News (1573)
Digital transformation is a key driver for revitalizing local economies and modernizing small businesses. By adopting digital solutions, these enterprises can boost their efficiency and competitiveness in response to changing market dynamics.
Telecom operator Orange Morocco and online commerce platform Chari.ma announced a strategic partnership on Monday, October 28, aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of Morocco's local retailers.
“This partnership with Chari.ma reflects our commitment to supporting Morocco’s digital transformation. By equipping local Moroccan retailers with the most effective digital tools, we are helping to enhance the appeal of our digital ecosystem,” said Hendrik Kasteel, CEO of Orange Morocco.
Under this agreement, Chari.ma will directly integrate Orange's services into its e-commerce app, providing retailers with essential opportunities for growth and modernization. The initiative aligns with the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy, which seeks to expand the digital economy and promote financial inclusion across the country.
This project is anounced amid a strong expansion of local retail in the kingdom. According to data provided in 2023 by Minister of Industry and Commerce Ryad Mezzour, local retail represents 58% of the sector's transactions, 6% of job opportunities, and 80% of sales points in Morocco. This collaboration is expected to enhance the competitiveness of small businesses and strengthen Morocco's digital ecosystem by making digital tools more accessible and better suited to the needs of local retailers.
Samira Njoya
In 2021, the global venture capital market contracted significantly, a trend that continued, severely affecting startup funding in Africa. Several industries saw business failures as a result. But the tide now seems to be turning.
African startups in agriculture and food technology (AgriFoodTech) raised $145 million in the first half of 2024, marking a 1.6% increase from the same period in 2023, despite a global slowdown in venture capital, according to a report published on October 17 by venture capital firm AgFunder.
The Africa AgriFoodTech Investment Report 2024 suggests that this modest uptick signals a potential recovery in investment for startups transforming the continent's agriculture and food sectors. This follows a significant decline in 2023. Last year, funding plunged by 62% to $275 million after strong performances in 2022 and 2021, when investments reached $732 million and $531 million, respectively.
This year’s slight rise in funding from January to June came alongside a 27% year-on-year drop in deal volume, with only 39 transactions recorded. This points to investors’ increased caution, favoring more mature AgriFoodTech startups over early-stage ventures.
Investment distribution reveals a strong focus on a few key countries, with Kenya leading, securing $83 million across 19 deals—over half of all recorded funding. Egypt and Nigeria followed, raising $24 million and $15 million, respectively.
In terms of sector focus, fintech and marketplaces captured 41% of the total funding, while startups specializing in innovative agricultural equipment, such as robotics and mechanization, attracted 17.5%. Mid-value chain startups—focusing on food safety, traceability, logistics, transportation, and processing—received 15% of the funds raised in the first half of 2024.
The report also highlights that African AgriFoodTech companies have received a cumulative $2.4 billion in investment over the decade from 2014 to 2023. However, funding remains concentrated in key tech hubs. Kenya stands out as a “hotspot” for agro-innovation, leading the pack with $833 million in funding over the past decade, followed by South Africa ($511 million), Nigeria ($326 million), and Egypt ($310 million). Together, these four countries account for 88% of all AgriFoodTech startup funding on the continent.
With Africa’s digital economy rapidly expanding, partnerships like this play a crucial role in bridging the digital skills gap. By integrating AI into data-driven decision-making, such collaborations can produce solutions uniquely suited to local challenges.
Kenya has announced a new collaboration with Google to bolster the nation's digital infrastructure and expand digital skill development for citizens. In a meeting held yesterday October 29 with Google’s President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Matt Brittin, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, Dr. Margaret Ndung'u, and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, discussed the ambitious partnership, which will center on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to support key sectors.
Key objectives of the partnership include strengthening Kenya's cybersecurity and empowering locals with digital skills. Google’s technology will support Kenya’s tourism industry by using AI-powered data insights to enhance conservation efforts, attract international visitors, and improve digital experiences for tourists.
This collaboration supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals of creating a secure and inclusive digital landscape, unlocking innovation and economic growth opportunities. It also aligns with Kenya's Digital Economy Blueprint, which aims to ensure universal digital access and engagement, positioning the country as a leader in digital transformation within Africa. Furthermore, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) projects in its Artificial Intelligence in Africa: Economic Development Potential and Challenges to Overcome 2024 report that the adoption of AI could add nearly $150 billion to the continent's GDP by 2030.
The initiative underlines Kenya’s commitment to a digitally-driven economy, setting a foundation for long-term growth and enhanced global connectivity.
Hikmatu Bilali
In response to contemporary security challenges, many countries are turning to advanced technologies to enhance their protection. Gabon is following suit and committing to this approach to secure its territory effectively.
Gabon plans to establish a National Territorial Surveillance System (SNST) supported by satellite technology to strengthen national security through space-based solutions. The project was discussed on October 29 at a workshop organized by the Gabonese Agency for Space Studies and Observations (AGEOS), under the guidance of Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Minister of Digital Economy and Information Technology.
"The idea is to provide defense and security forces with technological tools for optimized management of the country's security. Additional resources are being acquired to bolster maritime and land security," explained Aboubakar Mambimba, Director General of AGEOS.
The project represents a shift toward modern surveillance methods, moving away from traditional approaches. It responds to rising cross-border crime, including maritime piracy, poaching, and environmental offenses. National security has been a strategic priority for transitional President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
The SNST would combine satellite imagery with AI-powered analysis for real-time territorial monitoring. Automatic alerts and drones for close-range tracking would allow security forces to respond swiftly to threats, enabling coordinated interventions. A centralized database would track trends and support strategic planning against illicit activities.
If implemented, this system could significantly reduce security risks nationwide. Beyond protecting national sovereignty, it could also aid ecosystem conservation, supporting efforts against deforestation and wildlife trafficking. Through this project, Gabon aims to assert its leadership in space-based security and environmental preservation in Central Africa.
Samira Njoya
Kenya aims to accelerate the development of its space industry, viewing it as a key driver of socioeconomic progress. The country’s first Earth observation satellite, designed and built by local engineers, was launched in April 2023.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) announced on Monday, October 28, the launch of a training program focused on nanosatellite (CubeSat) development, in partnership with the Italian Space Agency (ASI). The program, which runs through November 8, is led by ASI industry experts and professors from the University of Rome “La Sapienza.”
Thirty participants, including students and KSA technical staff, are benefiting from the hands-on training, which aims to bridge the technology gap and enhance Kenya’s capabilities in space science and technology.
“This Cubesat Training Course is aimed to benefit the participants by equipping them with essential skills and experience in satellite development. The course is intended to bridge the technology gap and help Kenya develop its indigenous technical capabilities to drive future advancements in space science and technology,” the KSA stated.
The initiative builds on an online training program held from July 22 to August 16, 2024, which provided theoretical knowledge on nanosatellite development. That program was organized by KSA and the U.S.-based company Teaching Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI).
The training aligns with KSA’s strategic plan for 2023-2027, which aims to foster Kenya’s emerging space economy and contribute to national socioeconomic development.
By empowering Kenya to build its own nanosatellites, the program is expected to further the country’s space ambitions. In April 2023, Kenya launched its first operational Earth observation satellite, Taifa-1, which was designed and developed by a team of Kenyan researchers. Taifa-1 supports various sectors, including agriculture, food security, natural resource and disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
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
Morocco is actively investing in its digital transformation, with a strong focus on developing human resources. This strategic approach includes updating educational programs to incorporate digital skills.
Huawei Morocco, a subsidiary of the Chinese tech firm Huawei, and Hassan II University of Casablanca (UH2C) recently signed a partnership to launch "Code 212," a digital skills center. Already established in other Moroccan universities, this center aims to provide students with targeted training in key fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
"This project embodies our commitment to education and innovation, and we are confident it will play a crucial role in training future tech leaders. Through this meaningful collaboration, Huawei Morocco seeks to promote high-quality, forward-looking training to shape the experts who will drive Morocco's digital transformation," stated Jason Chen, Vice President of Huawei Morocco.
The initiative aligns with the Esri 2030 Pact, Morocco's national plan to accelerate the transformation of higher education, scientific research, and innovation by 2030. Its objective is to equip students with personal, transversal, and digital skills tailored to labor market demands, in line with royal directives to keep pace with global digital growth.
The rollout of "Code 212" is particularly significant given the current push for digitalization as a core driver of economic growth, while training remains a major challenge. A study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) highlights the need for Africa to train 650 million people in digital skills by 2030 to fully leverage technological advancements. In Morocco, the government has set an annual target to train 100,000 young people in digital professions, aiming to create 240,000 jobs in the sector by 2030.
Samira Njoya
While digitalization is on the rise in Africa, mobile money remains underutilized as a payment method across many service platforms. The collaboration between telecom operators and banking solutions leaders is a promising step forward.
Mastercard and Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) announced a strategic partnership on Tuesday, October 29, that will enable millions of Orange Money wallet holders to instantly obtain a virtual or physical debit card linked directly to their Orange Money account starting in 2025. These cards will allow Orange Money users to make seamless payments locally and internationally with any merchant, website, or mobile app that accepts Mastercard.
The new service will initially roll out in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. According to Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money for the Middle East and Africa, “by giving [...] users the ability to make easy payments with the Mastercard virtual card, we open the door to a world of new possibilities and promote their financial independence.”
Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President of Market Development for Mastercard EEMEA, noted that this collaboration with Orange Money “marks a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of digital financial services in Africa, enabling millions to participate in the global economy.”
