News (1573)
Digital transformation has become a key driver for accelerating economic development. By leveraging strategic partnerships, countries aim to modernize their infrastructure and create an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.
Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou (photo, left), met with a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) on Thursday, December 12. The meeting aimed to explore new funding opportunities in key digital sectors, including education, e-agriculture, digital health, financial inclusion through postal networks, and the "Giga" program.
“The minister emphasized the 'Simandou 2040' vision, championed by the Head of State, which places digital technology at the heart of sustainable development and digital infrastructure, contributing to economic integration, resource management transparency, and Guinea’s global market competitiveness,” the ministry noted in a statement.
This meeting aligns with Guinea's ambitions for digital transformation, which focus on modernizing public services, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem. The Simandou 2040 program shares these goals, aiming to rally the nation—especially its youth—towards creating a prosperous and equitable Guinea by 2040.
However, significant challenges remain in digitizing public services. According to the United Nations' "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development," Guinea scores 0.4006 out of 1 in the E-Government Development Index (EGDI), ranking 29th in Africa and 160th globally. This is below the African (0.4247) and global (0.6382) averages.
The IsDB could play a pivotal role in advancing Guinea’s digital transformation by mobilizing financial resources and providing technical expertise. Its support could target initiatives in e-agriculture, digital education, connected healthcare, financial inclusion, and the development of robust digital infrastructure—helping drive sustainable and inclusive transformation across the country.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The country aims to leverage international cooperation to advance its space technology program. In June, it signed an agreement with YahClick, a subsidiary of the Emirati company Yahsat, which specializes in providing satellite internet connectivity solutions.
Nigeria is seeking partnerships with France in the field of space technology, the Managing Director of NigComSat, Jane Egerton-Idehen (photo, center), said on Thursday.
During a meeting with French Ambassador to Nigeria Marc Fonbaustier (photo, left) on Wednesday, Egerton-Idehen expressed interest in leveraging French expertise to advance Nigeria's satellite goals.
Nigeria plans to acquire two new telecommunications satellites by 2025 to replace NigComSat-1R, which is expected to reach the end of its 15-year lifespan in 2026. In October, President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment of four new Earth observation satellites to enhance the country's capabilities.
“[...] Sharing expertise allows us to learn from global leaders, which in turn accelerates innovation.It also matters because it boosts the economy. Satellite technology has the massive potential to transform industries like agriculture, education, and healthcare. And finally, it matters because of its global impact. Advancements in space technology improve connectivity and sustainability for everyone,” read a statement on Egerton-Idehen’s Facebook page.
Nigeria has shown particular interest in leading space companies such as Eutelsat and Thales. Thales, through its subsidiary Thales Alenia Space, has collaborated with several African countries, including Egypt, for which it built the NileSat-301 satellite launched in June 2022. In October, Thales signed a memorandum of understanding with Moroccan company Panafsat to develop a satellite communications system. The company has also partnered with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Monacosat on satellite internet projects.
While France possesses the expertise to assist Nigeria, the meeting between Egerton-Idehen and Fonbaustier was primarily described as a "formal courtesy." No official agreements have been signed.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The synergy between fintech and e-commerce can drive economic growth by supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and improving efficiency in consumer markets. The rise in mobile wallets and online payment platforms like PalmPay plays a vital role in driving this transformation.
Fintech platform PalmPay announced, on December 12, a strategic partnership with Jumia, Africa’s e-commerce giant. The partnership enables Jumia shoppers to use PalmPay as a payment method at checkout, providing a seamless and reliable transaction experience through direct integration with the PalmPay wallet. This integration marks a pivotal step in enhancing the convenience and security of online shopping in Nigeria.
We're proud to announce a strategic partnership between @palmpay_ng and @JumiaNigeria, bringing together the best of e-commerce and fintech to enhance the digital payment ecosystem in Africa.
— PalmPay Nigeria (@palmpay_ng) December 12, 2024
The PalmPay wallet is now directly integrated into Jumia's checkout process in… pic.twitter.com/3pl1xnIeSG
Sofia Zab, PalmPay's Chief Marketing Officer, said, “This strategic alliance aligns perfectly with our shared commitment to delivering a superior user experience and exceptional value to our customers.”
