News (1573)
Mandating tax compliance verification for mobile devices could increase tax revenue collection and reduce economic losses from illicit device imports. Counterfeit devices are often less secure and more vulnerable to cyber threats. Requiring a database of verified, tax-compliant devices can improve device authenticity and network security for end-users.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has instructed mobile network operators to connect devices only after verifying their tax compliance, according to a public notice posted on its X page on October 24. This directive, effective from November 1, 2024, requires operators to consult a Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) database of compliant devices, ensuring that only tax-compliant phones are connected to their networks.
Under these new regulations, local device assemblers, importers, retailers, and wholesalers must upload the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all mobile phones into a KRA-provided portal. All devices connected to networks before October 31, 2024, are exempt from these rules. Starting January 1, 2025, the KRA will track all locally assembled and imported devices to maintain tax compliance.
Operators will also have to implement a “gray-listing” system for non-compliant devices, granting a limited period for tax regularization. If compliance isn’t met, the devices will be blacklisted. Retailers and wholesalers are similarly required to verify the tax status of devices before sale, and the CA will provide a verification mechanism for end-users.
These measures are part of Kenya’s ongoing efforts to ensure regulatory compliance in the telecommunications sector, strengthen the National Master Database on Tax-Compliant Devices, and address device-related security and network integrity.
A study conducted by Kenya's Anti-Counterfeit Authority between October 2019 and February 2020 revealed that the energy, electrical, and electronics sector including mobile devices was the second most impacted by counterfeiting, accounting for 14.67% of the Kes 153.1 billion ($1.18 billion) the government lost in revenue in 2018. This poses risks not only to users but also to network integrity and security. Counterfeit devices are often less secure and more vulnerable to cyber threats. By requiring a database of verified, tax-compliant devices, the CA aims to improve device authenticity and network security for end-users.
Hikmatu Bilali
The lack of support is a key factor in the failure of many African startups. This includes inadequate regulatory policies, insufficient access to funding, lack of proper infrastructure, and a shortage of training programs.
The government of Zanzibar recently announced the launch of a national blockchain-based sandbox program. This initiative aims to provide startups with a secure environment where they can test and refine their technologies before deploying them on a larger scale.
The project, developed in partnership with the UAE-based company LedgerFi IT Solutions and powered by the XinFin XDC blockchain network, aspires to position Zanzibar as a regional hub for technological innovation. “The primary objective is to create a conducive environment for the development of cutting-edge technologies including blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other emerging solutions. We are committed to collaborating with startups that will help us achieve our digitization objectives,” stated Seif Said, Director General of Zanzibar's e-Government Authority.
Startups participating in the sandbox will receive specialized technical training, including blockchain usage, enhancing their skills in security, data management, and regulatory compliance. Selected companies will also gain access to technology enhancement programs to boost their competitiveness. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to collaborate with industry experts and receive mentorship from industry leaders.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend of supporting innovation across Africa, where startups often face regulatory hurdles and market entry challenges. According to a 2023 Deloitte report, startups involved in sandbox programs experience a 30% reduction in time-to-market due to a framework that encourages experimentation and adaptability. Furthermore, the survival rate of young companies is significantly higher in such environments.
For Zanzibar, this initiative is a strategic opportunity. By offering a controlled experimental environment and a flexible regulatory framework, the sandbox will not only mitigate innovation-related risks but also strengthen public-private partnerships. It is expected to attract foreign investment and stimulate growth in the local tech sector, thereby positioning Zanzibar as a key player in Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Samira Njoya
In Africa, many people are unable to access essential rights like education, healthcare, and social protection due to low birth registration rates. New technologies offer a promising solution to this challenge.
The World Bank, through its West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) Project, has officially handed over 2,050 mobile terminals to Benin's National Agency for Personal Identification (ANIP). This initiative aims to enhance the electronic registration of civil status events, including births, marriages, and deaths, ensuring better social inclusion and improved tracking of these events within the country.
"These 2,050 terminals will significantly strengthen our capacity to modernize civil registration in Benin and ensure that every child is automatically registered in the National Register of Physical Persons (RNPP) at birth. These devices will also improve the reliability of collected data, which will be directly integrated into our national databases," stated Aristide Guy Adjinacou Gnahoui, Director General of ANIP.
