Tech (695)
Digital transformation is essential for the socio-economic development of the country. The government is ramping up its efforts to successfully complete ongoing projects aimed at enhancing citizens' well-being through access to efficient and inclusive digital services.
The Burkina Faso Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications has achieved a performance rate of 55% for the first half of 2024, according to an evaluation of its objective contract recently conducted by Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambèla. This result reflects the ministry’s commitment to meeting the targets outlined in its roadmap.
According to the ministry's statement, key achievements contributing to this success include "strengthening the legal framework for the digital sector, digitizing certain administrative services, acquiring equipment to enhance and secure the digital network, and restoring electronic communication services in high-security challenge areas."
Despite this "satisfactory" performance, some projects have experienced significant delays. Efforts to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and extend digital services to rural areas have been hindered by security challenges, exacerbated by political instability, which has affected the ministry's ability to adhere to its initial timeline.
For the second half of the year, the ministry plans to intensify ongoing projects, including the digitization of at least 100 administrative procedures, the creation of citizen service centers to facilitate access to online services, and the implementation of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Burkina Faso as a leader in Africa for integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) into key sectors such as public administration, education, health, commerce, and agriculture.
Despite these advancements, Burkina Faso faces significant challenges. According to the "Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024" report published in June by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Burkina Faso ranks 43rd out of 47 African countries in ICT development. This ranking highlights the considerable obstacles the country must overcome to fully harness digital technologies and improve the living conditions of its citizens.
Samira Njoya
Clear regulatory frameworks can foster innovation in the fintech sector, attracting investment and encouraging the development of new technologies and business models that can drive economic growth on the continent.
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) issued on August 16 a draft of guidelines designed to regulate digital assets. This move comes in response to the growing prominence of digital assets in the country. The Bank is currently seeking public input on the proposed measures and welcomes recommendations by August 31, 2024.
The draft guidelines are designed to outline the BOG’s proposed regulatory measures and invite feedback from industry stakeholders and the general public. The regulatory framework is expected to address the operations of exchanges and platforms involved in buying, selling, trading, and holding digital assets. It will also delineate which asset types are covered and regulate interactions between financial institutions and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).
The BOG plans to work with other regulatory bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to develop complementary frameworks that align with their respective regulatory roles. Once the framework is finalized, VASPs operating in Ghana will need to seek authorization from either the BOG or the SEC, depending on their services. Those failing to register within the designated timeframe will be deemed to be operating illegally.
The BOG has acknowledged ongoing challenges in the sector, including regulatory and legal uncertainties, cybersecurity risks, market manipulation, and consumer protection issues.
According to a 2023 report by Chainalysis, Ghana ranks among the top - 29 out of 154- countries globally in terms of cryptocurrency adoption. This indicates a high level of interest and use of digital assets in the country. The Bank’s action reflects a proactive response to the growing interest and use of cryptocurrencies, aiming to address potential risks and opportunities associated with their widespread adoption.
Hikmatu Bilali
As digital transformation gains momentum, the demand for skilled labor is increasing. In Côte d'Ivoire, the government is working closely with the private sector to ensure that all citizens receive the necessary training to contribute to this shift.
Digital training center DigiFemmes announced on Wednesday its goal to train 1,000 Ivorian women in digital skills, leadership, and responsible technology use.
The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Nassénéba Touré, Minister of Women, Family, and Children, and DigiFemmes during the official launch of the DigiFemmes Caravan program on August 14.
"Through this caravan, we will offer a variety of training sessions, workshops, and resources to support women in their personal development and contribute to the progress of our nation. This program will enable thousands of women to acquire essential digital skills that will enhance their lives in every aspect," stated Nassénéba Touré.
The program aligns with DigiFemmes' mission to bridge the digital divide and supports the Ivorian government's view of digital technology as crucial for women's employability and empowerment.
In 2019, women represented 38% of the ICT sector workforce, with 30% in executive positions, according to Côte d'Ivoire's Data Protection Authority.
Since 2015, programs like Orange Foundation's Maisons Digitales have trained 4,738 women in digital fields, underscoring ongoing efforts for women's economic empowerment in Côte d'Ivoire.
The DigiFemmes partnership aims to improve women's integration into the digital economy, enhance leadership skills, and strengthen autonomy. It is expected to reduce the gender digital skills gap and foster innovation, contributing to the country's socio-economic development.
Samira Njoya
Satellite technology has seen significant growth in Africa over the past ten years. While the telecommunications sector has traditionally been the primary beneficiary, Earth observation is increasingly gaining value with a growing number of African states now eager to enhance their territorial monitoring capabilities through satellite technology.
Senegal successfully launched its first satellite, GAINDESAT-1A, into space on Friday, August 16, 2024, after a three-month delay. The nanosatellite lifted off at 6:56 p.m. local time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-11 mission.
