Tech (695)
After Asia and Europe, with expansions into the United Kingdom, Georgia, and Turkey, the Emirati startup OneClickDrive has decided to invest in a new continent. The company has chosen Morocco as the starting point for its African venture.
OneClickDrive, an Emirati car rental marketplace, is expanding its operations to Morocco, marking its first foray into the African market, a release dated June 3rd announces.
Based in Dubai, the startup is supporting its growth by investing in another continent after Europe and Asia. For its debut in the Moroccan market, it has launched services in eight cities: Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, Nador, Oujda, Rabat, and Tangier. Founded in 2015 by Mahesh Pagarani, OneClickDrive specializes in car rentals and leasing across a range of vehicles, from low-cost options to luxury cars.
In addition to its web platform, OneClickDrive offers a mobile app available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded more than 50,000 times according to Play Store data. After creating an account, users can access the start-up's fleet of over 5,000 vehicles.
OneClickDrive has partnered with more than 250 car rental providers in the cities where it operates to ensure its 100,000 monthly customers can find the right vehicle for their needs. It’s worth noting that African start-ups operating in the mobility segment raised $48 million in equity capital across 17 deals, according to data from the tech-focused investment fund Partech Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa, rich in natural resources and biodiversity, faces numerous major environmental challenges. Orange and its employees are committed to helping reduce these threats through various initiatives.
On Wednesday, June 5, Orange Middle East and Africa unveiled the Engage for Change program in collaboration with its employees to reinforce their ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The program aims to positively impact society and the environment while enhancing team cohesion.
"This platform is a powerful tool for uniting our teams around shared values. Every initiative, every action taken by our employees demonstrates our collective ability to bring about significant change. We’re proud to see this commitment come to fruition and to witness the positive impact it generates," said Asma Ennaifer, Executive Director of CSR and Communication at Orange Middle East and Africa.
Through the interactive platform engageforchange.orange.com, employees are actively encouraged to participate in social and environmental initiatives that have a concrete and positive impact on our communities. These initiatives include local projects, partnerships, and eco-responsible actions. Encouraged actions encompass reducing carbon footprints, supporting local communities, promoting education and health, and engaging in sustainable projects.
Throughout the day on June 5, and across the region, several local initiatives were organized to demonstrate the tangible impact of the platform. In Mali, for example, a team of 200 Orange employee volunteers participated in the reforestation of an urban park dedicated to children by planting 1,000 trees, contributing to the fight against desertification and creating green spaces for the youth.
Additionally, other notable initiatives include awareness campaigns on the importance of recycling and electronic waste management, training workshops for young people on digital skills, and partnerships with local NGOs to support vulnerable populations. These collective efforts reflect Orange Middle East and Africa's commitment to playing an active and responsible role in sustainable development and the well-being of the communities it serves.
Samira Njoya
Africa is experiencing a rapid surge in mobile usage. This growth brings several mobile security challenges that threaten both users and businesses.
Gabon's Ministry of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies announced a key partnership with Turkish group iF Elektronik Ltd. on Monday, June 3rd. The agreement, reached after extensive negotiations, paves the way for the implementation of the Central Equipment Identity Register (EIR) technology in Gabon.
The project includes enhancing the security of mobile devices such as phones and establishing a competency center. It aims to increase government revenue through additional taxes, combat phone theft and cloning by reducing the illegal market, create 30 jobs for Gabonese engineers with skill transfer at the project's inception, and eliminate smuggling and counterfeiting of mobile equipment.
The EIR will be fully funded by iF Elektronik Ltd., with no cost to the Gabonese government. It is expected to generate $38 million annually, with $26 million in tax revenue and $12 million in service fees. This initiative aligns with the Gabonese government's goal of promoting the development of the digital economy and strengthening the security of electronic communications.
The project's implementation is scheduled to begin within three months of signing the memorandum of understanding. This strategic partnership will enable Gabon to enhance the security of electronic communications, protect users from fraud and theft, improve the quality of telecommunications services, and offer a better user experience while stimulating innovation and economic growth in the information and communication technology sector.
