News (1356)
Morocco is firmly committed to digital transformation. Recognizing that human resources are the cornerstone of this endeavor, the country is implementing initiatives to modernize educational programs by integrating digital skills from an early age.
The University of Moulay Ismail signed a partnership agreement with Cisco Network Academy, a global online learning platform offered by American technology giant Cisco Systems, on Wednesday, May 8.
This collaboration, established during a visit by a Cisco Network Academy delegation to Morocco, is designed to equip students and faculty with in-demand digital skills in critical areas like computer networking, artificial intelligence, programmable infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
The initiative aligns perfectly with Morocco's "Pacte Esri 2030," the National Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of the Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Ecosystem by 2030. This strategic plan emphasizes preparing students with the necessary personal, cross-disciplinary, and digital skills to meet the evolving demands of the job market, reflecting both royal directives and the global digital revolution.
The partnership builds upon a tripartite agreement signed last December between the Moroccan Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and Cisco.
Furthermore, this new collaboration aims to strengthen the training and certification programs offered through the "Centres code 212" hosted by Moroccan universities. Students and teachers will gain free, unlimited access to Cisco's partner training programs, along with support in preparing for industry-recognized certifications.
By prioritizing youth training and upskilling the population in digital capabilities, Morocco seeks to cultivate a robust pool of graduates equipped with specialized knowledge in innovative fields. This initiative aims to accelerate the nation's digital transformation journey and position Morocco as an attractive destination for both domestic and international investors.
Samira Njoya
At the 2nd Digital Entrepreneurship and Artificial Intelligence Fair in May 2023, the Benin government unveiled its project for an AI-based conversational.
Benin is embarking on a project to develop artificial intelligence (AI) systems that prioritize local languages. This collaborative effort brings together the Information and Digital Systems Agency (ASIN),the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalization, Sèmè City, and iSHEERO, a group specializing in data science and AI expertise.
The data collection phase for local languages was launched on Wednesday, May 8th and the gathered information will be used to train large language models (LLMs) powered by AI.
This national initiative aligns with Benin's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, adopted in January 2023. The strategy aims to harness the potential of AI in various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, and tourism. Additionally, it seeks to position Benin as a leader in AI development within West Africa.
A March 2024 report, "AI and the Future of Government: Unexpected Effects and Critical Challenges", published by the Moroccan think tank Policy Paper, highlights the challenges faced by countries with limited language data when implementing AI models. Benin falls into this category, and this participatory campaign aims to address the potential digital divide arising from AI applications.
"The efficacy of these AI technologies hinges on the availability and quality of data, requiring datasets (corpus) that are not only extensive but also diverse and representative, to ensure their applicability across a wide spectrum of languages and contexts," the report emphasizes.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Digital solutions tailored for MSMEs can empower businesses across Africa to leverage online platforms, expand their market reach, and drive economic growth by creating job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship.
Tappi has partnered with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to launch the Sukuma Biz initiative.
The initiative, announced on May 2, is set to provide tailored digital services to KNCCI’s 30,000 business members to enhance their online credibility and identity. This digital commerce solution for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) enables business owners to easily customize their online presence through a user-friendly app, seamlessly integrating with Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads using airtime credit or mobile money.
“KNCCI is one of Kenya’s most trusted industry bodies and with its extensive network of local businesses, they’re an ideal partner to accelerate our mission of empowering MSMEs to effectively establish strong reputations of their own in an online setting,” said Griffith.
For a monthly fee of KES500 (US$4), KNCCI members gain exclusive benefits, including a personalized business landing page on tappi’s platform adorned with the KNCCI logo. Members also receive 50 customer reviews via SMS, WhatsApp, or other channels, seamlessly integrated into their landing page, and can send 250 text marketing messages directly to their customers.
Using tappi’s SaaS solutions, KNCCI members can swiftly generate SEO-optimized websites within minutes, guided by an intuitive chat tool. Leveraging AI, machine learning, and algorithms, each website's content and design will be tailored to its target audience and industry sector. Members can also distribute Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads effortlessly and access a range of supplementary digital services.
With Kenya positioned as the 74th largest market for eCommerce, boasting a predicted revenue of US$801.4 million by 2024, according to the ECDB (European Company Database), initiatives like Sukuma Biz are well-placed to capitalize on this growing market. This statistic underscores the potential for tappi's tailored digital services to empower MSMEs in Kenya and contribute to the country's economic development and digital growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Gambia has made significant progress in its digital transformation journey. To advance even further, the country is receiving support from the organizations it belongs to, such as ECOWAS.
The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, and the Gambian Minister of Digital Economy, Ousman A. Bah, signed a grant agreement on Friday, May 3, during the 15th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
This $180,000 grant aims to strengthen The Gambia's digital infrastructure and enhance the country's governance through new technologies.
This initiative is part of an ECOWAS strategy to strengthen the digital capabilities of all its member states. It comes at a time when The Gambia is intensifying its efforts to accelerate digital transformation and improve telecommunications infrastructure to provide its population with innovative new services.
Currently, the country is working on a comprehensive digital strategy set to launch in the coming months. Additionally, The Gambia is preparing to connect to a second international fiber optic submarine cable, funded by the World Bank at a cost of $30 to $35 million. The government is also considering enhancing national connectivity via satellites.
The ECOWAS grant is expected to support the implementation of this strategy, which includes digitizing administrative services, improving citizens' digital skills, and creating a standardized digital identification system, among other initiatives.
Samira Njoya
The entry of major e-commerce players into African markets will ignite competition, innovation, and investment in the digital economy, leading to improved online access, job creation, and greater prospects for local businesses. This will play a significant role in fostering digital growth and economic development across the continent.
E-commerce giant, Amazon.com Inc., has launched Amazon.co.za in South Africa, today May 7.
“We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za, along with thousands of independent sellers in South Africa. We provide customers with great value, broad selection including international and local products and a convenient delivery experience," said Managing Director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, Robert Koen, in an Amazon statement.
Following last October’s announcement to expand into the region, the platform offers a wide product range from local and international brands. Customers can access Amazon.co.za via the Amazon Shopping App or browsers, with fast delivery options and 3,000 pickup points.
The launch enables local businesses to reach a wider customer base, featuring South African brands alongside international ones.
Amazon reveals that more than 60% of sales in Amazon’s stores globally are from independent sellers—most of which are small and medium-sized businesses. This underscores the potential for leveraging digital platforms to drive economic growth in Africa and create jobs, as it highlights the significant contribution of independent sellers, primarily small and medium-sized businesses, to overall sales.
By providing opportunities for businesses to thrive on digital platforms, there is the potential to stimulate economic activity, foster entrepreneurship, and generate employment opportunities across the continent.
Hikmatu Bilali
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) offer a powerful engine for progress across Africa. Their potential to improve governance, stimulate economic growth, and drive social development is undeniable. Recognizing this, African governments have a critical role to play in embracing these technologies and adapting to the transformative changes they bring.
SciTech DiploHub, a Barcelona-based organization specializing in science, technology, and international affairs, announced the launch of a Scientific Diplomacy Center for Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 6th.
This new center is a hub designed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders. Scientists, diplomats, policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, and multinational companies will all come together to promote collaborative research and technological development initiatives across Africa.
"The launch signifies a strategic move," declared Alexis Roig (CEO, SciTech DiploHub), pictured left. "It aims to solidify international collaboration between leading research institutions, universities, and companies within Africa's burgeoning scientific and technological landscape."
The project is spearheaded by SciTech DiploHub and boasts a robust network of partners. This includes the municipal governments of Barcelona and Kigali, the Rwandan government, the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) representing over 30 academies continent-wide, and the Association of African Universities encompassing over 400 universities in 50 African nations. Additionally, over 30 Spanish universities, organizations, and research centers affiliated with SciTech DiploHub will contribute to the initiative.
The project is propelled by an initial investment exceeding 3 million euros, secured through contributions from founding institutions and co-financing funds provided by the European Commission, aligned with the African Union - European Union Innovation Agenda.
Over the initial three years, the Center plans to train over 2,500 African professionals in the nuances of scientific and technological diplomacy. Additionally, it will support the development of innovative science policy strategies for roughly 20 national and local governments throughout the region.
Samira Njoya
Various initiatives have been implemented in recent years to foster technological innovation in Africa. One of them in Timbuktoo, which was launched last January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
On Friday, May 3rd, Beninese authorities and the United Nations Development Programme inaugurated the University Innovation Pod (UniPod), an innovation hub located on the campus of Abomey-Calavi. The goal is to help young people express their creativity and talents by bringing innovation projects to life.
"UniPod Benin arrives at a perfect moment," said Félicien Avléssi, Rector of the University of Abomey-Calavi. "It undoubtedly serves as a true engine of development for our university. This hub's contributions will be crucial in achieving our ambition to remain at the forefront of technological innovation in Benin and Africa."
The UniPod complex offers a comprehensive space for young innovators. It features a coworking space, a design lab equipped with computers featuring specific professional software and 3D printers to facilitate industrial and electronic design projects, a makerspace that brings together several manufacturing workshops with appropriate equipment, and a technology transfer office that will protect innovation and bring it to market or closer to industry and the private sector.
The implementation of this project is part of the Timbuktoo initiative, which aims to mobilize and invest $1 billion in catalytic and commercial capital to fill critical gaps and support the startup ecosystem on the continent. With the rise of challenges in securing funding for African startups, initiatives like UniPod are crucial for fostering a vibrant landscape of technological innovation on the continent.
Apart from Benin, 15 African countries are expected to host Unipods. They are notably Mali, South Sudan, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Togo, Liberia, Lesotho, Guinea, Zambia, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, and Gabon.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Across Africa, microfinance has the potential to be a game-changer for financial inclusion. These institutions offer services that can empower vulnerable individuals by providing them with a safety net against life's unexpected challenges.
On Friday, May 3rd, telecommunications operator Orange Guinea officially launched Orange MicroFinances Guinée (OMIG), its microfinance program. This initiative leverages Orange Money to deliver accessible and inclusive financial services to local communities.
"Credit and insurance remain underutilized within mobile financial services, despite their vast potential for African populations," explained Ousmane Boly Traore, CEO of Orange Guinea. "Through OMIG, we aim to empower micro-entrepreneurs, particularly women, by offering them credit and savings solutions tailored for success, wherever Orange Money operates."
OMIG will provide a range of services accessible through the Orange Money app or USSD menu, targeting micro-entrepreneurs and those without access to traditional banking. This includes loans, money transfers, and savings options. These services aim to simplify and streamline business development and financial goals. Customers will benefit from a fully digital experience, competitive loan and savings rates, and the ability to manage repayments, accounts, and track loans directly within the app.
By introducing OMIG, Orange aims to drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Guinean communities. The diverse services offered by OMIG are expected to further encourage and stimulate entrepreneurship within the country.
Samira Njoya
By streamlining cross-border payments and reducing reliance on third-party currencies, initiatives like these promote financial inclusion and stability. Moreover, they pave the way for greater investment, innovation, and collaboration in key sectors, ultimately driving sustainable development across the continent.
India and Ghana have decided to fast-track the linkage of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with Ghana’s Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS). This will facilitate real-time fund transfers between users in both nations within a six-month timeframe. The decision was made during a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting held in Accra from May 2-3.
This step is a part of India’s broader strategy to globalize its UPI system, which has already made its mark in countries such as France, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
The JTC meeting also brought to the table potential agreements on digital transformation solutions and the adoption of the Local Currency Settlement System (LCCS) under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The LCCS is designed to enable cross-border transactions in local currencies, thereby reducing dependence on third-party currencies.
The meeting identified several sectors for increased bilateral trade, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, ICT, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
According to the World Bank, in a press release dated April 28, 2022, Ghana stands out as a digital frontrunner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with its digital sector demonstrating robust growth, averaging 19 percent annually from 2014 to 2020.
The 2020 Payment Systems Oversight Annual Report by the Bank of Ghana reveals that the Ghana GhIPSS experienced a 103% surge in processed transactions by the end of 2020. The platforms handled a total of 77 million transactions, double the 2019 figure of 38 million. This surge suggests a shift towards digital transactions, highlighting the increasing adoption of digital financial services and the expanding digital economy in Ghana.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Burundian government has pledged to modernize services offered to citizens. However, several regions of the country still lack comprehensive internet coverage and digital skills, limiting access to digital services in these areas.
On Monday, April 29, the Ministry of Communication, Information Technology, and Media announced the launch of a national survey on ICT access and usage among households, businesses, and public administrations in Burundi. This initiative aims to assess the state of digital service usage and access while identifying the knowledge and needs of the Burundian population.
According to Thierry Kitamoya (photo), Assistant to the Minister for ICT, this survey is part of the Digital Economy Foundations Support Project (PAFEN), financed by the World Bank to the tune of $92 million. The PAFEN aims to expand broadband internet access for underserved populations, enhance the government's capacity to provide digital services, and lay the groundwork for accelerated digital economy development in Burundi.
The survey, which began on April 29, will continue until May 17, led by the Burundian Center for Population and Development Studies (CERPED) and the Tunisian company SFM Technologies. The survey will target varied samples across different communes and provinces to provide a comprehensive overview of ICT access and usage in Burundi.
The survey results will inform the design and goals of digital access programs, the formulation of new broadband policies, and the assessment of ICT penetration levels in Burundi.
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Access to high-speed internet connectivity is now indispensable in Africa, where digital transformation is accelerating. However, the high cost of internet remains a significant barrier for a population eager to take advantage of new technologies.
The Malagasy government has rescinded its recent decision to raise the price of a gigabyte of data to $0.95, reversing a policy introduced last month. This U-turn was announced by the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications (MNDPT) in a statement following a review of internet service providers' pricing practices in the country.
"The government found that the artificially high prices maintained by telecommunications operators did not reflect the commitments made during negotiations. As a result, this measure aims to restore fair competition and reduce costs for end users," said the MNDPT statement.
