Digitalization is crucial for SMEs as it enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, expands market reach, and fosters innovation. Empowering small businesses with digital tools and financing in Africa can create more jobs, boost GDP, and strengthen the continent’s position in the global digital economy.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced on February 21 that it has partnered with Flutterwave, Alami, a fintech company that offers sharia-compliant financing solutions for SMEs, and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The partnership aims to empower MSMEs with digital tools and improved access to financing. The three parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their collaboration.
The partnership was made during a high-level meeting led by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, alongside representatives from Flutterwave and Alami, in discussions with SMEDAN’s CEO, Charles Odii. The key focus of the engagement was on leveraging digitalisation to boost the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs, which are vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
During the discussions, Inuwa highlighted the impact of digitalisation on MSMEs, stating that digitally empowered businesses can increase productivity by up to 120%, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s economy. He also reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to championing digital capacity-building initiatives that will enable MSMEs to scale and thrive in the digital economy.
This partnership builds upon an earlier collaboration aimed at transforming the sector. In February 2024, NITDA and SMEDAN launched an initiative to improve digital literacy for over 40 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
According to a newsletter publication by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Country Office in Nigeria, SMEs account for 48% of the national GDP, 96% of all businesses, and 84% of employment in Nigeria. This highlights the crucial role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy, reinforcing the importance of the partnership. Empowering MSMEs with digital tools and financial access will have a direct and far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s economic growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
In Algeria, WeeWee Delivery is working to reshape the delivery landscape. The company has introduced an alternative to traditional home delivery and stop-desk services, aiming to offer a more efficient and flexible solution.
WeeWee Delivery is a digital solution developed by an Algerian startup operating in the logistics sector. It aims to simplify and modernize the traditional delivery process by connecting e-commerce businesses and individuals with freelance couriers. Based in Algiers, it was launched in 2022 and is led by Sami Kehal.
"Every project emerges as a response to an existing problem. In today’s context, the delivery market faces significant challenges. With the spectacular rise of e-commerce since the COVID-19 crisis, the demand for delivery services has increased considerably. Delivery companies are not just service providers; they offer concrete solutions to a growing need," Kehal stated in a 2024 interview with Alger16.
The platform features a mobile application, available on iOS and Android, which has already been downloaded over 1,000 times, according to Play Store data. Users create an account to access the services. From the app's interface, they can plan and track deliveries in just a few clicks.
The solution offers ,among other services, "WePeaks", a cost-effective and practical alternative to home delivery and fixed pickup points. Orders are dropped off at partner stores in various districts, allowing customers to collect their packages near their homes at more affordable prices. "We have developed algorithms that help us optimize delivery routes to ensure faster and more cost-effective deliveries," the company states.
The startup aims to expand nationwide and broaden its services to meet the market’s growing needs. By adapting to local specificities, WeeWee Delivery is positioning itself as a key player in Algeria’s logistics sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
To accelerate its digital transformation, the Djiboutian government has been seeking partnerships with key international players, including India, Qatar, the European Union, and the ITU.
Djibouti's Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation has launched a program to improve the digital skills of government officials, the ministry announced Sunday, February, 23. The program includes cloud infrastructure training in partnership with the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Oracle University, and the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP).
The training covers key areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data management. Participants from various government departments can access the courses through Oracle University’s MyLearn platform. According to the ministry, this initiative is "a key step in equipping government officials with cutting-edge technological tools to improve public services and accelerate digital innovation."
Through this effort, the Djiboutian government aims to provide officials with the expertise needed to support the country’s digital transformation. The World Bank estimates that nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. However, Djibouti still lags in digital infrastructure. The United Nations gives the country a score of 0.2800 out of 1 on its telecom infrastructure index—part of the broader e-government development index—placing it below the African (0.4247) and global (0.6382) averages.
This initiative builds on Djibouti’s Digital Foundation Project, launched in 2022 with World Bank funding. The government aims to establish a strong and inclusive digital economy by 2035, leveraging emerging technologies to drive economic growth. The strategy focuses on developing the ICT sector and digital economy to contribute to GDP growth through added value.