The collaboration represents the beginning of a long-term alliance between the two industry leaders. Together, they aim to drive innovation, increase convenience for consumers, and foster the widespread adoption of digital payments across Africa.
In 2023, Nigeria saw electronic payment transactions total N600 trillion, marking a 55% increase from N387 trillion in 2022, according to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). This growth highlights the swift adoption of digital payment systems, fueled by rising smartphone usage, better internet connectivity, and fintech innovations. The surge in digital payments is also driving the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms like Jumia.
This partnership highlights the growing synergy between fintech and e-commerce in Africa, showcasing a commitment to advancing the continent's digital economy while promoting financial inclusion and a cashless society.
Hikmatu Bilali
The digital age is transforming how public administrations operate. In response to these changes, countries are investing in advanced technologies to streamline their services and enhance their economic attractiveness.
Tunisia's customs authority on Thursday announced the "Nouveau système d’information douanier" (SINDA2), a strategic modernization initiative aimed at revolutionizing customs procedures. Scheduled for phased implementation starting in 2025, SINDA2 will integrate advanced technologies and promote a paperless environment.
"With SINDA2, we are introducing a system that simplifies processes, enhances economic competitiveness, and establishes more transparent and efficient customs management. This project is a critical milestone in our commitment to sustainable digital transformation," Abdelkrim Abidi, Director General of the National School of Customs, said in a statement.
Designed to encompass all customs procedures, SINDA2 will leverage advanced technologies to foster collaborative management between customs authorities and external partners. Key objectives include full digitization of documents, implementation of a risk management policy, and the promotion of a paperless workflow. A central feature of the project is interoperability with third-party information systems, which will strengthen interagency coordination and improve operational traceability.
This initiative aligns with Tunisia's strong performance in electronic administration, bolstered by previous digitization projects such as TUNEPS, the national online public procurement management system. According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) report, "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development," Tunisia ranks first in North Africa and third continent-wide in online administration development, with a score of 0.6935 out of 1.
Through projects like SINDA2, Tunisia reaffirms its ambition to become a regional leader in digital transformation and modern governance.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The introduction of the e-Visa system is a pivotal step in Africa’s digital journey. It not only modernizes administrative processes but also signals the continent’s readiness to integrate more fully into the global digital economy, fostering greater international openness and economic development.
Chad has made a major stride toward administrative modernization and international openness with the launch of its electronic visa (e-Visa) system. The “eVisa.td” platform was officially unveiled on December 11 during a ceremony at the Direction Nationale de la Police in N’Djamena, presided over by the Minister of State and Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, and Planning, Tahir Hamid Nguilin.
The e-Visa system simplifies the visa application process for travelers to Chad by digitizing procedures. Through the platform, available in French, applicants can create an account, complete an online form with personal and travel details, upload required documents, and pay the necessary fees. Once processed, visas are issued electronically.
This initiative is part of Chad’s broader efforts to modernize public services and enhance digital transformation. By streamlining international travel, the e-Visa system aims to boost Chad’s global appeal and attract more visitors, aligning with the Strategic Plan for Digital and Postal Development 2020-2030 (PSDNP). This ambitious roadmap underscores the government’s commitment to advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure and improving public services.
The e-Visa system also positions Chad as a more accessible destination, supporting its goals of fostering international engagement and promoting economic development through enhanced digital solutions.
Hikmatu Bilali
The digital transformation of education has become a priority in addressing the challenges of inclusion and quality in teaching. In Africa, innovative initiatives are reinventing pedagogical methods by incorporating technological tools tailored to local needs.
The Imaginecole project, launched by UNESCO to address the educational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is entering a new phase. The initiative will now be managed by the Senegalese government and local education stakeholders, who are tasked with adapting it to the country's specific needs. This transition, marked by a dual workshop held in Dakar from December 9-13, reflects efforts to strengthen local capacity for integrating digital tools into education sustainably.
“We have reached a stage where we will hand over the project to Senegal. We have developed numerous training programs on digital tools, education, and even the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. It’s time for national authorities to take the lead and continue this momentum,” said Idalina Ndiaye Rodriguez, regional coordinator for the Imaginecole initiative at UNESCO.
