He began his entrepreneurial journey in 2019 while still a student, developing technological solutions to accelerate digital transformation in Africa.
Cirus Sumika, a Ugandan tech entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Sumic IT Solutions, a startup dedicated to narrowing Africa’s digital divide by providing sustainable technology solutions.
Founded in 2019, Sumic IT Solutions specializes in building professional websites for businesses, NGOs, hotels, and educational institutions, among others. The company also develops mobile applications, handling the entire process from ideation to delivery while offering ongoing support. Additionally, it provides digital marketing services, IT consulting, and training in new technologies.
"Our core mission is to facilitate the growth and self-sufficiency of businesses by providing them with affordable, standard, and sustainable technologies. We achieve this through a range of services including Website Design & Development, Domain Name Registration & Hosting, Mobile Application Development, Digital Marketing, IT Trainings, and IT Consulting," the startup states.
Sumic IT Solutions operates under Sumic Group, founded by Sumika, which also launched Sumic Online, a platform that facilitates buying and selling various products and services.
Sumika holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Makerere University, Uganda, which he earned in 2021. In 2020, he interned as an accountant at KPMG East Africa. Between 2023 and 2024, he was a partner at Black Leaders Worldwide, a business network for Black professionals in the U.S. and the U.K.
His achievements include winning the Startup of the Year in Technology award at the 2022 Startup Uganda Awards. In 2023, Sumic IT Solutions received the Global Recognition Award. Most recently, in 2024, Sumika was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda, the country’s top private sector body.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
A fintech expert with extensive experience in sub-Saharan Africa, he has played a key role in the development of Onafriq (formerly MFS Africa) across the continent. He designs innovative financial solutions tailored to the needs of the African market.
Yogo Dubois (photo) is a Congolese entrepreneur specializing in financial technology. He is the founder and CEO of Rego, a fintech startup that is revolutionizing access to financial services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Founded in 2024, Rego is a pioneering company that facilitates digital identification and credit assessment. Its platform offers secure, scalable, and inclusive solutions, enabling businesses and individuals to access financial services more easily.
By integrating advanced technologies such as encryption, biometric authentication, and alternative data analysis, Rego ensures optimal security and promotes financial autonomy. From identity verification to credit profiling, it bridges the gap between innovation and financial inclusion.
Yogo Dubois is the president of the DRC Fintech Association, an organization dedicated to the development of the financial technology sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He sits on the board of Africa Fintech Network, a platform bringing together fintech leaders across Africa, as well as on the board of Onafriq in the DRC, a pan-African fintech, where he is also a shareholder.
A graduate of the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management in Germany, he earned a master’s degree in marketing in 2017, followed by a master’s in business management and administration in 2019. In 2024, he obtained a certification as a commercial banking and credit analyst from the Corporate Finance Institute.
His career began in 2002 at Airtel DRC, where he successively held positions as customer service representative and product manager. In 2008, he became regional head of business development at InTarget Mobile Advertising, a company specializing in advertising and mobile marketing in Africa. In 2016, he joined Onafriq as commercial director for Southern and East Africa.
In 2017, Yogo Dubois joined the South African company Siyavula Education, specializing in educational technology. In 2020, he became regional director of business development for sub-Saharan Africa at Mondia Group, a mobile commerce company.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The country is banking on digital transformation to fuel its socioeconomic development. The government is stepping up initiatives to harness digital technology to improve access to services, enhance transparency, and drive innovation.
Senegal launched a digital platform last week for obtaining the National Identification Number for Enterprises and Associations (NINEA). Inaugurated by Economy Minister Abdourahmane Sarr, the initiative aims to streamline and expedite business and association registration.
The launch is part of Senegal's broader "New Technological Deal" digital transformation strategy, which seeks to establish the country as a regional innovation leader. The government is prioritizing the digitization of public and private services to improve administrative efficiency, digital inclusion, and transparency.
"NINEA registration covers businesses operating in Senegal, nationally or internationally recognized associations, trade unions, central public administrations, public institutions, local authorities, political parties, occasional operators, landowners, NGOs, and more," the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD) said in its third-quarter 2023 report.
The platform's success, however, hinges on internet access. DataReportal reports Senegal had 10.79 million internet subscribers, representing a 60% penetration rate.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Launched by an Egyptian tech entrepreneur, the solution aims to be a flexible and accessible tool to help young Arabs access diverse training programs, allowing them to learn at their own pace, regardless of their skill level.
EYouth is an EdTech platform developed by an Egyptian startup, offering digital skills training programs tailored for youth, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their expertise.
The platform features a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over a thousand times, according to Play Store data. Users can create an account and access a variety of courses, including content creation, graphic design, digital marketing, and data analysis.
EYouth also develops programs on financial education in Egypt, digital literacy training, awareness campaigns on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and stock market knowledge. Beyond short-term courses, the startup has launched tech scholarship programs, enabling young Arabs to learn the fundamentals of programming and artificial intelligence (AI). The goal is to enhance their employability and understanding of global trends, better preparing them for the job market.
Founded in 2016 by Mostafa Abdel Latif, the startup recently secured $6 million in funding to expand its training offerings, integrate advanced educational technologies, and reach a wider audience across Egypt and the MENA region (North Africa and the Middle East).
"To date, we have developed the skills of over three million young people. Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate and empower an additional one million youth to unlock their potential and drive innovation across Africa and the Middle East," said Mostafa Abdel Latif, founder of EYouth.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Senegal's "New Technological Deal" digital strategy sets key objectives for 2034, with the goal of becoming a leading tech hub in Africa. The country has secured support from high-profile strategic partners to achieve this ambition.
Christel Heydemann (photo, left), CEO of French telecom group Orange, met with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye last Thursday and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Senegal’s “New Technological Deal.” This initiative aims to modernize digital infrastructure and improve connectivity nationwide.
“At Orange, we firmly believe that technology should be a force for empowerment and progress for all. Alongside Groupe Sonatel [Orange’s Senegalese subsidiary], we will continue investing to turn this ambition into reality,” Heydemann stated.
The meeting aligns with Senegal’s goal to accelerate its digital transition by working with key players in the tech industry. As one of the largest telecom operators in the country, Orange is a strategic partner capable of supporting the government’s efforts in this transformation.
According to data from the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (ARTP), Orange leads the Senegalese telecom market with 12.8 million subscribers as of March 31, 2024, representing 56.02% market share. It is followed by Free (24%), Expresso (16.6%), Promobile (3%), and Hayo (0.1%).
Orange’s commitment could translate into investments in digital infrastructure, expanding access to digital services and fostering innovation. This collaboration could also pave the way for new projects to boost Senegal’s digital economy. Notably, Senegal’s mobile internet penetration rate stood at 99.06% as of March 31, 2024, according to ARTP data.
Digital solutions streamline public services, improve transparency, and give citizens easier access to a more modern and efficient government.
Côte d'Ivoire launched, last Thursday, its e-Justice platform, a key step in modernizing its public administration and improving access to judicial services. The platform allows citizens in Yopougon and Dabou to apply online for nationality certificates.
The e-Justice platform introduces several features designed to streamline the application process. Each applicant receives a unique identification number, and the platform uses a visible electronic seal for document authentication. Authentication is also handled through the VERIF application from the National Agency for Civil Registration and Identity (ONECI). Applicants can track the status of their applications in real-time, reducing administrative burdens and processing delays.
"Justice must be accessible, efficient, and transparent for all," said Jean Sansan Kambile, Minister of Justice and Human Rights. "Today, we are laying a crucial foundation for a more modern Côte d'Ivoire. This platform is a symbol of transformation and progress, serving every Ivorian."
