News (1356)
Togo's Minister of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation launched the Nana Tech Program on Friday, aiming to equip young female entrepreneurs with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
The initiative will train participants in digital professions, enabling them to leverage new technologies to enhance their businesses and boost their performance.
"In line with the government’s ambitions, Nana Tech aims to identify and promote female talents in the fields of education and information technologies," said Kafui Ekouhoho, head of the Togo Digital Agency (ATD) and representative for Minister Cina Lawson, at the program's launch.
The "Nana Tech" program draws inspiration from the "Nana Benz," Togolese businesswomen who dominated the textile trade in the 1970s and 80s. "Inspired by this valuable heritage, we aim to perpetuate this culture of excellence in the digital economy by promoting Nanatech," Ekouhoho added.
The program anticipates reaching 1,500 women, empowering them to become key players in Togo's digital transformation.
Support from OMCA
This year, the program is hosted entirely within the Djanta Tech hub, with the Millennium Challenge Account Togo (OMCA-Togo) support as part of its ICT promotion program funded by the MCC's Threshold program.
"The Millennium Challenge Account Togo is honored to work with the digital sector in Togo to accelerate and implement the deep reforms initiated since the beginning of the year," stated Jeanne Ngname Bougonou, Director of OMCA, at the launch of this initiative.
Currently, Nana Tech encompasses five complementary programs:
1. Nana Tech Entrepreneurs: A six-month incubation program for female entrepreneurs, providing support with digital tools.
2. Nana Tech Immersion: An intensive six-day training focused on business management and effective use of digital tools.
3. Nana Tech Ecosystem: Roundtable discussions across the country to strengthen the female entrepreneurial ecosystem.
4. Nana Tech Lab: An online training platform.
5. Nana Tech Talents: A one-month intensive program focused on developing entrepreneurial spirit and digital skills among young startups.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Participation in programs like the AWS Generative AI Accelerator can help African startups gain visibility on a global scale, attracting investors and partners, and ultimately driving economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a $230 million investment to boost generative AI startups globally, AWS announced June 13. The move aims to accelerate innovative AI applications across sectors, supporting startups with AWS credits, mentorship, and resources.
"We'll assist startups in launching and scaling businesses, unleashing new AI applications," said Matt Wood, VP of AI Products at AWS.
The AWS Generative AI Accelerator, a 10-week program, will onboard 80 startups, offering hands-on expertise, mentorship, and up to $1 million in credits each. Applications are open until July 19.
Selected startups gain access to AWS compute, storage, and AI chips like AWS Trainium and AWS Inferentia2, plus Amazon SageMaker.
AWS's dominant 41.5% share of the cloud computing market underscores its significant influence. This level of control suggests that initiatives like the AWS Generative AI Accelerator can shape global AI innovation, including emerging markets like Africa.
Hikmatu Bilali
African countries are experiencing a substantial lag in digital development, a situation attributed to various factors. Effectively addressing these delays requires a clear understanding of these underlying issues.
Niger's Minister of Communication, Posts, and Digital Economy, Sidi Mohamed Raliou, officially launched the Digital Economy Diagnostic of Niger (Niger DE4A) on Wednesday, June 12th, in Niamey.
This initiative aims to comprehensively assess the current state of digital services penetration and usage within the country. "The evaluation will provide policymakers with actionable and prioritized recommendations to accelerate the digital transformation of Niger's government and its socio-economic landscape," emphasized the Ministry of Digital Economy.
The program, supported by the World Bank, aligns with broader efforts to assist African nations in implementing the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy. This strategy seeks to equip every individual, business, and government body on the continent with the necessary digital skills by 2030, ultimately contributing to lifting Africa out of underdevelopment.
The digital economy diagnostic will unfold in three key phases. The first phase involves consultations with relevant stakeholders to gather essential data. This will be followed by the development of a detailed report outlining current challenges and opportunities in Niger's digital landscape. Finally, the program will propose concrete strategies and measures to maximize the country's potential for digital development.
The overall goal of the assessment is to identify and address obstacles hindering Niger's digital progress. Key challenges include insufficient technological infrastructure, limited digital skills among the population, and restrictive regulations. Overcoming these hurdles will not only enhance government efficiency but also stimulate innovation and drive economic growth in Niger.
Samira Njoya
In Côte d’Ivoire, digital talents, particularly data analysts, are among the most sought-after in the job market. To strengthen the workforce in this sector, Yango continues to pursue targeted training initiatives.
Ride-hailing platform Yango announced the expansion of its Yango Education program on Wednesday, June 12. The initiative provides free online introductory data analysis courses to Ivorian citizens aged 18 and over who have completed their basic education. The courses are designed by Yango engineers.