The African Digital Banking Transformation Report 2023 (by African Banker and Backbase) highlights that the banking rate among sub-Saharan Africa’s adult population was 48% last year, marking the region as having one of the lowest levels of financial inclusion. Once extended to Orange’s 17 affiliates across Africa and the Middle East, the Mastercard-Orange MEA partnership promises to open up new financial possibilities for 37 million active Orange Money subscribers.
Mastercard’s expertise in secure payment gateways, combined with its local market knowledge and tailored solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), ensures that this partnership has the potential to transform how millions access financial services and participate in the digital economy.
Customers eager to try the new service will be able to request a virtual debit card via Orange’s Max it super app and pick up a physical card at Orange Money Mastercard locations.
Investing in AI skills supports regional tech development and helps African nations prepare for a digital future. This positions them to tackle critical challenges such as healthcare access, climate adaptation, and education. It also directly addresses the region’s high youth unemployment.
Google announced, on October 28, a $5.8 million commitment to advance artificial intelligence (AI) skilling initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa. This new investment will empower people and organizations to leverage AI for economic development and social impact, helping to prepare the workforce for an increasingly AI-powered world.
According to Matt Brittin, Google’s President of Business & Operations for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, this initiative aligns with Google’s nearly two-decade-long commitment to supporting Africa’s digital transformation. Speaking about AI's economic potential, he highlighted Google's Digital Opportunity for Africa report, which projects AI could add as much as $30 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP by 2030. However, achieving this requires equipping people with both technical skills and a broader understanding of AI’s societal impacts.
Targeted AI training could significantly impact job creation and skills development, essential for meeting the needs of the growing workforce. The International Labour Organization reveals in its Global Employment Trends for Youth 2024 Sub-Saharan Africa that youth unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa stood at 8.9% in 2023. By equipping young people with AI expertise, this initiative can help reduce unemployment by opening up new career paths in a growing field, boosting employability in various sectors.
The initiative targets key sectors to strengthen AI proficiency. It will train individuals across industries to boost productivity, introduce teenagers to AI safety for responsible usage, equip non-profits to enhance social impact, and enable public sector workers to use AI in public services and policymaking. This investment aims to expand the region's technological capabilities, promoting a skilled and responsible AI-driven workforce.
Google’s Africa AI initiatives also include research and development centers in Accra, Ghana, and Nairobi, Kenya, focused on creating localized solutions. The Nairobi Product Development Center has developed innovations like voice search in African languages and an HTML5 gaming platform designed for low-bandwidth devices.
This commitment by Google underscores Africa’s potential to lead in AI innovation, with a focus on sustainable development, social impact, and economic growth. As more people acquire AI skills and local innovation accelerates, Google envisions a future where AI empowers communities across Africa to thrive.
Hikmatu Bilali
As the world increasingly embraces digitalization, Ethiopia envisions a promising future for its digital economy. Recent analyses project substantial growth in this sector, with significant positive impacts on the country’s GDP.
Ethiopia's digital economy could contribute 1.3 trillion ETB (approximately $10.8 billion) to the country's GDP by 2028, according to a report released on October 24 by the GSMA in partnership with Ethio Telecom.
The report, "Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Ethiopia: Opportunities, Policy Reforms, and the Role of Mobile," attributes this growth to ongoing telecom reforms and investments in mobile technology, which are expected to boost sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and public services.
The report predicts that these developments could also lead to over one million new jobs while generating 57 billion ETB in tax revenue. Ethiopia’s telecommunications reforms, conducted under the Home-Grown Economic Reform (HGER) program, have already helped the sector contribute 700 billion ETB to the GDP and 57 billion ETB in tax revenue in 2023.
Mobile internet coverage has expanded significantly, with mobile connections growing by 65% and 4G coverage increasing eightfold due to intensified competition and substantial investments from Ethio Telecom and Safaricom Ethiopia. If these efforts continue, GSMA estimates that 50 million Ethiopians will be connected to mobile internet by 2028. This increased connectivity is expected to fuel growth across sectors, adding 140 billion ETB to agriculture and 114 billion ETB to manufacturing.
Challenges in Digital Adoption
However, the report highlights significant obstacles to widespread digital adoption in Ethiopia. Despite network expansion, 76% of the population still does not use mobile internet. A substantial gender gap also remains, with internet usage among women lagging by 40%. Closing this gap is crucial to achieving broad-based digital inclusion.
To address these issues, GSMA’s policy recommendations include making mobile services more affordable, accelerating telecom reforms, improving device accessibility, and promoting mobile money services. Digitalization is seen as a key driver for Ethiopia’s Vision 2025, which aims to enhance productivity and create new economic opportunities for citizens.
Angela Wamola, GSMA’s Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, remarked, “Ethiopia is well-positioned to be a digital leader in East Africa. By implementing strategic reforms and improving access to digital tools and services, Ethiopia can unlock unprecedented opportunities for economic and social development.”
Samira Njoya.
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As African nations increasingly turn to digital solutions for economic advancement, international partnerships are key to realizing these ambitions. Such collaborations also help link Africa’s tech ecosystems with global innovation hubs, fostering competitiveness in the worldwide digital economy.
Nigeria has formalized a partnership with Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) Innovation Park to accelerate its technological and economic development. The collaboration, announced on October 27 by Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, is designed to open extensive opportunities for Nigerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
According to Nnaji, the partnership provides access to European markets and mentorship, bolstering Nigeria’s global presence in the innovation space. He highlighted the initiative’s potential to bridge academic research with industry applications, enabling Nigerian startups to scale their operations internationally.
During discussions with Ms. Lan Zuo Gillet, Managing Director of Fondation EPFL Innovation Park, Nnaji explored mutual opportunities, including Swiss startups’ interest in Nigeria’s renewable energy and healthcare sectors.
The move aligns with the country’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020-2030) whose mission is to build a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship are used to create value and prosperity for all.
EPFL Innovation Park has established itself as a hub for over 280 startups in fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology. By partnering with EPFL, Nigerian startups will benefit from its expertise, resources, and mentorship, particularly in areas like digital trust, healthcare, and sustainability fields crucial for creating market-ready innovations.
This partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s technological capabilities, create high-quality jobs, and catalyze a tech-driven economy that meets international standards, aligning with Nigeria’s broader economic goals.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digitalization has become an essential tool for enhancing service efficiency and attracting investment. By modernizing key sectors, governments aim to drive growth and ensure optimal resource management.
Gabon's Ministry of Mines and the Ministry of Digital Economy on Friday announced a strategic partnership to create a unified digital platform for managing mining activities across the country. The platform will be used to map, monitor, and regulate all mining operations.
"This agreement aims to develop local, customized solutions for managing mining permit allocation and utilization, avoiding the high costs of outsourcing. Gabon possesses the necessary skills, staff, and knowledge to undertake this task,” said Mines Minister Gilles Nembe (photo).
This initiative is part of the transitional government’s digitalization program, aimed at modernizing key sectors to enhance their attractiveness and diversify the economy. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the mining sector contributed around 5% of Gabon’s GDP, 7% of employment, and 9% of exports in 2022, making it a central pillar of the national economy.
The upcoming digital platform will centralize and standardize mining permit management, simplifying information access for investors. It will feature online services such as permit applications, electronic payments, and the management of renewals, transfers, and extensions of permits. These features will provide mining sector stakeholders with simplified, secure access to administrative services, fostering a more transparent and efficient business environment.
Beyond boosting the sector’s appeal to private investors, this digital transformation is expected to improve governance of Gabon’s natural resources and enhance data management efficiency, meeting the growing need for transparency and resource control.
Samira Njoya
As a landlocked country, Chad is focusing on interconnections with coastal neighbors that have direct access to submarine cables. These connections are currently limited, as the country is only linked to Cameroon and Sudan.
In Chad, the European Union (EU) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), partners in the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone project, have expressed overall satisfaction with the progress of the work. On Thursday, October 24, a delegation from both institutions accompanied Boukar Michel, Chad’s Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, on a site visit in N'Djamena.
According to Brahim Abdelkerim, Secretary General of the Ministry, approximately 100 kilometers remain to be installed to complete Chad’s section of the backbone. The project includes a 559-kilometer stretch to the Niger border and a 50-kilometer metropolitan network in the capital. The completion is expected by the end of the year or early 2025.
This positive assessment comes around six months after Boukar Michel’s previous visit, during which he criticized the slow pace of work and hinted at potential “drastic measures.” In May 2023, the government revived the project, initially launched in 2020. The consortium CGPS/LORYNE, responsible for the execution, was originally scheduled to complete the work within ten months. The project, costing 20.5 billion CFA francs (approximately 33.9 million USD), is financed by the EU and the AfDB, with the Chadian government contributing 1.6 billion CFA francs.
This infrastructure is critical for strengthening Chad’s national telecom network. The landlocked country currently relies mainly on Cameroon and Sudan for international internet capacity, and disruptions in these countries’ fiber optic transport networks often cause significant telecommunications issues in Chad, particularly for internet access.
According to N'Kodia Claude, a representative from the AfDB, Chad will gain access to submarine landing points via Niger, facilitating its connection to international cables. Niger shares borders with coastal countries like Benin, Nigeria, and Algeria, each of which has access to at least three submarine cables. This interconnection is expected to improve the quality of Chad’s internet network while enhancing its redundancy.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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