Developed by Senegalese engineers and technicians trained at the University Space Center of Montpellier (CSUM) under a partnership with the Senegalese government, GAINDESAT-1A represents the culmination of a five-year project.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hailed the achievement, saying, "Senegal enters a new era today with the successful launch of our first satellite ... this achievement marks a major step towards our technological sovereignty."
The launch is the first phase of Senegal's national space program, "SenSAT," which aims to leverage the space sector as a driver of socio-economic development. The program focuses on designing and utilizing space-based tools to meet national needs for space products and services.
Moussa Baldé, former Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, stated last October that the program aims to establish Senegal as "a space hub for the sub-region."
GAINDESAT-1A, an Earth observation satellite, will contribute to data collection and analysis for various applications, including natural resource and land management, disaster prevention, agriculture and more.
The satellite's control and data reception center, inaugurated in October 2023, is located in Diamniadio.
Cross-border payments in Africa face significant hurdles that slow down transactions. Innovative solutions are essential to streamline these payments and boost economic growth across the continent.
Latin American cross-border B2B payment platform Conduit announced on Monday, August 12, it raised $6 million in funding led by Helios Digital Ventures to expand into Africa.
The fintech, founded in 2021, will use the money to offer its services to African businesses struggling with high costs, slow speeds, and complex currency conversions.
Conduit has been operating in Kenya and Nigeria since December and processed more than $5 billion in annualized transaction volume, with 20% originating from those countries. The company plans to enter Ghana and South Africa soon.
The expansion comes as Sub-Saharan Africa remains the world’s most expensive region for sending money, with average costs of 7.9% per $200 transfer, according to the World Bank.
Conduit's expansion into Africa aims to address critical cross-border payment needs for businesses on the continent. By offering solutions that reduce costs, speed up transaction times, and simplify currency conversions, Conduit could become a key player in enhancing the financial efficiency of African businesses.
Samira Njoya
African countries are now recognizing the benefits of interstate collaborations in achieving their digital goals. Numerous initiatives are emerging, bolstering joint efforts to accelerate the continent's digital transformation.
Sierra Leone and Guinea plan to strengthen cooperation in the digital sector, with plans for network interconnection, knowledge sharing, infrastructure development, and joint projects to spur digital growth.
For that purpose, a delegation led by Sierra Leone’s Communications, Technology, and Innovation Minister Salima Manorma Bah visited Conakry on Friday to discuss the partnership with Guinean Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Minister Rose Pola Pricemou.
“The goal is to translate the shared commitment of Guinea and Sierra Leone into concrete actions to build a dynamic and inclusive digital ecosystem in the region,” Guinea’s Digital Economy Ministry said. A meeting of private sector representatives from both countries is planned to outline technical details for the enhanced partnership.
The potential cooperation aligns with digitalization efforts underway in both countries to use technology for societal transformation and economic development. The talks follow Pricemou’s announcement of a possible interconnection between the two nations at the China-Africa Digital Summit in Beijing last month.
A successful partnership could improve connectivity quality and reach while lowering costs. Expanded internet access and shared expertise would accelerate digital transformation and promote inclusion for both populations.
Samira Njoya
The company is rebranding and upgrading its services to expand its reach in the African tech market.
Pan-African venture capital firm Founders Factory Africa announced on Wednesday, August 7, that it has rebranded as 54 Collective. The company has evolved its business model to better support technology enterprises across the continent.
Founders can now rely on the firm’s expertise and network to help grow their startups. The firm plans to invest up to $500,000 in equity and non-dilutive capital across various startups. Additionally, female founders will receive an extra $150,000 to help address access inequalities.
“Our name change to 54 Collective communicates our continued commitment to African founders. We are more supportive than ever of unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs and ensuring a level playing field for youth and women founders,” explained Bongani Sithole, CEO of 54 Collective.
In recent years, African startups have attracted less capital. To combat this trend, venture capital firms have been established across various sub-regions of the continent to support promising projects. In March, South Africa's Conducive Capital launched with a goal of raising $50 million to back the continent’s startups. In June, the Paris-based venture capital firm Breega established a new $75 million fund, Africa Seed I. The rebranding of 54 Collective aligns with these efforts.
Despite funding challenges in Africa's tech sector, startups have secured over $1 billion this year, according to the database Africa: The Big Deal.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Senegal has embarked on a public service reform initiative aimed at restoring the trust between the government and its citizens. Collective participation is encouraged to maximize the outcomes.
Senegal’s Minister of Public Service and Public Service Reform, Olivier Boucal, on Thursday launched the first edition of the “Gov’Athon,” an initiative aimed at generating ideas and practical solutions to modernize the country’s public administration.
“Inspired by innovation competitions commonly known as hackathons, the concept reflects my desire to pool resources and build collective intelligence to address the concerns of public administration users. The 'Gov'Athon' is a unique opportunity to rethink our administration. By mobilizing Senegalese youth, we hope to discover innovative ideas that can transform our public services and effectively meet the needs of our citizens,” Boucal said.