"This expansion allows us to offer free access to these courses to a wider community," said Kadotien Soro, Yango's National Director in Côte d'Ivoire. "We believe education is key to driving innovation and creating growth opportunities in the digital economy."
The program offers an 80-hour online data analysis course in Python and SQL, delivered over a one-month period. Yango will select over 1,500 students throughout the year through application reviews and personal interviews. Priority will be given to those aiming for careers in data analysis. The program is also open to Yango's partner drivers, couriers, and their families.
This initiative builds on Yango's commitment to fostering African entrepreneurship by equipping young people with skills to collect, analyze, and visualize data for business development. The first phase of the program benefitted approximately 250 participants.
Samira Njoya
Modernizing the administration to improve efficiency and equip it for the challenges of the new economy is a key focus for Senegal's President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. President Faye is committed to implementing reforms that will optimize governmental effectiveness in this vital area.
Senegal Numérique SA (Sénum SA), the state-run agency responsible for managing Senegal's digital infrastructure, has a new leader. Isidore Diouf (pictured right) took the helm on Friday, June 7, succeeding Cheikh Bakhoum (pictured center) who served for nearly a decade (9 years, 11 months).
Diouf, tasked with executing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's digital policy, outlined his strategic vision. He views digital technology as an engine for development across various sectors, including economic, industrial, healthcare, and education. He positions Sénégal Numérique, designated a "strategic state enterprise," as central to this transformation.
Diouf identified key elements for success: building robust and secure digital infrastructure, acting as a central hub to coordinate government digital programs, fostering collaboration with Information Systems Departments (DSI) within the government, and establishing strong partnerships with stakeholders in the digital space.
Diouf will build upon the accomplishments of his predecessor, Bakhoum, whose initiatives have positioned Senegal as a leader in the West African digital landscape. Notable achievements include the Smart Senegal project, the deployment of nearly 4,400 kilometers of fiber optic cable, the SHARE submarine cable, the construction of the national data center in Diamniadio (commissioned in 2021), and the digitization of numerous administrative procedures.
The new director's focus is on bridging the digital divide within Senegal and diversifying state revenue. According to official 2021 statistics, the digital economy currently contributes about 3.3% to GDP, while internet penetration sits at roughly 46%. The Sénégal Numérique 2025 (SN2025) strategy aims to increase the digital economy's share of GDP to 10%.
Samira Njoya
In July 2023, Sonatel became the first Senegalese operator to acquire a 5G license in the country, for nearly $57 million. In March 2024, it announced the launch of ultra-high-speed commercial internet exclusively for residential and business customers.
Senegalese telecom company Sonatel (Orange) announced the launch of its 5G mobile offers on Saturday, June 8. The operator promises its subscribers "instant download and streaming speeds, as well as increased responsiveness for real-time applications such as online gaming, virtual reality, telemedicine, e-education, and many others."
To access the service, Sonatel subscribers will need 5G-compatible devices and must be in areas already covered by the network. Sonatel's 5G network currently covers the cities of Dakar, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Louga, with 176 sites deployed. The company plans to extend the next-generation mobile network coverage to the entire Dakar region by the end of 2024.
In March, Sonatel announced the launch of commercial 5G services in Senegal, nearly simultaneously with its competitor Saga Africa Holding Limited (Free). However, the initial offers from the historic operator were limited to fixed 5G for residential and business customers. On May 21, Sékou Dramé, the company's CEO, announced the launch of commercial 5G mobile offers for June 1.
The launch of Sonatel's 5G mobile service is expected to democratize the service in a Senegalese telecom market dominated by mobile consumers. It should also help the company strengthen its market-leading position, particularly in the Internet segment. Sonatel claims the status of "first 5G operator in Senegal and, to date, the only one offering 5G services."
According to data from the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (ARTP), Sonatel held a 65.2% share of the Internet market with 19.8 million subscribers as of December 31, 2023. In the mobile phone market, the operator had 12.6 million subscribers, representing a market share of 56.4%.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Digitalization streamlines processes, reducing paperwork, time, and resources required for court proceedings. This efficiency can lead to faster resolution of cases, which is crucial for economic development as it enhances the ease of doing business and fosters investor confidence.
Zimbabwe’s Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has embarked on a campaign to digitalize magistrates courts nationwide, aiming to improve access to judicial information. The campaign was launched across all 10 provinces as the JSC marked its 14th anniversary on June 10.
Chief Magistrate Faith Mushure said, "Digitalization of the magistrates courts will begin on January 1, 2025. This is a critical step towards ensuring efficient, transparent, and accessible justice for all Zimbabweans."
Since its establishment in 2010, the JSC has aimed to provide easy access to courts and judicial services across Zimbabwe, particularly in marginalized areas.
In its DIGITAL ECONOMY FOR ZIMBABWE Country Diagnostic 2021 report, the World Bank reveals that Zimbabwe has the potential to establish a strong digital government, having laid the foundation for a digital ID system, core back-end systems, an accessible government portal, and innovative digital services. This development signals a shift towards modernization and efficiency within the country's governance structures.
Hikmatu Bilali
Africa's digital transformation is gaining momentum, and building a strong digital infrastructure is crucial to achieving the goals outlined in previous strategy documents.
Mauritania plans to install an additional 2,300 kilometers of optic fiber cable nationwide, Minister of Digital Transformation Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Louly announced on June 10th. The plan, unveiled at the launch of a fiber optic training program, aims to connect all wilayas and moughatas to fiber optic infrastructure.
This initiative is part of the Mauritanian government's Digital Agenda 2022-2025, which seeks to leverage digital technology as a catalyst for accelerating the country's socio-economic development. In May 2021, the government established a specialized ministry to oversee all projects related to this vision. Since then, the country has already implemented more than 5,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable as part of its efforts to improve digital infrastructure.
In addition to political will, this progress has been driven by various partnerships. Notable agreements include several partnerships with the United Arab Emirates and France, as well as prospects for enhanced cooperation in the digital sector with the United Nations. On April 2, the Mauritanian minister met with Leila Peters Yahya, the UN system's Resident Coordinator in Mauritania, in Nouakchott to discuss these collaborations.
Under its Digital Agenda 2022-2025, Mauritania planned to lay 4,000 kilometers of backbone infrastructure by 2025 and has outlined plans for an additional 4,000 kilometers in the coming years. The goal is to enhance Internet connectivity and access to international bandwidth, which are essential conditions for the development of e-government, the proliferation of startups, and the emergence of a technological ecosystem in the country.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Digital transformation is a key focus of the development initiatives launched by the Burkinabé government. Ouagadougou aims to rely on World Bank assistance to successfully implement its digital strategy.
Burkina Faso is poised for a significant leap forward in its digital transformation journey. The Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) on Tuesday, June 11th, approved a $150 million loan from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) to fund the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACTDIGITAL).
This ambitious project aims to bridge the digital divide in Burkina Faso by improving accessibility and adoption of digital services nationwide. The focus will be on reaching underserved areas, particularly rural communities, and marginalized groups.
"PACTDIGITAL will directly benefit a wide range of individuals," explained Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane. "This includes women, youth, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and their host communities. Additionally, public employees - civil servants, teachers, and trainers - will gain valuable digital skills. The project also extends to private companies, formal and informal training institutions, local incubators, and associations. Notably, PACTDIGITAL covers the entire country, with security considerations factored in."
Building upon the successes of the West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Project (WARCIP - BF) and the e-Burkina project, PACTDIGITAL will serve as a springboard for further digital initiatives in Burkina Faso. The IDA funding is a critical step towards closing the country's significant digital divide. Official figures show a low mobile connectivity index of 26.2 in 2018. Additionally, 3G and 4G mobile network coverage rates remain low compared to neighboring countries, sitting at 64.3% and 41.5% respectively in 2022.
Samira Njoya
In 2021, Zambia recorded over 10 million cyberattacks, while losses for the financial sector were estimated at approximately $5.6 million between 2020 and the second quarter of 2022, according to the government.
In Zambia, a court has sentenced 22 Chinese nationals and a Cameroonian to prison terms ranging from seven to eleven years, along with fines for cybercrime, as reported by AP News on Saturday, June 8.
These convictions follow a series of investigations that began after a surge in computer fraud cases. Many victims reported unexplained losses of money from their mobile phones and bank accounts. The convicted individuals were part of an Internet fraud network, dismantled last April, which comprised 77 members, mostly Zambians. During the raid that led to their arrest, authorities seized over 13,000 SIM cards, firearms, and ammunition. The online scams orchestrated by this network primarily targeted Zambians, as well as individuals in Singapore, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates.
According to government data, Zambia recorded 10,718,002 cyberattacks in 2021. Also, the financial sector lost more than 150 million kwachas ($5.6 million) between 2020 and the second quarter of 2022.
In 2021, the country enacted the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act, which aims to protect people online, especially children, and to facilitate the identification, reporting, and protection of critical information infrastructures.
Meanwile, the country ranked 10th in Africa and 73rd globally in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 with a score of 68.88%.
Charlène N’dimon
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Jumia, which achieved unicorn status in 2016, has established itself as a leader in the African ecommerce sector. The startup is setting its sights on further growth in Nigeria and Morocco.
Last week, e-commerce platform Jumia announced the opening of two new integrated warehouses in Lagos, Nigeria, and Casablanca, Morocco, aiming to bolster future growth and meet rising demand across the continent.