Initially, the government had decided to raise the price of a gigabyte from $0.45 to $0.95, justifying this measure by arguing that it would promote a more equitable distribution of internet access across the country. However, this decision made internet access increasingly difficult for many Malagasy citizens, further widening the existing digital divide.
In response to their customers' needs, several providers did not implement the new rates. According to data from Kepios, a consultancy specializing in digital usage studies, Madagascar had 3.8 million social media users as of January 2024. Following the price hike, many internet users were forced to cut back on their internet-related expenses or visit cybercafés, thus turning what was once a widely accessible service into a luxury product in Madagascar.
The suspension of this decision is expected to pave the way for new discussions between the government and the country's mobile operators. A potential reduction in prices should help liberalize the market and allow various users to reconnect with the internet, which is a crucial tool for students, traders, and local startup founders.
Samira Njoya
These initiatives address barriers to tech education and careers while emphasizing the pivotal role of AI skills in driving innovation and prosperity. It lays the foundation for a thriving tech hub and contributes to economic growth and technological advancement.
The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with Google and Data Science Nigeria, launched on April 30, the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series. The program, presented in Hausa, aims to make AI education more inclusive in Northern Nigeria, making technology more culturally relevant and accessible to women in the region.
Governor of the state, Uba Sani, highlighted the government's commitment to digital transformation and economic growth. He emphasized the importance of equipping women with AI skills to drive innovation and prosperity. “AI is not just the future; it’s the present. By equipping our people, especially our women, with AI skills, we’re paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative Northern Nigeria and laying the foundation for Kaduna to become a thriving tech hub,” he said.
Northern Nigeria encounters several challenges that hinder tech education and career opportunities, such as socio-cultural complexities, and language barriers among others. Unicef's 2022 report on Education Opportunities for Out-of-School Children (OOSC) reveals that one in three children in Nigeria are not attending school, with 66% of them located in the Northeast and Northwest regions, and over 50% being girls. This highlights the need for education and skills development, particularly in the tech sector, for women in Northern Nigeria as these skills and literacy are crucial for digital development.
Through engaging culturally relevant imagery and animations, the series seeks to make digital concepts relatable, encouraging women's participation in the tech sector. The Series is available on platforms like YouTube and in Kaduna State schools
The initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering Northern Nigerian women with essential digital skills, fostering economic growth and technological innovation in the region.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital technologies are driving the rapid transformation of Africa's economy. Recognizing this, African leaders are ramping up efforts to establish high-quality digital services and expand access to high-speed internet.
African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ministers have set a target to boost the continent’s internet access by 20% within the next five years. This resolution was reached at the Connected Africa 2024 summit, which took place in Nairobi from April 21 to 25. The summit concluded with a declaration aimed at fostering a digitally connected and empowered Africa, setting several ambitious goals for the continent’s digital transformation.
Kenya’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, underscored the significance of collaboration in propelling Africa’s digital transformation during the summit’s closing ceremony. According to the official, by harmonizing digital policies across the continent, the continent can expedite its aspiration to become a leading global trade power under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He also disclosed a plan to equip one million young Africans with digital skills by 2027 ,through capacity building, to advance the collective vision of a digitally empowered Africa by 2030.
The 14 African ICT ministers who attended the Connected Africa 2024 summit will follow a comprehensive digital empowerment roadmap. This roadmap includes agreements, commitments, and political resolutions, such as initiatives to integrate digital skills into educational curricula, develop broadband infrastructure, facilitate digital trade via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and encourage research and innovation in artificial intelligence.
The fourth edition of the Connected Africa summit is in line with Africa’s Digital Strategy 2063 and the African Union’s Vision 2030. The aim is to synchronize the efforts of African nations to hasten digital transformation and bridge the digital divide across the continent.
Samira Njoya
Robust ID systems can curb cybercrime and boost Africa's economic development by enhancing security and trust in digital transactions. Accurate identification enables targeted resource allocation, fostering financial inclusion and driving economic growth.
The Central Bank of Uganda, BoU, recently mandated a government-issued ID presentation for digital transactions exceeding one million Ugandan shillings ($260). The move, announced on April 19, aims to combat digital payment fraud in line with regulatory requirements.
The institution revealed in a tweet that it has “observed a rise in the usage of mobile money platforms for online fraud and scams. Mobile money systems have occasionally been the target of cybercrime carried out by agents working with criminals.”
Valid national IDs or passports are now necessary for transactions surpassing one million Ugandan shillings.
KPMG, in its Africa Cyber Security Outlook 2022 Survey, reveals that East Africa has the highest proportion of cyber-attacks in Africa, with 31% reported incidents. Also, despite 39 out of 54 African countries having cyber security legislation, Africa's adoption of such policies stands at 72%, the lowest globally.
Strengthening cybersecurity measures is crucial to enhance digital resilience and protect financial systems and individuals from future threats.
Hikmatu Bilali