News (1796)
As a global leader in e-government, ranking sixth worldwide, Saudi Arabia is increasingly attracting African nations seeking partners for their digital transformation journeys. This growing interest was recently solidified with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Morocco in December 2024.
Rwanda is exploring potential collaboration with Saudi Arabia in digital transformation, the Rwandan Ministry of ICT and Innovation announced earlier this week. Minister Paula Ingabire met with Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to discuss a potential partnership.
Discussions between the two ministers focused on innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, and enhancing technological capacity. Any eventual partnership would fall under the framework of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This initiative aligns with Rwanda’s ambition to leverage ICT and innovation to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and transition to a knowledge-based, upper-middle-income economy by 2035.
Saudi Arabia, ranked sixth globally on the UN's 2024 E-Government Development Index, boasts a near-perfect score of 0.9602 out of 1. The kingdom has also excelled in subcategories like online services (0.9900) and telecom infrastructure (0.9841). Moreover, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recognizes Saudi Arabia as a cybersecurity model, having fully complied with all five pillars of the cybersecurity index.
In contrast, Rwanda ranks 118th on the global e-government index, with a score of 0.5799—above the East African average (0.3903) and the continental average (0.4247) but below the global average of 0.6382. The ITU also highlights Rwanda as a strong performer in cybersecurity but still faces gaps in technical measures.
A potential partnership with Saudi Arabia could significantly accelerate Rwanda’s digital transformation. However, while broad areas of cooperation have been discussed, the specifics are yet to be outlined. Talks remain early, and no agreements have been finalized or officially announced.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital skills training equips youth and marginalized populations with opportunities to participate in the digital economy, reducing unemployment and poverty. Ultimately, digital investments bridge the digital divide, foster social inclusion, and create resilient, technology-driven economies poised for sustainable development.
Eswatini has partnered with Google to leverage Google’s cutting-edge tools and expertise to advance its ‘Government in Your Hand’ initiative. The collaboration, announced on January 20, under the theme “Innovating Together: Strategic Partnerships for Eswatini’s Digital Transformation and Economic Prosperity” focuses on equipping Eswatini’s youth with essential digital skills to navigate and excel in a tech-driven world.
Minister of ICT, Savannah Maziya, underscored the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration symbolizes a shared vision of leveraging innovation to transform Eswatini into a digital hub that competes globally. With 70% of our population being youth, this initiative lays the foundation for creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and accelerating sustainable economic development.”
The Government in Your Hand initiative is a flagship program aimed at digitizing public services, increasing citizen engagement, and improving government efficiency. The partnership will empower the youth with digital skills, enhance public service delivery through advanced technology, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Eswatini's digital readiness is rated as 'systematic,' with a score of 2.6, reflecting steady progress in critical areas of digital transformation, according to the 2024 Digital Readiness Assessment Report developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Efforts are focused on overcoming outdated technology and addressing limited digital skills, particularly within local government. While the country’s strong literacy rate of 89.28% provides a solid foundation for developing digital competencies, significant gaps remain, especially among older populations and rural communities, further compounded by the absence of an ICT-focused education policy.
The initiative will address unemployment, stimulate economic growth, and create a sustainable, innovation-driven ecosystem. Eswatini’s collaboration with Google reflects a growing trend among African nations to prioritize digital transformation as a key driver of economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
Hikmatu Bilali
With the ongoing digital transformation, instant payment systems are emerging as key solutions to ensure fast, secure, and accessible transactions. They are essential for modernizing economies and providing more efficient and inclusive banking services.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Wednesday launched the Somali Instant Payment System (SIPS). Developed jointly by the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) and the Somali Bankers Association, SIPS is designed to facilitate instant, secure, and transparent transactions between local banks.
“For our country to rebuild, we must support the private sector and investment. We are preparing laws to safeguard people’s finances, prevent terrorist funding, and implement government plans that are central to the security, economy, and development of Somali society” said Hamza Abdi Barre during the launch event.
SIPS serves as a centralized platform connecting the CBS and local private banks, enabling real-time money transfers between financial institutions. The system aims to reduce interbank payment delays, eliminate inefficiencies, and minimize the risks associated with cash transactions, which remain prevalent in the country. Key stakeholders include the CBS, which oversees and regulates the system, and private banks, which act as access points for businesses and individuals.
