The Africa Money & DeFi Summit West Africa is set to return to Accra on September 24–25, 2025, bringing together top fintech and crypto stakeholders from across the continent and around the world for two days of networking, business development, and investment exploration.
To be held at the Mövenpick Hotel, the summit will connect Africa’s rapidly evolving fintech, decentralized finance (DeFi), and Web3 ecosystem with global investors, technology providers, and industry pioneers.
Startups will gain exposure to investors and accelerators, while corporates and regulators will explore partnerships and emerging policy frameworks in areas like digital currencies, open banking, and responsible crypto innovation.
Lamine Barro, a young Ivorian entrepreneur, is using technology to transform how African youth learn and work. Through his startup Etudesk, he blends data, accessibility, and digital tools to build skills and drive digital transformation across West Africa.
Barro, founder and CEO of Etudesk, launched the company in 2016. Since then, it has grown into a key player in the digital education sector, supporting both public services and private organisations with data-driven solutions.
Etudesk offers a platform that centralises and updates socio-economic and urban data in real time. Governments, investors, and businesses use it to make informed decisions and better understand local dynamics. But the company’s impact goes further—especially in the fields of education and employment.
One of its flagship tools is Etudesk LMS, a learning management system designed to boost the skills of African talent. The platform lets users create, manage, and distribute educational content. Organisations and companies can build training programs that combine videos, quizzes, documents, and assessments.
In March 2025, Etudesk launched a custom data platform for Côte d'Ivoire's Agence Emploi Jeunes (AEJ). The system integrates AI-driven diagnostics that assess each user’s profile, skills, and goals to offer personalised recommendations—a tool aimed at matching youth with job opportunities that fit their aspirations.
Beyond Etudesk, Barro plays a wider role in the Ivorian tech ecosystem. He is co-founder and vice-president of #Ci20 (Côte d'Ivoire Innovation 20), a coalition of leading technology firms. He also serves on the scientific council of Mission Laïque Française, a French-based non-profit that operates schools around the world.
Before entering tech, Barro studied biology. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Université Péléforo Gon Coulibaly in Korhogo in 2015.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has launched a blockchain-powered platform to combat fake diplomas and speed up slow administrative procedures. The new digital solution, called “e-Diplôme,” aims to secure and digitise the issuance and verification of state diplomas.
The government unveiled the initiative on July 18 during a Council of Ministers meeting in Kinshasa.
“The e-Diplôme platform represents a decisive turning point in the modernisation of the Congolese education system,” said Minister of Communication and Media Patrick Muyaya Katembwe. “This major step towards transparency, modernisation, and digital sovereignty positions the DRC’s education system as a model of governance in Central Africa.”
Accessible at www.schoolap.cd, the platform allows centralised, digital management of academic records. Each diploma will be stored and authenticated using blockchain technology, enabling instant online verification by graduates, employers, universities, and embassies.
The system ensures permanent digital archiving, protecting records from data loss, forgery, and physical damage.
The move comes as the DRC—like many African nations—struggles with rampant diploma fraud. The e-Diplôme platform is part of a wider government push to modernise public administration, strengthen digital sovereignty, and digitise essential public services.
By removing paper documents and manual processing, the system aims to streamline interactions between schools, ministries, and recruiters. It will reduce verification delays, limit human errors, and simplify procedures for graduates.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
In launching the ACTS AI Institute, Africa is making a clear statement: the future of AI on the continent will not be outsourced. It will be developed by Africans, for Africans—rooted in local values, driven by local needs, and shaped through global collaboration.
The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) has launched the ACTS AI Institute (ACAII), an initiative aimed at advancing responsible, African-centered AI research, innovation, and governance. Positioned as a continental hub for ethical and inclusive AI, the Institute seeks to empower local communities, drive sustainable development, and ensure that AI technologies reflect Africa’s unique values and priorities.
For the Executive Director of ACTS, Prof. Tom Peter Migun Ogada, “The Institute builds on the experience and network consolidated over a period of five years, since ACTS started implementing projects related to development and deployment of responsible AI solutions and related policies. This launch is therefore meant to enable us to do what we have been doing better, with a wider mandate across the continent.”
Backed by the AI for Development (AI4D) program—with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)—ACAII builds on a foundation laid by the AI4D Scholarship Program. This initiative has already enabled researchers from historically underrepresented communities to design and scale AI solutions tailored to African contexts.