Samira Njoya
African startups are critical drivers of economic and social progress across the continent. To unlock their full potential, they need a supportive environment, including access to funding, mentorship, and the resources they need to thrive.
AfriLabs, a pan-African network of technology innovation hubs, announced on Tuesday, June 4, a memorandum of understanding with the Korea-Africa Foundation (KAF), an initiative of the Korean government aimed at supporting partnerships with the African continent. This partnership aims to promote innovation and economic prosperity across Africa by supporting startups.
"At AfriLabs, we're dedicated to unlocking Africa's full potential and generating wealth through strategic alliances. This partnership unlocks a treasure trove of opportunities for startups, granting them access to a global network, invaluable resources, and unparalleled industry knowledge," AfriLabs stated on X.
As part of the partnership, AfriLabs and KAF will implement projects leveraging their respective expertise to foster a dynamic ecosystem that cultivates talent and promotes a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The goal is to empower the next generation of African innovators and entrepreneurs to build sustainable development.
The partnership comes on the eve of the Korea-Africa Young Startup Forum, which will be held today Wednesday, June 5, in Seoul. This event aims to strengthen cooperation between Korea and African nations by bringing together investors, startups, and support organizations from both continents.
The partnership is expected to enable startups within the AfriLabs network to benefit from Korea's digital experience. The country boasts an ultra-advanced technological environment that can serve as a model for African entrepreneurs. By combining their strengths, AfriLabs and KAF are confident that this partnership will significantly contribute to transforming Africa into a prosperous and innovative continent.
Samira Njoya
Digital inclusion is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring a prosperous future. In this context, Lesotho, in collaboration with international partners, is rolling out initiatives to bridge the digital divide.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Lesotho's Ministry of Information, Communications, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MICSTI) have joined forces to launch a groundbreaking model for e-government service points. This initiative aims to accelerate digital transformation and enhance access to public services through digital channels.
The program empowers micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to offer essential digital services within their communities. This approach addresses the digital divide, promoting greater digital inclusion across Lesotho. Developed by the UNDP Accelerator Lab as a pilot project, the model aligns with UNDP's broader strategy to expand digital access nationwide.
By establishing e-government service points, rural and remote communities will gain the ability to access vital government services like administrative transactions, digital payments, and information services. This eliminates the need for long journeys to traditional service providers, often located in distant areas.
This significant step forward aligns with the government's commitment to provide equitable access to public services for all citizens, particularly those in underserved regions. Minister of Communications, Science, and Technology Nthati Moorosi (pictured) announced plans to designate at least 40 schools and 10 postal service locations as e-government service centers.
The establishment of these service points is expected to bring a multitude of benefits. It will stimulate the local economy by empowering small businesses and creating new employment opportunities. Additionally, it will enhance public access to essential digital services, fostering financial inclusion and community empowerment. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to reduce the time and cost associated with accessing government services, ultimately improving the quality of life for citizens.
Samira Njoya
The Malagasy government is committed to ensuring the country benefits from the technological revolution. Alongside infrastructure development, it is also focusing on training a highly skilled workforce.
Madagascar is taking a step towards becoming a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) within the Indian Ocean region. On Friday, May 31, Malagasy Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications Tahina Razafindramalo signed a partnership agreement in Marrakech, Morocco, with Professor Serge Miranda of the University of Côte d'Azur and École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées (ESTIA) in France. The agreement launches a feasibility study for the establishment of an International Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence for the Indian Ocean region.
According to the Malagasy Ministry of Digital Development, "the creation of this institute will stimulate innovation and economic growth in Madagascar, while providing increased opportunities in education and quality employment. This initiative also demonstrates that public-private partnerships can be beneficial for emerging countries."
The project involves a collaboration between DATUM Consulting - Groupe ArkeUp, ESTIA, and the Ministry of Digital Development. Aligned with Madagascar's Digital Strategic Plan (PSN) 2023-2028, the institute aims to position the country as a key player in AI within the sub-region. The PSN highlights a critical deficit of 40,000 technicians needed for successful digital transformation.