The launch comes as Somalia pursues economic recovery, seeking to modernize its financial infrastructure and promote the digitization of services. By implementing a modern payment system, the Somali government aims to boost investor confidence, strengthen efforts to combat illicit financial practices, and enhance transparency in financial transactions.
With SIPS, Somalia enters a new economic era. The system is expected to not only improve banking efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of local businesses but also contribute to overall economic growth. It paves the way for inclusive prosperity for Somali citizens and lays the foundation for a resilient and innovative economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Madagascar aims to accelerate the digital transformation of all sectors of the economy. Last week, the government identified two pilot sites to launch the country's hospital digitization program.
The Malagasy government plans to transform the National Center for Distance Learning of Madagascar (CNTEMAD) into a digital university. A working meeting was held on Tuesday, January 21, bringing together various stakeholders: the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, the CNTEMAD leadership, and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), which serves as the technical partner for the initiative.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the technical improvements necessary for the project’s implementation. “One of the agenda items was the development of a timeline for the project’s implementation, as well as the coordination of the technical aspects required for its realization,” informed the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications in a press release, without providing further details.
Established in 1992, CNTEMAD primarily relies on printed materials for instruction, supplemented by assignments, in-person group sessions, and practical ICT-focused exercises. The institution encourages group work and offers audiovisual resources upon request. Examinations are conducted twice a year. In 2024, CNTEMAD served approximately 17,000 students. Its transformation into a digital university aligns with efforts to digitize the national education system as part of a broader national digital transformation initiative.
In July 2024, the government launched the process of digitizing schools across the country. The project aims to equip administrative and educational zones and institutions with tools and resources to leverage digital technologies effectively.
However, challenges remain. Internet availability and access to compatible devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) may limit student access to the digital university's platforms. According to the Communication Technology Regulation Authority (ARTEC), internet penetration in Madagascar was 32.57% in 2024, with an estimated population of 30.3 million.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
With over 120 million inhabitants, Ethiopia has an immense digital potential.
The country is actively working to expand internet access, modernize its infrastructure, and embrace innovative technological solutions.
Ethiopia is working to accelerate internet development and bridge the digital divide, Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla said on Monday. Speaking at the opening of the Internet Development Conference (IDC), Molla emphasized the government's commitment to building an inclusive and dynamic digital ecosystem for all citizens.
The Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy will serve as a roadmap for this effort, guiding the modernization of internet infrastructure, raising digital literacy awareness, and promoting responsible technology use. The government also aims to collaborate closely with member countries of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to improve connectivity in remote areas and ensure equitable and secure internet access.
Ethiopia has made significant progress in recent years. 4G coverage now reaches 34.8% of the population, and 5G services are available in 14 cities. The country currently boasts 80.5 million mobile subscribers and 45 million broadband users. Innovative solutions like Telebirr, a mobile payment service with 51.54 million users, demonstrate the potential of digital technology to drive financial inclusion and transform economic transactions.
The GSMA's Digital Economy Ethiopia Report forecasts further growth in connectivity, with more than 50 million Ethiopians expected to be connected to mobile internet by 2028, nearly double the current figure. This increased connectivity could contribute approximately $2.5 billion to the agricultural sector and $2 billion to the manufacturing industry by 2028.
These advancements are expected to solidify Ethiopia's role as a driver of digital transformation within the IGAD region while delivering sustainable economic and social benefits for its citizens.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a key driver of progress for nations. It provides innovative solutions to economic and social challenges, promoting the modernization of infrastructure, the optimization of public services, and competitiveness on the global stage.
Cameroon is developing a national strategy for artificial intelligence (AI), Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Minette Libom Li Likeng (photo) announced on Tuesday.
The strategy, currently under development, aims to position Cameroon as a key player in the global AI ecosystem, focusing on sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and governance.
"The strategy aims to position Cameroon as a key player in the global AI ecosystem, with a particular focus on strategic sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and governance. It is crucial to establish robust mechanisms to ensure responsible AI, strengthen digital infrastructure, develop local skills, and promote innovation," Li Likeng said at the opening ceremony of national consultations for the 2025 roadmap for the postal, telecommunications, and ICT sectors.
This initiative is part of the digital transformation acceleration project and is expected to contribute to the implementation of the National Development Strategy (SND30) and “Vision 2035.” These projects aim to transform Cameroon into “an emerging, democratic, and united country in its diversity” through structural economic transformation and inclusive development.
Once established, the national AI strategy will allow Cameroon to join other African countries, such as Benin, Nigeria, and Senegal, which have already adopted similar documents. Additionally, countries like Congo and Tunisia are also working on national AI strategies.
Cameroon’s strategy is designed not only to boost innovation and competitiveness through AI but also to address several major challenges. It will tackle ethical issues, ensure cybersecurity, and encourage effective data management. This will help maximize economic benefits and enhance the well-being of the population while mitigating the risks associated with emerging technologies.
Furthermore, the strategy is expected to improve Cameroon’s AI Investment Potential Index. This index, highlighted in the report “AI Investment Potential Index: Mapping Global Opportunities for Sustainable Development” published by the French Development Agency (AFD), measures a country's ability to attract AI investments based on criteria such as technological infrastructure, available skills, regulatory frameworks, and market potential.
Currently, Cameroon scores 30 out of 100 on this index, alongside countries like Angola, Guinea, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. This ranking underscores significant development opportunities while highlighting the efforts needed to enhance its attractiveness and fully leverage AI’s potential.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
AI applications can address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, such as food security, disease prevention, and climate resilience. With African startups increasingly leveraging AI for innovative solutions, such as mobile-based health diagnostics or precision agriculture, the coalition can fuel the growth of the continent’s tech ecosystem.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency for digital technologies, has launched the AI Skills Coalition to close the global AI skills gap and expand access to AI education. Announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, held from January 20-24, the initiative brings together over 25 founding organizations, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, the East Africa Community, and Cognizant.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin commented: “Our new AI Skills Coalition is aiming to train thousands of people this year, especially those living in regions of the world just getting started on their AI journey, as part of our commitment to ensure that all communities can fully participate in our shared digital future."
The coalition will provide an online platform offering free resources on generative AI, machine learning, and sustainable AI applications. The platform, launching in March 2025, will offer self-paced courses, webinars, certifications, and specialized training on AI ethics and governance for developing countries. ITU will collaborate with the UNDP to deliver AI training in 170 countries.
This initiative holds particular significance for Africa, where a substantial digital skills gap limits many countries' ability to fully leverage AI's potential. As AI continues to transform industries, bridging this gap is essential for the continent to remain competitive on a global scale. According to a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an estimated 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will demand digital skills by 2030, resulting in almost 650 million training opportunities.
This initiative aligns with the UN’s Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact, promoting inclusive AI adoption to drive sustainable development and bridge the global digital divide.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Malagasy government aims to accelerate the country's digital transformation, positioning it as a cornerstone of the Malagasy economy. This effort encompasses all sectors, including the field of healthcare.
The Malagasy government plans to digitize hospitals nationwide. Stéphanie Delmotte, Minister of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications, recently met with officials from the Ministry of Public Health to select two pilot sites for the program's launch.
"This program aims to modernize public hospitals through the strategic of digital technologies," the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications announced on Facebook on Monday, January 20th. "Key priorities include streamlining patient flow, ensuring the traceability of medical records, and enhancing service transparency."
This initiative aligns with the Malagasy government's vision to "leverage digital technology to drive national development," as outlined in the 2023-2028 Digital Strategic Plan (PSN). The PSN aims to position the country as a key player in Africa's burgeoning digital economy. Within the healthcare sector, the government is committed to investing in human capital and good governance, improving accessibility to quality care, and fostering public trust in the national healthcare system.
In its 2024 report, "Health Data Digitalization in Africa: Unlocking the Potential," the World Health Organization asserts that digitalization empowers healthcare professionals to make more informed treatment decisions and supports policymakers in developing impactful health policies.
However, the WHO acknowledges that significant challenges remain in Africa's pursuit of digital health transformation. These challenges include fragmented health systems and information silos, a lack of standardized data formats, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital literacy among healthcare professionals. Moreover, limited access to high-speed internet within hospitals and insufficient interconnectivity between healthcare facilities pose significant obstacles.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Senegal's digital transformation is driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. By supporting digital projects and offering targeted training programs, the country aims to promote inclusion, boost economic growth, and address social challenges.
