digital skills needed to thrive in a transforming economy.
According to United Nations projections, Africa’s population will reach 2.4 billion by 2050, with more than half under the age of 25. This youth demographic presents a significant opportunity for Africa, but it also underscores the urgency of developing modern, inclusive education systems capable of meeting the needs of a digital workforce and fostering sustainable economic growth on the continent.
Samira Njoya
Morocco is ramping up efforts to establish itself as a leading technology hub on the continent. Following the launch of several digital platforms, it is now assessing its progress in various sectors.
Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi (photo), told the House of Representatives, on Monday that since January 2024, 51,000 criminal record extracts have been issued online out of 60,613 requests. Additionally, 6,727 electronic applications for Moroccan nationality certificates have been submitted remotely.
These updates are part of the initial assessment following the launch of several digital platforms by the Ministry of Justice. During the session, Ouahbi also noted that the state collected 16 million dirhams (approximately $1.6 million) through the electronic payment service for fines issued by fixed radar cameras. The platform for tracking court cases and files recorded 23 million visitors in 2023 and 12 million between January and July 2024.
The digitization of Morocco's judicial sector is advancing under the "Digital Morocco 2030" plan, which aims to leverage digital technologies as a driver of social and economic development. The plan seeks to position Morocco as a leading African nation in the digitization of public services by 2030, with the goal of ranking among the world’s top 50 countries in this field.
According to the "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development," Morocco ranks fourth on the continent in the online administration development index, scoring 0.6841 out of 1, ahead of Seychelles (0.6773) and just behind Tunisia (0.6935).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Last July, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a program aimed at training young people in digital skills. A few months after its launch, authorities are now assessing its progress.
Ethiopian authorities have trained 31,000 citizens in coding within three months, according to a recent statement by Belete Mola, Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology. He made this announcement while reviewing the results of the past fiscal year.
Belete Mola stated, “Over 246,000 citizens have enrolled in the training, and 31,000 of them have been certified. The young people trained as coders and the tech startups with creative potential will receive special support.”
The "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" initiative, launched last July by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, is part of the "Digital Ethiopia 2025" plan. Its aim is to provide training in programming, Android app development, data science, and fundamental digital skills in artificial intelligence.
This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goal to establish itself as a major tech hub in East Africa. The World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. Through the "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" program, Ethiopian youth are being prepared to meet this demand.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
To achieve universal health coverage for its population, Ghanaian authorities are relying on various technological solutions. They have opted for a public-private partnership to reach their goal.
Ghanaian authorities are set to launch, today Octyober 16, the electronic health management system, known as E-Health, which will create digital patient records accessible across all hospitals in the country.
The implementation of this system is a public-private partnership between Ghana’s Ministry of Health and Lightwave e-Health Solutions, a U.S.-based company specializing in e-health.
“Going forward, medical records and the history of patients can be gathered under a single database, which can be accessed by any networked hospital when the patient visits. This digitization effort has increased efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity in service delivery in our health facilities,” stated Ghana’s Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia (photo).
This launch comes just months after the introduction of drone delivery solutions for medical supplies and online medicine purchasing from pharmacies. It aligns with the 2023-2027 Digital Health Policy and Strategy document, which aims to provide all communities in Ghana with timely, quality, and comprehensive healthcare through the use of information and communication technologies.
According to the Ministry of Health, the new system is expected to generate annual savings of between €50,000 ($54,000) and €300,000. It should also improve patient wait times by 35% to 40% in health centers and district hospitals, while regional and university hospitals could see a more than 40% reduction in wait times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Last March, the American company Pay Rem Group Africa announced several digital projects in Congo. It partnered with a key government ministry.
The Congolese government and Pay Rem Group Africa, a U.S. company specializing in modernizing financial services, signed, on October 11, a memorandum of understanding to support digital and technological projects in the country.
Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Handicrafts, announced the partnership, stating that Pay Rem Group Africa would provide training, design digital and technological solutions, and help secure funding for these initiatives.
This agreement follows similar partnerships with the Digital Economy Development Agency (ADEN) and the Congolese Postal and Savings Company (Sopeco) aimed at promoting digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide. It is part of the "Congo Digital 2025" strategy, which seeks to ensure equitable access to digital services for all citizens.
The partnership could enhance the integration of digital technologies into SMEs, modernize the Congolese economy, and create jobs in the tech sector. It may also provide entrepreneurs with better training opportunities and access to financing solutions to support digital projects.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Like most African countries, Ghana is following its digital transformation roadmap. Various projects are supporting the achievement of this goal.
Ghanaian authorities plan to launch a $5 million fund to support technological innovation in the country. This was announced by Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam on Tuesday, October 8, during a visit to the site hosting the digital center at the University of Ghana.
“We are also establishing a US$5million endowment fund to support the management of this hub. So, everything that’s required to make it a complete digital village in the provision of skills to the youth of Ghana will be done. […] We want to train a million youth in digital skills, and it is not a task that cannot be done,” he said.
This initiative comes as African countries increasingly require a skilled workforce to keep pace with the digital transformation that has been underway for several years. According to a study highlighted in the report "Digital Skills in Sub-Saharan Africa: Spotlight on Ghana," the International Finance Corporation estimates that around 20% of Ghanaian companies surveyed only recruit abroad for digital skills, mainly because they cannot find qualified local talent.
However, the same report estimates that $4 billion will be needed to train the local population in digital skills by 2030. In response, the government has set a goal to train 1 million young people in these skills. The construction of four digital centers is part of this effort. In addition to the University of Ghana, these centers will also be built at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In the first half of 2024, Moroccan startups attracted $14 million in funding, according to Africa: The Big Deal. The government has also committed to supporting these startups through its national digital strategy.
Moroccan Digital Minister Ghita Mezzour (photo) recently announced a 240 million dirhams (approximately $24.5 million) investment to boost innovation and support local startups. Announced, on October 8th, at the opening of the 6th edition of the African Digital Summit, the investment aims to boost demand for innovative services.
“We have allocated a budget of 240 million dirhams to stimulate domestic demand for innovative services, prioritizing purchases from local startups and giving them access to outsourcing opportunities, so they can export their solutions beyond our borders,” Mezzour stated.
This initiative comes at a time when African startups are increasingly struggling to attract capital. It is part of the "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, which aims to boost the local tech ecosystem. According to data from Partech Africa, Moroccan startups secured $33 million in 2021, $26 million in 2022, and $93 million in 2023.
State support is expected to strengthen the country’s tech entrepreneurial fabric, stimulate job creation, attract foreign investors, and further solidify Morocco’s position as a regional tech hub.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
For several years, Kenya has been working to accelerate its economic development. The country has identified a few issues within its state apparatus that are slowing progress toward achieving this goal.
Margaret Ndung'u (photo, center), Kenya's Minister of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, met last week with a United Nations delegation led by Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya. The discussions focused on the importance of partnering to leverage digital technology to track illicit financial flows and combat cybercrime.
According to the ministry, the UN also emphasized the need to develop the necessary infrastructure, train law enforcement to tackle cybercrime, create digital labor policies, and devise a strategy for digital job creation.
This initiative follows Kenya’s request for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) audit to assess the impact of corruption and mismanagement of state resources on public finances. In Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perception Index, Kenya ranks 126th out of 180 countries.
On the cybersecurity front, Kenya is a global leader, ranking in Tier 1 with a score of 98.59 out of 100, according to the International Telecommunication Union’s "Global Cybersecurity Index 2024" published in September. However, cybercrime losses in Kenya could reach $383 million, according to the "Reimagining the African Cybersecurity Landscape" report released in 2023 by Serianu, a Kenyan cybersecurity consultancy.
UN support could help effectively combat these challenges and position digital technology as a driver of social development, as outlined in Kenya's national strategy. This UN assistance hinges on conditions such as media freedom, the protection of information integrity, the regulation of digital platforms and combating misinformation.
Adoni Conrad Quenum