The feasibility study will assess the specific needs, required resources, and key implementation steps for the institute. It will also evaluate the economic, educational, and social impacts of the initiative. This evaluation will consider the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into various economic and social sectors across Madagascar. This ambitious project aspires to not only bridge the technical skills gap but also establish Madagascar as a center of excellence in AI for the Indian Ocean region.
Although the e-commerce sector in Africa is promising, it still faces numerous challenges. The development of this sector requires close collaboration between various stakeholders.
The Republic of Guinea plans to collaborate with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to boost its e-commerce sector. The Guinean Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, along with her team, discussed this initiative with Shamika Sirimanne, Director of Technology, Innovation, and Research at UNCTAD, on the sidelines of the World Summit on the Information Society held in Geneva from Monday, May 27 to Friday, May 31.
"The objective of this meeting was to explore avenues of cooperation between Guinea and UNCTAD, particularly in the field of e-commerce. Minister Pricemou presented the state of digitalization in Guinea, highlighting the challenges and opportunities," stated the ministry's communiqué.
During the meeting, Guinea sought UNCTAD's support for developing a regulatory framework conducive to the growth of e-commerce and for enhancing the digital skills of Guineans through technical assistance.
The UN organization welcomed this request and committed to facilitating contacts within the United Nations system to promote digital and postal services in Guinea. Additionally, it recommended close collaboration between the Ministry of Posts and the Ministry of Commerce to foster the development of trade in Guinea.
This meeting between the Guinean Ministry of Digital Economy and UNCTAD is part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote the e-commerce sector in Guinea. This rapidly growing sector was already valued at 10 million dollars in 2020, with an annual growth rate of 20%, according to the Foundation for E-commerce and Distance Selling (Fevad).
Samira Njoya
To fulfill its mission, the Digital Development Agency (ADD) requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders. The Moroccan public entity has recently signed several partnerships to this end.
The Digital Development Agency (ADD), Morocco's agency in charge of implementing the national digital strategy, signed a series of strategic partnerships during the second edition of Gitex Africa, a technology fair being held in Marrakech since May 29th.
The partnerships involve Sénégal Numérique SA, the National Observatory for Children's Rights (ONDE), the National Agency for Digital Development of the Comoros (ANADEN Km), Crédit Agricole du Maroc, Indra (a Spanish leader in technological solutions), the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT), and APEBI (the Federation of Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Offshoring).
The agreement with Sénégal Numérique SA prioritizes knowledge and experience sharing as well as system interoperability. This collaboration aims to improve the efficiency of public and private services and promote digital inclusion alongside the development of digital platforms and applications.
The partnership with ONDE aligns with ADD's "Digital Culture / Online Child Protection" action plan and focuses on fostering a safe and child-friendly digital environment.
ADD and Indra, the Spanish technology leader, will collaborate to develop innovative solutions specifically tailored to Morocco's needs. This partnership aims to enhance the country's digital competitiveness.
The agreement with Crédit Agricole du Maroc focuses on experience sharing, training programs, and skill exchange in the digital domain. This collaboration aligns with ADD's ongoing efforts to promote digital careers, raise digital awareness, and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the partnership with ANADEN Km, the Comoros' digital development agency, covers the sharing of experience, best practices and digital transformation strategies. It notably aims to improve human resource capacities through training and awareness programs focused on the appropriate use of digital tools.
A tripartite agreement between ADD, SMIT, and APEBI was also signed to spearhead the digitization of Morocco's tourism sector.
These collaborations build upon the agreement signed with Visa, a global leader in digital payments, on May 17th. This earlier partnership supports the government's initiatives in financial inclusion and digital development.
Investment commitments in the digital sector are crucial for African development. With its vast underserved population, Africa can greatly benefit from enhanced digital connectivity. These investments address critical barriers like affordability and adoption, fostering an inclusive digital society.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced, on May 27, $4.8 billion in new investment commitments to boost global connectivity. This brings total pledges through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition (P2C) to $50.96 billion, nearing its $100 billion target for 2026.
The announcements were made at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum in Geneva. The new pledges leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance digital access and inclusion.
"Closing the digital divide requires a team effort, and today we scored a huge win for global connectivity," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
Key commitments include $106 million from Elle International to improve digital connectivity for 20 million women and girls in South Africa and a new pledge from Microsoft to prioritize AI projects that include people with disabilities, among others.
According to the ITU, approximately 5.4 billion people (67 percent of the world’s population) were using the Internet as of 2023, leaving 2.6 billion people still offline. This statistic underscores the significance of ongoing investments in digital connectivity, particularly in regions like Africa. With a substantial portion of the global population still disconnected, initiatives aimed at increasing digital inclusion are crucial for fostering a more inclusive digital society.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital technologies are crucial for driving economic growth, innovation, job creation, and social inclusion. However, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) grapples with significant challenges in digital development, such as underdeveloped infrastructure and costly connectivity. Entry into the African telecom market with 5G infrastructure is pivotal for African development, promising to enhance digital inclusion, spur economic growth, reduce costs for local telecom operators, and hasten technological progress.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is set to enter the African telecom market by providing 5G shared network infrastructure through its subsidiary Radisys, in collaboration with Next-Gen Infrastructure Co. (NGIC), backed by the Ghanaian government. Radisys announced this on May 27.
"By bringing Fixed Wireless Access alongside 4G and 5G cellular services to help drive economic growth and digital inclusion, Radisys looks forward to helping Ascend and NGIC build a disruptive and affordable shared broadband infrastructure across Ghana," said Arun Bhikshesvaran, CEO of Radisys.
Radisys, owned by RIL's unit Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL), along with Tech Mahindra and Nokia, will collaborate with NGIC to develop 4G and 5G networks across Africa, starting with Ghana. NGIC plans to invest $200 million in this initiative over the next three years, offering the networks as shared resources to local mobile operators to cut costs. With partnerships already established with AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, NGIC aims to replicate India's low-cost, high-speed data model, providing affordable and efficient digital services across the continent.
This investment aligns with the strategy outlined in August 2023 by Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister for Communication and Digitisation, during the 12th African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF). She disclosed the government's decision not to issue a 5G license, which would require significant investment from telecom operators. Instead, the government plans to establish a neutral shared infrastructure company to provide the necessary networks to operators.
Andrew Dabalen, the World Bank's Chief Economist for Africa, emphasized that increasing mobile internet usage could create jobs and spur economic recovery. A 2023 World Bank report (Digital Transformation Drives Development in Africa) revealed that extreme poverty decreased by around 7% in Nigeria and Tanzania, and labor force participation increased by up to 8% after three or more years of internet coverage. Addressing these gaps is crucial for fully harnessing digital technologies' potential in SSA.
Hikmatu Bilali
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The COVID-19 crisis significantly impacted the postal sector, and the subsequent surge in digitalization has further disrupted the market, forcing postal services to contend with innovative competitors. This challenge is particularly acute in Africa, where postal services must adapt and reinvent themselves to remain relevant.
Equatoguinean investors, represented by INVERFIN, met with Gabon's Minister of Communication and Media, Laurence Ndong, on Thursday, May 23rd, to discuss potential investments in the country's postal and telecommunication sectors.
The investors signaled their interest in supporting Gabon's postal service (La Poste SA) in its digital transformation initiatives. The discussions also explored backing an economic group formed by La Poste SA, Télédiffusion Gabon (TDG), and Universal Services for expanding telecom network coverage in underserved areas.
According to a Facebook post by Minister Ndong, INVERFIN expressed willingness to "fully finance La Poste SA's digital projects" across the tri-border zone (Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon) and beyond. The investment seeks a return based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) currently under legal review by La Poste SA and the Ministry.
This financial support aligns with Gabon's Digital Plan and the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) directives, emphasizing the need for La Poste SA to adapt and capitalize on e-commerce, e-government, and digitalized financial services. The UPU's 2023 Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) ranks Gabon's postal development as "weak" with a score of two out of ten.
“INVERFIN representatives are expected to return to Libreville in a few weeks for the final signing of the memorandum of understanding,” Minister Ndong's post informs.
As part of its initiatives in Africa, Google is significantly increasing its investments in digital infrastructure. The goal is to harness the opportunities presented by the internet economy, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable digital future for the continent.
Google on Thursday announced the Umoja fiber optic cable project, aiming to significantly enhance the reach and reliability of digital connectivity across Africa. This initiative aligns with Google's broader Africa Connect strategy, following the successful deployment of the Equiano cable connecting Africa to Europe.
The Umoja network leverages a partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to establish a terrestrial segment connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. From South Africa, a subsea connection will traverse the Indian Ocean to link directly with Australia.
Google's investment in Umoja comes at a critical juncture. Recurrent outages in existing subsea cables serving Africa have resulted in widespread internet disruptions. The most recent incident occurred on May 12th, when failures in the SEACOM and EASSY systems caused disruptions in several East and Southern African countries. Similar issues arose in March, affecting numerous cables – WACS, MainOne, ACE, SAT3, Seacom/TGN, AAE1, and EIG – impacting internet access across a dozen West, Central, and Southern African nations.
"This initiative is crucial in ensuring the redundancy and resilience of our region’s connectivity to the rest of the world, especially in light of recent disruptions caused by cuts to sub-sea cables," stated Kenyan President William Ruto. "By strengthening our digital backbone, we are not only improving reliability but also paving the way for increased digital inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunities for our people and businesses."
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Limited access to financing remains a critical hurdle for startups, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Bolstering these startups fosters innovation, creates jobs, and energizes the regional digital economy.
Orange Ventures, the investment arm of telecoms giant Orange Group, and Digital Africa, a pan-African initiative supporting early-stage businesses, joined forces on Thursday to co-invest in startups across the Orange Digital Centers (ODC) network in Africa and the Middle East.
The partnership, announced on the sidelines of the Vivatech technology fair in Paris, underscores both organizations' commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the region's burgeoning digital economy.
"Orange Digital Centers are true catalysts for innovation, where ideas take shape and dreams become reality," said Asma Ennaifer (pictured left), Executive Director of CSR, Communication, and the Orange Digital Center program for Orange Africa and the Middle East . "By joining forces with Orange Ventures and Digital Africa, we're giving African startups the means to thrive and make their mark in a rapidly expanding digital world."
This initiative builds upon a strategic agreement signed between Orange and Digital Africa in June 2023 to streamline financing and support for ODC network startups. Under the new collaboration, the partners can leverage Fuzé, an investment scheme implemented by Digital Africa, to potentially double the funding offered to individual startups through joint application review and co-investment.
This enhanced partnership marks a significant step towards bolstering support for African entrepreneurs within the ODC network. In its first year, the previous collaboration provided funding of up to €50,000 to five startups through the Fuzé program. With Orange Ventures now on board, the initiative is expected to empower a growing number of African entrepreneurs from the early stages of their ventures by offering comprehensive financial and strategic backing.
Samira Njoya
Investing in digital infrastructure is a significant step for African development as it is crucial in enhancing government efficiency, improving data management, and fostering economic growth. By integrating advanced technology, Nigeria sets a precedent for other African nations to modernize their operations, support digital transformation, and boost overall development.
Nigeria will launch a state-of-the-art data center with a storage capacity of 1.4 petabytes before May 29, 2024, to house critical national information, including citizens' bio-data. The Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced this during a meeting with the National Union of Nigerian Associations in Italy (NUNAI) on May 20, a statement from the Interior Ministry dated the same day revealed.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized that adopting advanced technology would enhance efficiency and accountability across national operations, the statement read.
In its 2019 publication titled “Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic: A Plan for Building Nigeria’s Inclusive Digital Future,” the World Bank assessed that “Nigeria is capturing only a fraction of its digital economic potential and will need to make strategic investments to develop a dynamic, transformative digital economy.” In line with this, in 2015, the Nigeria Communications Commission proposed transitioning the economy into a digital economy through investments in digital infrastructure.
The launch of this data center directly addresses this assessment, marking a strategic investment in Nigeria's digital infrastructure. This move is expected to unlock more of Nigeria's digital economic potential, promoting an inclusive and robust digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali