News (1573)
About two weeks ago, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) presented its financing needs and business opportunities in the digital sector in China. The country plans to implement several major projects.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, is seeking opportunities in the United States to advance the country's digital sector. From Friday, September 20 to Friday, September 27, he is in New York, leveraging his participation in the 79th United Nations General Assembly to meet with key partners at Google’s Manhattan office, as well as with various government and international organizations. The discussions will focus on innovative solutions for digital cooperation.
The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy has stated that the visit will also showcase investment opportunities within the DRC's digital sector. Kibassa Maliba is set to participate in a bilateral meeting between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Polish President Andrzej Duda at the Polish consulate in New York.
The DRC has made digital transformation a core part of its strategy for economic diversification. The sector is viewed as a key growth driver for the country’s future. Priorities include improving high-speed connectivity across the nation to enhance digital inclusion, transforming public services, and opening the market to international investors offering high-value digital products and services.
According to the GSMA, broadband availability combined with digital technologies could boost agricultural yields by 10.5% to 20% and increase profits by 23% in sub-Saharan Africa. In small and medium-sized enterprises, internet access and digital solutions could enhance labor productivity by 2% to 4%. The DRC stands to benefit from similar growth.
In its national digital plan, the DRC government aims to make digital technology "a lever for integration, good governance, economic growth, and social progress." The country requires expertise and funding to realize this vision, and the discussions and potential agreements formed in New York could significantly contribute to these efforts.
Muriel Edjo
Raxio Group is continuing its expansion in Africa, having already deployed data centers in Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Data center operator Raxio Group announced earlier today the inauguration of its data center in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, as part of its African expansion strategy. Raxio Côte d'Ivoire (CIV1) aims to meet the growing demand for connectivity, storage, and data processing in Côte d'Ivoire and across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
Certified as a Tier 3 facility, CIV1 offers neutrality regarding telecom operators and cloud services. The data center can accommodate up to 800 racks and provide 3 MW of computing power.
"Abidjan is the ideal location for organizations and businesses from across the economic region to colocate their mission-critical infrastructure in a highly reliable and secure facility. We are proud to contribute a fundamental cornerstone to facilitate Côte d’Ivoire’s continued digital growth and cement its hub status in the region," said Robert Mullins, CEO of Raxio Group.
CIV1 is Raxio Group's fifth data center in Africa. Its inauguration follows the launch of DRC1, Raxio's data center in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), about a month earlier. This expansion aligns with Raxio's 2019 commitment to build 10 to 12 data centers across the continent to meet the increasing demand for digital services.
These investments come amid a significant shortfall in supply, caused by the late adoption of data centers in the region. As of mid-2023, Africa hosted less than 2% of the global colocation data center capacity, with more than half located in South Africa, according to the "Data Centres in Africa Focus Report" by Oxford Business Group, published in April 2024. The report also notes that Africa needs 1,000 MW and 700 facilities to meet demand and bring capacity density in line with that of South Africa, the region's leader.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
The first-ever Arewa Tech Fest is scheduled for September 25 and 26, 2024, in Kano, Nigeria. To support young Nigerian innovators, a tech fund will be launched as part of the event.
On Monday, September 23, the Arewa Tech Fest, a technology festival in northern Nigeria, announced the launch of a $50 million fund named the Arewa Tech Fund. The initiative aims to foster a strong digital ecosystem in the region.
“The Arewa Tech Fund represents a significant step towards harnessing the potential of our youth and fostering a culture of innovation that will not only benefit Northern Nigeria but also have a far-reaching impact across the nation. We are committed to investing in solutions that drive sustainable growth, and this fund will play a vital role in building the next generation of tech leaders and innovators,” said Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State and one of the project’s initiators.
This initiative comes at a time when investment in Africa’s tech sector has been declining. According to the Africa 2023 Investment Report Crisis or Adjustment by Briter Bridges, this drop is not due to a lack of sector appeal but rather the absence of mega-deals ($100 million+ funding rounds) as global venture capital markets slow down.
This global slowdown has impacted African start-ups, with 89% of venture capital in the continent’s tech ecosystem coming from foreign sources, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In Nigeria, start-ups raised $1.8 billion in 2021, $1.2 billion in 2022, and just $469 million in 2023, according to Partech Africa data.
The Arewa Tech Fund will provide local innovators with the capital and resources necessary to develop their tech projects. In the long term, the fund is expected to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the region.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The ongoing digital transformation in Senegal requires significant funding to reach its full potential. To advance the projects, the country needs strategic partners.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye (photo, left) met with Bill Gates (photo, right), founder of the Gates Foundation, on Monday, September 23, during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to a statement from the Senegalese presidency, the meeting focused on several strategic areas of cooperation, including optimizing agriculture through artificial intelligence, improving sanitation infrastructure with digital solutions, and integrating technology to modernize other key economic sectors.
This collaboration aligns with the new government's ambitions to position Senegal as a digital hub in Africa, speeding up its digital transformation. The program outlined by President Faye includes international partnerships to support the digitalization of essential sectors, aiming to increase the digital sector's contribution to GDP to over 10% in the coming years.
If discussions progress as expected, the Gates Foundation could play a key role in this transformation, particularly by integrating artificial intelligence to boost agricultural productivity and improve access to essential services. The Foundation is also expected to provide technical and financial support to strengthen the country's technological capacities, accelerating the modernization of infrastructure and priority sectors.
Active in Africa since its inception in 2000, the Gates Foundation is one of the world's largest philanthropic organizations. It has supported numerous projects across the continent, from fighting infectious diseases to improving access to information and communication technologies (ICT) for vulnerable populations.
Samira Njoya
Founded in Cameroon, in 2017, ST Digital has now expanded its operations to include Congo, Togo, Benin, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire.
Cameroon-based cloud service provider ST Digital launched, last week, operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company will leverage the OADC Texaf Kinshasa, a neutral, open-access Tier 3 data center inaugurated in August 2024.
"The DRC's digital transformation creates immense opportunities for content providers, and our expansion into this market is a key element of our growth strategy. By partnering with OADC Texaf Kinshasa, we can ensure that our content reaches audiences with the speed, security, and quality they expect," said Jean-Francis Ahanda (photo), general manager of data center services at ST Digital
With that launch, ST Digital continues to expand its African footprint that includes countries like Cameroon, Congo, Togo, Benin, Gabon and across Africa, already operating in several countries, including Cameroon, Congo, Togo, Benin, Gabon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The expansion comes at a time of rapid digital transformation, with growing demand for cloud services, particularly among businesses. According to the "Africa Cloud Business Survey 2023" by UK-based consultancy PwC, published in February 2024, 50% of companies in Africa have already adopted cloud services for all or most of their operations. Additionally, 61% of companies on the continent are expected to have fully migrated to the cloud within the next two years.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
To succeed in its digital transition, Morocco must rely on a skilled workforce in digital professions. By training talent tailored to market needs, the country aims to align the skills of its graduates with the growing demands of the digital economy.
The Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform and the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering (FRDISI), signed a partnership agreement on Friday, September 20, in Rabat. The initiative aims to support research and development in the field of digital transformation.
"The agreement will oversee 18 doctoral thesis projects in digital-related fields, with a monthly stipend of 7,000 dirhams (around $722), along with guidance and supervision over three years," the ministry said in a statement.
This new agreement is part of the Moroccan government's efforts to enhance the skills and talents of young people in the sectors of digitalization and new technologies. It is also a key component of the upcoming national digital strategy, titled "Morocco Digital 2030," set to be launched in the coming days.
The strategy aims to train 45,000 digital talents annually, transition 50,000 young people into digital professions, and attract 6,000 new foreign talents each year. It places a strong emphasis on developing a talented and creative youth to bolster Morocco's global competitiveness.
By investing in its youth, particularly through its doctoral candidates, Morocco is betting on innovation and advanced research to strengthen its international competitiveness. This strategy seeks not only to meet the job market's skills demands but also to cultivate a workforce capable of sharing its knowledge. The goal is to position the kingdom as a key player in the technology sector, attracting foreign investment and fostering the emergence of innovative solutions.
Samira Njoya
Integrating digital tools into education contributes to long-term economic development. It ensures that the youth - who make up a significant portion of the African population - are well-equipped for the demands of the 21st-century economy.
The government of Ghana launched on September 17 the Ghana Knowledge and Skills Bank portal, a platform providing free access to educational materials and tutoring services. The GKSB aims to improve learning for students from basic to tertiary levels, as part of Ghana’s digitalization efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, hailed the GKSB as a milestone in Ghana’s digital transformation, saying “This portal contains valuable information in line with the approved curriculum for Ghanaian students. It also grants access to over 5 millions online library archives, learning resources and tools.”
As part of the $200 million World Bank-backed Ghana Digital Acceleration Project, the GKSB seeks to expand digital infrastructure and educational access nationwide, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive education.
Developed by Npontu Technologies, the GKSB is designed to work offline, allowing students in remote areas to download materials without needing constant internet access. It will include educational materials from reputable sources like Cambridge University Press, Cengage Learning, and others. With this launch, Ghana becomes the 2nd African country after Egypt, to implement a national digital education system, reinforcing its leadership in digital innovation across the continent.