Beyond training government officials, there is a broader need for digital skills across the population. According to the GSMA, a lack of digital literacy is one of the main barriers to internet adoption and, by extension, digital services. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) estimates Djibouti’s internet penetration rate at 65%, compared to 74.4% for mobile telephony.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Orange's financial results from last year highlighted a strong revenue surge in the Middle East and Africa (OMEA) region. This demonstrates the success of the French company's substantial investments in these emerging markets.
French telecommunications group Orange recently indicated its Africa and Middle East division (OMEA) was the primary driver of group growth in 2024.
OMEA, encompassing 16 African subsidiaries and Jordan, generated 7.683 billion euros in revenue, up 11.1% from 2023. This performance contrasted sharply with other markets: France saw a 0.4% increase, while Europe and Orange Business each reported a 2.1% decline.
The division accounted for nearly 19% of Orange's total revenue, which reached 40.26 billion euros in 2024. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and after lease costs (EBITDAaL) for OMEA rose 13.1%, signaling strong financial health.
"The Africa & Middle East region once again delivered a robust performance, driven by its growth engines, namely mobile data, fixed broadband, B2B and Orange Money. Orange now has over 160 million mobile customers and almost 40 million Orange Money customers on the continent,” Orange wrote in a release.
Mobile data revenue grew by 18.4%, fixed broadband by 19.5%, Orange Money by 20.4%, and B2B services by 12.5%. Several major investments in 2023 contributed to these strong results. OMEA continued expanding mobile network coverage, improving service quality, developing fiber optic networks, diversifying mobile financial services, strengthening business offerings (cloud, cybersecurity, etc.), introducing 5G in several markets including Senegal and enhancing its commercial strategy with the super app Max It.
Orange CEO Christel Heydemann emphasized that the 2024 successes “fully reflect the execution of our Lead the Future strategic plan.” Launched in 2023, this strategy is built on four pillars, including accelerating OMEA’s growth by deepening its local presence and expanding its role as a multi-service operator.
For 2024, Orange achieved its EBITDAaL targets, with a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Looking ahead to 2025, the group is aiming for approximately 3% growth and is counting on OMEA’s continued momentum to help achieve that goal.
By Muriel EDJO,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Malian government is working to digitize all public services within the next few years. Early results of this initiative are evident through measures designed to increase accessibility and enhance the efficiency of government services.
On Tuesday, February 18, Mali unveiled a new digital platform designed to facilitate access to administrative, identity, and travel documents for its diaspora. Deployed across the country’s diplomatic and consular missions worldwide, the solution aims to enhance user confidence through advanced security protocols and robust data protection measures.
“The launch of this platform and its operational rollout in 15 days reflect our commitment to a more efficient and responsive administration. This initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing and safeguarding administrative data while simplifying access to essential documents for our compatriots abroad,” said Abdoulaye Diop, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Fully designed and developed by Malian experts, the platform strengthens the country’s digital sovereignty while improving services for both citizens and foreigners. In addition to streamlining procedures for the Malian diaspora, the system will also benefit travelers by digitizing the visa application process. In the future, the platform will be compatible with the Visa Liptako, a confederal visa system introduced by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to facilitate regional mobility.
This initiative aligns with Mali’s broader digital transformation strategy, which seeks to enhance the efficiency of public services. While the country has climbed 13 spots in the United Nations e-Government Development Index (EGDI), now ranking 141st out of 193 countries, challenges remain in making digital services more accessible and effective.
A successful rollout of the platform is expected to cut bureaucracy, reduce processing times, optimize public resource management, and lower administrative costs. Close coordination between relevant ministries will be crucial to ensuring the project’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Cameroon has started issuing new national identity cards, a key step in its digital identity management initiative. These cards are designed to modernize and secure identity verification.
Cameroonians can pre-enroll, online since February 17, to obtain the country’s new national identity card (CNI). Developed by German company Augentic in partnership with the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN), this new biometric and digital ID marks a significant step forward in identity management, with major security, economic, and social implications.
The new ID card meets international ISO/IEC 9303 standards and incorporates advanced security features. It includes an electronic chip or a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) containing all recorded data, as well as a unique QR code. These technological upgrades strengthen fraud prevention, making identity theft and forgery significantly more difficult while facilitating automated verification both nationally and internationally.
A Gateway to E-Services
Beyond security, the digital nature of the new ID card holds vast economic and social potential. By linking the card to a unique digital identifier, citizens could gain access to secure government platforms, such as tax services, social security, and online payments.
Reliable biometric identification would also simplify banking procedures, enabling remote account openings and expanding financial inclusion. Financial institutions could use digital identities to assess creditworthiness, making it easier for individuals to access microloans and tailored insurance services. A trustworthy digital identity is fundamental to fostering confidence in economic transactions and could also benefit the e-commerce sector.
Additionally, the new ID could serve as the foundation for secure electronic voting systems, reducing electoral fraud risks and ensuring greater transparency in democratic processes.
Towards E-Governance and Smarter Public Policies
Biometric and digital identity plays a crucial role in social planning by providing the government with authenticated data on citizens, including employment status, disability, education level, residency, and family ties. With this data, authorities can better target social programs such as family allowances, scholarships, and housing aid. The digital ID system would also generate reliable statistical insights for economic planning, including tax forecasting and job creation strategies.
However, for the new ID card to serve as a true gateway to digital services and a tool for poverty reduction, Cameroon must establish a robust, interconnected identification system. This requires a strong legal framework to regulate digital identity and stringent data protection measures, as personal information is becoming a critical resource in the fourth industrial revolution.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Algerian government has made digital transformation a key pillar of the country’s socioeconomic development. Beyond investing in infrastructure, authorities are also focused on equipping the population with the digital skills needed to achieve these ambitions.
Algeria's Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki, inaugurated a Skills Center in Sétif on February 20. The center will provide free training for young people in advanced digital technologies.
Similar infrastructure will be established nationwide to equip Algerian youth with future-ready skills, enabling their integration into the national and global digital economy. They will offer training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cybersecurity, and other Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) fields.
The initiative aligns with Algeria Digital 2030, the government’s national strategy, which aims to accelerate Algeria’s digital transformation by expanding ICT adoption across all economic sectors and developing a skilled workforce by prioritizing capacity building as one of its five key pillars.
The importance of digital skills is growing across Africa. According to the World Bank, an estimated 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital expertise by 2030. While Algeria is not part of this region, the trend underscores the necessity of digital training for the continent’s economic transformation. A joint study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google predicts that Africa’s digital economy will be worth at least $712 billion by 2050, representing 8.5% of the continent’s GDP.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The President of Zimbabwe officially launched the Digital Skills Ambassador Program on February 19. This initiative aims to equip communities with essential digital skills, supporting the country’s vision of becoming a fully digital economy by 2030.
The program, backed by China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeks to bridge the digital divide by empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
With this initiative, Zimbabwe takes a significant step toward enhancing digital literacy, boosting innovation, and preparing its workforce for the future.
As part of its digital transformation strategy, Senegal is targeting a significant increase in the contribution of its digital sector, aiming for at least 15% of GDP within the next ten years. To achieve this ambitious goal, the government is committed to unifying its digital initiatives and streamlining projects to enhance efficiency and impact.
Senegal will establish a Digital Governance Committee, GouvNum, to coordinate and streamline its digital initiatives, officials said. The project, approved during a Council of Ministers meeting on February 19, aims to create a cohesive framework for state-led digital transformation.
According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the past two decades have seen massive investments in modernizing public digital infrastructure and interconnecting government entities. These efforts laid the foundation for a national information system and a government enterprise architecture. However, a fragmented approach to digital projects has led to duplication, inconsistencies, rising inefficiencies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and misalignment between sectoral strategies and the national digital agenda. These challenges hindered the goals set by the previous digital strategy (SN20-25).
The creation of GouvNum aligns with Senegal’s new digital strategy, the New Deal Technologique, set to launch on February 24. This committee will provide a unified governance framework for digital initiatives, ensuring project coordination, strategic alignment across sectors, improved system security, and more effective monitoring and evaluation.
Additionally, GouvNum will enhance the prioritization of digital programs, laying the groundwork for a more efficient and integrated digital transformation. A key objective of this effort is to boost the digital sector’s contribution to at least 15% of GDP within the next decade. This ambition will be driven by a structured approach under the New Deal Technologique, which includes 12 targeted programs designed to accelerate Senegal’s digital economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Horizon Industries officially began operations in Burkina Faso in April 2022. The company is 35% state-owned through the Burkinabè Economic and Social Development Fund FBDES, reflecting the government's stake in the venture.
The Burkinabe government plans to procure IT equipment from local company Horizon Industries to support public administration. Authorities approved the signing of a framework agreement for this purpose during the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, February 19.
The official statement did not specify the type or quantity of equipment to be acquired. However, Horizon Industries specializes in assembling laptops, mobile phones, tablets, and household appliances, suggesting that the deal could involve a range of digital devices.
This initiative aligns with the government's broader digital transformation strategy. Burkina Faso aims to position itself as a leader in integrating ICT into key sectors such as public administration, education, healthcare, commerce, and agriculture. As part of this effort, the government launched the rehabilitation of the National Administration Computer Network (RESINA) in 2024. By August 2023, RESINA was already connecting around 2,800 administrative buildings, with an additional 130 sites announced for integration by December 2024.
Despite these ambitions, Burkina Faso currently ranks 175th out of 193 countries in the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.2895 out of 1—below the regional averages for West Africa (0.3957), Africa (0.4247), and the world (0.6382).
For the IT initiative to be effective, civil servants will require digital skills to use the new equipment efficiently. Additionally, since many administrative tasks may depend on internet access, ensuring high-speed connectivity across government offices will be crucial.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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The interoperability of digital payments is emerging as a key driver for modernizing financial systems and enhancing banking inclusion. By connecting banks and fintechs, these platforms foster innovation in the financial sector.
Comoros will implement an interoperable digital payment switch, with Moroccan electronic payment solutions company PayLogic executing the project. The company announced the initiative in a statement on Sunday, February 16, marking a step in the country's financial infrastructure modernization.
"This project is a testament to our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that transform financial ecosystems. By implementing an interoperable payment switch, we are helping to create a more inclusive and efficient financial infrastructure in the Union of Comoros. We are excited to partner with local stakeholders to bring this vision to life," said Mohamed Mekouar, Executive Chairman of PayLogic.
The platform, part of the Financial Sector Development Support Project (PADSF), aims to connect financial institutions, banks, and payment service providers, creating a seamless and inclusive digital payment ecosystem. This interoperability will allow users to make instant transfers between mobile operators, between banks, and between mobile operators and bank accounts.
The initiative aligns with the Central Bank of Comoros’ policy to promote financial inclusion. The institution has encouraged local banks to offer free bank account openings for individuals and fee-free money transfers for the diaspora. Since early August, this measure has led to the opening of hundreds of new accounts, with a goal of reaching a 50% banking penetration rate by the end of 2025.
PayLogic's interoperable switch could strengthen these efforts by improving access to digital financial services, especially for rural populations and the diaspora. Reducing reliance on cash and enhancing transaction efficiency will drive broader adoption of banking and online payment services across the country.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
By working closely with the Nigerian government and its partners, Microsoft is playing a pivotal role in building a digitally skilled workforce and positioning Nigeria as a leader in AI and emerging technologies.
Microsoft has unveiled a $1 million investment in its AI Skilling Initiative, aimed at training one million Nigerians in artificial intelligence (AI) over the next two years. The announcement was made on February 19 during the Microsoft AI Tour in Lagos, a gathering of business leaders, IT professionals, and developers focused on exploring the latest advancements in AI.
Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria and Ghana, Ola Williams emphasized the company’s dedication to AI’s transformative potential. She also highlighted that Microsoft's commitment to advancing AI skills in Nigeria underscores its dedication to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve greater success.
Microsoft reinforces its commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation with this latest investment. The initiative is poised to drive economic growth, industrialization, social inclusion, and technological innovation, ultimately shaping a future where AI-powered opportunities are accessible to all Nigerians.
This initiative is set to accelerate AI adoption in Nigeria, reinforcing the country's status as a leading force in Africa’s digital economy. It aligns with the strategic goals outlined in Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), which envisions the nation as a global leader in leveraging AI for responsible, ethical, and inclusive innovation. The NAIS highlights Nigeria’s rapidly expanding AI market, which is projected to reach $434.4 million by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.2%.
Hikmatu Bilali
Mobile money is emerging as a crucial tool for financial inclusion in Africa, with growing adoption driven by innovative solutions. In this dynamic landscape, Orange Money continues to expand, offering increasingly tailored services to meet user needs.
Orange Money, the mobile money transfer and payment service of French group Orange, officially opened its headquarters in Abidjan on Tuesday, February 18. This move marks a new step in the company's commitment to expanding mobile financial services across Africa and the Middle East.
According to Aminata Kane, CEO of Orange Money Group, establishing the headquarters is a key step in Orange's mission to digitize transactions and support its growing customer base. Jérôme Hénique, Executive Director of Orange Africa and the Middle East (OMEA), emphasized that the initiative reflects the company's drive to strengthen its presence in key markets and continue its 15-year history in mobile financial services.
Since its launch in Ivory Coast in 2008, Orange Money has seen rapid growth, reaching 40 million active monthly users as of February 2025. This growth aligns with a regional trend where mobile financial services play a key role in financial inclusion. In 2023, mobile money transactions in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) reached 171,959.1 billion FCFA (approximately $275 billion), a 146.3% increase from the previous year. Ivory Coast, with over 23 million mobile financial service users in 2023, is a major player in this transformation.
The establishment of Orange Money Group’s headquarters in Abidjan creates new opportunities for the Ivorian market and the region. It will allow for closer engagement with users and more responsive service development. West Africa is becoming a leading hub for mobile money, gradually surpassing East Africa in adoption and growth of digital financial services.
Orange Money continues to innovate, introducing QR code payments for merchants and end users. Through a partnership with Mastercard, the company launched a virtual card in 2024. Available in seven countries, the service is set for further expansion in 2025, reinforcing Orange Money’s role in shaping the future of mobile finance in Africa.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Congolese government wants to accelerate financial inclusion by facilitating access to financial services for all segments of the population. To achieve this, it is relying on digital technologies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is moving to digitize its microfinance sector to accelerate financial inclusion. To this end, it awarded on Friday, February 14, a contract to a consortium comprising PAYCODE FINTECH Congo, BANKTECH Software Services, and Hong Kong Top Wise Communications.
Funded by the government and the World Bank, the initiative involves providing 10,000 electronic payment terminals (EPTs) to microfinance institutions (MFIs) and savings and credit cooperatives (COOPECs). This will enable these institutions to connect to the national electronic payment system of the Central Bank of Congo.
The initiative is part of the Transforme Project, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs and upgrade small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for economic transformation and job creation. According to the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028, the financial inclusion rate in the DRC stood at 38.5% at the end of 2022. The Congolese government aims to increase this rate to 65% by 2028.
Microfinance institutions and savings and credit cooperatives are expected to play a key role in achieving this goal. By the end of 2022, the DRC had 78 COOPECs and 15 MFIs. These two types of institutions accounted for 86.1% of the country’s credit establishments (108 total) and 32.4% of all financial institutions (287). Additionally, the credit portfolio grew by 21% in 2022, reaching $283.5 million, up from $234.3 million in 2021 and $168 million in 2020. Savings mobilization increased from $256.97 million in 2020 to $333.76 million in 2022, a growth of approximately 30%.
The effective use of the distributed terminals by microfinance institutions and savings and credit cooperatives will be crucial for adoption. The National Financial Inclusion Strategy highlights that their geographic coverage remains uneven. Kinshasa, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces alone account for nearly 70% of these institutions.
"Despite their higher number compared to banks, microfinance institutions have fewer operational branches (186) than banks (445) and represent only a small share of the financial sector’s assets, around 3%," the strategy document states.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Edité par Sèna D. B. de Sodji