News (1573)
As Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, investments in the sector become crucial. These investments play a critical role in driving sustainable development across the continent.
Nigeria has announced a $119 million investment aimed at strengthening its tech hubs and supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The announcement was made following a meeting between Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima and Swedish investors in Stockholm on October 17.
Vice President Shettima highlighted the importance of the investments, noting that "The government's 'Renewed Hope Agenda' emphasizes creating a competitive business environment that attracts both foreign and domestic investments.”
A key portion of the investment—$100 million—comes from Gluwa, a decentralized financial platform, which has committed to enhancing digital skills in the country. Gluwa’s Director, Akinola Jones, outlined plans to train over 30,000 Nigerians in digital technologies.
Additionally, Ericsson's Managing Director for Nigeria, Peter Olusoji Ogundele, revealed plans to invest $19 million in building a technology hub. Ogundele emphasized that the initiative would help develop local talent, positioning Nigeria as a global player in tech services.
Nigeria continues to attract substantial investor attention. At the recent GITEX Global event in Morocco, the UAE demonstrated interest in the country’s burgeoning tech sector, aiming to support the growth of its dynamic startup ecosystem. This highlights the increasing recognition of Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s tech innovation landscape.
According to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the information and communication sector contributed 13.12% to the total Nominal GDP in the 2024 first quarter, highlighting the importance of digital transformation.
Hikmatu Bilali
SMEs employ the majority of people on the continent. However, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to capital, markets, and digital resources, which hampers their growth and ability to scale. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving sustainable socioeconomic development in Africa.
On October 16, Littlefish announced a partnership with Visa to enhance digital experiences for businesses, providing advanced solutions for both in-store and online transactions. The omnichannel platform offering business solutions to financial institutions aims to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa.
Co-founder and CEO of Little Fish Brandon Roberts noted the importance of delivering “a seamless, cost-effective digital platform that empowers financial institutions to support sustainable growth in the MSME sector.”
The partnership also integrates Visa's CyberSource system, enhancing secure payment processing and opening the door for future products like remittance flows, lending, and loyalty programs. This collaboration marks a crucial step towards digital transformation for MSMEs in Africa, making commerce more efficient and accessible across the continent.
According to Forbes Africa, citing the World Economic Forum, MSMEs account for around 80% of businesses and more than 50% of the GDP in Africa. This underscores their importance to economic stability and job creation. However, these businesses often struggle with limited access to digital payment solutions and financial tools, which can hinder their growth potential.
As cash transactions continue to dominate daily business in Africa despite global digital payment trends, this collaboration addresses a significant gap. Visa and Littlefish will offer innovative payment solutions through traditional POS systems, mobile POS, Tap2Phone, and e-commerce channels, coupled with value-added services designed to streamline MSME operations and support growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Nigerian government is taking steps to develop digital skills among its population, with a focus on its youth. In May 2024, Nokia partnered with the country's telecom regulator to train young Nigerians in 4G and 5G technologies.
Swedish tech company Ericsson plans to invest $19 million in building a technology center in Nigeria. The initiative was disclosed on Thursday, October 17, by Peter Olusoji Ogundele, the managing director of the company’s Nigerian subsidiary, during a business forum held as part of a two-day working visit by Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima (pictured), in Sweden.
“Nigeria has enough youths that can come into that field. We can train them, Ericsson will also take part in it, and some of them we can export to the world, and we will be like another India,” Ogundele stated.
This partnership comes in the context of increasing demand for digital skills as the country’s digital transformation accelerates. In October 2023, the government launched the "3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT)" program, aiming to train 3 million Nigerians in technical skills over three years. In recent months, it has also formed partnerships with companies such as Finnish equipment manufacturer Nokia and telecom infrastructure builder IHS Towers to train Nigerians in digital competencies.
Ericsson’s initiative is expected to create additional jobs and enhance the skills of workers, addressing the growing need for a qualified workforce as Nigeria’s digital transformation progresses. A 2021 World Bank study estimates that Nigeria will require approximately 28 million workers trained in digital skills across various economic sectors by 2030.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as more of Africa’s economy, businesses, and public services go digital. Establishing cybersecurity infrastructure is a crucial step for several reasons, particularly given the context where data protection and digital security are critical for economic stability and growth.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with cybersecurity firm Cisco, has announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art cybersecurity and broadband laboratory. This initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria's digital infrastructure and enhance its cybersecurity capabilities.
The announcement was made by Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, after an inspection of the proposed facility on October 16. He noted that the collaboration with Cisco follows months of discussions, including talks "most recently on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York, where they reaffirmed their commitment to supporting our digital transformation initiatives."
Cybercrime in Nigeria is on the rise, with data breaches increasing by 64% in Q1 2023 compared to the previous quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights this concerning trend. This makes the initiative even more crucial for economic stability.
The lab will play a significant role in improving the country's cybersecurity capabilities, which is essential as more Nigerian businesses and individuals adopt digital platforms. Strengthening cybersecurity will not only help to protect sensitive data but also boost public confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy, enabling its continued growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Djiboutian government has outlined a clear vision: to drive the country toward digital emergence by 2035. A cornerstone of this transformation is the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure, which the government sees as a vital catalyst for achieving this ambitious goal.
On Wednesday, October 16, Djibouti took a significant step toward digital transformation with the launch of its national broadband development strategy. The official presentation was held during a workshop organized by the Ministry of Communication, in charge of Posts and Telecommunications. This ambitious plan aims to accelerate the expansion of fiber-optic coverage and democratize access to high-speed internet, both fixed and mobile, across the entire country.
According to the Minister of Communication, responsible for Posts and Telecommunications, Radwan Abdillahi Bahdon (photo), the new strategy advocates for lower tariffs and doubling internet speeds without increasing costs. It also focuses on regulatory frameworks, promoting computer literacy, and developing infrastructure, among other priorities.
The initiative is part of the “Djibouti Digital Foundation” project. Supported by the World Bank, this project aims to transform Djibouti into a tech hub by 2035 by promoting digital services and creating a favorable environment for private sector investments in ICT.
Early results of this strategy include the deployment of 250 km of fiber-optic cable in the northern part of the country and the connection of over 100 administrative buildings to high-speed networks. These efforts have helped bridge the digital divide between regions and modernize public services.
With this new strategy, Djibouti aims to address its internet challenges. The country is currently connected to nine submarine fiber-optic cables. Despite these multiple connections, the World Bank has raised concerns about the high cost and poor quality of internet service. In its 2023 diagnostic report on Djibouti's digital economy, the international institution highlighted that the price of high-speed internet in Djibouti is among the highest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
With an increasing number of young, tech-savvy consumers and rising internet penetration across the continent, Jumia’s strengthened presence could drive significant growth and innovation, ultimately contributing to the development of Africa’s broader eCommerce ecosystem.
On October 16, Jumia Technologies AG, the African eCommerce giant, announced plans to cease its operations in South Africa and Tunisia by the end of 2024. This strategic move aims to optimize resource allocation, allowing the company to concentrate on core markets with higher growth potential, such as Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco. The decision follows a thorough review of Jumia’s operations led by CEO Francis Dufay.
Explaining the move, Dufay said, “After a thorough analysis, we made the difficult decision to close down our operations in South Africa and Tunisia. The macroeconomic conditions in both markets, coupled with stiff competition, have limited growth potential.” In 2023, Jumia's South African arm, operating under the brand Zando, and its Tunisian operations contributed only 3.5% and 2.7% of total orders, respectively, underscoring their minimal impact on the company’s overall performance.
This closure aligns with Jumia's broader effort to streamline operations and enhance profitability amid challenging market conditions and competitive pressures. As the company refocuses on its core markets, it aims to leverage its marketplace, logistics network, and JumiaPay platform to drive sustainable growth in Africa’s most promising regions. This pivot reflects Jumia's commitment to adapting its strategy to navigate complex market dynamics and return to profitability.
According to the Africa E-Commerce Market Size, Share, Trends 2024-2032 report by the IMARC Group, the market is projected to reach $939.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4% from 2024 to 2032. This rapid expansion highlights the increasing role that online shopping will play in Africa's future, fueled by rising internet access, growing mobile penetration, and a youthful, tech-savvy population.
Hikmatu Bilali
Partnerships with advanced technology nations can accelerate Africa’s digital transformation by bringing in expertise, infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology. This helps build local capacity, allowing African nations to become more self-reliant and competitive globally in fields like tech manufacturing and innovation.
Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 15 with the Korea Electronic Association (KEA) to establish a $1.4 million tech manufacturing support center at Konza Technopolis. This initiative aims to accelerate local tech production and further establish Kenya as a technology hub in Africa. The center will support product launches, workforce training, and local production of high-tech products from leading Korean companies.
John Paul Okwiri, CEO of Konza Technopolis, emphasized the center’s potential to advance the region’s tech landscape, citing it as a “testament to our take off as we expect substantial investment by korea companies in the electronics and IT ecosystem.”
The center’s construction, expected to take two to three years, will be managed by KEA, which represents over 370 major Korean tech firms, including Samsung and LG Electronics. The project will unfold in four stages: initial planning, electronics manufacturing training, equipment installation, and operational expansion with enterprise support.
In its ECONOMIC SURVEY 2024, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the Information and Communication sector contributed 9.3% to GDP in 2023. To diversify the economy, the government aims to see this sector take on greater economic value. It has been undertaking policy reforms and major infrastructure projects to this end for several years to attract investors. This Tech Manufacturing Hub is one of the manifestations of this ambition.
The center is set to support the annual launch of 30 tech products, reducing average production time to six months. It also aims to train approximately 100 individuals while supporting over 100 local businesses. This collaboration reflects Kenya’s strategy to harness technology for economic growth, create jobs, and enhance its role in Africa’s digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it's essential for the judicial system to effectively manage cases involving digital evidence. In Africa, initiatives are underway to adapt to these new realities.
The Seychelles judicial system announced on Tuesday, October 15, a two-day training session at the Palais de Justice in Port Island. Conducted in partnership with the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and the U.S. Secret Service, the initiative aimed to strengthen the skills of Seychellois judges and legal professionals in handling and authenticating digital evidence.
According to a statement from the judicial system, the training emphasized the need to understand how digital information flows, the importance of protecting people's privacy online, and the difficulties of using digital evidence in court cases, especially when the crimes happen across different countries. Topics covered included the evolution of laws in response to digital advancements, the balance between privacy protection and security requirements, and the authentication of digital evidence. Judges were trained to distinguish between legitimate evidence and potentially falsified information, using examples from social media platforms like Facebook and manipulated images.
This initiative comes amid a global trend where the use of digital data is becoming increasingly vital for the administration of justice. The digital era and the emergence of new technologies, such as AI, demand that judicial systems modernize. A survey by Cellebrite, an Israeli cybersecurity firm, revealed that 60% of over 2,000 investigators, prosecutors, managers, and digital forensics experts surveyed believe digital evidence is more critical than DNA. Additionally, 74% of respondents stated that digital data increases the success rate in resolving cases, underscoring the crucial need for specialized training in this area.
As a result, judges in the Seychelles are now better equipped to tackle challenges associated with managing digital evidence. This initiative not only enhances the judiciary's ability to address current challenges but also reinforces its commitment to transparency, security, and fairness in the age of digital transformation.
Samira Njoya
The Congolese government has made digital technology a cornerstone of its socioeconomic development. To achieve its goals, the administration must ensure the security of the national cyberspace.