As of 2024, about 30.2% of Ghanaians (approximately 10.39 million people) remained offline, with rural communities being the most affected by this digital divide, according to DataReportal. Without consistent internet access, many rural students may struggle to engage with online learning opportunities, limiting their benefits from digital education initiatives. This underscores the urgency of expanding digital infrastructure in these areas, as part of projects like the GKSB, which aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance access to educational and economic opportunities across the country.
This initiative is expected to play a critical role in elevating educational standards in Ghana, aligning with international digital learning platforms, and contributing to the nation’s growing tech innovation capacity.
Hikmatu Bilali
Wi-Fi, a ubiquitous wireless connection system, remains a subject of debate worldwide. Its increasing use has raised concerns about potential health risks. However, recent studies offer reassuring findings.
Wi-Fi waves are not carcinogenic and pose no health risks, according to a comprehensive study recently published by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research, led by Australian scientist Ken Karipidis and conducted by an international team of experts, aimed to assess the potential link between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and the risk of the most studied forms of cancer.
“The objective of this review was to assess the quality and strength of the evidence provided by human observational studies for a causal association between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and risk of the most investigated neoplastic diseases,” the report highlights.
This study is a large-scale systematic review, based on the analysis of more than 5,000 publications on the subject, spanning from 1994 to 2022. Focusing specifically on around 60 of the most comprehensive and exhaustive studies, researchers concluded that Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies are safe for human health.
Over a decade ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified radiation from mobile phones, cell towers, and Wi-Fi as “potentially carcinogenic,” fueling widespread public concern. However, the findings of this new WHO study put an end to such debates. The authors confirm that current scientific evidence demonstrates no increased risk of cancer from exposure to electromagnetic fields generated by wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi.
A Necessary Clarification to Ease Concerns
This report comes at a crucial time, as concerns over the health impact of wireless technologies remain prevalent in some sectors of the population. The increasing number of connected devices in homes and workplaces has raised questions about the potential long-term effects of electromagnetic waves.
By definitively concluding that Wi-Fi and similar waves are safe, the WHO study offers reassuring insights and should help dispel lingering fears. However, the authors call for continued research to monitor the effects of emerging technologies, such as 5G, ensuring ongoing surveillance of any potential health impacts.
Samira Njoya
Amidst the rapid digital transformation, numerous projects and programs have been launched to equip African populations with digital skills. Various organizations are providing funding to support these initiatives.
Togo-based private university, Lomé Business School has secured €1.6 million in funding from the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) through the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) program. This funding, obtained in partnership with the Malagasy edtech startup Sayna, will support the "EduJobTech" project that aims to train young Togolese for careers in the digital sector.
The EduJobTech program plans to train 860 young people over two years, focusing on web development, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. The project also involves renovating and equipping 16 digital hubs across six cities in Togo, including Lomé, Atakpamé, Sokodé, Kara, and Dapaong. To promote gender inclusion in the digital sector, 30 percent of the program’s spots will be reserved for young women. Additionally, 1,000 Sayna licenses will be provided free of charge during the training.
Funding for the project comes from AUDA-NEPAD, the German development bank KfW, and the European Union. Notably, this is not the first time Lomé Business School has secured financial support. In 2022, it received funding from the European investment fund I&P (Investisseurs et Partenaires) to digitalize its offerings and launch an e-learning platform.
By equipping young Togolese with essential digital skills, the program aims to enhance their employability and contribute to the growth of the country's digital economy.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
Africa lacks skills in emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, which are increasingly essential for the global economy. Developing a skilled workforce will enhance African nations' competitiveness, attract investment, and drive international collaborations as these technologies transform industries.
The Hub for Digital Excellence Academy (HFDE) has partnered with the India Blockchain Alliance (IBA) to advance digital education and training across Africa, the hub announced on September 5. The partnership aims to equip African youths with skills in emerging technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), enhancing their employability in the digital economy.
"The collaboration aims to stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster innovation. With Africa’s youth at the forefront, the partnership is set to position the continent as a major player in the global digital economy," said HFDE.
The collaboration follows the launch of HFDE's Digital Excellence and Emerging Technology (DEET) Academy, which focuses on providing practical, industry-relevant skills. Through this initiative, participants will gain hands-on experience in blockchain, AI, verifiable credentials, and real-world asset tokenization.
Founded in 2018, the India Blockchain Alliance is a leading organization in the blockchain sector. It will support HFDE's efforts by offering webinars and courses designed to address the growing demand for talent in tech-driven fields. The courses will cover topics including blockchain's global impact, AI’s applications across industries, and innovations in credential verification.
According to the 2023 report “Digitalization and Digital Skills Gaps in Africa” by the nonprofit Brookings Institution, the demand for jobs requiring digital skills grew significantly between 2010 and 2020. During this period, the percentage of jobs needing low digital skills declined from 47.6% to 31.6%, highlighting a shift toward roles that require higher digital competencies. The shift in job demand underscores the need for educational institutions to revamp curricula and prioritize digital skills training.