Participating teams, composed of students from both public and private universities nationwide, will compete to develop solutions across several key areas. These include public service transformation, education and vocational training improvement, sustainable agriculture and livestock development, urban mobility optimization, air transport innovation, and local tourism promotion.
The Gov’Athon is part of Senegal’s broader plan to modernize the administration and build a sovereign, prosperous nation, in line with directives from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The month-long competition will award prizes of XOF20 million (about $33,200), XOF10 million, and XOF5 million to the top three teams. Winners will also receive three months of free coworking space access and equipment vouchers to aid in solution implementation.
Samira Njoya
African countries are currently undergoing a digital revolution that is profoundly shaping their economic development and social progress. Appropriate regulations play a key role in this transformation.
The digital studies firm Think Tank Law and Technologies has now established offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On Tuesday, August 6, in Kinshasa, the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Augustin Kibassa Maliba (photo), officially launched their activities. This initiative aims to promote research and analysis on legal issues related to the digital realm.
"We aim to support and contribute to discussions on digital and technological law. We have conducted studies and analyses on significant legal topics within a technological context. Today, at our official launch, we presented our first study, which focuses on the legal framework for personal data protection in the DRC. This study has led to several recommendations for the government and the private sector," stated Prosper Ntetika, President of Think Tank Law and Technologies.
The bureau's activities include research and analysis on legal and regulatory issues related to digital technologies in the DRC; promoting dialogue and collaboration among experts, researchers, policymakers, and private sector players; contributing to the development of public policies, digital development strategies, and legislation tailored to the DRC's technological context; raising public awareness about the legal and regulatory challenges of digital technologies; and providing training in technology law, among other things.
The launch of the bureau's activities comes as the DRC pursues the objectives of the National Digital Plan – Horizon 2025, where the legal framework is a crucial pillar. According to President Félix Tshisekedi, establishing a solid institutional and legal framework is necessary to govern and regulate this particularly promising sector.
With its team of legal experts, Think Tank Law and Technologies is well-positioned to assist the DRC in creating a robust regulatory and institutional framework. This support is vital for fostering the country's digital development, ensuring legislation that keeps pace with technological advancements, and effectively protecting citizens' rights in the digital age.
Samira Njoya
Funding for African startups has been plummeting for months. However, the July 2024 figures suggest a potential rebound, as it marks the best month for the African tech ecosystem since May 2023 when $596 million was raised.
African startups raised $420 million in July 2024, according to Africa: The Big Deal, a database tracking funding over $100,000 secured by the continent’s startups, as reported on Tuesday, August 6.
"Indeed, with $420 million raised (exc. exits), this is the highest monthly performance of the ecosystem in 14 months; more than what was raised in the whole of Q2; and 2.5x times the average monthly amount raised over the past 12 months," explained Africa: The Big Deal.
This surge in funding comes amid months of dwindling financing in the African tech ecosystem. While July saw a significant uptick due to three major deals, it remains to be seen if this marks a sustained trend.
The three deals that contributed to the rise includes a $176 million financing for d.light, a Kenya-based startup providing solar energy solutions; $157.5 million for Egyptian fintech unicorn MNT-Halan; and $40 million for Tanzanian fintech Nala. These three transactions accounted for $373.5 million, or 88.9% of the $420 million raised in July 2024.
Over the said period 47 startups raised at least $100,000, with 16 of them securing at least $1 million.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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The government aims to develop the ICT sector and create a digital government that serves all Guineans by 2027.
The Chinese technology firm Huawei will support Guinea in its digital transformation. The support aims to implement robust innovative digital infrastructure to promote widespread access to ICT in Guinea. It was officialized by a memorandum of understanding signed, on Friday August 2nd, during the China-Africa Digital Cooperation Forum recently held in Beijing, China.
Under this agreement, Huawei will assist Guinea in deploying high-speed networks, including fiber optics, to improve connectivity in both urban and rural areas. It also involves helping the country implement e-government solutions to streamline administrative processes and enhance the efficiency of public services. Other projects include developing digital platforms, data centers, and innovation hubs; establishing training and research programs in ICT and digital fields; and strengthening cybersecurity.
The signing of this memorandum of understanding is the result of recent discussions between Rose Pola Pricemou, Guinea’s Minister of Digital Affairs, and a delegation from Huawei, led by its General Manager in Guinea. During these discussions, both parties explored collaboration opportunities, focusing on information systems (SMSI), strengthening the fiber optic backbone, and extending Internet coverage in underserved rural areas.