In Senegal, the General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Young People (DER/FJ) plans to enhance its support for innovation and digitization in 2025 by investing 11.3 billion CFA francs ($18.08 million) in various projects. These funds will be allocated to several initiatives, including financing 15,000 micro-enterprises and facilitating the formalization of 10,000 businesses. The initiative was announced on Wednesday, January 15th, during a ceremony to present the results of the call for empowerment projects launched between September 24th and October 11th, 2024.
With an initial budget of 5 billion CFA francs, DER/FJ successfully financed 9,000 projects in 2024, amounting to a total investment of 5.6 billion CFA francs. Notably, many of these initiatives targeted the digital sector through programs like Lionstech (allocating €1 million to accelerate start-ups) and D4D (mobilizing €350,000 to support 100% digital projects). Start-ups such as Paps (logistics), Kalispot (fintech), and Sotilma (agritech) were among the primary beneficiaries of these programs.
These efforts align with the "New Technological Deal," a Senegalese government initiative aimed at establishing the country as a regional leader in innovation. This strategy emphasizes strategic investments in innovative start-ups and SMEs, which are critical drivers of digital transformation and economic growth.
For 2025, DER/FJ plans a series of initiatives to build upon the success of the previous campaign. In addition to startup financing, DER/FJ intends to significantly enhance the capacities of 10,000 beneficiaries through targeted training programs. These programs will equip them with the essential skills and knowledge they need to thrive in today's rapidly evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital technology is revolutionizing education across the globe, unlocking new avenues for learning, inclusivity, and innovation. By seamlessly integrating technology into the educational landscape, stakeholders strive to bridge educational gaps, cultivate creativity, and empower young people to navigate the complexities of today's interconnected world.
Senegal's Ministry of National Education and Télé-École, an educational television channel, signed a partnership agreement on Thursday, January 16th, under the NuMEd Awards initiative. This collaboration aims to integrate technology and media into Senegal's education system, bridging the digital divide and fostering innovative teaching practices nationwide.
"Through the NuMEd Awards, the Ministry and Télé-École strive to create a virtuous cycle of education – one that is increasingly inclusive, engaging, and interconnected," the Ministry of National Education wrote in a press release. "This will equip every young Senegalese with the tools to succeed and navigate the challenges of the modern world."
The partnership will focus on expanding training programs, developing customized digital content, and ensuring equitable access to online tools for all students, including those in remote rural areas. The ultimate goal is to minimize regional disparities and create a strong foundation for shared academic success.
This initiative aligns with the Senegalese government's broader vision to accelerate the digital transformation of the education sector. This includes incorporating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, into school curricula to prepare Senegal's youth for the digital economy of the future. This partnership also coincides with the unveiling of a national digital education strategy, backed by a five-year budget of $206 million.
Télé-École, a pioneer in educational broadcasting, plans to deepen its commitment by investing in digital platforms and introducing innovative teaching methodologies. This collaboration is expected to reach a wider audience and enhance communication among students, teachers, and parents, paving the way for a more connected and inclusive education system.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Integrating trade and technology is critical to digital development, with far-reaching implications for economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. By combining trade policies with technological innovation, countries can unlock new markets, improve productivity, and enhance service delivery.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, met with the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. According to a January 16 press release from the Ministry of Communications, they discussed collaborative strategies to boost Nigeria’s economy and enhance its global competitiveness. The meeting focused on leveraging technological innovation to strengthen trade policies, attract foreign investment, and expand international trade.
Minister Oduwole emphasized the role of digital innovation in advancing trade, highlighting that “International trade and investment is a big agenda for us. We are scaling up where we can be globally competitive.”
Bosun Tijani aligned the collaboration with the Tinubu administration’s focus on driving economic prosperity through technology, noting that “Modern day technology is a key enabler for any economy. If you increase investment in technology by 10%, it can produce a 25% increase in GDP. "
According to Minister Oduwale, areas of collaboration include the National E-Commerce Policy (NEPS 2023-2027), the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), leadership in AfCFTA, and efforts to diversify service exports.
Both ministers urged the private sector to seize opportunities provided by their ministries and highlighted Nigeria’s trade mission in the U.S. as a platform for prospective investors.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the digital economy contributed 13.12% to Nigeria’s GDP in Q1 2024. This underscores the sector’s growing importance as a driver of economic transformation. Strengthening collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy could amplify this momentum, fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness in the global digital market.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Moroccan government aims to accelerate the development of a national digital economy by 2030. A key focus of this initiative is developing the local startup ecosystem.
The Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform announced on Sunday, January 19, the creation of a new association dedicated to advancing fintech in Morocco. Named the "Morocco Fintech Center" (MFC), this association already comprises around 15 banks and institutions and remains open to other organizations interested in joining.
According to Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM), Morocco's central bank, the MFC is designed to serve as a one-stop shop for fintech companies. It will support their growth through mentorship programs, incubation, acceleration, skill development, and facilitate understanding of the regulatory environment as well as access to financing. Additionally, the MFC aims to foster a collaborative fintech ecosystem that encourages partnerships and networking opportunities while promoting research and development in financial innovation.
In December 2024, Abderrahim Bouazza, Director General of BAM, announced plans to launch a fintech hub in January. This initiative aligns with Morocco's ambition to build a globally competitive local startup ecosystem by implementing specific measures to support the creation, growth, and international expansion of digital startups. This effort falls under the second pillar of the "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, which focuses on energizing the digital economy.
The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government's target of fostering 1,000 certified Moroccan startups by 2026 and 3,000 by 2030, compared to just 380 in 2022. By 2030, the goal is to raise 7 billion dirhams ($696.6 million) for local startups, a significant increase from the 260 million dirhams raised in 2022. Furthermore, the government envisions Morocco having 10 "gazelles" (high-growth startups) and one to two unicorns by 2030.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation is a cornerstone of modernizing public infrastructure and fostering social and economic inclusion. Through ambitious initiatives, many countries are driving digitization, leading to increased transparency and sustainable growth.
Mauritania has reached a major milestone in its digital transformation journey with the official launch of the Digital-Y project on Thursday, January 16, in Nouakchott. Overseen by the Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde (photo, center), the initiative aims to modernize public services, promote digital inclusion, and lay the foundation for transparent and efficient governance.
According to Ahmed Salem Ould Bedde, the project underscores the Mauritanian government's commitment to integrating digital tools into public administration to modernize services, strengthen administrative transparency, and drive economic and social development. He emphasized the importance of making these services accessible to all, particularly to reduce regional disparities and foster true digital inclusion.
The Digital-Y project is funded to the tune of €4 million and is being carried out in partnership with the German cooperation. It aligns with Mauritania's national digital transformation strategy, focusing on developing tailored solutions for public services, establishing unified standards, and enhancing the digital capacities of both institutions and citizens. Additionally, the program seeks to boost the national economy through e-commerce and foster strategic partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and technical and financial partners.
Despite ongoing challenges, this initiative represents a significant step forward for Mauritania as it strives to transform its public services into modern, efficient, and inclusive tools. The project is expected to improve Mauritania's e-Government Development Index (EGDI) ranking from the United Nations. In 2024, the country ranked 165th out of 193 countries with a score of 0.3491 out of 1, compared to 172nd in 2022. These advancements underscore the country's efforts to bridge its digital gap and align with international standards.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
On the cusp of a major digital transformation, Gabon is leveraging innovative technological solutions to modernize its public services. The goal is to position itself as a regional leader in e-governance, streamline access to administrative procedures, and enhance transparency.
Gabon is set to launch a digital public services platform in the first half of 2025. This initiative was announced, on January 15, in Libreville, during the second meeting of the Steering Committee in charge of the implementation of Gabon’s digital program Gabon Digital. The goal is to modernize the administration and provide all citizens with online access to administrative services.
"We will focus on digital payment systems, the national digital identity system, and implementing a public services platform," explained General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies. "Our objective is to enable anyone, anywhere in the world, to connect with public services in real-time."
This platform is part of the program "Gabon Digital", which was launched last November with initial funding of 44 billion CFA francs (approximately $72.4 million) from the World Bank. This initiative reflects Gabon's ambition to solidify its leadership in e-governance in Africa. Although Gabon dropped from 11th to 15th place in the United Nations' E-Government Survey 2024, it remains a leader in Central Africa for digital initiatives.
The upcoming portal will allow Gabonese citizens to securely perform administrative tasks online, streamlining data processing and reducing the need for in-person visits. Key areas of focus include health (e-health), digital payments, and digital identity. The project aims to modernize public services while enhancing their efficiency and transparency.
By Samira Njoya
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji