News (1573)
Over the past two years, Algeria has doubled its international bandwidth capacity. In 2020, Algeria's international bandwidth was 1.5 Tbps (terabits per second). This has increased to 7.8 Tbps in 2022 and reached 9.8 Tbps in early 2024.
Algeria has made significant progress in strengthening its digital infrastructure by completing a 2,600 km segment of fiber optics, a key component of the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone project (DTS). Abdelouahab Bara, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, announced this achievement on Sunday, July 7, in Algiers during the opening of the 5th session of the project's Liaison Committee.
According to Bara, the project aims to "create a technological dynamic that fosters the emergence of a digital economy in the concerned countries, contributing to the development of e-commerce on the continent and online financial services, as well as improving the business climate."
This initiative is part of the African Union's New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), aimed at continental integration and the development of the digital economy in the region. It connects six countries: Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania. The 79 million euro project is co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (29 million euros) following a delegation agreement administered by the AfDB.
Algeria's connection to this trans-Saharan backbone aims to strengthen and diversify the national economy by increasing high-speed broadband connectivity. According to DataReportal, Algeria had 50.65 million active mobile cellular connections at the beginning of 2024, with a penetration rate of 110.2% of the population.
Once completed, the project will enhance regional connectivity with neighboring countries and support a range of electronic services. The agricultural, educational, health, and commercial sectors will benefit from this project, creating new opportunities, particularly new jobs, and improving incomes, especially in rural areas.
Samira Njoya
Satellite technology is crucial for developing societies, impacting agriculture, navigation, banking, and mining by enhancing resource management, productivity, and sustainability. It supports sustainable development goals and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote conservation.
EnduroSat, a Bulgarian aerospace company, announced on July 3 plans to partner with the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) to build Botswana's first software-defined satellite, BOTSAT-1. The satellite, set to launch on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission by February 2025, will aid the country's mining and agricultural sectors.
“EnduroSat has been an exceptional partner in our journey to launch Botswana's first satellite. Their expertise and support have been invaluable, and we are excited about the progress we have made together. This partnership brings us closer to realizing our shared vision and underscores the strength of our mutual commitment to advancing space technology in Botswana,’’ said BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo
BIUST engineers will collaborate with EnduroSat for the satellite's assembly and payload integration. BOTSAT-1 will feature a hyperspectral sensory camera with a spatial resolution of 32 meters at an altitude of 500 kilometers. SpaceX will oversee launch logistics and conduct rigorous testing to ensure a smooth process.
The satellite will provide critical data for resource management and sustainable development, aiding Botswana in addressing developmental challenges. It will enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability by tackling low productivity, water scarcity, and soil quality. High-quality images will help geologists identify potential mineral deposits and map access routes, providing essential information on land cover, including roads, tracks, and fences.
In 2023, Botswana was ranked 85th on the Global Innovation Index (GII), which captures the innovation ecosystem performance of 132 economies and tracks the most recent global innovation trends. The BOTSAT-1 project is expected to boost Botswana's position by enhancing its technological capabilities and fostering innovation in key sectors.
Hikmatu Bilali
Madagascar and South Korea have maintained bilateral relations since 1993. Both countries aim to strengthen this collaboration in the digital sector.
A Malagasy delegation, led by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Raharinomena Fanja, made an official visit to South Korea from June 28 to July 5. This mission, funded by the Korea World Bank Partnership Facility (KWPF), aimed to explore advancements in blockchain technology for managing agricultural input allocations.
"The mission illustrates how the Malagasy delegation is looking towards a foreign country, recognized for its expertise in the observed field, to explore a more efficient alternative approach than the one currently followed," the ministry stated.
During this visit, the Malagasy delegation met with various government and regulatory entities, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), and the Alliance of Blockchain Leading Digital Economy (ABLE). They also engaged with technology companies and startups specializing in blockchain, such as SK Telecom (SKT), SMART M2M, KONA I, and Ahnlab Blockchain Company, who showcased their innovations.
This visit aligns with the Malagasy government's efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector through innovative technological partnerships. Madagascar has faced numerous challenges, particularly climatic ones, with the country being the fourth most vulnerable to climate change according to the United Nations. Recurrent droughts and cyclones, whose frequency, duration, and intensity are increasing due to climate change, have significantly impacted agriculture.
In this context, the Rice Plus project for productivity and resilience of rural livelihoods, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and funded by the World Bank, aims to introduce smart agricultural technologies and blockchain-based electronic programs for input allocations (seeds and fertilizers).
The mission enabled the Malagasy delegation to discover blockchain as a promising technology for the effective and secure management of digital vouchers. It also paved the way for new collaborations and innovations, marking an important step towards the digital transformation of agriculture in Madagascar.
Samira Njoya
Enhancing internet connectivity promotes digital inclusion across regions, ensuring more people have access to online resources, education, and opportunities. This aligns with broader efforts in Africa to bridge the digital divide and empower communities through technology.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo announced, on July 2, a 2,400km fibre optic network initiative to provide free Wi-Fi across Anambra State. Revealed during the swearing-in of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 NYSC members, the project aims to address internet connectivity challenges.
Soludo, represented by Martin Agbili, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, emphasized youth empowerment and local enterprise support. He said, “My administration has articulated a deep-rooted policy towards the youths which corps members deployed to the state benefit.”
Nigeria, with its large population (accounting for 47% of West Africa’s total), a significant youth demographic (half of its 200 million people are under 30), and a robust mobile market, has immense potential in the digital economy. However, limited fixed broadband infrastructure in rural areas leaves many marginalized segments without Internet access. Strategic investments are crucial to fully unlock the country’s digital economic opportunities and transform lives, as highlighted by the World Bank assessment and Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020.
The network aims to boost digital infrastructure and economic opportunities in Anambra. It aligns with the ‘Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere’ vision of the state's governor.
Hikmatu Bilali
With less than a third of Africans having access to high-speed internet, broadband adoption remains uneven, with connectivity often being either costly or unreliable across the continent. However, initiatives are underway to address this disparity.
On Thursday, July 4, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the launch of the Africa Broadband Maps project in a statement made during the 2024 Global Symposium for Regulators in Kampala, Uganda. This broadband mapping initiative, supported by the European Commission, aims to establish mapping systems to encourage investment and digital transformation across Africa. With a budget of €15 million over four years, the project will initially benefit 11 countries: Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The initiative, led by the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau (ITU BDT), aligns with the organization's efforts to improve digital connectivity on a continent where internet access remains limited in many regions.
According to the "Connecting Africa through Broadband" report published by the Broadband Commission in 2019, an estimated $100 billion needs to be invested over ten years to provide comprehensive broadband coverage across Africa. About 80% of this amount is earmarked for the deployment and maintenance of networks, 17.5% for developing local digital skills, and approximately 2% for creating an appropriate regulatory framework.
The Africa Broadband Maps project aims to identify areas with insufficient broadband coverage or substandard internet speeds. The findings will enable policymakers to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that investments in infrastructure expansion are both effective and equitable. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in closing the digital divide and fostering economic growth, education, and innovation across the continent.
Samira Njoya
African startup funding continues to decline sharply with the first half of 2024 being the quietest semester since late 2020. This represents a significant drop from previous years, with the "Big Four" startup hubs of Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa continuing to dominate the funding landscape
African startups raised $780 million in the first half of 2024, a 57% decline compared to the same period in 2023, according to data released on Thursday, July 4, by Africa: The Big Deal, a database tracking investments of over $100,000 in the continent's startup ecosystem.
Of the total funds raised, 66% ($513 million) were in the form of equity, while $254 million (33%) were secured as debt. Startups in the Big Four countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa) accounted for 79% of the total funds raised during this period.
Kenya led with $244 million (32%), followed by Nigeria with $172 million (23%), Egypt with $101 million (13%), and South Africa with $85 million (11%). Among other countries outside the Big Four, Benin stood out with $50 million raised by the startup Spiro through debt from Afreximbank, while Ghana followed with $29 million, Uganda with $19 million, Morocco with $14 million, and Senegal with $11 million.
Transport and logistics startups, driven by Nigeria's Moove ($100 million) and Benin's Spiro ($50 million), led the sectors with $218 million, representing 28% of the total funds raised. Fintech followed with $186 million (24%), and startups in the energy and water sectors rounded out the top three with $132 million (17%)
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With the acceleration of digital transformation, digital skills have become indispensable assets in Africa. To equip the population with these crucial competencies, strategic partnerships are being established.
Orange Mali, a subsidiary of telecom group Orange, has signed a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to train 3,000 young people, particularly young women, in digital skills over a two-year period. The announcement was made via a press release issued by the UN body on Monday, July 1.
"With great pride and immense satisfaction, we announce the signing of this partnership agreement between UNDP Mali and Orange Mali. [...] Women, while representing an essential force, are underrepresented in the technology sectors," stated Maleye Diop, UNDP Resident Representative in Mali.
He added, "Our goal is to create a coherent vision of youth integration through concrete programs that allow them to become operational quickly. This project is just the first step towards other promising initiatives to come."
In an increasingly digital world, having digital skills has become indispensable. All sectors of activity are moving towards digitalization, and it is urgent to adapt to this new world. The World Bank, in its 2021 report titled "Digital Skills: The Why, the What and the How," emphasized that significant deficits in digital skills on the continent expose the economies of many African countries to the risk of falling further behind as the digital frontier rapidly evolves.
Orange Group, through its strategic plan "Engage 2025," prioritizes the development of digital skills on the continent. The proliferation of Orange Digital Centers in many countries across Africa, including Mali, and the signing of this partnership with UNDP are part of this plan. The pilot phase of the program has already been launched, aiming to train 200 young women in areas such as digital marketing, web development, graphic design, and video editing.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa, rapid technological progress has delivered numerous benefits, but it has also introduced new threats that jeopardize individuals, businesses, and governments.
The Republic of Congo is taking steps to establish a National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data. The draft bill, presented by Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy Léon-Juste Ibombo, was approved by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, July 3.
"Indeed, the protection of personal data has become a major issue in the digital age. With the multiplication of information exchanges on the Internet, it is essential to ensure the confidentiality and security of citizens' personal data," explained Ibombo.
The National Data Protection Commission will be responsible for ensuring that personal data processing does not infringe on citizens' rights and freedoms. It will collaborate with international institutions and other African countries to share best practices and relevant information on cybersecurity threats. The Commission will also raise awareness among citizens and businesses about cybercrime risks and provide training on protective measures.
The creation of this commission is part of the Congolese government's efforts to strengthen current legislation, promote an attractive and secure economic environment, and ensure rigorous control over personal data use. Congo already has a National Information Systems Security Agency (ANSSI) and a law on personal data protection. It has also ratified the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection.
The Commission's implementation is expected to bolster the fight against cybercrime in Congo and across Africa. According to the 2024 Security Navigator report by Orange Cyberdefense, extortion cases increased by 70% in 2023, resulting in a 10% GDP loss on the continent. This alarming rise underscores the urgency of having an effective regulatory body to protect citizens' and businesses' data.
In recent years, Africa has witnessed the launch of numerous smart city projects aimed at bridging the technology gap affecting the continent.
Brigadier General Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies, made an official visit to Cameroon on Tuesday, July 2 to explore technologies for a Smart City project in Gabon. The visit aimed to examine existing technologies and draw inspiration to support the development of the project.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Digital Economy, the visit included an inspection of the National Command Center for Video Surveillance and the Data Center in Yaoundé. This visit is part of the Gabonese government's efforts to seek partners and expertise for implementing Smart City projects in several Gabonese municipalities. In April, the minister also visited Shenzhen, China, where he met with Huawei executives and toured the tech giant's advanced infrastructure.
By exploring various technological solutions offered by multiple partners, Gabon aims to select the most suitable one for its needs. Similar to Smart City projects already deployed in several African cities, the Smart City initiative in Gabon aims to address complex urban challenges by creating intelligent urban ecosystems. These ecosystems will focus on areas such as planning, infrastructure, population management, and more.
This ambitious initiative demonstrates Gabon's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its urban development strategy. The project seeks to improve the quality of life for its citizens and position the country as a regional leader in smart cities.
Samira Njoya
In Africa, the fintech sector stands out as the most attractive. In 2022, Norfund decided to also position itself in this segment alongside strategic partners.
Norfund, a Norwegian state-owned investment fund, announced on Wednesday, July 3, a $20 million investment in a new fund by the British private equity firm Apis. Named Apis Growth Markets III, the fund will invest in high-growth, technology-focused financial services companies worldwide, with a particular emphasis on Africa and Asia.
"Apis’ expertise in payment solutions and embedded finance is profound. Seamless and cashless digital payments can significantly boost productivity and enhance digital inclusion, an area where Apis truly excels. In addition, we recognize the vital role of embedded finance in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses access the productive assets they need to thrive," said Kathy Chang, Investment Director at Norfund.
This investment comes at a time when funding for start-ups is declining globally. In Africa, funds raised by the continent's start-ups in the first half of this year fell by 56% compared to 2023, amounting to $530 million, according to data from Disrupt Africa. The scarcity of large deals over $100 million (funding winter) and the refocusing of investments by major global funds not primarily focused on Africa may explain this drop in funding.
Apis Growth Markets III plans to finance between 10 and 15 fintech start-ups. Amounts between $60 million and $70 million will be injected into various young companies for upcoming equity stakes.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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The establishment of research centres for emerging technologiesholds significant implications for African development. By focusing on AI, IoT, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies, these centres can propel Africa towards technological advancement, fostering innovation and competitiveness on the global stage.
Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced plans to establish research centres for emerging technologies across the country's six geopolitical zones. These centres will focus on AI, IoT, and blockchain. The initiative was outlined during the ongoing (July 2-4) IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa outlined the initiative, underscoring the agency's commitment to fostering a robust technology research ecosystem. Represented by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Aristole Onumo, Inuwa highlighted the creation of a special-purpose vehicle to oversee these research areas. "We aim to encourage development and support entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to market," Onumo emphasized.
In addition to funding research, NITDA will support Nigerian startups developing products in these emerging technologies. According to the 2023 report ‘Growing the Nigerian Technology Ecosystem through the Capital Market’ by Multinational professional services network of firms PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), from 2015 to 2022, tech startups securing funding surged by 1087%, from 55 to 653, with annual equity funding increasing by 1673%, from US$277 million to US$4.9 billion, citing Partech. The "big four" markets, Nigeria inclusive received 73% of Africa's tech financing, with Nigerian startups receiving half of this funding, the report adds.
To accelerate the growth of the tech ecosystem, it is worth noting that the Nigerian government has created initiatives such as the Finance Act 2020 that reduces taxes for start-ups and the Nigerian Startup Act 2022 providing a framework for the development of the Nigerian technology and innovation ecosystem.
The IoT West Africa conference underscores Nigeria’s rapid technological development and the telecoms industry's pivotal role in driving economic growth and digital transformation across West Africa.
Hikmatu Bilali
Investment in Data Centres is vital for African development, addressing the significant digital infrastructure gap. It enables better connectivity, supports economic activities, and fosters a more inclusive digital economy.
PAIX Data Centres, a leading pan-African data centre operator, has expanded its Accra facility to 1.2 MW, boosting the region's digital economy. The expansion, launched July 2 in Accra, is backed by a $30 million investment from Africa50 to enhance connectivity and economic growth.
Raza Hasnani, Managing Director at Africa50, said, "Our $30 million investment in PAIX Data Centres is part of our strategy to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation and sustainability practices."
The upgraded Accra facility, now one of Ghana's largest, supports ISPs, cloud providers, and enterprises with improved digital infrastructure. Located strategically, the data centre offers low latency connectivity to major regional and international networks and subsea cables, enhancing efficiency and performance.
Africa50's investment aligns with its strategy to attract capital for green data centres, fibre optic networks, and smart cities. The Accra facility features advanced cooling, waste management systems, and increased use of renewable energy, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability.
The "State of Africa Data Center 2024" report by Xalam Analytics estimated that only 10% to 30% of effective data centre demand in sub-Saharan Africa is being met, highlighting a gap that PAIX Data Centres' expansion aims to address. This expansion aligns with findings from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) e-Conomy Africa 2020 report, which projects that Africa's internet economy, boosted by enhanced connectivity and investments in digital infrastructure, could contribute up to $180 billion to GDP by 2025.
Hikmatu Bilali
Agriculture is a crucial sector for the majority of African countries. Substantial investments are needed to improve yields and support growth.
On Tuesday, July 2, in Abuja, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), unveiled a new digital platform aimed at boosting investments in Nigeria's agro-food sector. This initiative was presented on the sidelines of the 9th edition of the EU-Nigeria Business Forum.
Speaking on the significance of this innovation, Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate for International Partnerships (INTPA), stated that it is "An agribusiness platform is a form of a digital agricultural platform that provides digital marketing, trading or investment space for commercial and transactional activities, interactions, communications, integrations and cooperation in the agri-food system and agro-industry between Nigerian and European SMEs."
The launch of this platform aligns with commitments made during the EU-Nigeria ministerial dialogue in November 2020. According to the agreement with the Nigerian government, it was decided to create an EU-Nigeria agro-industrial platform to bring together Nigerian and European agricultural and agri-food communities to promote trade, attract responsible investments, and foster business-to-business relationships, particularly for SMEs.
In Nigeria, agriculture holds a significant position in the economy, being the second most important activity after the oil sector. According to data platform Statista, the agricultural sector generated about 21% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2023. However, despite its substantial contribution, Nigeria's agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including a lack of investments, outdated farming systems, and insufficient supply to meet the growing population and increasing food demand.
The new platform is expected to address these challenges, increase private investments in the country's agro-industrial sector, and strengthen links and interactions between agro-industrial actors in Nigeria and Europe.
Samira Njoya
5G, the latest generation of cellular networks, is steadily making its way across Africa, promising faster speeds and lower latency compared to previous generations. Tunisia is poised to become the next country to offer 5G services to its citizens and businesses.
The Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies announced on Sunday, June 30, the launch of a call for tenders for the allocation of 5G operating licenses. Telecom operators interested in providing commercial fifth-generation technology in Tunisia must submit their applications to the ministry between July 3 and September 2.
The call for tenders follows the approval of the 5G launch roadmap by the government on June 13. According to this roadmap, each Tunisian telecom operator will be entitled to 5 MHz duplex in the 700 MHz band and 100 MHz (TDD) in the 3.5 GHz band. Three blocks of 20 MHz will be available upon request by the operators. Additional 5G frequency bands will be announced in later deployment phases. The license will be valid for 15 years, with its cost yet to be disclosed.
According to the ministry, the deployment of 5G is part of "the Tunisian state's strategy for the digital development of the national territory, aiming to develop digital infrastructure and generalize very high-speed coverage throughout the national territory." The government also aims to accelerate the digitization of the administration, secure the national cyberspace, ensure digital sovereignty, and establish a climate of digital trust essential for the realization of digitization projects.
5G is expected to facilitate new applications of mobile technology. In a public consultation on ultra-high-speed broadband conducted by the National Telecommunications Authority (INT) in 2021, the Internet service provider Conect Tunisia indicated that the performance of 5G technology could support the development of the following use cases: IoT (Industry 4.0, Agriculture 3.0, Smart Homes, Smart Cities), video streaming in automotive vehicles, data exchanges during major sporting and cultural events, self-guided vehicles, and online gaming.
Isaac K. Kassouwi