At the heart of the Institute’s mission are five strategic pillars: responsible AI solutions, AI policy and governance, AI and jobs, capacity building, and data science. Through these, ACAII aims to address critical challenges across agriculture, healthcare, education, and climate resilience. For example, the Institute is developing AI-driven weather prediction models and crop yield tools that can assist Africa’s 60% smallholder farmers, as well as telemedicine platforms that expand access to healthcare in remote communities.
The Institute also sees AI as a vehicle for economic inclusion and transformation. By exploring labor market trends and encouraging AI-driven entrepreneurship, ACAII aims to equip young Africans with the tools to create new industries and jobs, rather than be displaced by automation.
This people-first approach is echoed in ACAII’s dedication to education and training. The Institute is actively working with African policymakers, researchers, and educators to develop curricula and training programs that will build long-term human capacity in AI governance, ethics, and development.
To ensure its impact is felt across the continent, ACAII is building a wide coalition of partners—from government and academia to civil society, the private sector, and the media. This ecosystem approach is key to scaling innovations responsibly and ensuring the benefits of AI reach those often left behind by previous waves of technological change.
Despite growing interest in AI, Africa still lags in global AI development. The Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index (2022 edition) reported that Sub-Saharan Africa’s average score was approximately 29.4, which is significantly below the global average of 44.6.
ACAII is actively working to close these gaps by developing Africanized AI policy frameworks, ethical standards, and localized toolkits to support responsible scaling.
Hikmatu Bilali
In less than ten years, 5G has gone from being a technological privilege to a concrete reality in nearly 30 African countries. A significant advancement that confirms the continent’s foothold in the global digital economy, despite ongoing challenges.
5 G technology is rapidly advancing across Africa, driven by growing momentum throughout the continent. According to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), 79 telecom operators in 41 African countries were investing in 5G in 2024. Among these, 35 operators had already launched commercial networks in 21 countries. In June 2021, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) reported seven active 5G commercial networks across five African markets. Vodacom Lesotho was the first operator to launch 5G on the continent in 2018.
In 2024, 5G technology accounted for 25% of mobile network coverage in urban areas, compared to 73% for 4G, as per the International Telecommunication Union. Regarding subscribers, 5G had over 26 million users out of approximately 600 million unique mobile subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.
Including North Africa, particularly Tunisia and Egypt, where commercial 5G became available in February and June 2025, respectively, these figures would likely be higher for the entire continent. Agence Ecofin data from June 2025 shows 48 telecom operators had already launched 5G in 28 African countries.
|
Country |
Operator |
Launch Year |
|
Lesotho |
Vodacom |
2018 |
|
South Africa |
Rain |
2018 |
|
Libya |
Al-Madar |
2019 |
|
South Africa |
Vodacom |
2020 |
|
South Africa |
MTN |
2020 |
|
Seychelles |
Cable & Wireless |
2020 |
|
Togo |
Togocom |
2020 |
|
Madagascar |
Yas |
2020 |
|
Angola |
Unitel |
2022 |
|
South Africa |
Telkom |
2022 |
|
Kenya |
Safaricom |
2022 |
|
Zimbabwe |
Econet Wireless |
2022 |
|
Tanzania |
Vodacom |
2022 |
|
Nigeria |
MTN |
2022 |
|
Zambia |
MTN |
2022 |
|
Botswana |
Orange |
2022 |
|
Egypt |
Orange |
2022 |
|
Kenya |
Airtel |
2023 |
|
Ethiopia |
Ethio Telecom |
2023 |
|
Tanzania |
Airtel |
2023 |
|
Nigeria |
Mafab Com. |
2023 |
|
Nigeria |
Airtel |
2023 |
|
Zambia |
Airtel |
2023 |
|
Mozambique |
Vodacom |
2023 |
|
Gambia |
Qcell |
2023 |
|
Mauritius |
Emtel |
2023 |
|
Uganda |
MTN |
2023 |
|
Uganda |
Airtel |
2023 |
|
Lesotho |
Econet Wireless |
2024 |
|
Kenya |
Equitel |
2024 |
|
Zimbabwe |
NetOne |
2024 |
|
Gambia |
Africell |
2024 |
|
Somaliland |
Telesom |
2024 |
|
Senegal |
Sonatel |
2024 |
|
Somalia |
Hormuud Telecom |
2024 |
|
Mauritius |
Mauritius Telecom |
2024 |
|
Congo |
MTN |
2024 |
|
Benin |
MTN |
2025 |
|
Comoros |
Comores Telecom |
2025 |
|
Comoros |
Yas |
2025 |
|
Tunisia |
Orange |
2025 |
|
Tunisia |
Tunisie Telecom |
2025 |
|
Tunisia |
Ooredoo |
2025 |
|
Eswatini |
Eswatini Mobile |
2025 |
|
Rwanda |
MTN |
2025 |
|
Egypt |
Telecom Egypt |
2025 |
|
Egypt |
Vodafone |
2025 |
|
Egypt |
e& egypt |
2025 |
Source: Ecofin Agency
Given the high number of telecom operators interested in 5G, notably in Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cape Verde, new commercial rollouts are expected by the end of the year. However, many obstacles continue to hinder widespread 5G adoption across Africa.
