Information and communication technologies (ICT) hold significant potential to foster creativity and learning from an early age. However, in Africa, their integration into education remains limited, hindered by a lack of preparedness and inadequate infrastructure.

SCHOOLAP, a digital platform dedicated to remote education, announced on Friday, December 6, a strategic partnership with the National Union of Secular Private Educational Institutions (UNEPEL) in Burkina Faso. The project aims to modernize more than 1,400 private secular schools across the country through tailored technological solutions.

“Several pilot schools in Ouagadougou are currently being activated with data collection, training for stakeholders, and the provision of educational tablets. Initial feedback has been very positive, particularly regarding tools designed for school directors,” SCHOOLAP stated in a press release.

This initiative aligns with a broader continental push for educational advancement. The African Union has designated 2024 as the "Year of Education," urging nations to intensify efforts to ensure inclusive, quality education. As part of this momentum, the African Union’s Digital Education Strategy (2023–2028) prioritizes the development of digital infrastructure in schools. Goals include equipping at least 50% of schools with high-speed internet by 2027 and ensuring that one-third of students and all teachers have access to digital devices by 2030.

The partnership between SCHOOLAP and UNEPEL represents a significant step forward for Burkina Faso, where digital educational infrastructure remains underdeveloped. By modernizing school management and providing tailored educational tools, this initiative not only enhances teaching but also positions the country within a continental vision focused on the future of education in Africa.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji

Posted On mardi, 10 décembre 2024 09:06 Written by

Africa has a young, tech-savvy population, but a significant skills gap in digital technologies remains. This gap is a barrier to maximizing the continent’s potential. Creating centers for digital skilling can directly address this challenge by providing targeted training for the youth to help accelerate the continent’s digital transformation.

Kenya has launched the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub and the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling to drive Africa's digital and green transformation. Led by the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy (MICDE) in partnership with the UNDP, Konza Technopolis, and other stakeholders, the initiatives were inaugurated by President William S. Ruto on December 6.

President Ruto highlighted Africa’s untapped potential, stating, “Through the timbuktoo GreenTech Hub and the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling, we can harness emerging technological opportunities and invest in ideas that propel Africa as the next frontier of tech-enabled response to the impacts of climate change and enhanced public service delivery.”

Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Africa Regional Director, noted, “Africa’s green and climate tech sectors hold immense potential. The timbuktoo GreenTech Hub will leverage initiatives like the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative to unlock Africa’s green energy capacity.”

The timbuktoo GreenTech Hub, hosted at Konza Technopolis, invites African innovators to develop and scale climate solutions, while the Africa Centre of Competence will train 100,000 Kenyan civil servants in its first phase, expanding to include participants from Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. It will equip civil servants with digital competencies to enhance efficiency and policymaking. Partners like Microsoft and Google are supporting the program to modernize public service delivery.

The timbuktoo GreenTech Hub is vital for Africa’s green transformation as it supports the development of climate-resilient solutions across the continent. Africa is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events, droughts, and rising temperatures. A report from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) highlights that Africa contributes only 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it bears the brunt of the consequences of climate change. The hub aims to accelerate the development of green technologies by providing startups with the resources needed to scale their solutions.

Kenya is strategically positioned as a regional hub for digital and green innovation. The Konza Technopolis, where the GreenTech Hub is hosted, has been developed as “Africa’s Silicon Savannah,” and is poised to attract tech startups and investors. These initiatives advance the African Union’s vision for a prosperous, tech-driven, and inclusive continent.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On mardi, 10 décembre 2024 04:12 Written by

Artificial intelligence (AI) presents a significant opportunity to accelerate technological and economic development in Africa. Recognizing its immense potential, countries across the continent are actively striving to coordinate their efforts, define common strategies, and maximize its impact.

African digital ministers are advocating for the implementation of unified policies on artificial intelligence (AI) across the continent, according to the "Algiers Ministerial Declaration on StartUp and AI Development" adopted at the third African StartUp Conference.

The declaration, issued after the three-day conference held in Algiers from December 5-7, emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation among African nations. Ministers from 45 countries stressed the importance of defining a common regulatory framework tailored to the unique challenges of digital development in Africa.

A unified framework would harmonize regulations, promote knowledge-sharing, and mobilize resources for large-scale AI projects, creating an ecosystem conducive to innovation and technological development across the continent. It would also facilitate strategic investments in digital infrastructure while opening new markets for African start-ups on a regional and global scale.

However, significant challenges remain, including a lack of specialized AI skills, inequalities in access to technology between urban and rural areas, and insufficient infrastructure such as data centers and high-speed networks. To address these challenges, ministers called for increased training, expanded public-private partnerships, and efforts to ensure equitable access to technology across the continent.

This initiative aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which prioritizes innovation and digital transformation as drivers of socio-economic development. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in its "Africa Development Insights" report, estimates that AI could contribute up to $1.2 trillion to Africa's GDP by 2030.

A unified AI policy has the potential to transform Africa's digital landscape. It could create an integrated digital ecosystem, foster inter-African cooperation, establish strategic partnerships between universities, research centers, and businesses, and position Africa as a key global player in the field of artificial intelligence.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji

Posted On lundi, 09 décembre 2024 09:41 Written by

The North African country aims to accelerate its digital transformation, a cornerstone of its socioeconomic development strategy. The government plans to invest approximately $25.8 million in digital projects during the 2025 fiscal year.

Tunisia plans to deepen its cooperation with China as part of its digital transformation strategy.

Sofiene Hemissi (photo, right), Tunisia's Minister of Communication Technologies, met with Wang Song (photo, left), China's Vice Minister of Cyberspace Administration, on Thursday during a two-day visit to Tunisia.

Discussions focused on the development of telecommunications infrastructure and artificial intelligence. Both sides reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation programs in information and communication technologies (ICT) while exploring new avenues for collaboration across various digital sectors.

Tunisia currently ranks first in North Africa and third in Africa in e-governance, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) report, "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development." The country has an e-government development index (EGDI) score of 0.6935 out of 1, exceeding the African average of 0.4247 and surpassing the global average of 0.6382. In ICT development, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranks Tunisia 8th in Africa out of 47 countries, with a score of 77.2 out of 100.

However, it faces challenges in cybersecurity. It is classified as Tier 3, comprising countries with a global score of at least 55/100, demonstrating basic cybersecurity engagement through government-led initiatives. The country needs to strengthen its organizational measures, capacity building, and cooperation to improve its standing.

China, by contrast, ranks 35th globally in e-government development with an EGDI score of 0.8718. The ITU gives China a score of 85.8 out of 100 for ICT development. In cybersecurity, China is categorized as Tier 2, representing countries with a global score of at least 85/100, indicating a strong commitment to cybersecurity through coordinated government actions.

Enhanced collaboration with China in the digital sector could help accelerate Tunisia's digital transformation, a key pillar of its socioeconomic development strategy. However, it should be noted that no new agreements or partnerships were announced or signed during this meeting.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji

Posted On vendredi, 06 décembre 2024 16:01 Written by

Digital transformation has emerged as a key driver of economic and technological development across African nations. Through strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives are taking shape to enhance local skills and modernize digital infrastructure.

China has pledged to support Guinea in establishing a Digital Cooperation Academy to train local talent and bolster the country's technological ecosystem, the Guinean government said on Wednesday.

The announcement followed a meeting on Tuesday between Rose Pola Pricemou (photo, left), Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, and a Chinese delegation led by Mao Shanshui (photo, right), third secretary at the Chinese embassy in Guinea.

The academy will offer training programs in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity, aiming to drive Guinea's digital transformation. It will also support local startups to foster innovation and promote digital entrepreneurship.

This project is part of the broader Guinea-China partnership, highlighted by the completion of the tenth phase of their technical assistance program. This collaboration has already modernized telecommunications infrastructure through the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and improved connectivity services.

In addition to the academy, discussions yielded other key projects, including the construction of new data centers to expand Guinea's data storage and processing capacity.

Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration to accelerate knowledge transfer to Guinean professionals and enhance the performance of broadcasting centers, advancing local talent development and the modernization of the country's digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, an agreement was reached for the official handover of four modernized broadcasting centers in Sonfonia, Labé, Kankan, and Nzérékoré. This marks a significant milestone in upgrading Guinea's telecommunications infrastructure.

These initiatives align with Guinea's digital roadmap, which aims to position the country as a leading technological hub in West Africa. Beyond improving connectivity, they are expected to create new economic opportunities, bridge the digital divide, and enhance Guinea's competitiveness on the global stage.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji

Posted On vendredi, 06 décembre 2024 09:30 Written by

E-commerce has become an attractive sector for both local and international investors. With Africa's young population, increasing internet penetration, and mobile adoption, the continent is seen as a high-growth market, drawing investment that supports infrastructure, innovation, and business development.

Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has made its debut in Nigeria. The platform, known for offering low-priced products, is part of a strategic move by its parent company, PDD Holdings, to tap into Nigeria's growing e-commerce market.

Temu is positioning itself differently from other platforms by offering faster delivery, with products arriving in 7 to 15 days, compared to AliExpress’s typical 15 to 30 days. It provides more convenient payment options, accepting Naira debit cards and bank transfers for smoother transactions. By connecting buyers directly with manufacturers and bypassing intermediaries, Temu is able to offer lower prices and offer greater transparency in pricing, delivery, and quality. Thanks to strong supplier connections and significant investment from PDD Holdings, Temu offers products at heavily discounted prices, often starting at under $1. The app itself is lightweight, fast, and features a superior user experience, including image search. Additionally, users have praised Temu's seamless refund process, with refunds being processed in under 10 minutes.

Temu's aggressive pricing and direct-from-manufacturer model will intensify competition with local players like Jumia, Konga, and Jiji. This could lead to lower prices and a broader range of products for consumers.

The Nigerian e-commerce market is valued at USD 8.53 billion in 2024 and projected to grow to USD 14.92 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 11.82%, according to Mordor Intelligence's E-commerce in Nigeria Market Size & Share Analysis (2024-2029). This presents significant opportunities for both local and international businesses. It highlights the increasing adoption of online shopping among Nigerians, fueled by rising internet penetration and a shift toward more affordable, convenient purchasing options.

Hikmatu Bilali

 

Posted On jeudi, 05 décembre 2024 12:31 Written by

The African education sector faces long-standing challenges in accessibility, quality, and equity in learning resources. Digital tools can be leveraged to address these challenges to overcome disparities in access to quality education, especially in rural and underserved areas.

The Ghana Ministry of Education officially launched, on December 2, Channel MOE, a dedicated television channel aimed at advancing education and fostering national development. The new channel will broadcast high-quality educational content for students, teachers, parents, and global audiences.

During the launch event, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, expressed enthusiasm for the channel's debut. He emphasized that Channel MOE would enhance learning opportunities by providing access to educational resources and showcasing advancements in education. It is designed to support teaching, learning, and broader information dissemination.

Dr. Adutwum credited the successful launch to Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, Executive Director of the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS), and the agency’s dedicated staff. He also acknowledged key development partners, including Planned International, UNICEF, and CEMFED Ghana, for their contributions to the channel's establishment, including the procurement, installation, and test transmissions. He stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to education for all children, regardless of background, as part of Ghana's broader commitment to quality education.

According to Ghana’s Education Sector Report 2022, basic schools in the country have a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:27, and secondary schools 1:16. However, rural areas face a severe teacher distribution imbalance, leaving many public primary schools without teachers and causing 30 daily student dropouts. Additionally, 61% of rural children aged 7 to 14 lack core reading and numeracy skills, significantly affecting the country’s literacy rate. By broadcasting quality educational content, the channel has the potential to bridge the teacher-student gap, particularly in underserved rural areas.

The launch of Channel MOE marks a significant step in leveraging technology to bridge gaps in education and reach a broader audience. With the support of government and international partners, the channel is expected to play a vital role in enhancing educational equity and building a brighter future for Ghana.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On jeudi, 05 décembre 2024 11:48 Written by

Many countries are now striving to modernize their administrative systems to better address the challenges of data and identity management. These efforts rely on the adoption of digital technologies to enhance efficiency and inclusion.

Cameroon is undertaking a significant overhaul of its civil registration system, with a draft law recently debated in the National Assembly. This ambitious reform aims to modernize the 2011 framework, which has become outdated, and align the country with international digital standards. The objective is to create a more efficient, inclusive, and secure system for managing essential citizen data.

According to the government daily Cameroon Tribune, the proposal includes adopting digital technologies for registering civil events such as births, marriages, and deaths. A key innovation is the introduction of a unique personal identification number assigned at birth. This numeric code will enable citizens to access various administrative services more easily, including those related to employment, health, and education. Additionally, the reform extends the deadline for declaring births to 12 months, a measure aimed at including more people in the national registry.

This initiative aligns with the Cameroonian government’s broader efforts to modernize public services. Despite recent progress, the country lags in digital governance. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Cameroon ranks 155th out of 193 countries in the 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI), with a score of 0.4294 out of 1. This ranking reflects significant challenges related to digital infrastructure and connectivity, which the project seeks to address.

Beyond administrative streamlining, digitizing civil registration is expected to have positive socio-economic impacts for Cameroon. Centralizing data in a secure national digital registry will enhance transparency and protect personal information while reducing risks of fraud or data loss.

Samira Njoya

Posted On jeudi, 05 décembre 2024 11:02 Written by

The fintech sector is experiencing rapid growth across Africa, unlocking new economic and technological opportunities. Rwanda aims to capitalize on this momentum to position its economy as a key hub for financial innovation on the continent.

On Thursday, November 28, Rwanda unveiled a five-year national fintech strategy designed to foster a conducive ecosystem for financial innovation and position the country as a regional financial hub.

This strategy is not just a policy document but also a commitment to positioning Rwanda as a leading financial technology hub in Africa. In 2014, we had only three registered fintech companies; today, we boast over 75 active fintech players serving more than three million users across the country,” said Paula Ingabire (photo), Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation.

Over the years, Rwanda has invested heavily in ICT to modernize its economy and expand access to financial services. This new strategy builds on these efforts, yielding significant results. Official data show that financial inclusion rates have risen from 93% in 2020 to 96% in 2023. These achievements reflect the country’s firm commitment to transforming itself into a model digital economy in Africa.

The strategy sets ambitious targets: hosting 300 fintech companies by 2029, creating 7,500 direct jobs, and attracting $200 million in investments. The government also aims to achieve an 80% adoption rate of fintech services, rank among the top 30 countries in the global fintech index, and become Africa’s foremost technological and financial hub.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji

Posted On mercredi, 04 décembre 2024 09:25 Written by

Digital transformation has become a critical factor in modernizing healthcare systems worldwide, unlocking unprecedented opportunities to enhance care. International collaborations are driving this transition, introducing innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

Libya’s Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister, Ramadan Abou Janah (photo, right), and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Murashko (photo, center), formalized a cooperation agreement on Monday, December 2, to strengthen bilateral ties in the healthcare sector. The initiative centers on integrating digital technologies to modernize Libya’s healthcare system.

According to a statement from the Russian Embassy in Libya, the agreement includes expanded collaboration in organizing and managing healthcare systems, short-term professional training, and implementing digital technologies in healthcare. The partnership also involves joint activities such as the exchange of expertise, statistical and analytical data, hosting medical conferences, and fostering partnerships between medical, educational, and scientific organizations in both countries.

Russia, currently the largest digital healthcare market in the treatment and care segment according to Statista, is well-positioned to support Libya’s digital transformation. The sector is experiencing strong growth, with market projections estimating a volume of €3.7 billion by 2029. This expertise makes Russia an ideal partner in Libya’s efforts to overhaul its healthcare system.

For Libya, the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to revitalize a healthcare system severely disrupted by years of conflict. By leveraging information and communication technologies (ICT), Libya aims to enhance access to and quality of care. Russia’s pioneering work in telemedicine offers innovative solutions that could enable effective remote healthcare delivery in Libya.

Through the integration of digital technologies, Libya seeks to streamline healthcare management, improve medical staff training, and modernize its healthcare infrastructure. This collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving those goals while addressing the country’s pressing healthcare challenges.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji

Posted On mercredi, 04 décembre 2024 09:19 Written by
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