News (1792)
Africa's digital revolution falls behind other continents, but governments are proactively adopting strategies to narrow the divide, drive economic growth, and accelerate the adoption of next-gen technologies.
The South African government is spearheading digital transformation through a two-step plan for analogue switch-off and digital migration. This strategic approach aims to unlock spectrum for advanced telecommunications and usher in next-generation technologies nationwide.
In the initial step, analogue services above the 694MHz band will be switched off by July 31, 2023. This action will liberate valuable spectrum, enabling enhanced connectivity and resource optimization in the evolving digital landscape.
The second step focuses on accommodating high-population areas below the 694MHz band. The deadline for switch-off in these regions is set for December 31, 2024, ensuring a seamless transition and equitable digital migration for all.
For Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, analogue switch-off plays a critical role. “This approach is accepted to be a win-win approach that will enable analogue switch-off progress, release spectrum, and allow key stakeholders to recover from post-COVID economic decline and the impact of load shedding,” he said.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will collaborate closely with industry stakeholders and the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Together, they will oversee the successful implementation of the analogue switch-off, spectrum release, and digital migration.
In support of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, the government has received over 1.5 million applications for government-subsidized set-top boxes (STBs) since 2015. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, late registrations will continue to receive support until the completion of the nationwide digital migration.
Installation of STBs is already underway in provinces earmarked for analogue switch-off, equipping households with the necessary devices to access digital broadcasts. Simultaneously, robust public awareness campaigns are educating the population about digital migration and its wide-ranging benefits.
Looking ahead, the government plans to intensify its awareness campaign, forging partnerships with broadcasters to amplify the digital migration message. By embracing digital technologies and facilitating a seamless transition, South Africa is poised to unlock its full digital potential, fostering economic development and empowering connectivity for all citizens.
According to a GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) report "Digital Switchover in Sub-Saharan Africa" (October 2022), DSO (Digital Switchover) presents a unique win-win situation for spectrum allocation. It expands mobile service coverage, reduces costs, and enhances TV quality for consumers. Unlike outdated analogue broadcasting, digital TV broadcasting is more efficient, allowing countries to utilize the UHF band for both mobile services and television broadcasting.
Hikmatu Bilali
With the ongoing digital transformation, African businesses need more broadband capacity to support their activities. Local and foreign companies are stepping up investments in this direction to better meet the growing demand on the continent.
Africa Data Centres (ADC), a subsidiary of pan-African digital services provider Cassava Technologies Group, has been chosen by the London Internet Exchange (LINX) as the Point of Presence (PoP) for the new East African interconnection center, LINX Nairobi.
The new partnership aims to improve connectivity and support digital growth in the region, the company announced in a statement on Wednesday, June 21.
"With LINX Nairobi, we are not only creating a hub for Kenya but for all of East Africa. The rapidly growing region has a huge demand for low latency, high speed, and improved interconnectivity. LINX Nairobi will not only serve local networks but also attract international Internet providers and hyperscalers," said Nurani Nimpuno, LINX's Global Engagement Manager.
This news comes after last month's announcement of a strategic partnership between the two organizations, ADC and LINX, to secure growth and opportunities in new markets in Africa, improve connectivity and bring digital services to citizens.
According to the press release, this new partnership will enable customers based at Africa Data Centres' Nairobi data center (NBO1) to have direct access to LINX Nairobi's new peering community via a single cross-connection. These customers will also benefit from additional services such as 24-hour support and access to the LINX portal. In addition, networks connecting to LINX Nairobi from any data center will be able to establish peering agreements, fostering a strong digital ecosystem and guaranteeing the traffic will remain local.
LINX Nairobi, due to go live in the coming weeks, is the region's first interconnected, multi-site Internet Exchange Point (IXP). The platform is designed to the same standards as LINX in the UK and USA, offering redundancy and resilience to the networks connecting to it.
Samira Njoya
Like many other African countries, Somalia has decided to take advantage of technology to solve some of the problems it faces. The country has just adopted a national QR coding technology to improve financial inclusion and the local e-commerce segment by extension.
Somali citizens will soon be able to pay for goods and services in stores and supermarkets by scanning a quick response (QR) code using their mobile devices. On Tuesday, June 20, the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) launched the standardized national QR code called "SOMQR". It aims to stimulate digital payments, which are offered by the various payment service providers in the country.
“SOMQR Code Standard will revolutionize the payment landscape in Somalia as a low-cost, scalable, secure, and interoperable solution towards a cashless society. [...] we are proud of achieving yet another major milestone in the digitalization process of the payment systems," said CBS governor Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (photo).
The launch of SOMQR is the latest in a series of reforms undertaken by CBS in recent years. It follows the launch, in August 2021, of the National Payment System (NPS), an interbank payment, clearing, and settlement system linking the Central Bank and the 13 licensed commercial banks.
Also as part of its drive to modernize services, last March the CBS began enforcing the use of the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) to connect the country's financial institutions to the rest of the international banking services and facilitate the validation of their transactions.
The SOMQR is the latest addition to all these initiatives. As a fast, scalable, and secure low-cost payment platform, its effective implementation will revolutionize the payments landscape in Somalia. The standardized QR code will enable merchants to receive payments instantly, anytime, anywhere.
Samira Njoya
The burgeoning youth population in Africa offers a promising market for startups to seize. However, these startups are faced with bottlenecks, including racial inequality, that hinder their progress. Several initiatives are being put in place to level the playing field.
Google for Startups has selected 25 African startups for its Black Founders Fund (BFF), addressing racial inequality in venture capital funding. The chosen startups, representing diverse entrepreneurship across the continent, will receive $4 million in funding and support to fuel their growth. This is the third cohort of the Founders Fund.
Each startup will receive up to $150,000 in cash awards, $200,000 in Google Cloud credits, advertising support, mentoring, and access to Google's network. Leveraging technology, these innovative startups aim to tackle Africa's challenges in healthcare, logistics, and fintech. For example, Tushop, a Kenyan startup, is revolutionizing retail through a group purchasing platform, while Herconomy -Nigeria’s first Fintech company for women -aims to establish Africa's first women-focused bank.
With Nigeria leading with 10 grantees, Kenya with 5, and South Africa with 3, the selected startups highlight the importance of women in Africa's startup ecosystem, as 72% of the chosen ventures are led or co-founded by women. Google has launched additional initiatives to empower women in technology, including the Hustle Academy and the Women Founders Cohort.
Through the Black Founders Fund and associated initiatives, Google for Startups aims to bridge the venture capital funding gap, nurture diverse entrepreneurship, and unlock Africa's immense potential. By supporting these visionary founders, Google seeks to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster innovation that addresses the continent's unique challenges.
“In 2020, with less than 0.5% of global venture capital (VC) funding going to Black-led startups, Google announced the Black Founders Fund and has since deployed $20M in funding to founders across the US, Europe, Africa, and Brazil,” Google wrote in a statement issued on its website.
Hikmatu Bilali
Here are the chosen startups:
- Akoma Health (Nigeria): Tech platform for accessible, culturally conscious mental health services in Africa.
- BezoMoney (Ghana):Digital banking for Africa's underbanked via mobile/web platforms.
- Chargel (Senegal):Digital trucking platform connecting shippers/carriers in Francophone West Africa.
- Charis UAS (Rwanda):Provides 3D geospatial data via drone technology.
- Evolve Credit (Nigeria):SaaS for digitizing and managing banking services.
- Excel At Uni (South Africa):Supports student funders via digital services.
- EzyAgric (Uganda):AI-powered mobile technology to enhance Africa's farming sector.
- Fez Delivery (Nigeria):Last-mile logistics platform for various industries.
- Fleetsimplify (Kenya):Monetization platform connecting gig drivers & vehicle owners.
- HealthDart (South Africa):Digital HMO providing end-to-end health services with insurance.
- Herconomy (Nigeria):Female-focused fintech aiming to be Africa's first women's bank.
- Jumba (Kenya):Improving Kenya's construction sector supply chain via B2B platform.
- MDaaS Global (Nigeria):Tech-powered diagnostic centers for affordable healthcare.
- My Pocket Counsel (Nigeria):Legal tech platform for contract generation and management.
- Orda (Nigeria):Pan-African neobank for restaurants, offering cloud-based software.
- Periculum (Nigeria):Data company aiding in credit assessment, fraud/churn risk.
- Raenest (Nigeria):Fintech offering global financial services to freelancers/startups in Africa.
- Ridelink (Uganda):E-logistics platform providing shipping and real-time tracking.
- Susu (Côte d'Ivoire):Health platform providing healthcare services/insurance funded by the African diaspora.
- Talamus Health (Ghana):Tech solutions targeting healthcare inefficiencies in Africa.
- TruQ (Nigeria):Streamlining mid-mile logistics across Africa with third-party vehicle connectivity.
- Tushop (Kenya):Tech platform for group buying of daily essentials in Kenya.
- Uzapoint (Kenya):Mobile/web POS for digitizing bookkeeping in Africa's informal sector.
- Zinacare (South Africa):Online platform for accessible, affordable healthcare services.
- Zydii (Kenya):Localised digital training solutions for African SMEs.
Africa has many assets, including its young population, to become a leader in the field of artificial intelligence. While some countries are slow to adopt it, others are stepping up their efforts to take full advantage of it in the coming years.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is to support Morocco in promoting digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The Director of UNESCO's Maghreb office, Eric Falt (photo, right), discussed the subject on Friday, June 16 in Rabat with Ghita Mezzour (photo, left), Morocco's Minister for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform.
"This meeting was an opportunity to study ways of strengthening cooperation with UNESCO in fields linked to digital transformation and artificial intelligence. I also stressed, in passing, the importance our country attaches to digitization and enhanced adoption of modern technologies in various fields,” Ghita Mezzour wrote on Twitter.
The global AI market is growing by leaps and bounds. Like several countries around the world, Morocco has accelerated the deployment of this new technology in several sectors. By mimicking human cognitive activity, artificial intelligence is able to assist in a great number of tasks. As such, it has a promising future and represents a huge opportunity for the country. However, it is essential to prepare the ground for the use of this technology in all fields, and even to participate in its development in both the public and private sectors.
Together with UNESCO, Morocco will work to promote digital transformation and harness the potential of artificial intelligence in the country. The UN organization has also pledged to support the Kingdom in its efforts to promote research, innovation, and the responsible use of digital technologies.
According to data from Tratica, a US market intelligence firm focused on human interaction with technology, AI is expected to generate nearly $90 billion in profits worldwide as early as 2025.
Samira Njoya
The digital revolution underway on the African continent presents huge opportunities. However, the ecosystem needs to be developed for countries to be able to leverage it for socioeconomic development. Hence the partnership between countries for a stronger and more resilient ecosystem.
Egypt and Algeria want to intensify their cooperation to develop their respective digital sectors. On Monday, June 19, Algeria's Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Karim Bibi Triki (photo, left), and his Egyptian counterpart, Amr Talaat (photo, right), held talks to this effect in Cairo.
According to a press release issued by the Egyptian Ministry of ICT, the two officials discussed avenues to boost cooperation in the field of communications and information technology.
"In-depth discussions were also held on ways to advance cooperation and the exchange of experiences in a number of areas related to postal services, digital infrastructure, telecommunications regulation, the data center industry, the development of the information technology industry, and support for technological innovation and entrepreneurship," the release informs.
At the same time, the two countries announced plans for the installation of two new submarine cables, which would establish a stronger link between Egypt and Algeria. The cables are expected to become operational by 2025. The aim is to increase the number of direct submarine cable connections to four, providing optimum access to the broadband network.
The new network will enable operators in both countries to develop a range of broadband-based services. According to Mr. Karim Bibi Triki, the new collaboration also aims to encourage the younger generation to set up their own businesses.
Samira Njoya
Africa's digital revolution allures investors and cybercriminals alike, presenting both prospects and risks. In response, numerous countries are ramping up security measures to bolster trust in their information and communication systems.
South Africa and France have signed a cooperation protocol agreement to combat cybercrime and enhance anti-corruption efforts. The agreement, signed by South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola and French Minister for Europe and foreign affairs Catherine Colonna on Monday, June 19, aims to bolster South Africa's Special Investigating Unit (SIU) by establishing an anti-corruption academy in Tshwane. This academy will benefit the SIU, as well as other law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and beyond.
The collaboration focuses on enhancing the SIU's cyber-forensic investigations, financial crime expertise, and analytical skills. Ronald Lamola highlighted that this training initiative will bring the country's forensic cyber capabilities up to global standards, essential for addressing transnational cyber threats effectively. "This kind of cooperation will be of great value and help to enhance our skills to deal with cybercrime in the country," said Lamola.
Lamola also emphasized the vital role of this collaboration in fortifying South Africa's cybercrime-fighting prowess and revitalizing investor confidence. With cybercrime incidents on the rise, it is crucial to ensure a secure digital environment. During a hybrid information session hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on April 4, 2023, Billy Petzer, research group leader, highlighted that cybercrime causes a significant loss of R2.2 billion to the South African economy annually, emphasizing its substantial impact.
Catherine Colonna, the French Minister, also expressed optimism about the partnership's benefits for South African citizens and the broader SADC region. The SIU has already gained expertise through exchanges with French professionals, with 22 trainers now capable of instructing other investigators.
She also stressed the importance of further collaboration and knowledge sharing in the field of cyber investigations. The agreement represents a significant stride in strengthening cyber forensic capabilities and anti-corruption measures, to protect citizens and foster a secure digital environment in South Africa and the SADC region.
“Since the very early stages of our cooperation, members of the SIU have been to France and have had opportunities…to see and experience the French expertise in the field of mostly cyber investigations. I call for those exchanges to grow,” she said.
Hikmatu Bilali
In Madagascar, the lack of newborn registration is a nationwide problem. By leveraging new technologies, the government wants to address the problem soon.
On Friday, June 15, the authorities of the urban commune of Toamasina in eastern Madagascar launched the trial phase of the digitized civil registration and identity system.
The new solution, which has been two years in the making, will be launched in the next few days in Toamasina, and by the end of 2023, it will be launched in several other communes in the country.
“... The official launch is scheduled for the end of June. Digitizing civil registration data means that birth information can be stored securely, to protect it from fire and loss,” said Volana Rakotonirina, Director General of the National Civil Registration Center at the Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization.
In Madagascar, as in many African countries, the identification of individuals remains a real problem. According to UNICEF data, nearly a quarter of children under the age of 18 in Madagascar have no birth certificate, i.e. some 2.5 million children. An estimated 1 million adults are unregistered and therefore invisible. The reasons for this shortfall lie partly in ignorance of the procedure, but also in structural problems such as administrative malfunctions.
Thanks to the new system, hospital data will be transferred directly to the communes, and the information will be validated by the registrar. Maternity wards will be equipped with connected tablets for this purpose. The aim is to interconnect at least 30 communes by the end of the year.
This digitization project is part of the Malagasy Digital Governance and Identity Management Project (Prodigy), launched in 2019 and financed by the World Bank. The project aims to increase inclusive access to legal identity for all Malagasy citizens and improve access to and the quality of key public services.
Samira Njoya
Cheikh Tidiane Mbaye is Chairman of the International Jury of the Orange Social Venture Prize in Africa and the Middle East (POESAM). For several years, he has reviewed thousands of high-potential projects. He was interviewed by We Are Tech about the impact of Orange's innovation support ecosystem and his perception of the African digital economy.
We recently attended the 13th edition of POESAM. Looking at the projects you've judged over the years, what's your assessment of the level of tech innovation in Africa?
This is indeed the 13th edition. I've been on the jury for about ten years now, and I've been chairing it for about six if I'm not mistaken. And so, when you look at the number of entries, the interest generated by the prize, the evolution of the media impact, you realize that we're growing fast. To give you a figure, the number of candidates for this year's edition (2023) is around 1,400. And it seems to me that four, even five years ago, we were still around half that number. We've almost doubled in less than five years, and I find that very interesting. Another point to note is that the percentage of women is also increasing. At the moment, we're almost at 30% women, which is very significant. I think it's also important to understand that the projects submitted to POESAM reflect African needs in some way. I find it interesting to observe that these projects reflect not only the ability of young entrepreneurs to create, innovate and develop but also reflect African needs. For example, at the last award, the majority of projects focused on education, health, agriculture, and e-commerce, in order of growth. It's very interesting to see the evolution of innovation in these fields, and the Orange Prize rewards above all social impacts.
Personally, why did you agree to chair the international jury?
As I said, I've been a member of the jury for ten years. I was offered the presidency a few years ago, and I accepted. But what counts for me is the fact that I've been a member of the jury for so many years. I think my choice reflects a passion and a conviction. My passion is development. I'm passionate about development and what it takes to get there. My conviction is that we can do it. We can do it because we have the resources to do it. One of the keys for me is the private sector and the role it plays, particularly the role played by small and medium-sized enterprises. The government also has a role to play. Good governance will accelerate all these, despite the weaknesses. That's what I'm passionate about, and I'm ready to take part in any serious initiative that serves this passion and conviction, highlighting projects that have an impact on everyday life.
How did your love of innovation, which feeds your passion for development, come about?
I worked for Orange as a manager, in particular as Managing Director of Sonatel for 25 years. I was also involved in another field, that of telecoms infrastructure, which I believe is essential to the development of tech entrepreneurship. You need a good base, you need good infrastructure. Everything we've done over the years is based on the infrastructures we've taken several years to install. We've seen what our network innovations bring to communities. The innovative services offered by entrepreneurs are channeled through them. Those innovative services are offered by talented young Africans, particularly those who are promoted, supported, and encouraged by this extremely useful prize [POESAM]. So there's a continuity between what I've done since I started working and what I'm doing today.
What has the experience of chairing the POESAM jury brought you?
I have to say that I'm learning a lot, coming from an infrastructure background. We're talking about innovation and startups here. These young entrepreneurs we're supporting today criticize our activities. They criticize the companies I've worked for. This allows me to correct these companies. It allows me to get to the other side and see how things can be improved. I've intervened several times in several Orange countries to facilitate relations between startups and the Orange operators, which we represent. Operators are big, strong and don't always think of everything. These interactions have given me knowledge and humility too. I think digital inclusion in Africa is happening, and it's already not bad, contrary to popular belief.
What is your assessment of the impact POESAM has had over the years on technological innovation in Africa, and economic and social development in particular?
The prize helps a lot of entrepreneurs and startups. I have some pretty good examples. I have in mind the example of Mr. Johnson from Liberia, who is now developing palm oil-based products to offer renewable energy solutions. Thanks to the POESAM grant he received in 2018, he has doubled his income and created 24 additional jobs. Then there's the Tunisian company Kumulus, which has developed a machine that turns air into water. It managed to raise its first million euros, thanks to us, to increase its visibility. It works with Orange Group companies. There are other examples we can cite. These companies have a concrete impact on their customers. It's not just the POESAM prize-winners that this award has helped, it has stimulated innovation by enabling a large number of young Africans to dare [to innovate] and I think that's something very important. Orange Africa and the Middle East covers 17 countries. Every Orange company in every country has contributed to nurturing this innovation and drive.
Given all the innovations you've seen over the last 13 editions, how do you see Africa's prospects in the global digital economy?
I believe that Africa will play a decisive role in the digital economy. I met an entrepreneur who has worked in some of the world's biggest tech companies and has now returned to Africa. He gave up an attractive position in a big company to create his startup in the health sector. Like me, he too - along with several international firms, the World Bank, the IFC, and specialized organizations - believes that the future of Africa's digital economy will be formidable. I think that this entrepreneurial dynamism is well understood by those of us who have an insightful reading.
From June 14 to 17, the 2023 edition of the digital trade fair VivaTech was held in Paris. On the sidelines of the event, the second edition of the AfricaTech Awards was launched.
Waspito, Kubik, and Curacel are the winners of the second edition of the AfricaTech Awards. They were the healthtech, climate tech, and fintech awardees, respectively.
Waspito, the winner in the healthtech category, is a Cameroonian start-up that connects patients and doctors for instant video consultations via its Android and iOS apps. It was founded in 2020 by Jean Lobé Lobé and has attracted investors such as Orange Ventures and Launch Africa Ventures.
Curacel, the winner of the fintech category, is a Nigerian solution that enables companies to distribute insurance policies and process claims faster. Founded in 2019 by Henry Mascot and John Dada, it also has a mobile app accessible on iOS and Android.
Kubik is the winner of the climate tech category. It is a Kenyan startup founded in 2021 by Ndeye Penda Marre. It transforms hard-to-recycle plastic waste into low-carbon building materials.
The AfricaTech Awards was organized in Paris on Thursday, June 15, during the digital trade fair VivaTech, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). It was initiated last year to give African startups more visibility among global investors. At its first edition in 2022, Kenya's Weee Centre (climate tech), Egypt's Chefaa (healthtech), and South Africa's Click2sure (fintech) were the crown winners.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Launched in 2020 to train young people in several countries, the "Digital School" initiative seeks to ensure continuous innovation and promote digital learning through gamified modules and AI-driven adaptive learning.
Digital School, one of the global initiatives launched by UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently inaugurated 66 new digital learning centers in Mauritania, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
The new centers, created in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), aim to spread digital skills and edtech solutions across the Arab region.
"Our partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in The Digital School project in Mauritania and other countries aims to facilitate students' access to advanced digital educational content, encourage learning and knowledge acquisition, overcome challenges, combat school dropout rates, enrich electronic content, and support education that promotes development, stability, progress, and prosperity in communities," said Hamoud Al Junaibi, ERC Deputy Secretary General.
The digital learning centers were inaugurated as part of the second phase of a project born from an agreement signed, in 2021, by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Digital School initiative to establish digital schools in Mauritania.
In its pilot phase, six digital centers were opened in four middle and two elementary schools to benefit 635 pupils. Twelve teachers and three team members were trained in the digital education sector. After the training, certificates were handed out by the University of Arizona and 400 electronic tablets were distributed as well.
The second phase of the project aims to extend this experience to 60 new schools, benefiting 20,000 pupils in primary and preparatory schools. It also includes the training of 146 teachers and an increase in the number of project team members. The ultimate goal is to reach 100,000 pupils and 1,000 teachers over the next three years.
Samira Njoya
In the digital age, tech entrepreneurs have a growing potential to create wealth and jobs in Africa. However, they face several challenges that require urgent measures to encourage local talent and promote access to financing.
Last Wednesday, telecom operator Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) and pan-African digital initiative Digital Africa signed a strategic partnership agreement to foster the growth of African startups. The agreement was signed by Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA), and Isadora Bigourdan, CEO of Digital Africa, on the sidelines of the 2023 edition of tech conference VivaTech, ongoing in Paris, France.
Under the agreement, the two entities will identify and select promising technology start-ups across the African continent. Those selected will be able to access a range of resources, including mentoring programs, technical assistance, funding mobilization, and networking opportunities through the Orange Digital Center and the Digital Africa community.
According to Isadora Bigourdan, digital talent is the key to transforming the African continent. "...This partnership with the Orange Digital Centers is fully in line with our deployment strategy, which aims to identify promising entrepreneurs at the onset, and facilitate their access to support, financing, and advocacy tools through an international network of allies," she said.
"...This collaboration with Digital Africa [...] adds an essential component to our current network of Orange Digital Centers, by simplifying access to flexible financing solutions, specially designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in their seed phase. This collaboration represents real added value and will help stimulate the growth of the African startup ecosystem," added Jérôme Hénique.
Orange Digital Center (ODC) is an ecosystem deployed in 17 Middle East and African countries and 8 European countries. It supports, trains, and mentors young people and the bearers of innovative ideas, to enhance their employability and prepare them for the jobs of the future (AI, cybersecurity, ...) or to encourage them to become digital entrepreneurs. Each ODC hosts a range of free programs open to all, from digital training for young people to start-up acceleration, as well as support and investment in project leaders.
The cooperation with Digital Africa is in line with some of the recommendations made, in 2022, by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to enable African start-ups to raise more than $90 billion by 2030 and make Africa a superpower in the technology sector.
The recommendations included developing innovative financing vehicles, unlocking capital from institutional investors and corporates, building the capacity of start-ups and support organizations, and launching a "pan-African start-up network".
Muriel Edjo
In Africa, millions of residents still live with no access to high-speed Internet. The situation, which is the result of several factors, including poor telecom coverage and the cost of suitable phones, threatens digital inclusion, which is supposed to drive development.
On Tuesday, June 13, Angola's LiraLink Tecnologia and China's ZTE signed a partnership agreement to set up a cell phone assembly plant in Angola. The assembly plant, due to be operational in 2024, will focus on the manufacturing of 4G and 5G handsets.
The documents officializing this agreement were signed by LiraLink Managing Director Walter João and ZTE Group Vice President Ni-Fei, under the supervision of Angolan ICT Minister Mário Oliveira, on the sidelines of Angola's International ICT Forum (ANGOTIC), held from June 12 to 14.
The project was initiated to bring quality and affordable phones to the Angolan market. In its 2020 report "From luxury to lifeline: Reducing the cost of mobile devices to reach universal internet access", the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) found that the cost of smartphones is still quite high.
In the 187 countries surveyed, the average cost of a smartphone represents around 26% of an average monthly per capita income, or $104 according to A4AI. In some countries and regions, the cost is even higher.
In South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, for example, the average cost of a smartphone exceeds 40% of the average monthly per capita income. "Even worse, in the Least Developed Countries, the average person would have to spend over half of their monthly income to buy a smartphone. Those in low-income countries have to spend almost 70% of their average monthly income to purchase the cheapest available smartphone on the market."
According to Lúcia Yang, ZTE's commercial zone manager, the smartphone assembly plant to be set up will also have a support center to meet customers' needs.
Muriel Edjo
Internet is nowadays considered an essential tool for most of our daily activities. The service, which demonstrated its importance during the Covid-19 crisis, is also considered a threat depending on the context in which it is used.
Fixed and mobile Internet connections were severely disrupted throughout Algeria on Sunday, June 11, because of the 2023 baccalaureate exam. Social networks, instant messaging, and certain websites were blocked to prevent fraud during the exam.
The disruptions are set to continue till the end of the exam, on June 15. It is a government decision that follows previous years’ pattern when the government cut internet access on exam days and exam sessions.
Internet disruptions affect more than 49.45 million fixed and mobile subscribers (according to the latest figures from the telecom regulator ARPCE). This represents 91.31% of all internet users in the country where the service is essential for cabs, delivery drivers, restaurants, online clothing stores, etc.
In Algeria, the baccalaureate exam period is always a frustrating time, with Internet access restrictions and the resulting disruption to business activities. This is because the government has taken the radical decision to limit access after several unsuccessful attempts to prevent exam malpractices. Years earlier, the government had tried less radical measures such as electronic jammers installed in examination centers to prevent candidates from accessing the Internet.
In the diaspora, some wonder whether an outright cut is the best way to go. For them, a thorough search of candidates to detect wireless communication devices before allowing them in exam rooms and sector jammers might be more than enough.
Samira Njoya