The Casablanca facility spans 5,000 square meters and will house over 300,000 products. Jumia, which became Africa's first unicorn startup (valued over $1 billion) in 2016, did not disclose details on the capacity of the larger 30,000-square-meter Lagos warehouse.
This expansion aligns with Jumia's strategy to solidify its position as Africa's e-commerce leader. Following its 2016 unicorn status, Jumia made strategic adjustments, including exiting the Jumia Food venture in 2023 due to operational and macroeconomic challenges across its seven markets.
The new warehouses are expected to significantly enhance operations in both Nigeria and Morocco, leading to improved efficiency, cost savings, and faster delivery times. Notably, Partech Africa data shows a 53.29% decline in African e-commerce startup funding in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching $298 million.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Chadian government launched an ambitious Strategic Plan for Digital and Postal Development in 2020, demonstrating its commitment to bridging the country's technological gap.
Chad's Minister of Communications, Digital Economy, and Administration Digitalization, Boukar Michel, met with United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Claver Gatete on the sidelines of the ICANN80 summit in Kigali, Rwanda, yesterday June 10th.
The discussion centered on fostering collaboration to address key challenges and unlock opportunities in Chad's digital sector. Minister Michel presented the country's Strategic Plan for Digital and Postal Development 2020-2030 (PSDNP) and the new president's digital policy platform. This presentation, according to a ministry statement, aimed to showcase Chad's digital ambitions and priorities, outlining both completed and planned initiatives.
Launched in 2020, the PSDNP serves as an ambitious roadmap for Chad's digital transformation. It outlines a series of reforms targeting key sectors like healthcare, education, and telecommunications. These reforms aim to expand access to digital services, bolster technological infrastructure, and cultivate innovation. The government estimates the total cost of implementing these projects at 1452 billion FCFA (US$2.4 billion).
Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their dedication to strengthening cooperation and accelerating Chad's digital transformation journey. This collaboration positions Chad to leverage UNECA's expertise in developing robust digital infrastructure, enhancing digital skills, and more.
Samira Njoya
The African Development Bank, in its efforts to support African countries in their digital transformation process, is entering into various strategic agreements.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and U.S. tech giant Intel have joined forces to equip 3 million Africans and 30,000 civil servants with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, according to a press release issued on June 7. The partnership was finalized during the recent AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi.
"With advancements in digital technology, our world is rapidly evolving, and so is our youthful population, projected to reach 830 million by 2050. To develop skills on a large scale and at the necessary speed, we need everyone's cooperation," said Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development at the AfDB. (Photo, Right)
"The Bank is thrilled to collaborate with Intel to work towards this shared commitment. Together, we are shaping the digital future of Africa and empowering our youth," Fall added.
Acquiring digital skills has become essential with the ongoing technological revolution worldwide. African countries are not left out of this revolution, and with the support of various institutions such as the AfDB, numerous projects are being implemented. In May 2024, the AfDB partnered with the American company Mastercard to implement the MADE (Mobilising Access to the Digital Economy) initiative, which aims to provide digital access to 100 million African people and businesses over the next decade.
This new initiative will, among other things, accelerate growth and productivity by positioning Africans as active contributors to the fourth industrial revolution in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the rise of digitalization, content creators have become an influential segment of the digital economy. However, they face challenges in financial management. Addressing these unique financial needs is crucial for African development, making initiatives like this highly significant.
Mastercard has invested $2.04 million in a partnership with Wowzi, Africa’s influencer marketing platform, and Masria Digital Payments (MDP), Wowzi announced on June 6. The five-year initiative aims to enhance financial management for content creators, providing them with advanced digital tools to manage their earnings.
“Our objective is to empower these digital trailblazers with the financial tools and security they need to thrive in the dynamic payments landscape. This investment aligns with our vision to promote financial inclusion and drive innovation in an ever-evolving digital economy,” said Shehryar Ali, senior vice president and country manager for East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands at Mastercard.
Mastercard’s investment supports the gig economy by offering digital card products (watch and ring cards) for secure and convenient transactions. These cards will allow content creators to receive payments directly from brands, fans, or sponsors, bypassing traditional gateways. Meanwhile, Wowzi will leverage its network to boost content creators' visibility and profitability and MDP will manage the technical aspects, ensuring secure and seamless transactions.
The IFC report "e-Conomy Africa 2020" reveals that Africa's internet economy could reach $180 billion by 2025, contributing 5.2% to the continent's GDP. This underscores the importance of Mastercard's investment in digital solutions for African content creators. This collaboration marks a significant step towards the future of digital finance, combining creativity and technology to empower content creators in Africa.
Hikmatu Bilali