News (1792)
ICTs are at the heart of digital transformation, which has become a major priority for many African governments. To achieve their goals more quickly, states are relying on partnerships and mutual collaborations.
Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea, on Friday, October 11, signed two memorandums of understanding to accelerate their respective digital transformations. Signed by Kalil Konaté, Ivorian Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization (photo, left), and Rose Pola Pricemou, Guinean Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy (photo, right), the agreement is the result of extensive negotiations, Guinea announced in an official statement.
“This agreement, the result of extensive negotiations, aims to strengthen cooperation and pool expertise in several strategic digital sectors, including fiber optic interconnection, collaboration in postal services, and the sharing of skills in telecommunications and digital technologies,” the statement reads.
In addition to physically interconnecting infrastructures, the agreement outlines plans to develop innovative digital services, enhance cybersecurity, and promote digital inclusion. Pilot projects are planned in smart agriculture, digital health, and online education.
This initiative is part of a broader regional effort to deepen digital integration in West Africa, with the ambition of creating a single digital market. It supports the modernization efforts of both countries across various sectors while encouraging the development of robust telecommunications infrastructure and improving digital services.
The cooperation is expected to improve the quality and coverage of connectivity services in both countries. According to the latest official data, Guinea has 13.4 million mobile subscribers and 7.7 million Internet users out of a population of approximately 15 million. In Côte d'Ivoire, mobile phone penetration stands at 172.2%, while Internet penetration reaches 93.7%, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARTCI).
Samira Njoya
Satellite internet extends coverage to remote areas lacking infrastructure. These services are ideal for reaching remote areas where traditional broadband infrastructure faces several challenges, including complex geography.
Mali's military government has lifted a seven-month ban on the import and sale of satellite equipment from US company Starlink. This will allow individuals to reconnect to the service identified as illegal in March 2024. The information was revealed in a communiqué issued by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
The first phase of the suspension of Starlink was aimed at dismantling the terminals already present in the country. The second phase was to examine the feasibility of using the said equipment legally in Mali, “in order to have one or more official interlocutors that the national services can control”, emphasized the government. A way of starting afresh with a clearer vision of the number of devices and their owners.
Starlink's return to favor marks a strategic shift in the country's approach to Internet access. Above all, it reflects confidence in the state's ability to regulate the acquisition and use of this technology. The government previously worried that armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State could exploit this high-speed Internet service to boost their communications, particularly in the northern and eastern regions where restricting Internet access was seen as crucial for security.
The six-month suspension period should enable regulators, ISPs, and authorized operators to work together to ensure the safe use of Starlink within the framework of Malian legislation. However, the authorities remain concerned that some previously sold kits may still be in the hands of unidentified users.
The reintroduction of Starlink in Mali could be a step towards balancing the need for connectivity with national security concerns, especially as Internet access now plays a major role in socio-economic growth. Only 33.1% of the Malian population had access to the Internet at the start of 2024, reveals DataReportal.
Hikmatu Bilali
Like most African countries, Ghana is following its digital transformation roadmap. Various projects are supporting the achievement of this goal.
Ghanaian authorities plan to launch a $5 million fund to support technological innovation in the country. This was announced by Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam on Tuesday, October 8, during a visit to the site hosting the digital center at the University of Ghana.
“We are also establishing a US$5million endowment fund to support the management of this hub. So, everything that’s required to make it a complete digital village in the provision of skills to the youth of Ghana will be done. […] We want to train a million youth in digital skills, and it is not a task that cannot be done,” he said.
This initiative comes as African countries increasingly require a skilled workforce to keep pace with the digital transformation that has been underway for several years. According to a study highlighted in the report "Digital Skills in Sub-Saharan Africa: Spotlight on Ghana," the International Finance Corporation estimates that around 20% of Ghanaian companies surveyed only recruit abroad for digital skills, mainly because they cannot find qualified local talent.
However, the same report estimates that $4 billion will be needed to train the local population in digital skills by 2030. In response, the government has set a goal to train 1 million young people in these skills. The construction of four digital centers is part of this effort. In addition to the University of Ghana, these centers will also be built at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With more consumers and businesses relying on fintech, the potential for unauthorized or mismanaged investments rises. This underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks to protect users and enhance market stability.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Nigeria has announced its plans to crack down on fraudulent activities within the country’s rapidly growing fintech sector to protect investors and maintain market integrity. Speaking at the Nigeria Fintech Week, held from October 8-10, SEC’s Director-General Emomotimi Agama emphasized the importance of safeguarding the public interest while fostering innovation within the sector.
He highlighted the potential risks that unregulated fintech operations pose, such as unauthorized data use and unverified fundraising efforts.“We cannot afford to leave this growing sector unchecked. Large amounts of investment data could be misused without consent, and companies are increasingly raising public funds without adequate regulatory control,” Agama said.
The regulatory body aims to enforce “smart regulations” tailored to the fintech landscape, aimed at curbing fund mismanagement and ensuring legal compliance across the industry. Both public and private fintech companies engaging in fundraising activities would need to comply with the SEC’s standards.
This move by Nigeria’s SEC reflects a broader trend towards increased scrutiny within the fintech sector, as regulators worldwide seek to balance technological advancement with investor protections and consumer rights. To ensure a balanced approach, the SEC plans to introduce a three-pronged strategy focused on regulatory compliance, bolstering stakeholder confidence, and validating investor protections.
Fintech fraud is a significant concern in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of the SEC’s recent regulatory measures. Wema Bank’s suspension of several fintech partners highlights Nigeria's ongoing challenges in tackling fraud within its financial system. In a similar move, Fidelity Bank imposed restrictions on fund transfers to neobanks like Kuda Bank, OPay, Moniepoint, and PalmPay in 2023, aiming to curb financial misconduct and protect customer funds. These actions underscore the financial sector's proactive efforts to tighten security and reduce the risk of illicit activities in the growing digital payments landscape.
According to the Financial Institutions Training Centre’s (FITC) Q2 2024 Fraud and Forgeries report, in Q2 2024, Nigerian banks reported losses of ₦42.6 billion (over $55 million) due to various types of fraud—a sharp increase of 637% compared to the previous year. Most of this was attributed to miscellaneous fraud types, along with withdrawals and computer/web fraud related to fintechs. To this end, banks including Wema Bank and Fidelity Bank suspended several fintech partners. This rise in fraud highlights the urgency for stricter regulations to mitigate risks associated with fintech operations and protect investors.
According to Fintech Global, Nigeria’s fintech market accounted for 42% of the total investment made in African fintech in Q3 2023, and it continues to attract significant global interest. However, with such rapid growth comes the risk of financial mismanagement and investor fraud. The SEC’s focus on "smart regulation" aims to address these issues by implementing tailored regulations that promote innovation while ensuring compliance and investor protection.
Hikmatu Bilali
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ranks Seychelles as one of Africa's most technologically advanced nations. However, the organization stresses the need for continued advancements in cybersecurity.
On Wednesday, October 9, Seychelles approved the necessary steps to join the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. As part of this process, it was also recommended to make minor adjustments to the country's Computer and Cybercrimes Act (CRCA) to refine definitions, improve procedural laws, and enhance international cooperation.
"The Budapest Convention is considered as the most modern convention that helps all countries to fight against Cybercrime. By being part of the Budapest Convention, it will give us access to higher levels of international cooperation, which will put us as a country on par, in line with international standards," stated Ahmed Afif, Vice President of Seychelles.
This initiative aligns Seychelles' legal framework on cybersecurity with international norms, as outlined in its National Cybersecurity Strategy 2019-2024. Through this strategy, the government aims to make the country more resilient to cyber threats, ensuring continued use of ICT to foster economic and social development.
Seychelles is the third most advanced African country in ICT development, according to the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024, published in late June 2024. The country achieved a score of 84.7 out of 100, just 3.4 points behind the leader, Morocco. The average score across Africa (47 countries) was 50.3 points.
However, in terms of cybersecurity, Seychelles ranks in the "Evolving" category alongside 20 other African nations, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI) by the ITU, released in September 2024. The country excels in legal measures and cooperation but has notable gaps in technical, organizational, and capacity development areas.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Like many African nations, Mauritania and Algeria have made digital technology central to their economic development. However, to successfully achieve digital transformation, these countries must bolster their cybersecurity efforts.
On Tuesday, October 8, Algeria's National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data (ANPDP) and its Mauritanian counterpart signed a partnership agreement to strengthen their cooperation through the exchange of experiences and expertise in personal data protection.
"This agreement will establish an ideal framework for cooperation in personal data protection, leading to important decisions and recommendations," stated Samir Bourehil (photo, right), president of the ANPDP.
This partnership is expected to enhance the cybersecurity of both Mauritania and Algeria, as these countries place digital transformation at the center of their economic development. The agreement comes at a time of rapid growth in digital commerce, where data flows are increasingly crossing national borders, according to the World Bank.
"Crossborder remittances or cross-border e-commerce requires consistent rules across countries to provide similar level of consumer protection. Reaching regional consensus on data protection standards is needed to ensure compatibility and avoid fragmentation," the Bretton Woods institution noted in its report Regulating Digital Data in Africa, published in May 2024.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Real-time payments meet the growing demand for speed and convenience in financial transactions. As consumer expectations evolve, having access to instant payment solutions becomes increasingly important. This not only benefits individuals but also strengthens trust and loyalty between customers and businesses
Mastercard announced on October 8 that South Africa will be the first market to benefit from its real-time card payment technology, marking a significant step forward in the region’s digital payment landscape. The initiative will enable acquiring banks to process real-time card payments, with plans to extend the service to issuing banks in the future.
Gabriel Swanepoel, Mastercard’s Southern Africa country manager, emphasized the shift towards faster, more efficient payment processing to meet evolving consumer and business expectations. He stated, “By enhancing processing standards and delivering faster clearing and settlement, we aim to support small businesses with better cash flow and enable acquirers to manage liquidity more effectively.”
The company will implement new processing standards, including real-time clearing and more frequent settlement cycles, allowing South African merchants to receive same-day payouts. This initiative follows Mastercard’s recent network enhancements in South Africa, designed to facilitate local transaction processing.
Mastercard is collaborating with ACI Worldwide to help local acquirers adopt real-time transaction standards. The partnership aims to boost liquidity and improve payment experiences for businesses and customers alike.
This rollout is part of Mastercard’s broader strategy to drive digital transformation in cash-heavy regions. The Payments Study Report 2023 by the South African Reserve bank reveals that 98% South Africans use cash for payments. It highlights the significant potential impact of Mastercard's new real-time card payment services.
This initiative could be pivotal in reducing the country’s reliance on cash by offering faster, more secure, and convenient payment options. Given that cash transactions often come with security risks and limited transparency, Mastercard’s real-time payments could accelerate digital payment adoption, promoting financial inclusion and economic efficiency.
Hikmatu Bilali
The development of e-health in Africa is expected to facilitate access to healthcare for millions of people, even in remote areas. Although the continent lags behind, it is making every effort to bridge this technological gap and improve its healthcare systems.
Togo recently launched the construction of a National Center for Digital Health (CNSD) in its capital; Lomé. Funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility through the use of new technologies.
"The National Center for Digital Health will oversee the operational governance of digital health activities by establishing key elements such as interoperability and project compliance, as well as gathering health data to support epidemiological surveillance," said Aristide Afèignindou Gnassingbé, Minister Health Advisor, Permanent Mission of Togo to the UN in Geneva, and National Coordinator for Digital Health in Togo.
The CNSD launch aligns with the Togo Digital 2025 national strategy. This project, announced in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlights the importance of integrating ICT into the healthcare sector. Among the planned innovations is telemedicine, a crucial branch of digital health that has become an essential tool. It will facilitate teleconsultation, tele-expertise, remote monitoring, and tele-ultrasound services.
The center is also expected to serve as a platform for developing digital health solutions, strengthening the country’s ability to respond to health crises through automated surveillance systems and optimized management of medical resources. Additionally, it will accelerate the digitization of healthcare infrastructure nationwide, particularly by incorporating electronic medical records and promoting the training of healthcare professionals in new technologies.
Samira Njoya
Last September, Morocco launched its "Digital Morocco 2030" program. Since then, various initiatives have been implemented to achieve the goals outlined in the strategy document.
On Monday, October 7, Hassan II University of Casablanca signed agreements with several tech companies. The goal is to offer students training programs tailored to meet the new demands of the job market in the technology sector.
According to Fatima Zahra Alami (photo, left), the university’s vice president in charge of academic affairs, the partnership aims to provide students with digital skills to complement their academic education. This initiative seeks to align their training with the growing demands of the labor market, where digital transformation plays an increasingly important role.
The initiative is part of the National Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, launched in February 2022. It aligns with Digital Morocco 2030, which aims to train 20,000 tech professionals by 2026 and 45,000 by 2030. The plan also envisions upskilling around 50,000 individuals for digital careers by 2030.
In this context, boosting the capacity of educational institutions to train more digital talent and scaling up various retraining mechanisms—such as bootcamps, coding schools, and certification programs—are among the key measures taken by Moroccan authorities.
The agreement’s signatories include American tech companies Oracle, Cisco, DXC, and Fortinet, as well as China's Huawei and Moroccan firm NearSecure.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Establishing data centers enhances Africa’s digital infrastructure. This benefits industries that rely on secure, localized data storage and supports the continent's broader digital economy transformation.
Huawei Technologies has announced its plan to establish a data center in Nigeria to address local data storage needs. This announcement was made by David Olaiya, Huawei Nigeria's Head of Cloud Fintech Business Development, during Nigeria Fintech Week in Lagos, which is taking place from October 8 to 10.
Olaiya revealed that the facility, set to launch on October 31, will enhance data sovereignty and reduce latency for Nigerian businesses. “Huawei’s data centre will allow businesses to keep their data resident in Nigeria; a significant advantage for fintech companies that require stringent adherence to data protection laws,” he said.
The center, ‘Cloud Site,’ will provide dedicated local support and connect to Huawei’s global cloud infrastructure. It will serve as an extension of its existing cloud infrastructure in Johannesburg, South Africa, and will be linked to its data center in Dublin, Ireland.
Establishing the data center signifies an important step forward for the country's digital landscape, offering numerous benefits that align with Nigeria's broader digital transformation goals. This infrastructure is set to support local industries by providing secure, localized data storage, which is crucial for compliance with Nigeria's data protection laws. Additionally, it will help to reduce latency and improve the reliability of digital services - a key factor in enabling industries like fintech, which demand stringent data protection and high-speed connectivity.
Hikmatu Bilali
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In the DRC, the telecommunication sector is undergoing significant modernization. To ensure its overall development, the country can rely on strategic partners such as the World Bank, which plays a key role in supporting this transformation.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) will support the telecommunication sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision was announced during a meeting on Tuesday, September 8, between the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digitalization, Augustin Kibassa Maliba (photo, left), and Mary Porter Peschka (photo, right), IFC’s Regional Director for East Africa.
“We discussed the willingness [of] the International Finance Corporation to support the Congolese government in the development of the telecommunications sector. The telecommunications sector is of paramount importance, both for the DRC and for our group,” said Mary Porter Peschka.
This initiative is part of the DRC's National Digital Plan (Horizon 2025) which makes telecommunications a key sector. The country is already seeing positive effects from this momentum, with mobile phone subscribers increasing by 6.4 million, from 49.8 million in 2022 to 56.2 million in December 2023, according to the Congolese Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. Meanwhile, mobile market revenues in the DRC reached 11.898 billion CFA francs ($19.9 million) in July 2023, a 9.7% increase compared to the previous year.
The IFC’s support in the DRC will focus on several strategic areas, including strengthening digital skills and developing and modernizing digital infrastructure, among others. The overarching goal is to create a favorable environment for innovation and investment by attracting new private sector players while boosting the competitiveness of local businesses.
Samira Njoya
In the first half of 2024, Moroccan startups attracted $14 million in funding, according to Africa: The Big Deal. The government has also committed to supporting these startups through its national digital strategy.
Moroccan Digital Minister Ghita Mezzour (photo) recently announced a 240 million dirhams (approximately $24.5 million) investment to boost innovation and support local startups. Announced, on October 8th, at the opening of the 6th edition of the African Digital Summit, the investment aims to boost demand for innovative services.
“We have allocated a budget of 240 million dirhams to stimulate domestic demand for innovative services, prioritizing purchases from local startups and giving them access to outsourcing opportunities, so they can export their solutions beyond our borders,” Mezzour stated.
This initiative comes at a time when African startups are increasingly struggling to attract capital. It is part of the "Digital Morocco 2030" strategy, which aims to boost the local tech ecosystem. According to data from Partech Africa, Moroccan startups secured $33 million in 2021, $26 million in 2022, and $93 million in 2023.
State support is expected to strengthen the country’s tech entrepreneurial fabric, stimulate job creation, attract foreign investors, and further solidify Morocco’s position as a regional tech hub.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa's digital growth faces challenges, including infrastructure disparities, low internet access in rural areas, and limited digital skills among the workforce. Empowering youth through digital education initiatives can help bridge the digital divide and position Africa as a leader in global digital innovation.
Ethiopia and Tanzania hosted hundreds of young innovators gathered for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) National Competitions on October 4.
Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), said "We are thrilled to see Ethiopia’s young innovators competing at such a high level. This competition not only showcases creativity but also demonstrates Africa's potential to lead in technological solutions to our continent’s most pressing challenges."
Held at the United Nations Conference Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the event featured 100 Ethiopian finalists including 30 female competitors representing 14 STEM centers nationwide. The participants showcased their skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.
In Tanzania, the national competition, hosted at the University of Dar es Salaam, saw 39 students from 12 groups demonstrate innovative solutions to environmental and safety challenges. This year’s World Robot Olympiad theme, "Earth Allies," encouraged young innovators to develop environmentally friendly solutions, underscoring the urgent need for creative approaches to sustainability.
Ethiopia’s Kotebe STEM Center won first place with its ADAPTA-Multipurpose Robot, while Tanzania’s Azania Secondary School took top honors with an Automatic Fire-Fighting Robot. These winners will advance to the global WRO finals in Turkey later this year from November 28 to 30 2024.
For Pren-Tsilya Boa-Guehe, Head of Google Government Affairs and Public Policy, this “partnership with ECA and others aims to provide young African learners with opportunities to explore their curiosities, learn digital skills, and ultimately, be prepared to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution.”
Supported by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Google, and STEMPower, the event is part of a larger initiative aiming to equip 9,000 African students and 200 teachers with digital skills in AI and robotics across 14 countries on the continent. This aligns with Africa's goal to bridge the digital divide and capitalize on an estimated $712 billion digital economy by 2050.
The World Bank highlights that expanding digital access can help address unemployment and inequality by creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, education, and financial inclusion. With a significant percentage of Africa's population under 25, the continent’s youth are a driving force behind this digital shift.
Hikmatu Bilali
For several years, Kenya has been working to accelerate its economic development. The country has identified a few issues within its state apparatus that are slowing progress toward achieving this goal.
Margaret Ndung'u (photo, center), Kenya's Minister of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, met last week with a United Nations delegation led by Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya. The discussions focused on the importance of partnering to leverage digital technology to track illicit financial flows and combat cybercrime.
According to the ministry, the UN also emphasized the need to develop the necessary infrastructure, train law enforcement to tackle cybercrime, create digital labor policies, and devise a strategy for digital job creation.
This initiative follows Kenya’s request for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) audit to assess the impact of corruption and mismanagement of state resources on public finances. In Transparency International’s latest Corruption Perception Index, Kenya ranks 126th out of 180 countries.
On the cybersecurity front, Kenya is a global leader, ranking in Tier 1 with a score of 98.59 out of 100, according to the International Telecommunication Union’s "Global Cybersecurity Index 2024" published in September. However, cybercrime losses in Kenya could reach $383 million, according to the "Reimagining the African Cybersecurity Landscape" report released in 2023 by Serianu, a Kenyan cybersecurity consultancy.
UN support could help effectively combat these challenges and position digital technology as a driver of social development, as outlined in Kenya's national strategy. This UN assistance hinges on conditions such as media freedom, the protection of information integrity, the regulation of digital platforms and combating misinformation.
Adoni Conrad Quenum