This project is part of the WURI initiative, which spans West Africa and aims to enhance inclusion through a reliable and universal identification system. Specifically, the initiative targets identifying 100 million individuals across West Africa by 2028, representing 27% of the ECOWAS population. This effort comes as the continent continues to face identification challenges. According to World Bank data from 2017, nearly 40% of births go unregistered in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it difficult for children to access essential services.
By distributing these terminals, the WURI-Benin project addresses an urgent need, making registration more accessible, particularly in rural areas and across public and private healthcare facilities nationwide. The goal is to facilitate the systematic declaration of births and improve the reliability of civil status data to better plan public policies and strengthen social services.
Kenya is at a very important point in its digital transformation. If the needed changes are made, the digital sector could be a big part of the country's economic growth.
Kenya's digital economy is projected to contribute a substantial 662 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $5.13 billion) to the country's GDP by 2028, according to a new report.
The report, titled "Driving Digital Transformation of the Economy in Kenya," was presented to Kenyan authorities by the GSM Association (GSMA) on Tuesday. It explains that this growth will be largely driven by digital transformation in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce.
The impact of this digital momentum will extend beyond GDP growth. The report estimates that these reforms will create 300,000 new jobs and increase tax revenues by 150 billion shillings. These efforts align with President William Ruto's "Kwanza" program, which prioritizes the digital economy to diversify revenue sources and boost job creation, particularly for Kenya's youth. The potential of digitalization is seen as crucial for enhancing productivity, especially in rural areas, and addressing challenges posed by population growth.
Barriers to Digital Adoption
Despite these promising prospects, the GSMA report points out several obstacles hindering the widespread adoption of digital technologies in Kenya. A significant challenge is the gap between network coverage and actual mobile internet usage. While 99% of the population has access to 3G and 98% to 4G, only 33.5% of Kenyans actively use mobile internet. This digital divide limits the full integration of digital services into the national economy.
High costs of devices and connectivity, along with a lack of digital skills among the population, are identified as the main barriers to broader adoption. To address these issues, the report calls for bold policy measures aimed at reducing these costs, boosting demand, and encouraging further investment in digital infrastructure.
Samira Njoya
Morocco is ramping up efforts to establish itself as a leading technology hub on the continent. Following the launch of several digital platforms, it is now assessing its progress in various sectors.
Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi (photo), told the House of Representatives, on Monday that since January 2024, 51,000 criminal record extracts have been issued online out of 60,613 requests. Additionally, 6,727 electronic applications for Moroccan nationality certificates have been submitted remotely.
These updates are part of the initial assessment following the launch of several digital platforms by the Ministry of Justice. During the session, Ouahbi also noted that the state collected 16 million dirhams (approximately $1.6 million) through the electronic payment service for fines issued by fixed radar cameras. The platform for tracking court cases and files recorded 23 million visitors in 2023 and 12 million between January and July 2024.
The digitization of Morocco's judicial sector is advancing under the "Digital Morocco 2030" plan, which aims to leverage digital technologies as a driver of social and economic development. The plan seeks to position Morocco as a leading African nation in the digitization of public services by 2030, with the goal of ranking among the world’s top 50 countries in this field.
According to the "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development," Morocco ranks fourth on the continent in the online administration development index, scoring 0.6841 out of 1, ahead of Seychelles (0.6773) and just behind Tunisia (0.6935).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The digital revolution in Africa is happening fast and is making big changes in many different areas. This shift is trying to improve the quality of services given to people, whether in education, healthcare, government, or infrastructure.
The Guinean National Transitional Council (CNT) approved a €66 million credit agreement on Wednesday, October 23, with French investment bank Bpifrance. The loan is aimed at supporting the country’s digital transformation. Specifically it focuses on the shift from analog to digital radio and televiso.
The project includes the installation of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), modernization of the radio network, the construction of five regional studios by Thomson Broadcast, and the digitization of the country’s audiovisual archives. The goal is to ensure better broadcast quality for the population, providing high-definition services while preserving Guinea’s audiovisual heritage through a comprehensive digitization of historical content, including films, radio and television programs, and audio and video recordings.
This initiative aligns with Guinea’s commitments to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for digital migration, a transition that has been anticipated for nearly two decades. The agreement, signed on June 25, consists of two main components: a direct loan of €25 million from the French Treasury and a private loan of €31 million guaranteed by Bpifrance Assurance Export.
The allocated funds will also help equip major Guinean cities with autonomous production and broadcasting facilities. The National Audiovisual Institute (INA) will be responsible for the digital preservation of the country’s audiovisual archives, thus contributing to the promotion of Guinea’s cultural heritage.
This initiative is strategically important for Guinea, not only in terms of modernizing media infrastructure but also in enhancing access to information and creating new economic and employment opportunities in the media and audiovisual production sector.
Samira Njoya
In recent years, Gabon has emerged as a leader in Central Africa's digital sector, showcasing impressive advancements. The country is now focused on leveraging this progress to establish itself as a frontrunner in digital transformation across the continent.
Gabon is set to take a crucial step in its digital transformation with the launch of the Gabon Digital project, scheduled for November 7. Announced during the steering committee’s first session on Tuesday, October 22 in Libreville, the initiative aims to leverage digital technologies to boost the country's economic competitiveness and enhance administrative transparency.
The project is backed by an initial loan of 44 billion CFA francs (approximately $72.4 million) from the World Bank and focuses on several key areas. These include improving social aid management through the implementation of a unified social registry, securing data with the construction of a state-of-the-art data center, establishing a cybersecurity incident response center, digitizing civil registration systems, and introducing a digital payment system.
This initiative is part of the National Transition Development Plan (PNDT) 2024-2026, in which digital transformation plays a central role. It is also linked to other programs like eGabon, which aims to strengthen the healthcare system to improve access to medical services and promote equitable healthcare for all Gabonese citizens.
For nearly five years, the digital sector's contribution to Gabon's economy has remained around 5% of GDP. However, authorities are targeting an increase to 10-12% by 2025. The Gabon Digital project is seen as a key driver to accelerate this growth by maximizing the impact of digital solutions on the national economy.
Beyond modernizing the administration and promoting transparency, the project is expected to stimulate the emergence of new business sectors and create jobs in the digital domain. Additionally, it aims to diversify Gabon’s economy, which remains heavily reliant on the oil sector, laying the foundation for more sustainable and resilient development.
Samira Njoya
The initiative is part of NamPost’s digital transformation program. Called “Project Sky,” it aims to enhance the organization's operational efficiency, optimize the customer experience, and promote financial inclusion.
NamPost, Namibia's national postal operator, launched a mobile app and online banking services last week to expand access to its financial services. Customers of the state-owned enterprise can now check balances, make payments, and transfer funds electronically from their smartphones or any internet-enabled device without visiting a post office.
“The MyNamPost Banking App and Internet Banking are not just technological upgrades—they represent a commitment to bringing modern financial services to the people of Namibia, wherever they are. Our customers now have more control over their finances with digital tools that are simple, affordable, and convenient,” said Festus Hangula, NamPost’s Managing Director.
Emma Theofelus, Namibia’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, acknowledged that innovative platforms like NamPost’s are crucial for financial inclusion. According to the World Bank, 71.35% of Namibians over the age of 15 had an account with a financial institution or mobile money provider in 2021, out of an estimated population of 2.5 million. However, she emphasized the need to equip all citizens “with the necessary skills to take advantage” of these services, noting the limited access to smartphones and the internet.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports that 79.6% of the Namibian population owns a mobile phone. Although the proportion of smartphone users is not specified, the ITU indicates that internet penetration in Namibia stands at 62.2%, with 63.2% of households having internet access at home.
However, the cost of internet access in Namibia remains relatively high compared to ITU standards, which recommend costs below or equal to 2% of gross national income (GNI) per capita. Namibians currently spend 2.6% of their GNI on mobile internet and 8.7% for fixed internet. According to the World Bank, Namibia’s GNI per capita was $12,170 in 2023.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Last July, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a program aimed at training young people in digital skills. A few months after its launch, authorities are now assessing its progress.
Ethiopian authorities have trained 31,000 citizens in coding within three months, according to a recent statement by Belete Mola, Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology. He made this announcement while reviewing the results of the past fiscal year.
Belete Mola stated, “Over 246,000 citizens have enrolled in the training, and 31,000 of them have been certified. The young people trained as coders and the tech startups with creative potential will receive special support.”
The "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" initiative, launched last July by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, is part of the "Digital Ethiopia 2025" plan. Its aim is to provide training in programming, Android app development, data science, and fundamental digital skills in artificial intelligence.
This initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s broader goal to establish itself as a major tech hub in East Africa. The World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. Through the "5 Million Ethiopian Coders" program, Ethiopian youth are being prepared to meet this demand.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Intra-African trade encounters numerous obstacles, including the absence of a unified payment system. The adoption of Papss addresses these challenges by streamlining payment processes and reducing dependence on foreign currencies, thereby promoting increased trade within Africa and enhancing economic integration.
Kenyan President William Ruto has called on commercial banks to expedite their adoption of the Pan-African Payments and Settlement Systems (Papss), urging them to transition away from using the U.S. dollar for intra-African trade. The president revealed this at the launch of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Accelerator programme at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi, on Wednesday, October 16.
Ruto emphasized the need to reduce transaction costs on the continent, which currently result in Africa losing over $5 billion annually. “With Papss, we can conduct transactions in our local currencies, significantly lowering exchange rate challenges and reducing transaction costs for businesses across Africa,” he noted, further encouraging banks to sign on to the system to enhance regional trade.
Raimond Molenje, acting CEO of the Kenya Bankers Association, confirmed that the association is actively working with the Central Bank of Kenya to implement a national switch to the Papss system, which would facilitate smoother trade with neighboring East African countries. This development aligns with Papss's goal of creating a single market for Africa and increasing intra-continental trade.
Papss, which was introduced by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in 2019, facilitates seamless payments in local currencies across African nations. Initially piloted in the West African Monetary Zone, it was formally rolled out by Afreximbank in September 2021, with full operations beginning in early 2022.
The AfCFTA creates a single market for goods and services, allowing Kenyan businesses to access a market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion. This significantly expands their customer base and revenue potential.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Investing in digital infrastructure positions Africa for significant economic advancement by opening up opportunities for e-commerce, tech startups, and improved public services. Governments can leverage this trend to create jobs for its population
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EVNT Technologies, a leading Saudi Arabian IT firm, aimed at transforming the state's digital landscape. The signing took place during the 2024 GITEX Global Summit in Dubai which ended on October 18.
The governor highlighted that this initiative “is a critical step towards realizing our vision of a truly digital Benue. It is about creating opportunities, empowering our people, and laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth."
Through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), the partnership will focus on expanding digital infrastructure, skills training, and digital policy development.
Hamad Al Saleh, founder of EVNT Technologies, expressed enthusiasm for making Benue a model for digital transformation in Nigeria. The implementation is expected to begin within 90 days, focusing on infrastructure development, capacity building, and digital innovation.
This move aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030 (NDEPS), which aims to “transform the country into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.” Benue, by becoming a model for digital transformation, can leverage this trend to create jobs for its population.
Hikmatu Bilali
AI is projected to contribute significantly to the global economy. Africa’s investment in AI ensures the continent can tap into this booming sector, increasing its global competitiveness and fostering local innovation.
Zambia is establishing a second Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in Lusaka. Felix Mutati, Zambia’s Minister of Science and Technology, announced this on October 20 while speaking at a solar panel handover and AI training event for teachers at Katoba Secondary School in Chongwe District.
Mutati revealed that the Katoba Secondary School will be transformed into an AI hub to advance AI-assisted learning and technological skills across schools nationwide. He emphasized the potential of AI to revolutionize Zambia’s education system, saying "AI will help teachers prepare lesson plans more efficiently and track student progress," highlighting its ability to make education more responsive to students’ and teachers’ needs.
This AI center complements the one launched a month earlier at the University of Zambia in collaboration with Google, aimed at fostering tech-driven solutions to the country's social challenges. This new hub will function as a training ground, enabling other schools to adopt AI-driven educational tools.
The initiative is funded by Ecobank, with Managing Director Aina Moore emphasizing the importance of providing students with access to modern technology and sustainable energy sources. This is part of Zambia’s larger effort to integrate AI into its educational system, positioning the country as a leader in tech-enabled learning in Africa.
Additionally, Zambia’s move towards AI integration comes in the wake of scholarships awarded by the Czech Republic for Zambian professionals to study AI, as well as calls from the Chamber of Mines for AI to be included in the Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) curriculum.
These efforts are crucial, given that Zambia’s education system faces quality and access issues. In Zambia, the allocation for Early Childhood Education (ECE) has consistently remained low, with only about 0.4% of the education budget allocated to it between 2016 and 2020, according to the Zambia Education 2024 Budget brief by UNICEF. This falls significantly short of the recommended 10% investment. As a result, many children are deprived of crucial early learning experiences, entering primary school underprepared and at a disadvantage for Grade 1, hindering their ability to catch up with their peers. AI-driven tools could significantly improve lesson planning, personalized learning, and the monitoring of student progress, helping to close these educational gaps.
Hikmatu Bilali
African youth stand at the brink of a transformative era, requiring a collective effort to harness their potential for leadership and innovation. By investing in their education and training, they can become a driving force for the continent's development.
On Monday, October 21, Gabon's Deputy Prime Minister, Alexandre Barro Chambrier (photo, center), inaugurated the Gabonese Innovation Center (CGI). This initiative aims to transform the country's tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning Gabon as a key player in Central Africa’s technology sector.
"The Gabonese Innovation Center is not just a tool for technical development; it’s a catalyst for digital and social transformation. It will undoubtedly help develop our strategic economy with a single goal in mind: to be ready to address future threats. It is a guarantee of success," stated General Bonjean Frédérik Mbanza, the Minister of Digital Economy.
The CGI hosts several innovation-focused spaces, including a certification center for acquiring recognized digital skills, a FabLab (a creation and innovation space equipped with advanced technologies), a media lab for digital media collaboration, and a digital acclimatization hub (crucial for preparing Gabon for innovation and digital transformation).
This new center is part of Gabon's ongoing digital transformation, which seeks to make digital technology a driver of economic and social growth. As a result of these initiatives, the country ranks 10th on the continent with an ICT development index of 74.7 out of 100, according to the latest 2024 report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In 2023, Gabon also held this position with a score of 72.9, reinforcing its progress in this strategic field.
The CGI will provide young people with opportunities to acquire certified skills in digital technologies, enhancing their employability in an increasingly digitized economy. By facilitating access to these new skills, the center is also expected to contribute to youth empowerment and their active participation in the country’s economic development.
Samira Njoya
Like many countries, Tunisia has embraced digital technology to modernize its operations. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of processes, particularly when it comes to data collection.
Tunisia is set to conduct its thirteenth General Population and Housing Census from November 6 to December 31. This census, fully digitized, marks a shift from traditional paper-based methods. The government formalized the announcement with a decree issued by the head of government on Wednesday, October 16.
To ensure the success of this digital-first initiative, the National Institute of Statistics (INS) developed a Tunisian-made application to centralize data collection and enable real-time processing. Additionally, 9,000 tablets have been procured for census agents, who will visit households across the country. The project has a total budget of 89 million dinars (approximately 28.8 million USD), with 24% dedicated to IT infrastructure.
This initiative aligns with the country’s 2026-2030 development strategy. It is also part of the digital transformation efforts outlined in the National Strategic Plan “Tunisia Digital 2020.” The government is leveraging digital technology to optimize various sectors, including the census, where data accuracy is critical.
The use of digital tools will not only speed up the census process but also improve its accuracy. Tablets and a dedicated app will help eliminate errors often associated with manual methods. Real-time data collection will provide reliable statistics, essential for public policy planning, and enhance overall efficiency. Preliminary results are expected to be published in February 2025, with detailed data available by September 20, 2025.
Samira Njoya