Challenges and Opportunities
The primary barriers to 5G adoption in Africa remain in five key areas: mobile devices, services, infrastructure, spectrum, and policy or regulation. The ATU explains that the high cost of 5 G-compatible phones prevents mass adoption of 5G services. The ATU suggests that while 5G compatible phones are available from vendors starting at $150, many people in African countries cannot afford smartphones at current prices. Therefore, governmental, regulatory, and operator-level interventions will be necessary to make devices more affordable and foster an environment conducive to continued 4G growth and 5G adoption.
The underdeveloped nature of practical 5G use cases also slows the technology’s uptake in Africa. This includes both personal and industrial applications involving emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things, covering smart cities, smart ports, immersive remote learning, health monitoring systems, smart grids and surveillance, and automated production chains. Without concrete applications, the ATU notes that 5G is primarily used to improve internet speeds. The organization warns that if this trend continues, 5G may remain a luxury product reserved for businesses and affluent segments of society.
Furthermore, other challenges limiting the widespread rollout of 5G networks in Africa include the high cost of deploying telecom technology, the unavailability of essential 5G frequency spectrum, the lack of capacity and availability of fiber optic networks, insufficient incentives for inter-industry collaboration, and the absence of standards or guidelines on cross-border data exchange management. The African branch of the ITU emphasizes that appropriately addressing these issues will make 5G a growth lever for African economies.
By 2030, the GSMA estimates that 5G alone could contribute $10 billion to the regional economy, representing 6% of the mobile sector's total economic impact.
Muriel Edjo
In Africa, many people still lack access to traditional financial services. Palm, an Egyptian startup, aims to change this by redefining how citizens build and manage their savings through its web and mobile platforms.
Palm, a fintech solution from a young Egyptian startup, offers a smart mobile savings app. It helps users gradually build capital with flexibility and autonomy. Founded in Cairo in 2024 by Mazen El Kerdany and Ahmed Ashour, the startup announced a successful, undisclosed funding round in July 2025 to support its growth.
The fintech plans to expand its offerings by adding features such as group savings, loyalty rewards, and financial management educational tools. It specifically targets young professionals and individuals with irregular incomes, groups often overlooked by traditional banking services.
Peter Orth, co-founder of 4DX Ventures and an investor in Palm, said, "We believe Palm has the potential to transform financial well-being across the continent. By making saving easier, offering real returns, and unlocking significant discounts on major expenses, Palm helps users build sustainable wealth. This aligns with our mission to support ambitious teams fostering long-term prosperity in Africa, and we’re excited to partner with seasoned operators like Mazen and Ahmed to realize this vision."
Palm's mobile app allows any user, even those without a bank account, to save money simply, automatically, and securely. The app analyzes spending habits, suggests personalized saving strategies, and encourages users to reach short or medium-term financial goals.
Palm is part of a wider regional fintech trend focused on micro-savings and financial inclusion, as financial practices in the Arab world rapidly digitize.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Artificial intelligence is increasingly a key tool for operational efficiency across strategic sectors, and the telecommunications industry is no exception.
Orange Africa and Middle East is increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its core technical operations. The regional arm of the French telecom group Orange outlined several initiatives in its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report. These initiatives have already been implemented in some countries and Orange plans to expand them across its entire operational footprint.
One such initiative is the "Smart Capex," a system that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze real time data on traffic, consumption, and location. By combining this information with environmental data such as sunlight exposure or a site's solar potential, Orange can precisely adjust its network capacity based on actual demand. This also allows the company to direct investments more quickly and accurately to areas where they are most needed.
Artificial intelligence also plays a role in optimizing the energy management of technical sites. AI driven systems automatically adjust the power supply based on local conditions and solar energy potential. This significantly reduces fuel consumption. In some regions, this energy optimization has led to savings of up to 25%.
Furthermore, predictive maintenance, powered by AI, helps prevent breakdowns before they occur. Algorithms analyze equipment behavior and identify early warning signs, enabling interventions before a failure. This approach reduces service interruptions and minimizes emergency trips by technical teams.
Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Africa and Middle East, stated that using AI in their operations creates tangible value for customers, employees, and the network. He described a three pillar approach: the network for AI, AI for networks, and AI for employees, while acknowledging associated risks.
Many telecom operators, like Orange, are focusing on AI. Industry data from the second quarter of 2024 shows that 81% of telecom operators worldwide were already testing AI. By the fourth quarter, 65% had implemented a dedicated AI strategy. Artificial intelligence allows mobile operators to make numerous improvements in both connectivity and customer experience, potentially leading to revenue growth.
As of December 2024, Orange Africa and Middle East served 161 million customers across 17 countries. Over the year, the company reported revenue of 770 million euros, equivalent to about $895.45 million, an 11% increase from 2023. It invested $1.4 billion in infrastructure and technology development.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Morocco and Cameroon agreed to boost cooperation on digital public administration reforms
- Talks included plans for an African forum on AI-driven governance
- The move supports Cameroon's digital reform efforts and low e-governance ranking
Morocco and Cameroon have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in the digital transformation of public administrations, a move that could significantly advance Cameroon's e-governance initiatives. The agreement emerged from a meeting in Rabat between Joseph Lé, Cameroon's Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, and Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform. The discussion, held on the sidelines of the 60th session of the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) Board of Directors on Tuesday, July 15, included plans for a future African forum on administrative modernization. This forum would emphasize artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver for performance, transparency, and efficiency in public governance.
During the meeting, the two officials agreed to boost cooperation between Cameroon and Morocco in digitally transforming public administrations. Discussions included potentially organizing an African forum on administrative modernization. This forum would focus on artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool for improving performance, transparency, and efficiency in public governance.
This meeting aligns with Cameroon's ongoing administrative reforms. Earlier in 2025, Cameroon launched AIGLES (Logical Management Application for Workforce and Payroll) software. This integrated digital tool centralizes the management of public servants' careers and payroll. The system has been lauded for streamlining human resources management within the administration, reflecting the government's push to digitize internal processes.
Morocco, one of Africa's most advanced nations in artificial intelligence and e-government, could significantly support Cameroon. This assistance could involve technical aid, sharing expertise in digitizing public services, developing smart systems, and training civil servants.
Cameroon still faces substantial hurdles in digital governance. The United Nations' 2024 E-Government Development Index report ranks the country 155th out of 193 with a score of 0.4294. This figure is significantly below the global average of 0.6382. Therefore, this partnership with Morocco could be a strategic chance for Cameroon to bridge this gap and firmly establish its administration in the age of smart digital governance.
Samira Njoya
-
Tunisia updated its e-People digital platform with support from South Korea.
-
The new system improves transparency and citizen access to public services.
-
Tunisia ranks above the global average in the UN’s 2024 e-government index.
Tunisia has upgraded its digital platform e-People Tunisia to improve communication between citizens and the state. The government launched this new version as part of a cooperation agreement with South Korea’s KOICA, signed in February 2025.
Authorities first introduced e-People Tunisia in 2018. The 2025 upgrade makes it easier for citizens to file complaints, send suggestions, and report corruption directly to government ministries and public offices. Users can log in, choose a department, send a message, and track the response through a built-in notification system.
The platform’s new features aim to boost transparency. Public officials can now process requests more efficiently and reach citizens across more digital channels.
Tunisia’s digital reforms are part of a broader strategy to modernize the state. The government says it wants to bring services closer to the people and make administration more responsive. Users can also access public data and provide feedback to authorities.
Tunisia has earned international praise for its progress in e-governance. In 2024, the United Nations ranked the country above the global average in its E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.6935 versus a global average of 0.6382.
With this upgrade, e-People Tunisia strengthens citizen participation and reinforces trust in public institutions. Authorities believe the platform can play a central role in shaping a more connected, transparent, and accountable government.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
Khaoula Ben Ahmed uses innovation to promote independence. Through her company, she merges technology and design to improve daily life for people with disabilities.
Ben Ahmed is a Tunisian entrepreneur and engineer. She co-founded and leads GEWINNER, a company that builds mobility solutions for people facing physical challenges.
She started GEWINNER in 2019 with Ghofrane Ayari, Souleima Ben Temime, and Sirine Ayari. The team develops advanced products using artificial intelligence, electronic design, and ergonomic principles. GEWINNER aims to boost autonomy and quality of life for people with limited mobility by putting cutting-edge technology to work.
The company’s top product, MOOVOBRAIN, marks a breakthrough in Tunisia’s medical equipment sector. MOOVOBRAIN is an intelligent control system installed in standard electric wheelchairs. It lets users steer their chairs using brain signals or eye movements, thanks to electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-tracking technologies. This system gives new options to people with severe mobility challenges.
The device offers multiple control modes. Users can guide their wheelchairs with facial expressions—like smiles, blinks, or head movements—or by voice command. It also retains classic joystick controls for those who prefer traditional use. All system features operate through a dedicated mobile app, granting remote access to technical support, product customization, and maintenance.
Ben Ahmed’s journey began at the University of Tunis El Manar, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering in 2017. She completed a master’s in research, biophysics, radiophysics, and medical imaging at the Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis in 2019. In 2021, she added a master’s in innovation management from Carthage Business School.
Her work has won major recognition. In 2021, Managers and Huawei named her Female Entrepreneur of the Year in technology. In 2024, she and her team secured third place in the Young Inventors Prize from the European Patent Office’s European Inventor Award.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
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Visa has announced the launch of applications for its Africa 2025 Accelerator, designed to empower startups building the next generation of financial services across the continent.
The program is open to seed to Series A startups that have a functional MVP or market-ready product and are either based in Africa or planning to expand within the region.
Participants will receive tailored 1:1 mentorship from experienced founders and industry leaders, offering practical insights and hands-on guidance. Startups will also gain access to over US$200,000 in partner credits and service discounts, significantly reducing operational costs and accelerating growth.
Application closes August 15.
By tailoring connectivity and financial inclusion services to local realities, Orange helps reduce digital and social divides, laying the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive development.
Orange Money processed 9 billion transactions valued at €164 billion ($190.37 billion), including €6 billion ($6.96 billion) in international transfers, in its African markets in 2024. This was revealed in the Cultivating Impact: Orange Middle East & Africa 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report. The platform welcomed 14 million new users, bringing its total to 100 million registered accounts since the service was launched, with 40 million active every month.
At the heart of this success lies a vast and expanding network of 600,000 points of sale, 66,000 of which were opened just last year. These points of sale serve as vital social hubs and income sources, empowering local agents and supporting micro-enterprises.
Orange Money’s reach was especially strong in key markets across Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo led with 128,400 points of sale, followed by Cameroon with 92,400, Mali with 71,500, Côte d’Ivoire with 66,400, and Guinea with 64,400, the report reveals. A significant share of active customers are women, highlighting the program’s commitment to inclusivity. In Madagascar, for instance, 50% of active Orange Money users are women.
But Orange Money isn’t stopping at transfers. It expanded its fintech offerings via Orange Bank Africa and partnerships in countries without local banking presence—Botswana, Madagascar, among others—unlocking microcredit options like Tik Tak loans (In 2024, more than 340,000 customers were granted a Tik Tak loan). Mobile micro-insurance is another service supporting Orange Money's growth. Orange reveals that mobile micro-insurance solutions are already available in Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, the DRC, and Mali.
In 2024, the platform pushed forward merchant digitalization by equipping hundreds of thousands of informal vendors with QR codes and Orange Money wallets, improving payment security and enabling transaction traceability.
Its impact extends further through mass payment solutions delivered in partnership with organizations such as the Danish Refugee Council, FAO, and WFP. These partnerships have enabled the rapid distribution of funds to vulnerable households, providing timely and efficient support when needed most.
In Liberia, it supports the government's digital payment initiative and works closely with the Central Bank to drive financial inclusion. In Côte d’Ivoire, Orange Money has helped over 400,000 households receive semi-annual social safety net payments, strengthening social protection mechanisms.
