News (1573)
Accurate birth registration data is essential for government planning and budgeting, ensuring efficient resource allocation. It also helps monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as eliminating poverty, promoting quality education, and reducing inequality.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has underscored the critical need for e-birth registration to ensure Nigerian children obtain a legal identity. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF's South-West Nigeria Field Office, highlighted this during a media dialogue in Lagos on July 17.
The event, organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the National Population Commission (NPC), aimed to promote e-birth registration in South-West Nigeria.
Lafoucriere noted that without a birth certificate, a child remains invisible and lacks access to essential services such as protection, health, and education. "Birth registration is a fundamental human right and cornerstone of a child's legal identity," she said.
The dialogue underscored the collective effort required to ensure every Nigerian child is registered and has access to their legal rights and essential services.
According to the 2022 ‘Statistical Update on Birth Registration in Africa’ by UNICEF and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), out of the 164 million children under 5 worldwide who are unregistered, over half (approximately 91 million) reside in Africa. This lack of registration hinders effective planning and policy-making, as accurate data is crucial for these processes.
The E-birth registration will allow parents to register their children immediately after birth, addressing accessibility challenges in Nigeria. This system supports robust civil registration and generates vital statistics for effective planning and policy implementation.
Hikmatu Bilali
With the ongoing technological revolution, African countries have established a timeline for digitizing their various sectors. In Madagascar, the digitization of the education sector is progressing steadily.
Malagasy authorities kicked off the digitization of the country's educational system during a three-day workshop held in Toamasina from July 15 to 17. The project, which begins in the Atsinanana region, aims to equip educational administration zones and schools with the necessary tools and resources to harness the power of digital technologies.
This initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive system for monitoring staff attendance, managing school fund transfers and expenditures, expediting data collection, facilitating remote learning opportunities and maintaining accurate student registries.
"The extension of digital services in the Atsinanana region is a significant first step in the digital transformation of the education sector in Madagascar. The Digital Governance Unit and the Ministry of National Education plan to extend this project to other regions of the country in the coming years," the Ministry of National Education (MEN) declared in a statement.
The Malagasy government is actively forging partnerships to support the digitalization of its education system. Since 2014, the MEN has partnered with Orange Solidarité Madagascar on the "Digital Schools" program, which aims to leverage new technologies to improve access to education. Most recently, in February 2024, the MEN joined forces with UNICEF to connect secondary schools to its digital library.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In 2019, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) adopted a National Digital Plan to guide the development of its digital economy. This strategic framework aims to foster digital transformation across various sectors, enhancing economic growth and improving public services, with various initiatives already being carried out to advance the plan.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is exploring the establishment of a National Unified Information Center, according to a statement from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digitalization (PT-N).
Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba (photo, center) met with Ashraf Attia, President of the Egyptian technology group Omega Gate Tech, on July 18 to discuss the initiative. According to Khaled Rhaïem, Omega Gate Tech's DRC representative, the discussions aligned with the DRC's ongoing digital transformation strategy.
"We discussed the construction of the National Unified Information Center. This approach perfectly aligns with President Félix Tshisekedi's vision. The center will consolidate all census databases and implement 5G technology," Rhaïem said.
The proposed center aligns with the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025 (PNN 2025), which aims to modernize the DRC through accelerated digitalization and key infrastructure development with 48% of its 69 projects already underway, 15 completed and 18 in the operationalization phase (according to the PNN 2025 mid-term review published in December 2023).
The National Unified Information Center envisions a centralized platform for collecting, managing, and disseminating critical national data across sectors like security, health, education, and the economy.
Omega Gate Tech, with its presence in Egypt, UAE, Libya, and Saudi Arabia, is seen as a potential partner to support the DRC's digital transformation. Their involvement could pave the way for significant technological advancements and a promising digital future for the country.
Samira Njoya
Ethiopian authorities are aiming to capitalize on their agricultural sector by modernizing it. To achieve this, they are implementing projects to digitize the sector.
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) on Tuesday launched two digital initiatives in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to enhance agricultural input and output market systems.
The first project involves the creation of a digital platform that will connect smallholder farmers with potential buyers. "This initiative modernizes the agricultural market system, improving price discovery, risk management, and transaction transparency. It ensures a consistent supply of quality products, promotes traceability, matches supply with demand, and stabilizes market prices," explained the ATI.