Huawei's new commitment to Guinea is expected to not only improve the quality and coverage of connectivity services in the country but also reduce their costs. According to the latest official statistics, the country has 7.7 million internet subscribers, with a penetration rate of 56.27%. Guinea, which recently received $60 million from the World Bank for digital projects, hopes to achieve a qualitative leap in its digital transformation through this partnership.
Samira Njoya
As African economies increasingly rely on digital technologies for growth, secure and reliable internet access becomes vital. Enhancing cybersecurity and digital trust helps facilitate online transactions, attract foreign investment, and support economic diversification.
The World Bank announced, on July 29, a call for expressions of interest for a project in Cameroon to strengthen digital trust and boost online transaction security. The initiative seeks experts in cybersecurity policy, capacity assessments, trust frameworks, e-transactions, e-signatures, and public key infrastructure. Proposals are due by August 12.
The consultant will assist in updating Cameroon's National Cybersecurity Strategy from 2018, enhance the regulatory framework for e-signatures, and establish a public key infrastructure. Responsibilities include conducting gap analyses, providing policy recommendations, and hosting capacity-building workshops for government officials.
Selection criteria include the firm's experience, expertise, technical and management skills, and key personnel qualifications. The project is scheduled to begin in September 2024 and is expected to last for nine months.
Cameroon has made strides in establishing a trust framework for online transactions, including the 2010 Law on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime (2010-012), the Law on E-commerce (2010-021), and the 2019 Decree (2019-150) on the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC). ANTIC regulates cybersecurity and electronic activities. However, the National Cybersecurity Strategy from 2018 remains only partially implemented.
While Cameroon’s legal and regulatory framework reflects a commitment to a secure digital environment, the incomplete implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy highlights a governance gap. The World Bank’s call for expert support is vital for refining these efforts and enhancing digital trust and security. Updating the cybersecurity law to address threats like DeepFakes is crucial for protecting citizens and aligning with international standards, thereby strengthening justice and trust in the digital era.
Hikmatu Bilali
Since 2016, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has been encouraging African governments to improve internet access in rural areas. Côte d'Ivoire is working to address this challenge through various initiatives.
The Ivorian government on Friday launched an initiative to bring internet access to rural communities across the country.
Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization, officially kicked off the program in Djébékaha, a town in the Napié sub-prefecture. The project aims to connect 175 rural localities.
The program, part of the first phase of the World Bank-funded Digital Solutions Project for Opening Up Rural Areas and E-Agriculture (PSDEA), involves building 160 towers to improve connectivity in the Bagoué, Poro, Folon, Bounkani, Tchologo, and Marahoué regions. The PSDEA, launched in 2018, has received $63.2 million in World Bank funding to bridge the digital divide and promote digital agriculture.
The government plans to connect an additional 240 localities in the second phase of the project. A third phase, scheduled for 2025, will connect 160 more, bringing the total to 575 connected rural communities. This will provide thousands of Ivorians with access to online public services, telemedicine, and digital economic opportunities.
Rural connectivity is one of the flagship projects in the 2024 budget allocated to the Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalization. This budget, amounting to XOF55.6 billion, aims to attract more investments, digitize citizen services, extend digital connectivity in uncovered rural areas, and develop inclusive digital skills nationwide.
Samira Njoya
The digital transformation of judicial systems in Africa holds significant importance for the continent's development. Digital systems reduce the need for physical paperwork, court visits, and administrative tasks, leading to considerable cost savings for the judiciary and litigants. This is particularly beneficial in resource-constrained environments.
Starting August 12, 2024, all urgent applications in the South African Labour Court will be submitted through the Court Online System. Acting Judge President of the Labour Court, Edwin Mogomotsi Molahlehi, announced in a directive signed July 31 that the Office of the Chief Justice has established this e-filing solution for the country's superior courts.
The system allows law firms and litigants to file petitions and documents online and manage court schedules and evidence in real time. Judge Molahlehi clarified that "all urgent applications in the Labour Court will be initiated on Court Online from the specified date. Unless otherwise directed, existing cases cannot be initiated on Court Online." The Court Online System is a comprehensive platform for South Africa's High Courts that facilitates E-Filing, Digital Case Management, and Evidence Management. It enables the electronic sharing and filing of documents, streamlines the inspection of documents, and provides fast, accurate, real-time updates on case statuses.
The South African government has been investing in ICT infrastructure, with digital government services becoming a key focus. For example, the South African National Development Plan envisions increased access to electronic services by 2030.
In the 2023 Network Readiness Index (NRI), which assesses the application and impact of information and communication technology (ICT) across global economies, South Africa is ranked 74th out of 134 countries. The country holds the 2nd position in Africa. South Africa demonstrated strong performance across four key pillars: Technology (including Access, Content, and Future Technologies), People (encompassing Individuals, Businesses, and Governments), Governance (covering Trust, Regulation, and Inclusion), and Impact (focusing on Economy, Quality of Life, and Sustainable Development Goals contribution).
Hikmatu Bilali