Looking ahead, a partnership signed at the end of 2024 with Mastercard will allow users in seven countries—from Senegal to Sierra Leone—to access virtual and physical debit cards, directly linked to their Orange Money accounts for seamless domestic and international payments.
All of this reinforces Orange’s wider mission to build a robust digital ecosystem tailored to local needs while supporting innovation and job creation. Across the 17 countries where Orange operates, the company serves 161 million customers, including 100 million data users and over 83 million 4G customers. As of 2024, mobile broadband coverage has reached 77%, with a goal of expanding to 85% by 2025.
With Africa’s digital economy projected to hit $712 billion by 2050 (according to the International Finance Corporation), platforms like Orange Money are stepping up investment and diversifying their value proposition to build customer loyalty, win new users, and boost revenues.
Hikmatu Bilali
Highlights:
- Somalia and UNDP signed an MoU to support digital governance and public service innovation.
- The deal aims to boost human capital, e-government infrastructure, and digital inclusion.
- Somalia ranks near bottom in global digital and cybersecurity indices.
Somalia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate its national digital transformation agenda. The agreement was inked on Wednesday, July 16, in Mogadishu and aims to enhance cooperation in digital governance, innovation, public service delivery, and human capital development.
Lionel Laurens, UNDP’s resident representative in Somalia, said the MoU would serve as a framework for strengthening Somalia’s digital infrastructure and inclusion strategy, particularly in areas such as e-governance and capacity building.
The move is part of a broader international outreach by the Somali government to close its digital gap and promote socio-economic development. Earlier this month, Somali officials reiterated their commitment to international collaboration during a high-level meeting in Switzerland, holding talks with representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti.
Topics under discussion included youth digital skills development, telecommunications infrastructure, governance, cybersecurity, and investment in emerging technologies.
Somalia remains one of the world’s least digitally developed countries. According to the UN’s 2024 E-Government Development Index, Somalia ranks 191 out of 193, with a score of just 0.1468—far below the African average of 0.4247. In the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the ITU, Somalia is placed at level 4 out of 5 with a score of 37.38 out of 100, underscoring the country’s significant technical and regulatory challenges.
Laurens reaffirmed UNDP’s support for the Somali federal government and emphasized the role of the Ministry of Telecommunications as a key driver of the nation’s digital transition. However, he noted that this is only an initial framework agreement, and its practical outcomes will depend on subsequent implementation steps.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi.
Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho.
- Gabon’s government launched Missamou, its first virtual assistant chatbot, to modernise state-citizen communication.
- Missamou uses natural language processing to provide round-the-clock official information and public services via Facebook Messenger.
- This move reflects Gabon’s push for digital inclusion and follows similar AI initiatives in African countries like Benin.
Governments worldwide are increasingly turning to chatbots to modernize public communication and improve citizens’ access to information. This growing trend reflects a broader push for more direct, interactive, and continuous engagement between the state and the public.
On July 15, the Gabonese government unveiled Missamou, a virtual assistant available through Facebook Messenger. Described as the country's first government chatbot, Missamou allows users to ask questions, check official news, access public services, and obtain information about administrative procedures—anytime, anywhere.
Built using natural language processing (NLP), Missamou can understand everyday speech and deliver real-time responses from verified government sources. The system is designed to ease the burden on traditional services like call centres and in-person offices.
This initiative is part of Gabon’s broader digital transformation agenda, which promotes transparency, open data, and digital inclusion. By launching Missamou on Facebook Messenger, a widely used platform among the youth, the government hopes to ensure high user engagement and widespread adoption.
With the launch of Missamou, Gabon seeks to enhance the distribution of official information, streamline access to public services, and encourage greater citizen engagement. This effort aligns with a broader regional movement toward digital innovation in governance.
In 2023, Benin introduced GPT-BJ, a sophisticated conversational assistant designed to respond to complex inquiries regarding key legal frameworks such as the General Tax Code, Labour Code, Digital Code, and Penal Code. Created by the Agence des Systèmes d'Information et du Numérique (ASIN), GPT-BJ has been recognized as a pioneering tool for improving legal accessibility and promoting transparent governance.
By adopting similar AI-driven solutions, Gabon is positioning itself alongside regional leaders in leveraging technology for more connected, responsive, and citizen-focused government services.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum