News (1720)
Nigeria's tech ecosystem, one of Africa's most dynamic, is experiencing rapid and impressive growth. Exploring it provides an opportunity to identify emerging trends, learn from best practices, and connect with key players.
A delegation of winners from Togo's Digital Awards visited Nigeria's tech hub Lagos last week to learn from local innovators.
The program, organized with the support of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation (through the Togo Digital Agency) and the German cooperation agency GIZ Togo, aims to enhance the skills and networks of these young digital professionals.
Lagos, often referred to as Nigeria’s "Silicon Valley," hosts several leading digital infrastructures in the region, such as DTC Lagos, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), Google Developers Space for Africa, and Microsoft. During the week, the award winners had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, incubators, business engineers, and investors active in the digital sector, drawing inspiration from best practices in digital transformation.
According to Guillaume Djondo, the commissioner in charge of organizing the Togo Digital Awards, the trip "offers a chance to explore Nigeria's digital transformation model and use it as inspiration to strengthen the digitalization momentum in Togo." Similarly, Gilles Lasson, a winner in the "Coup de cœur" category, called it a unique opportunity "to observe Nigeria's tech ecosystem and learn valuable lessons for innovation in Togo."
The Togo Digital Awards, now in its third edition, celebrate excellence in Togo’s digital sector by recognizing the contributions of entrepreneurs and innovators. This year, 25 winners were honored for their efforts in advancing digital development in Togo.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi
The Tunisian government's national policy prioritizes the digitization of services. In 2022, the administration had already digitized the birth certificate process.
Tunisia is seeking a company to build an electronic visa platform. Last week, the Ministry of Communication Technologies launched an international tender for the project, with submissions open until October 15.
The e-visa platform is expected to be developed within 12 months. To fund the project, the Tunisian government will use part of a loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB), granted under the "Tunisia Digital 2020" national strategic support project (PNS TD2020).
This initiative aligns with the goals of the "Tunisia Digital 2025" strategic plan, which emphasizes the digitization of public services. Other planned projects include the establishment of a national address directory, the implementation of e-justice, the creation of a private cloud for the Ministry of the Interior, infrastructure for e-government, the development of an internal HR management system for public administration, and a platform for monitoring cyber threats.
With the e-visa platform, the Tunisian government hopes to streamline the visa application process and reduce processing times. It also expects this initiative will boost economic cooperation and open new tourism markets.
According to official statistics, Tunisia welcomed 9.37 million tourists in 2023, a 45.5% increase from 2022. In its Spring 2024 "Economic Outlook Bulletin," the World Bank reported that tourism revenues rose by 28.1% in 2023, reaching 6.9 billion Tunisian dinars ($2.27 billion). This accounted for 4.4% of GDP, up from 3.8% in 2022.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Last June, Gabonese authorities approved a €56.2 million loan for invesments in digital infrastructure. Since then, the government has launched various projects and forged strategic partnerships to accelerate the country's digital transformation.
On Friday, September 13, in Libreville, Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy and New Information Technologies, Bonjean Rodrigue Mbanza, welcomed representatives from Swiss Authentis, a Swiss tech firm. The meeting aimed to explore the company's offerings to facilitate the digitization of Gabon's public services.
"I have asked my team to carefully review the various solutions proposed to assess their suitability for our needs. Gabon remains fully open to all innovative technological proposals and is committed to its strategy of becoming a tech hub in Central Africa," the minister stated.
This initiative follows the Council of Ministers' recent approval of a bill allowing Gabon to secure a €56.2 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), part of the World Bank Group. The loan is part of the "Digital Gabon" project, which seeks to modernize public administration through digital transformation.
Moreover, Gabon is considered a leader in Central Africa when it comes to information and communication technologies. According to the International Telecommunication Union, the country achieved an ICT development index score of 74.7 out of 100 in 2024, ranking 10th on the continent. Libya (88.1), Morocco (86.8), and Seychelles (84.7) top the list.
In 2019, the World Bank urged African governments to train youth in digital skills. Increasingly aware of the challenges linked to this shift in competencies, states are multiplying partnerships to achieve this goal.
The FIFA Foundation, a subsidiary of the world football governing body, announced on Friday the launch of its digital education program in Africa, starting with Mauritania. "With the help of the unique power of football, the FIFA Foundation is committed to the programme’s development and its launch on African soil is a special moment for us all. It is only in its infancy, but we are already starting to see its benefits in other countries," the foundation wrote.
Mauritania is the first African country to join the program. The FIFA Foundation revealed that it has signed an agreement with the Mauritanian government through the Ministry of Education and the Mauritanian Football Federation.
This memorandum of understanding marks the latest step in the program’s development, which targets 10,000 Mauritanian schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 over the next three years. These students will receive lessons in coding, robotics, and digital literacy in an engaging and fun way.
“By bringing football concepts to the classrooms, students are motivated to explore technology while developing problem-solving, creativity and teamwork skills. Hands-on activities such as programming football simulations, building performance-tracking sensors or designing robots for mini football tournaments make the learning experience both interactive and relevant,” the Foundation explained.
As part of the program’s implementation, there will also be a focus on providing technological equipment such as netbooks and projectors, as well as intensive teacher training. The program aims to do more than just improve students' digital literacy—it seeks to equip them with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the future.
Before Mauritania, the program was launched in Paraguay in June 2024, aiming to reach 20,000 students over the next three years. Paraguay is the first South American country to join this initiative, following the program’s global launch in Belize in July 2023. In Belize, 10,000 children, along with their teachers and school principals, are part of the program’s target group.
Vanessa Ngono Atangana
Across Africa, blockchain technology is quietly revolutionizing the way people interact with markets, governments, and services. The power of blockchain lies in its potential to address some of the continent's most pressing challenges, from financial inclusion and supply chain transparency to governance and healthcare.
Soramitsu, a global leader in blockchain solutions based in Japan, has teamed up with the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) to advance blockchain technology research, capacity development, and practical application in Nigeria. This partnership was announced in a press release on September 11.
The collaboration aims to establish a Knowledge-Industry partnership in which NISER will provide local knowledge and research analysis. At the same time, Soramitsu will enhance the capacity of NISER's research faculty and other Nigerian knowledge centers in blockchain technology.
Soramitsu delivers blockchain-based solutions for enterprises, universities, and governments worldwide. It has experience working on several high-profile blockchain projects, including developing the Bakong Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for the National Bank of Cambodia, among others.
NISER, Nigeria’s premier public policy think-tank, has a history of contributing to the nation’s public policy formulation and analysis. The institute has been instrumental in the development of several key national plans, including the First to Fourth National Development Plans, the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017-2020), and the current Medium Term National Development Plan (2021-2025).
The partnership aligns with Nigeria's national blockchain policy established in May 2023. This policy serves as a roadmap for adopting and utilizing blockchain technology across various sectors in Nigeria. By fostering research, capacity building, and practical implementation of blockchain through this collaboration, the initiative supports the government’s goal of harnessing blockchain for economic growth, financial inclusion, and reducing inefficiencies. This move positions Nigeria to effectively leverage blockchain technology in line with its policy, promoting a more innovative and digitally advanced economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Kenyan government plans to place digital technology at the core of the country's socioeconomic development. To realize this ambition, investments in infrastructure, among other areas, will be essential.
Kenya’s ICT Authority (ICTA) has outlined a need for 304.37 billion Kenyan shillings ($2.35 billion) to implement its 2024-2027 strategic plan. Officially launched on Friday, September 13, the roadmap includes programs and initiatives aimed at advancing the country's digital transformation.
The plan calls for 235 billion shillings over five years to ensure universal, secure, and reliable internet access. Another 9.5 billion will be allocated to expanding access to digital products, while 32.5 billion will be invested in fostering sustainable digital culture. Additionally, 23.8 billion shillings are earmarked for creating an optimized and unified digital environment, and 3.7 billion will go toward strengthening organizational capacity and improving operational efficiency.
“This plan lays the groundwork for transformational projects such as nationwide digital literacy programs, the expansion of secure broadband infrastructure, and the implementation of e-government services that bring public services to the fingertips of every citizen,” said Margaret Ndung'u, Kenya’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy.
These initiatives align with the broader Kenya Digital Master Plan, which envisions investments totaling 484.241 billion shillings from 2022 to 2032 to support the government's ambition of leveraging digital technology for socioeconomic development.
Kenya’s digital push has gained momentum with international partnerships. The country recently joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and secured $238 million from Korea Eximbank to invest in the smart city project, Konza Technopolis. In April 2023, the World Bank provided $390 million to accelerate Kenya's digital economy, and the country is seeking further support from nations like China, Indonesia, India, and Malaysia.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
The remarkable progress in artificial intelligence (AI) is both exciting and concerning. It's essential to keep a close eye on this issue.
The Kenyan government is taking steps to regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) amid growing concerns about disinformation.
During the launch of the Fifth National Action Plan on Open Government Partnership, President William Ruto announced the upcoming introduction of a regulatory framework. "We are implementing a regulatory regime to forestall the abuse of new technologies, including AI, which leads to disinformation that threatens our democracy," he stated.
This initiative comes as disinformation becomes a global concern. A January report by the World Economic Forum identified disinformation as the greatest risk to the global economy over the next two years, surpassing threats like armed conflict, climate crises, and inflation. A 2019 study estimated that combating disinformation could cost more than $78 billion.
Kenya's regulatory framework represents a significant step in promoting the responsible use of AI. Additionally, the government is collaborating with German partners to develop a national AI strategy. These initiatives aim to regulate emerging technologies ethically and responsibly, ensuring Kenya adheres to global standards in digital governance.
Samira Njoya
To advance the digitization of its public services, the Congolese government has partnered with the World Bank and a specialized consulting firm.
A working meeting was held on Friday, September 13, to outline a roadmap for digitizing Congolese public services. The gathering brought together stakeholders from government ministries, supervisory administrations, and the consulting firm developing the digital platform, ADDINN.
According to Francis Seck Mangouani, national coordinator of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN), the beta version of the portal interface is expected to be ready within four months. "This workshop focused on implementing the government's public services portal. We discussed how to prioritize certain services and reviewed the six priority sectors outlined in the 2022-2026 National Development Plan," said Guy Parfait Sosthène Itoumou, head of research and planning at the Agency for Digital Economy Development.
This initiative follows the World Bank's recent mission supporting the implementation of the PATN. The institution is financing the project with $100 million as part of the "Congo Digital 2025" strategy. One of its main objectives is to modernize the practices and services of public administration, with e-government and e-citizen initiatives emerging as key pillars of this strategic vision.
The creation of a national public services portal will facilitate access to administrative procedures, particularly for people in remote areas, allowing for real-time tracking of processes, which will improve transparency and trust in public services. For the administration, it will help reduce costs related to document management and in-person interactions with the public.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Congo is digitizing government administration. Authorities have confirmed a project to digitize documents from two ministries and their affiliated agencies.
Séraphin Ondélé, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization, and Local Development, met with Jean Luc Magré, Africa Manager for FamilySearch, on September 11. The meeting focused on advancing the civil status archives digitization project.
The initiative aims to digitize civil status documents generated by town halls and other decentralized administrations, as well as culturally significant archives, involving both the Ministries of Interior and Culture.
“The project emphasizes the digitization of civil status archives in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. These documents will assist researchers in their studies and help families trace their ancestry and understand their cultural heritage. Today's meeting provided clarity on the project's parameters and helped establish a collaborative framework for moving forward,” Magré stated.
This project is part of the National Digital Economy Development Strategy, dubbed “Congo Digital 2025.” Its objectives include leveraging digital technology to enhance business competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, and diversify the economy. According to the United Nations E-Government Development Index, the country scored 0.3675 in 2022, ranking 161st out of 193 nations.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Togolese government is focusing on high-speed internet, e-government services, and data security. To make this happen, it's teaming up with experienced international partners.
On September 4, in Beijing, Togo’s authorities signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese tech giant Huawei. The goal of this partnership is to strengthen the country's digital infrastructure.
This deal was signed during the 9th edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Togo’s leaders met with several Chinese companies to secure strategic contracts, with a focus on advancing their digital transformation.
This move aligns with the "Togo Digital 2025" strategy, launched in June 2022, which is aimed at promoting social inclusion and economic growth through digital advancements. Key initiatives include building a digital innovation ecosystem, providing widespread access to high-speed internet and technology, and digitizing key sectors of the economy.
In addition to Huawei, Togo has partnered with other tech companies, such as French firms Atos and Idemia, to develop a national electronic identification system. Earlier this year, the country also turned to Kazakhstan’s National Information Technologies to support digital projects and improve the digitalization of government services.
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The global security robot market is rapidly expanding, fueled by the growing popularity of these intelligent machines. While Africa is slightly behind in adopting this technology, the continent still offers substantial opportunities for the deployment of security robots.
U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood announced that the United States plans to import at least 50 robots fully designed in Tunisia by 2025.
Hood announced this at the 10th-anniversary celebration of Enova Robotics, a Tunisian company specializing in robot manufacturing. The initiative stems from a partnership between Enova Robotics and its American partner, Unartificial Labs.
"This partnership highlights the quality and competitiveness of Tunisian engineering in the U.S. market and underscores the potential for new collaborations and knowledge exchange between our two countries," Hood said.
The robots exported to the U.S. will be used to secure critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, factories, and for border surveillance. Equipped with 360-degree sensors, these autonomous robots ensure optimal protection of large sites. Since the creation of the first model in 2015, these robots have evolved and have already been exported to France and several major international companies, including the European aerospace manufacturer Airbus.
For Enova Robotics, this export marks a crucial milestone after ten years in business, showcasing Tunisia's technological excellence and expertise on the global stage. By collaborating with the U.S. and entering strategic markets like Latin America, Enova Robotics is strengthening its position as a pioneer in robotic innovation.
This success comes at a time when the global security robot market is rapidly expanding. According to data analytics platform Mordor Intelligence, this market, valued at $15.70 billion in 2024, is expected to nearly double to $29.65 billion by 2029, with an average annual growth rate of 13.57%.
Samira Njoya
To support digital transformation, the authorities have launched the "Congo Digital 2025" strategy. This plan includes various programs and projects backed by multiple technical and financial partners.
Congo’s Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Léon Juste Ibombo, on Wednesday, unveiled several initiatives during a ceremony where computer equipment was donated to Marien Ngouabi University.
“A few months ago, we initiated the connectivity of the two major universities in our country, Marien Ngouabi University and Denis Sassou Nguesso University. The work is currently underway, and completion is expected by the end of this year,” Ibombo stated.
In addition to the university connectivity project, he highlighted the training of 1,200 young people in digital skills, funded by a $1 million World Bank grant, and the installation of high-speed free Wi-Fi on the Marien Ngouabi University campus.
These initiatives are part of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN), aligned with the national "Congo Digital 2025" strategy. Supported by $100 million from the World Bank, the project aims to provide high-speed internet access to public administrations, universities, secondary schools, and rural areas.
Improving connectivity for academic institutions will help modernize the country’s infrastructure, facilitate access to online services and e-learning, and enhance young people’s digital skills, ultimately strengthening Congo’s competitiveness in the ICT sector.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The government is stepping up efforts to accelerate digital transformation across all sectors of the country. These initiatives are receiving substantial support from the United Nations, further strengthening the implementation of strategic projects.
The Malawian Parliament introduced a new digital system, the e-Chamber, on Thursday. Designed to revolutionize internal operations, the system aims to increase efficiency and transparency through digitized parliamentary processes.
A training session was held on September 11 to prepare members of parliament for the transition to the new technological environment. The institution stated, "The complete system will be fully operational for the next parliamentary session. This training underscores our commitment to embracing digital tools and improving procedural efficiency to better serve the Malawian people."
The e-Chamber system offers advanced features, including audio management, electronic document handling, and electronic voting. Each parliamentarian will receive a tablet equipped with a new audio system, facilitating access to necessary documents and official tasks.
This initiative is part of a broader digital transformation undertaken in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It follows the introduction of the e-Court platform in April, aimed at improving access to justice for marginalized communities.
The adoption of the paperless multimedia system within Parliament will enhance operational efficiency by centralizing the management of speeches, votes, simultaneous interpretation, and member registration. With this move, Malawi joins other African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and Angola, which have already implemented similar systems.
Samira Njoya
The Kenyan government is seeking international partners to bolster its digital transformation efforts. In June, a partnership with Malaysia was established towards this goal.
Kenya and Belgium are exploring potential collaborations in the digital sector. Margaret Ndung’u (photo, right), Kenya’s Minister of Information, Communications, and Digital Economy, met with Peter Maddens (photo, left), Belgium’s ambassador to Kenya, on Wednesday to discuss potential areas of partnership.
While specific details were not disclosed, the ministry indicated that the talks covered last-mile connectivity and other digital initiatives. The discussions come as Kenya actively seeks international support for its digital transformation.
In June, Kenya engaged in talks with Malaysia on cybersecurity and semiconductor production. In January, the Indian government approved a memorandum of understanding with Kenya focusing on the digital space.
International collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in advancing Kenya’s digital economy acceleration program. Since taking office, President William Ruto has made clear his ambition to leverage digital technology for socio-economic development by 2027. His plans include significant investments in infrastructure, such as deploying 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable, setting up 25,000 Wi-Fi access points, and digitizing 5,000 administrative services.
Isaac K. Kassouwi