On Tuesday, October 15, the Congolese Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy launched a cybersecurity training seminar for judicial and law enforcement bodies. The initiative, supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Center for Artificial Intelligence Research (CARIA), will run until October 17.
“This training will enable our security and judiciary institutions to develop essential skills for combating cybercrime, including identifying cyberattacks, collecting digital evidence, analyzing data, tracking cybercriminals, and issuing sanctions,” stated Juste Désiré Mondelé, the Deputy Minister to the Minister of the Interior in charge of Decentralization and Local Development.
This initiative reflects the Congolese government’s commitment to anticipating threats amid the rise of cybercrime across Africa. According to the African Cybersecurity Market, the number of cyberattacks on the continent increased by 23% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Strengthening the capabilities of judicial and law enforcement bodies is therefore “essential for improving operational competencies in this constantly evolving field.”
The 2024 edition of the Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) places Congo in the category of countries that have done the minimum in terms of cybersecurity, with a score of 27.61 out of 100. The country’s relative strengths lie in regulatory measures (14.12/20) and cooperation (8.87/20). However, it needs to make significant improvements, particularly in technical and organizational measures and capacity development. For the latter, the country scored 0 out of 20.
This training aims to ensure a safer cyberspace as the Congolese government positions digital technology as a cornerstone of its socio-economic development in the years to come.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Investors' continued interest in Nigeria's tech sectors suggests strong underlying fundamentals and growth potential. A thriving startup ecosystem can provide much-needed employment and stimulate economic growth.
The United Arab Emirates is keen to collaborate with Nigeria to support the growth of its rapidly expanding tech startup ecosystem. Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, made this commitment at GITEX Global, the world’s largest startup and investor event, currently taking place in Dubai from October 14-18.
Belhoul highlighted the importance of partnerships in boosting Nigeria’s digital economy, stating, “We are very much open to collaborations in terms of technology development.” He also acknowledged Nigeria's emerging status in Africa's tech landscape, with a dynamic startup scene that has drawn significant investment, particularly in areas like fintech, healthtech, and agritech.
This partnership will foster an innovation-friendly environment, offer funding opportunities, and encourage knowledge exchange between tech professionals from the UAE and Nigeria.
Nigeria is well-positioned to seize these opportunities, as it has consistently attracted significant investor interest in key sectors. According to PwC's 2023 report, “Growing the Nigerian Technology Ecosystem through the Capital Market,” Nigeria received half of the total funding that went to Africa's "Big Four" tech markets between 2015 and 2022, a period in which these four markets accounted for 73% of all funding in Africa. This underscores Nigeria's potential as a leading tech hub on the continent and highlights the critical role of strategic investments in driving sustainable economic growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
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To achieve universal health coverage for its population, Ghanaian authorities are relying on various technological solutions. They have opted for a public-private partnership to reach their goal.
Ghanaian authorities are set to launch, today Octyober 16, the electronic health management system, known as E-Health, which will create digital patient records accessible across all hospitals in the country.
The implementation of this system is a public-private partnership between Ghana’s Ministry of Health and Lightwave e-Health Solutions, a U.S.-based company specializing in e-health.
“Going forward, medical records and the history of patients can be gathered under a single database, which can be accessed by any networked hospital when the patient visits. This digitization effort has increased efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity in service delivery in our health facilities,” stated Ghana’s Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia (photo).
This launch comes just months after the introduction of drone delivery solutions for medical supplies and online medicine purchasing from pharmacies. It aligns with the 2023-2027 Digital Health Policy and Strategy document, which aims to provide all communities in Ghana with timely, quality, and comprehensive healthcare through the use of information and communication technologies.
According to the Ministry of Health, the new system is expected to generate annual savings of between €50,000 ($54,000) and €300,000. It should also improve patient wait times by 35% to 40% in health centers and district hospitals, while regional and university hospitals could see a more than 40% reduction in wait times.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In today's digital world, data management is a top priority for governments and businesses alike. Implementing solutions like artificial intelligence is crucial to tackling the challenges of information security and confidentiality.
Morocco will accelerate its digital transformation by leveraging the expertise of AI71, a company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI). On Monday, October 14, a partnership agreement was signed in Dubai during the Gitex Global technology exhibition between Morocco's Ministry of Digital Transition and the United Arab Emirates' Technology Research Council, which owns AI71.
Under the agreement, Morocco will leverage AI-based solutions developed by AI71. In addition to integrating these advanced technologies, the initiative aims to support Moroccan startups by providing them with privileged access to innovative solutions through partnerships with the Emirati company. The goal is to boost these young companies' competitiveness on the international stage.
This partnership is part of the "Morocco Digital 2030" strategy and strengthens the country's digital transformation efforts. It particularly focuses on adopting AI solutions like "Falcon," which will provide Moroccan businesses and institutions with effective tools for data management and protection. These solutions will enhance information confidentiality and security, addressing the current challenges of handling personal data.
The management of sensitive data is a critical issue for Moroccan startups. AI, particularly through AI71's models, could offer automated solutions to secure data, increase transparency, and ensure compliance with international standards while fostering digital innovation and growth for startups. According to a study by PwC, AI adoption could generate up to $1.2 trillion in Africa by 2030, representing a 5.6% increase in the continent's GDP.
Samira Njoya
With technological advancements, there are increasingly sophisticated regulatory challenges around data privacy, cybersecurity, and online safety. Establishing a unified regulatory platform supports broader goals, like increasing internet penetration and digital literacy, which are vital for economic development in the digital age.
On October 10, South Africa launched the ICT and Media Regulators Forum (ICTMRF) to unify regulatory efforts in ICT and media. The initiative, under the theme “United for a better digital world" will enhance regulatory cooperation, reduce redundancies, and address challenges posed by the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
ICASA CEO Tshiamo Maluleka-Disemelo, chair of the forum, highlighted that the goal of the partnership is “to work together to solve shared challenges and seize new opportunities,” while emphasizing the forum’s potential to create a more responsive regulatory framework.
The forum includes the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the Information Regulator, the .ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA), and the Film and Publication Board (FPB). It will focus on data privacy, cybersecurity, and online safety, among other priorities, and aims to foster synergy among participating entities to address issues like child safety online and harmful content.
The move addresses long-standing concerns about fragmented ICT regulation in South Africa. The ICT market in South Africa is expected to grow at a steady rate, driven by the adoption of digital services and technology integration across industries. Mordor Intelligence projects the market to grow from an estimated USD 36.81 billion in 2024 to USD 53.85 billion by 2029, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% over the forecast period.
Addressing regulatory fragmentation through platforms like the newly established ICT and Media Regulators Forum could enhance coherence and make South Africa’s regulatory framework more agile and efficient. This is crucial for maintaining global competitiveness and attracting investments in digital infrastructure.
Hikmatu Bilali
Last March, the American company Pay Rem Group Africa announced several digital projects in Congo. It partnered with a key government ministry.
The Congolese government and Pay Rem Group Africa, a U.S. company specializing in modernizing financial services, signed, on October 11, a memorandum of understanding to support digital and technological projects in the country.
Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo, Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Handicrafts, announced the partnership, stating that Pay Rem Group Africa would provide training, design digital and technological solutions, and help secure funding for these initiatives.
This agreement follows similar partnerships with the Digital Economy Development Agency (ADEN) and the Congolese Postal and Savings Company (Sopeco) aimed at promoting digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide. It is part of the "Congo Digital 2025" strategy, which seeks to ensure equitable access to digital services for all citizens.
The partnership could enhance the integration of digital technologies into SMEs, modernize the Congolese economy, and create jobs in the tech sector. It may also provide entrepreneurs with better training opportunities and access to financing solutions to support digital projects.
Adoni Conrad Quenum