The second project focuses on automating the input voucher system. The ATI is introducing eVoucher 2.0, electronic vouchers with a digital code that can be used to purchase goods or services online or in stores. The adoption of this system is expected to enhance the distribution of agricultural inputs and combat fraud.
These projects are part of a broader effort by Ethiopian authorities to modernize the agricultural sector. They have signed various partnerships to achieve this goal, confirming their intention to leverage technology for agricultural advancement. In June, the ATI partnered with Digital Green, a U.S.-based organization promoting the digitization of agriculture, to develop a knowledge-sharing platform.
The launched projects will help ensure a sustainable market, improve the supply of inputs to farmers, and strengthen the connections between farmers and agricultural product consumers.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) provide greater opportunities for creativity and learning at preschool and primary levels. However, access to digital education remains insufficient in Africa due to the lack of preparedness for integrating digital technologies into early learning.
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, hosted its first EdTech conference in Abuja from Monday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 10. Themed "Education Tech for Resilient, Inclusive Learning In Africa," the conference aimed to discuss the integration of technology into learning systems across Africa.
The event concluded with the adoption of 10 key actions to strengthen the EdTech ecosystem in Africa:
Champion local innovation through supportive EdTech policies, with governments as leaders, proactive enablers, and consumers of quality content and delivery mechanisms.
Harmonize cross-sector policy by coordinating inter-ministerial strategies, plans, and initiatives on technology-enabled access to education for all.
Underwrite foundational infrastructure through creative use of resources such as Universal Service Funds to invest in electricity, the internet, devices, and dedicated infrastructure for education programs.
Drive decisions with data by investing in government systems and capabilities for timely collection, analysis, and informed decision-making.
Enhance delivery capacity along the EdTech value chain by upskilling teachers to deliver learning using EdTech and supporting leaders in education systems to work with tech-enabled processes and data.
Systematize EdTech integration by introducing (where nonexistent) and enforcing clear, context-relevant standards for technology integration into the educational curriculum.
Guide context-relevant innovation with clear and timely guidelines and approval processes for content, tools, and licenses to encourage innovation, investment, and technology mainstreaming.
Diversify learning pathways for out-of-school youth by developing flexible technology-enabled alternatives for learning, accredited certification, and re-entry to the formal education system.
Lower access barriers to EdTech through strategic private-public partnerships that support responsive, evidence-based policy and affordable solutions for all.
Embed responsive inclusivity (gender equity, persons with disabilities and refugees and displaced persons) in policy and innovation processes, centering and engaging diverse young people throughout development and delivery.
The conference is part of the Mastercard Foundation's efforts to promote digital education in Africa. It coincides with the African Union's declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Education," urging all governments to intensify efforts to ensure quality education for all.
The African Union's Digital Education Strategy (2023-2028) and its implementation plan call for African countries to develop national digital education strategies. They aim for at least 50% of educational institutions to have safe and secure high-speed connectivity at significantly less than $25 per Mbps per month, at least 20% of students and 50% of teachers on the continent to have access to digital devices by 2027, and one-third of students and all teachers to have access by 2030.
Samira Njoya
Africa is the world's youngest continent, with over 60% of its 1.4 billion people under 25. This youth demographic offers a significant opportunity to nurture a tech-savvy generation that can lead the continent's digital future and drive economic growth. However, many African organizations still struggle to find the necessary tech skills to support their digital transformation efforts.
Nigerian Software solutions provider CodeGarageAfrica launched the "1000 Lines of Code" initiative on July 15 in Ibadan, Nigeria. The initiative aims at empowering 1000 senior secondary students through technology and is set to inspire and educate the next generation of tech enthusiasts.
1000 Lines of Code Commences Today!
— codegarage_africa (@CodegarageA) July 15, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the commencement of the #1000LinesofCode event today!
A big thank you to our amazing partners:@oyostategovt@386konsult @zeeh_africa
Stay tuned for updates and highlights as we kickstart!#CodeGarageAfrica pic.twitter.com/5AxvMnfQFx
The event, held at the International Conference Center in Ibadan will last a week, from July 15 to July 19, 2024. It introduces 1000 senior secondary students from 110 schools across 11 local governments in Ibadan to coding and technology. The program features hands-on workshops, industry talks, and interactive sessions designed to ignite a passion for computer science. Participants will engage in coding challenges, receive mentorship, and explore software development.
A 2022 report by SAP Africa, an enterprise software and software-related services provider, titled "Africa’s Tech Skills Scarcity Revealed," highlights that four in five organizations across the continent are negatively impacted by a lack of tech skills. In Nigeria, all surveyed organizations reported some effect from this skills gap, with 47% experiencing employee turnover or the risk thereof due to inadequate tech skills, and 60% suffering customer loss for the same reason. Bridging this gap is crucial for Africa's digital transformation and economic growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
In recent years, Morocco has embarked on a digital transformation, marked by the modernization of various sectors, including higher education. With the support of partners, these advancements are becoming increasingly tangible.
Morocco secured a €120 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to digitize its universities, according to a financing agreement signed in Rabat on Tuesday, July 16.
The agreement was signed by Achraf Hassan Tarsim, AfDB's country manager for Morocco, and Nizar Baraka, Morocco's Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation.
The funds will be used to develop and implement new university training programs in digital fields. These programs will be tailored to meet job market needs and the expectations of national and international investors. Additionally, universities will be equipped with new computer hardware and their services will be digitized.
This €120 million loan is part of a larger €604 million AfDB financing package for Morocco. The other allocations include €200 million for the Territorial Competitiveness Improvement Program, €200 million for the construction of the 104-kilometer Guercif-Nador highway and €84 million for the Integrated and Sustainable Development Support Project for Forest Areas.
The Moroccan government views this investment in university transformation as key to achieving the goals of its Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of the Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Ecosystem (ESRI 2030). Launched in 2020, ESRI 2030 aims to create a high-performing and attractive higher education system aligned with the country's needs. It emphasizes incorporating entrepreneurship into curricula and promoting excellence and innovation.
Morocco has set ambitious targets: graduating 22,500 students annually by 2027 and increasing the number of graduates with digital specializations or competencies across all disciplines and levels to 50,000 by 2035.
Samira Njoya
Ensuring consistent and improved satellite services is vital for supporting digital transformation efforts across African nations. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, the continent can effectively bridge the digital divide and drive economic growth.
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) is set to replace its aging communications satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R. To this end, it seeks global investors and collaborators for the project. This move, announced by Managing Director Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, on July 14, comes as NIGCOMSAT-1R nears the end of its 15-year lifespan in 2026.
Operational since 2011, NIGCOMSAT-1R is essential to Nigeria's communications infrastructure. The NigComSat-1R satellite was launched to replace the failed NigComSat-1 in 2007. To maintain and enhance service, NIGCOMSAT plans to develop NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3. The two new satellites will replace NIGCOMSAT-1R.
In 2016, the Nigerian government announced its intention to acquire two new satellites. Adebayo Shittu, then Nigerian Minister of Communications, said the project would require around $500 million. He added that the government was negotiating a loan with Exim Bank China to implement the project.
The launch of two new satellites by NIGCOMSAT will reinforce the development strategy being pursued by the public company. In terms of services, the company has won several contracts with its single satellite. Between June and July, two new agreements were added to its portfolio. On July 5, NIGCOMSAT signed a one-year internet service agreement with Dimension Data, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure. Additionally, in June, NIGCOMSAT partnered with Hotspot Network Limited, a company specializing in rural connectivity solutions, and telecom giant Infratel to bolster rural connectivity.
NIGCOMSAT's proactive steps to replace NIGCOMSAT-1R and global collaboration underscore the need for continuous investment and innovation in Nigeria's satellite technology.
Hikmatu Bilali
As part of the digitalization of various sectors, Algerian authorities have made significant strides in human resources management.
The Algerian Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Territorial Planning has completed the digitalization of administrative documents related to human resources management at both central and local levels. The announcement was made in a statement released on Saturday, July 13.
"This initiative has resulted in the digitalization of 25,792,410 documents, including those of senior executives, employees, contract agents in service, and retirees. These documents are organized into 735,926 electronic files, each containing 35 digitized documents," the statement reads.
Additionally, the ministry developed a decision-support system for human resources management, called "system power BI." This system utilizes data from the integrated and comprehensive Human Resources Information System (HRIS) to provide precise and real-time data analysis, as well as a forward-looking perspective in decision-making related to human resources management.
The acceleration of digital transformation in Algeria aligns with the directives of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Aiming for full digitalization of the country by 2034, the authorities are undertaking numerous actions across various sectors as part of the 2024-2029 digital transformation strategy.
The initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and productivity of human resources services in state entities by reducing human errors and document processing delays, improving transparency and accountability within organizations and the government, eliminating phantom employees, and facilitating citizen access to services such as social benefit applications, payroll information consultation, and leave requests.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Streamlining vehicle registration and documentation processes aids in combating vehicle-related crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Digital systems can be adapted to provide real-time data to help law enforcement agencies track and recover stolen vehicles, enhancing overall security.
In a recent development, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which was initially set to commence on July 29, 2024. This directive was announced in a press release dated July 14, just a day after the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) announced the deadline for vehicle owners to register for the e-CMR, costing N5,375 per vehicle.
The decision aims to provide sufficient time for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the e-CMR process, its benefits, and its effectiveness in addressing vehicle-related crimes and protecting vehicle ownership.
"The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed enforcement of the e-CMR initially scheduled to commence on the 29th of July, 2024. This is to give ample opportunity for mass enlightenment and education of all citizens and residents on the process, benefits and effectiveness in solving the challenge of vehicle-related crimes, and protection of individual and corporate vehicle ownership," the statement read.
In light of the suspension, the IGP has instructed all police officers to refrain from requesting e-CMR certificates. Any officer found extorting or exploiting the public under the guise of enforcing e-CMR compliance will face strict sanctions. The NPF clarified that the e-CMR is not intended as a revenue-generating platform but as a digital policing initiative aimed at enhancing public safety and security.
The e-CMR system is designed to enhance the safety and security of all vehicle types, including motorcycles. By collecting data from vehicle owners, the system can flag vehicles if reported stolen, provide the police with a comprehensive real-time database, prevent multiple registrations, and integrate biometric and other data into a national database. This integration will contribute to overall security and streamline incident reporting across various government agencies.
This suspension provides an opportunity for better public understanding and preparation for the eventual implementation of the e-CMR system, ensuring it effectively enhances vehicle security and ownership protection.
The Central Motor Registry (CMR) was initially launched in December 2022 to enable citizens to report stolen vehicles and assist in processing motor vehicle information, supporting police operations, and enhancing national security. This digitalization effort is part of a broader trend where African nations are increasingly adopting digital solutions to combat crime, improve governance, and streamline services.
Hikmatu Bilali
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Many African countries face significant challenges in providing reliable internet access, especially in rural and remote areas. Satellite internet can offer high-speed connectivity where traditional infrastructure is lacking, helping to bridge the digital divide and bring more people online.
South Sudan's National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced approved tariffs for SpaceX's satellite internet service, Starlink. In a July 8 post on X, the NCA stated it collaborated with Starlink to offer affordable connectivity in South Sudan as Elon Musk's high-speed internet service prepares to launch.
This serves to inform the public about the approved tariffs & the forthcoming selection of local distributor(s) by Starlink.
— National Communication Authority - NCA (@NCA_SSD) July 8, 2024
It should be noted that the tariffs exclude applicable taxes and relevant statutory fees. #ConnectingSSD pic.twitter.com/zTWLFbsXo4
The NCA issued a provisional license for Starlink in June 2024, aiming to reduce internet costs and improve access, especially in rural areas.
The authority reports that Starlink will offer four pricing plans: USD 38.19 per month for the cheapest and USD 5,005.40 for the most expensive. The plans are Standard, Priority, Mobile, and Mobile Priority, with equipment costing USD 296.67 for the Standard Kit and USD 2,502.70 for the Flat High-Performance Kit. Prices exclude taxes and fees.
According to DataReportal's Digital 2024: South Sudan report, the country had 1.36 million internet users at the start of 2024, with an internet penetration rate of 12.1 percent. Additionally, there were 3.97 million active mobile connections, representing 35.5 percent of the population. With only 12.1 percent internet penetration, the introduction of Starlink could dramatically increase internet accessibility, especially in rural and underserved areas where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking.
Starlink is expanding in Africa, recently launching in Madagascar and obtaining licenses in Ghana, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, with services active in Sierra Leone. It operates in several other countries, including Benin, Nigeria, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, and Zambia. With these developments, Starlink is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and supporting economic development in underserved regions.
Hikmatu Bilali
Fueling the continent's ongoing technological revolution, African nations are actively pursuing initiatives to bolster their digital security.
The Ghanaian Cyber Security Authority (CSA) issued licenses and accreditations to 51 entities operating in the digital security space on July 10th. This move aims to establish a regulatory framework for Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs), Cybersecurity Establishments (CEs), and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs) authorized to offer digital security services in the country.
"Today’s ceremony is not just a culmination but a catalyst for continued collaboration and innovation in our cybersecurity ecosystem. The synergy among CSPs, CEs, and CPs will drive us towards adaptive resilience and continuous improvement," said Adelaide Benneh-Prempeh, a member of the CSA Board of Directors.
The licensing initiative comes amidst a rising tide of cyberattacks across Africa. The continent's rapid digital transformation has increased its vulnerability, making robust cybersecurity a priority for governments. Ghana has taken steps by establishing a national strategy through the "Ghana National Cyber Security Policy & Strategy" and implementing the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-GH). This team plays a vital role in real-time threat monitoring and coordinating responses to major cybercrime incidents.
The country has also ratified the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. It has deposited the instruments of accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
In terms of cybersecurity preparedness, Ghana ranks third in Africa with a score of 86.69 out of 100, according to the 2021 "Global Cybersecurity Index" published by the International Telecommunication Union. This places the nation ahead of Nigeria (84.76) but behind Tanzania (90.58).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The digital sector offers numerous job opportunities for young people. By acquiring the right skills, they can take advantage of these opportunities and integrate more easily into the job market.
Chinese technology giant Huawei announced plans to train an additional 4,000 individuals in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Mauritius by 2028. The commitment was unveiled on July 10th at the launch ceremony of DigiTalent 3.0, a program designed to address the nation's growing need for a skilled digital workforce.
"Mauritius has always been a pioneer in regional innovation. Our strategic investments in ICT infrastructure, combined with our commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, have laid a solid foundation for our digital future. Continuous training and skill enhancement are essential. Huawei's talent ecosystem is a brilliant example of how we can work together to build a thriving ICT talent pool in our country," said Deepak Balgobin, the Mauritian Minister of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation.
This initiative aligns with Huawei's global strategy of cultivating digital talent in various countries. The approach emphasizes building ecosystems for educators and students, offering digital skills training to industry partners, and collaborating with governments on digital transformation initiatives.
In Mauritius, Huawei's contributions have resulted in the training of over 35 instructors and the development of courses in Artificial Intelligence, 5G, Datacom, and Cloud Computing. Over 350 students and professionals have earned Huawei's HCIA certification in recent years. The company has also established partnerships with seven local universities.
These combined efforts are expected to propel Mauritius towards achieving the objectives outlined in its "Digital Mauritius 2030" strategy. This national plan entails significant investments in infrastructure, digital skills training, and the transition to digital administration, all aimed at propelling the nation's digital sector. According to official figures, this sector thrived in 2022, experiencing a 6.5% growth rate and remaining the only sector unaffected by the global health crisis.
Samira Njoya
Since its launch in 2015, Groupe Vivendi Africa has been expanding its footprint across the continent. Now present in seven African countries, the company continues to grow its reach and influence in the region.
Groupe Vivendi Africa (GVA), a provider of high-speed fiber optic internet, officially launched its CanalBox FTTH (fiber-to-the-home) network in Uganda on July 10th. This marks GVA's eighth African market after entering Gabon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kampala becomes the 13th city on the continent to benefit from these services.
"With investments of 50 billion UGX so far, GVA has managed to lay fiber cables across Kampala, with an infrastructure currently capable of connecting a total area covering 140,000 homes in Kampala, with a target to grow our network to cover an area to be able to connect up to 500,000 in 4 years," said Julius Kayoboke, General Manager of GVA Uganda.
The arrival of CanalBox is expected to intensify competition in Uganda's internet market, currently dominated by telecom operators. This increased competition should lead to improved service quality and lower costs for consumers, coinciding with Uganda's accelerated digital transformation and growing demand for high-speed connectivity. According to the latest data from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the country boasts 27.7 million internet users, representing a 61% penetration rate.
"The internet has transformed societies in unprecedented ways, shaping the way we live, work, and interact with one another through communication, information dissemination, business transactions, education, and improved service delivery," remarked Thomas Tayebwa, Vice President of the Ugandan Parliament, who attended the launch ceremony.
Isaac K. Kassouwi