Designed to ensure continuity in education during crises, Imaginecole is a regional platform accessible in 11 Francophone African countries. It provides teachers and students with a variety of digital resources, ranging from educational comics to AI-driven tools. This initiative aligns with Senegal’s broader efforts to build an inclusive and effective education system. Notably, the country recently secured €70 million in funding from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to support the digital transformation of its education sector.
The transfer of Imaginecole is expected to modernize education in Senegal, making learning more interactive and accessible. The initiative also aims to boost student engagement, reduce educational inequalities, and position Senegal as a key player in the digital transformation of Francophone Africa’s education landscape.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digitizing cultural institutions has emerged as a critical priority for many nations seeking to preserve their heritage and enhance public access to knowledge. International collaboration is essential to support these modernization efforts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has requested France’s assistance to modernize and digitize its National Library. The project was presented by MP Léonard She Okitundu during a visit by French Ambassador to the DRC, Remy Maréchaux, to this library on Monday, December 9.
"Equipping the Democratic Republic of Congo, the largest Francophone country, with a modern National Library is crucial for promoting and preserving the French language within the framework of global linguistic diversity," said Léonard She Okitundu. He also emphasized the urgency of digitizing the institution to meet current demands, noting that French President Emmanuel Macron has previously shown openness to supporting this initiative.
This appeal aligns with the DRC’s ongoing digital transformation efforts under its National Digital Plan "Horizon 2025." The National Library, established in 1989 and a cornerstone of the country’s heritage, faces significant challenges due to its deteriorating state. Housing over 120,000 books and 700,000 historical black-and-white photographs, the library urgently requires digitization to prevent irreversible damage or loss from potential disasters like fire, which could jeopardize decades of conservation and cultural enrichment efforts.
Should discussions about funding, raised by Remy Maréchaux, come to fruition, digitizing the National Library would bring several notable benefits. It would safeguard historical documents against the ravages of time and improve accessibility by making them available on digital platforms, thereby reaching a wider and more diverse audience. Furthermore, this digitization would enhance the dissemination of Congolese knowledge and culture on a global scale.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
While many African countries express growing interest in e-government initiatives, securing domestic funding for these projects presents significant challenges. Diversifying funding sources at the continental level could offer a viable solution.
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the German development bank KfW recently launched the Digital Transformation Fund (DTF), designed to serve the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region.
The launch, in Lome, follows years of development, with the project initiated in 2020. Envisioned as both a financial and strategic tool, the DTF aims to support digitalization projects across the eight WAEMU member states.
The fund is dedicated to transforming public administrations through the modernization of technological infrastructure, the development of information systems, and the implementation of innovative digital solutions. Its flexible and scalable resources will be tailored to the specific priorities of each participating country.
"The DTF embodies our collective ambition to build modern administrations capable of effectively meeting the needs of our populations in an ever-changing world," said BOAD Vice President, Moustapha Ben Barka, when presenting the initiative at the launch event.
In Togo, the fund arrives as the country strives to enhance its digitalization efforts and modernize public services. In recent years, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, supported by the operational efforts of the Togo Digital Agency, has implemented significant reforms, including the digitization of numerous administrative services. The country aims to digitalize 75% of public services by 2025.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Demand for high-speed internet is surging as individuals and businesses increasingly rely on digital technologies. As service quality becomes paramount for addressing a range of challenges, upgrading telecommunications infrastructure has emerged as a critical strategic priority.
The Guinean government has completed an expansion of the national fiber optic backbone capacity from 50 to 200 gigabytes, the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy said on Monday.
The upgrade aims to improve internet service quality for Guineans. The backbone, the fiber optic network that transmits internet traffic across the country, can now handle significantly more data, potentially leading to faster connections and fewer slowdowns for users, especially during peak hours. This expanded capacity is also expected to support the delivery of high-speed internet services to underserved rural areas.
The work follows frequent consumer complaints about the quality of services provided by telecom operators, particularly voiced on social media. In September, Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy Minister Rose Pola Pricemou (photo) demanded urgent action from stakeholders to address "the concerning deterioration of network quality and internet speeds impacting the Guinean population" since the beginning of the year.
Improved service quality from this backbone upgrade could enhance the digital experience and unlock new opportunities for individuals and the broader community, according to the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association). However, efforts to broaden internet access across the population must continue.