Additionally, the World Economic Forum notes that Africa has the world’s youngest population, with over 60% of its people under 25. By 2035, more young Africans are expected to enter the workforce each year than the rest of the world combined. The influx of young people into the workforce by 2035 underscores the urgent need for targeted educational initiatives in digital training.
Training in blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies not only enhances employability but also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, offering pathways out of poverty and into meaningful, high-value jobs. By equipping individuals with cutting-edge skills, this collaboration could stimulate economic growth across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and supply chain management.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Senegal's government launched the third annual Digital Back-to-School event on Thursday, September 19. The theme for this year's event was 'The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Employment Challenges.
Senegal is undergoing a significant shift towards artificial intelligence (AI), according to the government, which is calling for a complete overhaul of the national education system to keep pace with the technological advancements.
Bitilokho Ndiaye, Director of Digital Economy Promotion and Partnerships, made the announcement on Thursday at the 3rd edition of the "Digital Back-to-School" event.
"Our country has already turned towards AI, but it's crucial to accelerate this transition," Ndiaye said. "Ensuring no one is left behind means revamping our education system."
AI has become a driving force in digital transformation worldwide. While Africa currently accounts for only 2.5% of the global AI market, according to the GSMA, emerging applications could boost the continent's economy by up to $2.9 trillion by 2030.
"We cannot afford to miss this revolution. AI offers immense opportunities to enhance productivity, innovate in public services, and address local challenges like providing universal access to quality healthcare," Ndiaye added.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In 2021, according to research firm Xalam Analytics, Africa accounted for only 1% of the world’s data center space. As countries across the continent strive for digital sovereignty, they are increasingly seeking partnerships to host a greater number of these critical infrastructures.
Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli discussed plans on Wednesday, September 18, to create a green data center in collaboration with a global consortium. The new infrastructure will rely on renewable energy and aims to export data storage and processing services. The initiative aligns with Egypt's goal of boosting its digital services exports to $9 billion by 2026.
Data centers have become increasingly important in Africa due to the continent's growing digital sovereignty drive. As highlighted in the "Data Centres in Africa" report by Oxford Business Group, commissioned by the Africa Data Centres Association, data sovereignty regulations which require data to be stored locally or within Africa's five sub-regions will drive demand for localized data storage services. Africa currently has just over 100 data centers, with more than half located in South Africa.
Egypt, strategically positioned at the crossroads of telecommunications cables connecting Africa, Asia, and Europe, could serve as a key hub for global data center providers. Several major players, including Huawei, Amazon Web Services, Google, Oracle, and Microsoft, have established data center infrastructure across the continent in recent years, with locations in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Angola. Egypt's geographical and digital strategy offers a compelling alternative for global providers looking to expand in Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Enhancing data protection compliance fosters trust among consumers and businesses, which is vital for the expansion of the digital economy. It ensures that data is managed responsibly and securely.
Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed an agreement with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) yesterday, September 18, to train 5,000 youths as data protection professionals. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to boost job creation in the digital sector.
For Ayodele Olawande, the minister of state for youth development, who signed on behalf of the Ministry, “..this initiative is aimed at equipping 5000 youths with the requisite technical skills for jobs in the data protection ecosystem.”
The NDPC has authorized the Institute of Information Management to certify these professionals, aiming to enhance local capacity and competitiveness.“We have already licensed an in-country certification body who will issue globally recognized certificates to eligible trainees,” said Vincent Olatunji, the CEO of NDPC.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital transformation, a key focus of the United Nations for the past three decades, emphasizes the modernization of public services as a crucial driver of development. While Africa has historically trailed behind other regions in this area, the gap is rapidly closing.
Gabon, South Africa, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Ghana remain leaders in the implementation of e-government within their respective regions, according to the "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development" report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). These countries were already the leaders in the 2022 survey.
South Africa continues to lead both in Southern Africa and across the continent, boasting a very high development index. Mauritius remains the frontrunner in East Africa, while Tunisia retains its top spot in North Africa, climbing one position in the continental rankings to third, after being fourth in 2022. Ghana, the leader in West Africa, ranks seventh continentally, while Gabon leads in Central Africa, though it has dropped to fifteenth overall, down from eleventh in 2022.
These five nations stand out due to their e-government development index (EGDI) scores, which exceed the African average of 0.4247 (on a scale of 1.0000). Their strengths lie in telecommunications infrastructure, human capital development, and online services, approaching the global average of 0.6382.
As regional leaders in e-governance, these countries set an example for others across Africa. Their advancements highlight the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, human capital, and enhancing online services. If this momentum spreads across the continent, it could significantly accelerate Africa's digital transformation, foster economic growth, and support sustainable development.
Samira Njoya