The initiative is in line with Côte d'Ivoire's national digital transformation strategy, which aims to improve the efficiency of public services. According to the latest United Nations e-Government Report, Côte d'Ivoire ranks 124th out of 193 countries in online government development, with a score of 0.5587 out of 1. While the report acknowledges progress, including projects like e-Justice, it also highlights the need for further development to reach the level of the world’s most advanced digital administrations.
The launch of e-Justice marks the start of a digital transformation within Côte d'Ivoire’s judicial sector. The project will expand to other jurisdictions and incorporate new services, such as criminal record management, in the coming months. The ultimate goal is to harmonize and modernize the entire judicial system, providing citizens with a more accessible, secure, and efficient justice system.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Nigeria has launched the DeepTech_Ready Upskilling Program to train 20,000 young people in AI and Data Science, equipping them for high-demand tech roles, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital economy announced on January 31.
The initiative, led by the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, Data Science Nigeria, and Google, is part of a N2.8 billion grant under Google’s $5.8 million investment in Africa’s digital transformation.
The six-month program combines self-paced learning, project-based training, and job readiness support to bridge Nigeria’s digital skills gap. This initiative strengthens the country’s tech workforce, attracts investment, and advances its role in AI innovation across Africa.
As industries worldwide embrace artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and advanced analytics, Africa is positioning itself at the forefront of this revolution. In the energy sector, digital technologies are becoming essential for optimizing production, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency.
Global technology company SLB announced the launch of its Africa Performance Center in Luanda, Angola, on January 28. The event marks a major milestone in advancing digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy sector innovation across Africa. The 3,200-square-foot facility will serve as a collaborative hub for industry stakeholders, offering cutting-edge solutions in oil and gas, new energy, and digital technologies.
Miguel Baptista, SLB’s Managing Director for Angola, Central, and East Africa highlighted the importance of the center saying: "With this Performance Center, we aim to work closely with customers, drawing on our global expertise, diverse technology portfolio, and digital workflows to provide localized solutions."
The Africa Performance Center will drive capacity building, skills development, and local talent empowerment, ensuring industry solutions are developed within Angola to foster sustainable economic growth. AI-powered digital workflows, advanced analytics, and automation will enhance efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance.
This initiative aligns with Angola’s broader vision for economic diversification and digital transformation. According to the World Economic Forum, digital transformation in the oil and gas sector could unlock approximately $1.6 trillion in value, optimizing energy production, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency.
SLB’s investment reinforces the role of AI-driven solutions in sustaining Angola’s oil output, improving productivity, and supporting economic stability. By equipping local professionals with in-demand digital skills, the center will create job opportunities and strengthen Africa’s position in the evolving global energy landscape.
Hikmatu Bilali
As a computer scientist and entrepreneur, Ousseynou Diop leverages innovation to advance education and entrepreneurship, driving Africa into the global digital economy.
Ousseynou Diop (photo) is a Senegalese software developer and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Xarala, a startup specializing in technology education.
The name Xarala, which means “technology” in Wolof, reflects the platform’s mission: to provide Africans with access to quality education to help them unlock their full potential. Founded in 2018, Xarala offers hands-on and accessible training in key digital fields, including software development, digital marketing, design, and data analysis.
The startup provides a mobile app for self-paced learning, along with personalized mentorship and certifications upon course completion. Xarala allows learners to study in their preferred language, making education more inclusive and accessible.
Alongside his work at Xarala, Ousseynou Diop serves as Software Technical Lead at ORYA TECHNOLOGIES, a financial services provider in Senegal. His tech journey began in 2016 as a freelance web developer. From 2017 to 2022, he was Vice President of the Programming Commission at Daara-IT, a Senegalese community of young tech enthusiasts.
Diop later joined OuiCarry, a logistics company, as a full-stack developer, before moving to Digital.in in 2020, where he worked on AI-driven recruitment solutions. From 2022 to 2023, he was a full-stack developer at Gemography, a platform connecting software engineers and data specialists with global tech companies.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He helps businesses develop innovative products by building a community of information and communication technology (ICT) experts.
Thierry Kientega (photo) is a telecommunications engineer and tech entrepreneur from Burkina Faso. He is the founder and CEO of OUIcoding, a consulting firm specializing in information technology.
Founded in 2018, OUIcoding specializes in digital transformation, offering custom development solutions, NoCode services, and data and artificial intelligence-based tools. The company focuses on process automation and rapid application development. It also identifies, vets, and connects coders, designers, and engineers from Africa and emerging markets with businesses across the continent.
The startup has built a community of talents, where members can train, learn, share knowledge, and innovate. Its ambition is to create an ecosystem conducive to innovation and collaboration. Today, this community includes over 360 experts and has supported more than 158 projects, involving 46 companies.
Thierry Kientega holds a telecommunications engineering degree obtained in 2008 from the École Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Rennes in France. He also earned a PhD in telecommunications in 2011 from the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in France.
His career began in 2007 at France Télécom (which became Orange in 2013) as a telecommunications engineer. In 2011, he joined the international consulting firm Leyton as a senior consultant, helping companies identify financial levers to accelerate growth and drive sustainable progress. In 2014, he became director of the commerce division at CFAO France, a company specializing in international trade.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Gabon is undergoing a significant digital transformation, embracing cutting-edge technology to modernize its public services and upgrade key urban infrastructure. This initiative aims to solidify its position as a leader in e-governance.
Gabon's Minister of Transport and Merchant Marine, Jonathan Ignoumba (photo, center), signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday with DSD, a company specializing in digitalization, according to government officials. The initiative aims to modernize transport documents, such as driver’s licenses and vehicle registration cards, while upgrading Libreville’s urban infrastructure with solutions like rotating parking systems and smart traffic lights.
Djemory Doumbouya, CEO of DSD, said his company, which is already active in Guinea, Uganda, and Liberia, will quickly mobilize resources to conduct feasibility studies. "Following this signing, we will develop a business plan, set an implementation timeline, and submit these elements to Gabonese authorities for approval before finalizing the contract," he explained.
The project aligns with Gabon Digital, a government initiative launched last November and overseen by a steering committee (Copil), focused on modernizing public services and streamlining administrative procedures. A digital platform will be deployed later this year to support these efforts, according to the committee.
If the implementation details are agreed upon, the project could significantly improve traffic management in Libreville, a city of nearly one million residents—about half of Gabon’s population. The capital faces growing congestion and stands to benefit from smart mobility solutions designed to reduce traffic jams, enhance road safety, and optimize urban space.
The digitalization of transport documents is also expected to bring multiple benefits, including fraud reduction, better data traceability, simplified administrative processes for citizens, and greater efficiency in managing public infrastructure.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital governance has been shown to improve transparency by cutting bureaucratic inefficiencies and improving public trust in government institutions.
Nigeria has launched an AI-powered assistant designed to revolutionize public service delivery. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, head of the Federation's civil service, introduced the technology, Service-Wise GPT, at the Global Government Summit 2025, held Jan 21-22 in Singapore. The summit brings together senior public servants to discuss and address the challenges facing civil services globally.
During her presentation, Walson-Jack highlighted AI’s potential to drive national and global economic growth while advocating for responsible, ethical, and inclusive governance in harnessing AI.
Service-Wise GPT, currently in its Beta phase, is a user-centric AI tool designed to enhance efficiency in Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service. It provides instant access to Public Service Rules, Statutory Instruments, Regulations, Guidelines, and other essential governance materials, enabling civil servants to streamline operations.
The AI tool’s key functions also include automated policy drafting, real-time research assistance, and instant memo generation.
By reducing manual workload, the Nigerian government aims to enhance compliance, boost productivity, and cut operational costs. AI-driven automation has been shown to increase global productivity by up to 2% annually, according to a 2018 McKinsey Global Institute study. As Nigeria embraces AI-driven governance, Service-Wise GPT is expected to set a new standard for efficiency, transparency, and digital transformation in the public sector.
Hikmatu Bilali
The digital transformation of healthcare is essential for development. The adoption of technology in health systems is poised to enhance medical access and streamline operations, especially in underserved African regions.
Zambia has launched a remote health diagnostics technology developed by Finnish company 73Health. Already operational in Finland, this AI-powered solution enables doctors to conduct medical examinations and diagnose patients remotely with high accuracy. The launch, announced on January 29, marks the start of 73Health Africa’s expansion, aiming to revolutionize healthcare accessibility across the continent.
Speaking at the launch, Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science, highlighted the potential of digital innovation in healthcare. “Today, we stand at the forefront of a transformative era in healthcare, driven by the urgent need to address resource limitations and improve service delivery. Technology, particularly AI, is a powerful tool to overcome these challenges, enabling personalized care, reducing costs, and addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals,” he said.
The technology was introduced through a partnership between 73Health and Carepeak Specialist Clinic, establishing a new milestone for technology-driven healthcare in Zambia. At the core of this innovation is the eEva Kit, a remote diagnostics system that allows medical professionals to perform comprehensive check-ups, including ear examinations, heart and lung assessments, blood pressure monitoring, and temperature checks—without requiring a doctor’s physical presence. This is a game-changer for rural and underserved communities, where patients often face long travel distances and limited access to specialized care.
One of the most significant advantages of this AI-powered technology is its ability to connect Zambian patients with international medical experts. Through virtual consultations, specialists from India, Europe, and South Africa can assess patients remotely, particularly for pre-surgery evaluations and post-surgery follow-ups. This reduces costs and waiting times, offering Zambians access to world-class healthcare without the need for overseas travel.
According to the International Insulin Foundation’s report on Zambia’s health system, 99% of households in urban areas are within 5 kilometers of a healthcare facility, while in rural regions, only about 50% have the same level of proximity. The disparity in healthcare access between urban and rural areas in Zambia highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions like remote health diagnostics.
The introduction of 73Health’s remote diagnostics technology can help bridge this gap by enabling virtual consultations and remote medical examinations, reducing the need for long-distance travel and ensuring that even those in underserved areas receive quality healthcare.
Hikmatu Bilali
Despite growth, many Africans still face challenges in accessing digital financial tools. By collaborating, Network International and GIM-UEMOA can bridge gaps in financial access, offering secure and seamless digital payment solutions that cater to both banked and unbanked populations.
Network International, a payment solutions provider in the Middle East and Africa, has partnered with GIM-UEMOA, the regional payment scheme for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). The partnership, announced on January 28, aims to drive digital payment innovation and financial inclusion across the eight WAEMU member states. The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to that effect.
Dr. Reda Helal, Managing Director & Co-Head of Processing, Africa at Network International, described the partnership as a major milestone for Network International. "Together, we aim to harness our combined expertise to empower the UEMOA region with state-of-the-art payment solutions that drive economic inclusion and prosperity," he said.
Under the collaboration, both organizations will enhance the GIM-Pay framework, providing secure and seamless digital payment solutions that cater to the growing needs of businesses and consumers in the region. The initiative is expected to strengthen the value proposition for GIM-UEMOA’s member banks, equipping them with advanced payment technologies to better serve their customers and support economic growth.
GIM-UEMOA Managing Director Minayegnan Coulibaly emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This collaboration with Network International allows for the pooling of infrastructure and solutions to bring cutting-edge digital payment solutions to the West African banking sector."
In its State of Financial Inclusion in WAEMU (2021) report, the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) reported a financial inclusion rate of 67.2%, indicating that nearly 30% of the population remained unbanked. By introducing innovative digital payment solutions, this partnership will bridge this gap, providing more individuals with access to financial services.
The partnership reaffirms both organizations' commitment to innovation and collaboration in West Africa’s financial technology space, highlighting the role of strategic alliances in addressing the region’s evolving financial and economic needs.
Hikmatu Bilali