As of June 30, 2024, the Guinean Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPT) reported 6.6 million mobile internet subscribers, representing a penetration rate of 47.42%.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Many African economies have historically relied on natural resource exports. However, industries like IT and customer experience offer an opportunity to diversify revenue streams and build resilience against commodity price fluctuations.
Provider of Customer Experience (CX) solutions and contact center services Foundever has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). The agreement, announced on December 7, aims to expand Foundever’s operations in Egypt and outlines a €65 million investment over the next four years, creating 5,000 new jobs in Egypt.
ITIDA CEO Ahmed Elzaher expressed pride in Foundever’s expansion, aligning with Egypt’s Digital Egypt Strategy for the Offshoring Industry. The expansion also reinforces Egypt’s position as a hub for business process outsourcing, particularly in Cairo and Upper Egypt, he remarked.
The MoU was signed by Elzaher and Mina Wahba, Foundever’s General Manager in Egypt, with key officials from ITIDA and Foundever present. Discussions also explored ways to enhance freelancer capabilities and support women’s economic empowerment in Egypt.
Foundever plans to expand its centers in Nasr City and Maadi Technology Park and open a new center in Luxor, demonstrating its commitment to the Egyptian market. The MoU aims to strengthen the country’s offshoring industry, focusing on customer support, technical assistance, and sales services.
Minister Talaat praised Foundever’s decision to open a Luxor center, reflecting growing confidence in Egypt’s skilled workforce and the country’s ability to deliver multilingual services. He highlighted the government's efforts to enhance Egypt’s digital infrastructure, foster investment, and provide workforce training to support the offshoring sector.
The unemployment rate in Egypt has been a challenge, particularly for youth. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Egypt’s Unemployment Rate increased to 6.70% in Sep 2024, from the previously reported figure of 6.50% in June 2024. The Foundever expansion directly addresses this issue, offering young people career opportunities, particularly in a high-demand sector like customer service, which requires strong multilingual and digital skills. The agreement aligns with Egypt’s broader economic strategy to boost the Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industries.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Many African nations are actively working to leverage information and communication technologies (ICT) to boost their socio-economic progress. A key focus for these countries is fostering international collaboration to achieve their development objectives.
Algeria is exploring bilateral partnership opportunities with African nations to advance information and communication technologies (ICT). Sid Ali Zerrouki (photo, right), Minister of Post and Telecommunications, held separate meetings with his peers from Tunisia, Mauritania, the Comoros, and the Congo on the sidelines of the ministerial summit at the third African Startup Conference. The event took place in Algeria from December 5 to December 7.
According to a statement from Algeria’s Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and sharing expertise in key areas of mutual interest. These included telecommunications infrastructure, electronic communications regulation, training, data centers, ICT development, as well as support for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend across Africa, where most countries are prioritizing digital transformation as a cornerstone of their socio-economic development strategies. Central to this effort is the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure and ICT.
Algeria currently ranks sixth in Africa among 47 countries assessed for ICT development by the International Telecommunication Union, with a score of 80.9 out of 100. Tunisia follows in eighth place (77.2), Mauritania is 21st (55.5), the Comoros are 25th (46.5), and Congo ranks 42nd (30.7).
Notably, a joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google predicts that Africa's digital economy will reach a value of at least $712 billion by 2050, accounting for approximately 8.5% of the continent's GDP.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Djibouti is proactively pursuing digitalization to modernize its public sector and drive sustainable growth. By cultivating strong partnerships with international leaders in technology, the nation aspires to become a beacon of digital transformation within East Africa.
Djibouti’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation (MDENI) announced on Tuesday, December 10, the signing of a memorandum of understanding with eGov Foundation, an Indian organization specializing in open-source solutions for public services. The partnership aims to accelerate Djibouti’s digital transformation by leveraging the DIGIT platform, developed by eGov, to enhance public service delivery, foster innovation, and advance the country’s national digital agenda.
"This partnership is a crucial step toward realizing our vision of a digitally autonomous Djibouti. Implementing solutions such as the building permit system will not only transform public services but also position Djibouti as a leader in using technology to drive sustainable urban growth," said Mariam Hamadou Ali (photo, left), Minister of Digital Economy and Innovation.
Founded in India, eGov Foundation is a globally recognized leader in open-source digital solutions designed to improve governance and citizen experience. This collaboration aligns with its mission to provide digital public goods and support developing countries in their digital transformation efforts by 2030. For Djibouti, the initiative is part of the "Djibouti Smart Nation" roadmap, which lays out the national digital sovereignty strategy.
Under the partnership, several projects will be launched, including a pilot phase for a building permit system aimed at streamlining administrative processes and enhancing transparency. The DIGIT platform will also be deployed across other key sectors such as healthcare, sanitation, public finance, and local governance. Additionally, a capacity-building program will be implemented, including knowledge transfer to local teams to ensure the autonomous management of digital tools.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Djibouti’s efforts to modernize its public services. While the country currently ranks 174th globally in the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.2911 out of 1—below the regional average of 0.3903 and the global average of 0.6382—this initiative underscores the government’s determination to tackle these challenges head-on.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
AI is revolutionizing economic and social models worldwide, providing innovative solutions to complex challenges. In Africa, it raises significant hopes for accelerating sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and fostering local innovation.
The Congolese government views artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic lever for accelerating digital and economic development, according to Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Léon-Juste Ibombo. Speaking at the 3rd African StartUp Conference held in Algiers last week, Ibombo outlined the country's AI vision, emphasizing innovation and international collaboration.
One of the key priorities identified is the improvement of AI research. To meet this challenge, Congo, in partnership with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), has launched the African Center for Research in Artificial Intelligence (CARIA). Located in Brazzaville, the center aims to act as a catalyst for innovation and south-south cooperation in fields such as computer vision, robotics, and genetic computing.
Léon-Juste Ibombo also highlighted Congo’s initiatives to direct AI toward economic and social development. For nearly seven years, the country has recognized digital innovation through the Sassou-Nguesso Prize, an initiative complemented by the Seeds for the Future program in collaboration with Huawei to promote local start-ups. In 2022, a specific law on start-up certification was enacted to encourage their growth and attract investments in this strategic sector.
Congo also seeks to play a key role in training and developing local skills by collaborating with Cameroon to establish an Inter-State University on Digital Technology. This strategic project aims to forge strong links between universities and industries to promote innovation and support young talent in fields such as AI and robotics.
Beyond research and training, the country aims to explore AI’s transformative potential in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and finance.
All these projects align with a continental momentum, where AI is seen as a technology capable of addressing major social and economic challenges. For Africa, leveraging this technology offers an opportunity to bridge the digital divide, modernize economies, and strengthen local capacities. According to Olumide Balogun, Google’s Director for West Africa, AI could contribute up to $1.5 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Ride-hailing services have disrupted transportation, but autonomous technology marks the next evolution. Moove’s origin as an African startup tackling local mobility financing challenges exemplifies how innovations designed for underserved markets can address global needs.
Moove, a Nigerian-born fintech startup, has partnered with Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle division to manage fleets of self-driving cars in Phoenix, Arizona, and Miami, Florida. This initiative, announced on December 5, will introduce Waymo’s all-electric Jaguar I-PACE fleet to Miami streets by early 2025, with full ride-hailing operations expected in 2026 via the Waymo One app.
Ladi Delano, Moove's Co-founder and Co-CEO, highlighted the transformative nature of the collaboration, stating that it signals a major shift in urban mobility. “Moove is proud to partner with Waymo, bringing the operational expertise to make this transformation possible," he added.
Founded in 2020, Moove has revolutionized vehicle financing through its revenue-based model, allowing gig economy drivers to pay for vehicles using earnings. This innovative approach has empowered thousands across Africa and beyond, with the startup recently raising $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Uber. Moove has expanded into Mexico, India, and now the United States, demonstrating the growing global influence of African startups.
Through the Waymo partnership, Moove ventures into the autonomous vehicle sector, showcasing African innovation’s potential to solve complex global challenges. It represents a convergence of cutting-edge technology and innovative financing.
For Waymo, it enables faster scaling of its ride-hailing service while maintaining a high standard of safety and service. For Moove, it marks a pivotal moment in its global expansion and entry into advanced technologies.
This collaboration underscores the potential of African tech ecosystems to influence global industries. By leveraging their expertise, startups like Moove are paving the way for broader adoption of African-born solutions to address worldwide challenges.
Hikmatu Bilali