News (1575)
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its substantial contribution, Nigeria's agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including a lack of investments, outdated farming systems, and insufficient supply to meet the growing population and increasing food demand.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
Cybersecurity has become a significant concern for African countries in recent years. As African nations actively participate in the global technological revolution, they have also become increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. The ongoing digital transformation across the continent has exposed the weaknesses and vulnerabilities present in Africa's cyberspace.
On Monday, July 1, Russian multinational information security company Kaspersky offered four recommendations to protect against online fraudsters in West Africa (commonly known as "brouteurs"). The recommendations include generating complex passwords, being wary of suspicious SMS messages, looking for the padlock symbol on websites, and downloading applications from reliable sources.
These recommendations follow a study conducted by the Russian cybersecurity firm in January 2024, surveying 200 people on mobile phone usage in West Africa. The study highlights the growing threats posed by "brouteurs," whose activities severely undermine digital trust and security in the region. Their scams range from social media impersonation, fake loans and scholarships, online purchases, and counterfeiting, to contests and competitions, as well as health and beauty scams, webcam schemes, and remote access frauds.
"With increasing Internet access in West Africa, online security is becoming a concern for local populations. In Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal, 46% of the population connects to the Internet daily, approximately 9.6 million users. [...] 50.5% of Ivorians and Senegalese use their mobile phones daily for professional and personal needs. Social networks are used by 87.7% of users, followed by video calls (68.1%) and geolocation applications (60.8%)," noted Kaspersky.
According to Kaspersky, increased connectivity exposes users to various cybercrime risks, including romance scams that exploit social media and communication platforms. These scams caused over $1.3 billion in global losses between 2017 and 2022, with an average loss of $4,400 per victim, according to Interpol.
In Africa, cybersecurity issues are still rarely addressed at the national level due to a lack of skills or infrastructure. According to the 2020 edition of the "Global Cybersecurity Index" report published by the International Telecommunication Union, the cybersecurity indices of Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal were 67.82 (11th place) and 35.85 (18th place) respectively. Several countries in the region, such as Mali (10.14), Niger (11.36), and Guinea (20.53), are more vulnerable.
However, authorities in various countries are increasingly taking measures to secure their cyberspace. They are implementing national cybersecurity strategies, establishing national computer incident response teams, and joining conventions such as the Malabo Convention on Cybersecurity and Personal Data Protection and the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Senegal's Digital Strategic Development Plan hinges on the digitalization of its government administration. However, despite significant investments in this initiative, the anticipated results have not yet materialized.
Senegal is lagging behind in its objectives for the digitization of public services, with only 130 out of 900 procedures completed, a rate of 13.4%, according to Isidore Diouf, the CEO of public digitization agency Sénégal Numérique (SENUM SA). The official presented the figure on June 28, during a discussion on digital technology at a business conference.
Senegal began digitizing its public administrative services in 2017. In 2022, SENUM signed an agreement with 19 municipalities in Dakar to digitize civil status documents. By July 2023, XOF8 billion (13 million USD) had been invested to implement the 2023-2027 Digital Master Plan for Justice, aimed at creating a more accessible digital judicial service. The health sector has also received significant attention.
Continuing this trend, in November, the Senegalese Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, in partnership with the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), unveiled GovStack, a new platform designed to handle over 800 administrative procedures.
While the reasons for this low digitization rate have not been clearly stated despite substantial investments, it is clear that many challenges remain. These include drafting regulatory texts to establish a governance framework for digitization and implementing an e-government strategy to accelerate the process. Support from all stakeholders and collective commitment are essential for successful digitization.
It should also be noted that in Senegal, some priority services are already online, including those in urban planning, tourism, justice, education, labor and social security, public service, interior, sports, consular civil status, and the environment
Samira Njoya
Commitment to digital skills training in sub-Saharan Africa is set to significantly impact the region’s digital economy. By providing young Africans with essential skills, a new generation of African talent is empowered to thrive in the global digital landscape.
Chinese ICT giant Huawei has committed to training 150,000 young people in sub-Saharan Africa over the next three years through its LEAP (Leadership, Employability, Advancement, and Possibility) program. The announcement was made by Gao Xiang, president of Huawei sub-Saharan Africa, at the Huawei LEAP Summit 2024 held June 28 in Shanghai.
“The LEAP Framework targets pivotal areas including digital leadership, employability enhancement, skill advancement, and future opportunities across Sub-Saharan Africa,” Xiang stated.
Through the LEAP initiative, launched in April 2022, Huawei aims to equip students in the region with essential digital skills. Initially targeting 100,000 trainees by 2025, Huawei surpassed this goal by June 2024, training over 120,000 individuals. The company now plans to train an additional 150,000 young people over the next three years.
The LEAP Summit, focusing on ICT talent and sustainable growth, included participation from African government officials and ambassadors. Notable key African figures, including Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala (Kenya's Ministry of Education), advocated for enhanced collaboration and training at universities to transform them into Huawei training hubs while Sophia Nantongo (Undersecretary of Uganda's Ministry of ICT) urged Huawei to set up manufacturing plants in Uganda to lower gadget costs and improve ICT access.
According to the e-Conomy Africa 2020 report by the IFC and Google, Africa’s digital economy is forecasted to reach $180 billion by 2025 and $712 billion by 2050. This highlights significant potential for growth and innovation, contingent on addressing the digital skills gap. Investing in digital education is essential to unlock this potential and position Africa as a global hub for technological advancement.
Hikmatu Bilali
Many regions across Africa face significant barriers to healthcare access due to the low penetration of health insurance, particularly among the informally employed. However, leveraging advanced satellite technology can help overcome these obstacles and enhance healthcare equity across the continent.
Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has partnered with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to launch the e-NHIA project, aiming to revolutionize healthcare access across Nigeria, NIGCOMSAT announced on June 27. Leveraging satellite technology, the initiative seeks to improve transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in delivering health insurance services nationwide.
We had a productive business meeting... - NIGCOMSAT Limited | Facebook
"This partnership with NHIA highlights our commitment to leveraging technology for positive impact," said a spokesperson from NIGCOMSAT.
This collaboration underscores a commitment to innovation and equitable healthcare provision, promising to enhance access to essential health services for millions of Nigerians.
A 2021 report by Dataphyte, a Nigerian media research and data analytics organization, reveals that 97% of Nigeria's population lacks health insurance coverage, with only 3% covered through employee health plans. This significant gap in health insurance coverage highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to increase access. According to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data, as of March 2024, Nigeria has a teledensity of 101.16%. However, this figure does not reflect the number of internet users, as many people use multiple SIM cards. Despite this, the high teledensity offers significant potential for leveraging digital platforms, such as NIGCOMSAT, to promote and manage health insurance services.
By utilizing technology, it is possible to facilitate the enrollment process, handle premium payments, and provide access to vital health information. This approach can make it easier for the uninsured population to participate in health insurance schemes, ultimately improving healthcare access and financial protection for millions of Nigerians.
Hikmatu Bilali
The African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection was adopted in 2014 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Ten years later, Madagascar has joined the list of countries that have ratified it.
Last week, the Malagasy Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications announced Madagascar's accession to the Malabo Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection. The aim is to ensure a safer cyberspace and effectively combat cybercrime.
With this accession, Madagascar will be able to "integrate the legal benchmarks regarding the implementation of personal data protection policies by the CMIL (Malagasy Commission for Computing and Freedoms) and the ANSSI (National Agency for the Security of Information Systems or CIRT in English)."
This move comes at a time when cybersecurity has become a crucial component due to the acceleration of digital transformation across the continent. African countries have been compelled to address this issue, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, many have expedited the ratification of the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, adopted in 2014 in Malabo.
The Convention aims, among other things, to protect personal data within the framework of cybersecurity legislation; facilitate cooperation to ensure the security of personal data and combat digital crime by promoting information exchange between national entities; use electronic technologies to secure personal data at the national level; and combat cybercrime by establishing specific entities in each signatory country.
According to the 2020 edition of the "Global Cybersecurity Index" published by the International Telecommunication Union, Madagascar has a cybersecurity index of 23.33 and ranks 24th in Africa, just ahead of Guinea (20.53) and behind Mozambique (24.18).
It is noteworthy that Angola, Benin, Togo, Senegal, Rwanda, Namibia, Niger, Mauritius, Mozambique, Ghana, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cape Verde, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Mauritania have already ratified the convention.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Over the past five years, the African video game market has experienced rapid development. Previously almost non-existent, it has gradually gained international visibility thanks to the efforts of numerous local studios.
On Friday, June 28, the American video game publisher Xbox, owned by Microsoft, honored Cameroonian game studio Kiro’o Games. Xbox showcased an exclusive trailer on its ID@Xbox YouTube channel, which promotes the best upcoming indie games for Xbox One and Windows PC, celebrating Kiro’o Games’ 20 years of work. This promotional communication comes a month after the release of “Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan,” developed by Kiro’o Games, on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
The Xbox trailer highlights the evolution of Aurion from a small amateur project on RPG Maker to an independent game with beautiful hand-drawn graphics. The original game was created using the XNA framework, which was freely offered by Microsoft at the time and allowed many studios to embark on their independent ventures.
“Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan” is an action-RPG set in an African Fantasy context inspired by classic J-RPGs like “Tales of.” It draws on African myths and legends, offering real-time combat in a 2D view. Players take on the role of the exiled king or queen of Zama, aiming to harness their “aurionic” power to build a world where everyone can understand each other despite their differences. The game’s narrative focuses on the challenge of remaining altruistic in a cynical and selfish world.
“We know the current situation is tough for everyone. That's precisely why we hope players will discover the Kori-Odans and be inspired by the message hidden in their Legacy and in Aurion. If you’re a humanist idealist feeling crushed by the world's coldness, Aurion is written for you,” explains Olivier Madiba, founder of Kiro’o Games and creator of Aurion.
Since 2013, the African video game industry has been growing. Across the continent, a generation of enthusiasts is mobilizing to exchange experiences and develop higher quality products. The goal is to showcase African stories and expertise. This is one of the reasons why a dozen game studios decided in February 2022 to pool their efforts within a group, the Pan Africa Gaming Group (PAGG), of which Kiro’o Games is a member.
According to consulting firm Verified Market Research, “the African video game market is growing rapidly due to the increasing adoption of smartphones, improved internet access, and a younger, tech-savvy population. Affordable mobile devices and better internet infrastructure have made online gaming more accessible to a wider range of people, increasing the demand for localized content that reflects the continent’s cultural and linguistic diversity.”
“Urbanization and rising disposable incomes have given birth to a growing middle class eager for digital entertainment, pushing game creators to offer specialized experiences to African gamers. This is expected to drive the market revenue to exceed $2.14 billion by 2024 and reach a valuation of approximately $3.72 billion by 2031,” the consulting firm adds.
For the Cameroonian studio, the confidence shown by Xbox will allow it to reach a vast potential player base worldwide, ensuring visibility, credibility, and revenue opportunities.
Muriel Edjo
The Chadian government has recently revived its efforts to drive digital transformation in the country. The selection of strategic partners will be critical to achieving the ambitious goals laid out in its new digital development strategy.
Chinese technology company Huawei has expressed its commitment to supporting Chad in realizing its digital projects. On Friday, June 28, Prime Minister Allah-Maye Halina received a delegation from Huawei Technologies led by its director in Chad, Feng Guo Jeremy.
The discussions focused primarily on digital projects and the improvement of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Chad. Huawei has offered to assist the government in achieving its technological development goals.
The delegation's visit comes nearly a year after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Chadian government and Huawei during Huawei Connect 2023. Under this agreement, Huawei committed to becoming a key partner of the Chadian government and to assist in building an ecosystem conducive to the growth of digital talents in Chad.
The support from Huawei is expected to significantly advance Chad's digital projects included in the new government's program. These projects encompass the improvement of digital infrastructure, the integration of digital technologies in the educational system, the digitization of government services, and technological innovation.
Chad currently lags significantly in the digital sector. According to DataReportal, the country had 3.2 million internet users in January 2023, representing an internet penetration rate of 17.9%. During the same period, the number of mobile phone users was 11.5 million, with a mobile penetration rate of 63.9%.
Samira Njoya
Orange continues to expand its Orange Digital Center network across the continent. Following launches in Dakar, Senegal; Bamako, Mali; Conakry, Guinea; and Freetown, Sierra Leone, Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, is now set to inaugurate this ecosystem dedicated to developing digital skills.
Orange, a leading telecom operator in Africa, has inaugurated the Orange Digital Center in Guinea-Bissau on June 28, 2024. The center, located in the capital Bissau, aims to train young people in digital skills, enhance their employability, and encourage innovative entrepreneurship.
The Orange Digital Center in Guinea-Bissau is part of a network of 26 similar centers across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. It includes a coding school, a solidarity FabLab, a startup accelerator "Orange Fab," and is supported by Orange Ventures Africa, the group's investment fund dedicated to promising startups.
"This space is more than just a technological center; it is a promise of transformation and growth for the digital future of Guinea-Bissau and Africa. By providing free access to cutting-edge resources, we hope to inspire a new generation of creators and leaders, and contribute to an inclusive digital economy," said Brelotte Ba, Deputy CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East.
The establishment of the Orange Digital Center in Guinea-Bissau aligns with the French telecom operator's strategy to position itself as a leader in digital transformation on the African continent. According to a World Bank report published in September 2022, the Bissau-Guinean government is committed to strengthening the country's digital skills, despite lacking the capacity to invest in the necessary resources. The absence of a national information and communication technology policy and strategy makes achieving several sustainable development goals by 2030 uncertain. Programs like Orange's help mitigate the issue while awaiting public authority actions.
Access to digital skills can improve access to basic public goods and services (e-government, telehealth, etc.), local financial services (online banking, digital payments, etc.), and promote better use of public information and digital platforms. It can also support an inclusive digital economy and contribute to the continuity of education by providing better access to distance or technology-assisted learning. As of early 2024, the internet penetration rate in Guinea-Bissau was 31.6%, according to DataReportal.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Music holds a prominent place in Cameroon's cultural sector. Recognizing this significance, Orange has introduced initiatives to support industry stakeholders.
Orange Cameroon has relaunched its Orange Music Legends program in partnership with Cameroonian music legends. The telecommunications company announced this on Wednesday, June 26, during a press conference. This initiative aims to support and promote new musical talents across various genres.
This year, five iconic duos will be formed, each consisting of a legendary artist and a leading artist of the new generation. Together, they will revisit great hits that have resonated with multiple generations of music lovers. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 3, at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex (Paposy).
Entrance tickets are free and can be downloaded via the Max it app, which provides access to Orange's services. The app is available on the Play Store and App Store. To download the super app Max it, click on "Marketplace," then "Event & Ticket." Select your ticket type: a free classic ticket or a VIP ticket (5,000 CFA Francs, or €7.61) for closer access to the stage. Complete your purchase and download your ticket.
Season 2 of the program promises to be even more spectacular with 24 episodes over 13 weeks, compared to 12 episodes previously. Additionally, games and quizzes will offer prizes totaling 5 million CFA Francs. The winning duo will receive 10 million CFA Francs. All votes will be cast via the Max it super app.
This initiative not only celebrates Cameroon's rich musical heritage but also supports the new generation of artists by providing them with a platform to gain recognition and collaborate with iconic figures in Cameroonian music. Alongside promoting local culture and talent, Orange Cameroon continues to innovate by offering practical digital solutions for its customers, thus reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation and support for the country's creative industries.
Samira Njoya
Across Africa, the job market is increasingly requiring individuals with strong digital knowledge and capabilities. As a result, it has become imperative to provide training to a large number of people in this critical field.
Samsung Electronics Maghreb Arab (SEMAG), the Moroccan subsidiary of the Korean technology giant Samsung, announced on Wednesday, June 26, the signing of a partnership with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports. This initiative aims to expand their collaboration on the "Samsung Innovation Campus" (SIC) program, which promotes digital education in Morocco.
As part of this new collaboration, the SIC program will be extended to all secondary school computer science teachers for training and certification in Python programming. Additionally, the first national programming competition will be launched to encourage excellence and innovation in Python among Moroccan students.
According to the government, this partnership aligns with the objectives of the 2022-2026 Information and Communication Technology roadmap, which aims to equip teachers and students with essential skills to thrive in the digital age. For Samsung, the initiative is part of its global corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which seeks to provide young people with the opportunity to learn crucial technologies and gain skills to improve their career prospects.
Since the program's launch in 2019, over 10,000 students have acquired coding skills thanks to 211 teachers across nine centers equipped with more than 500 computers and televisions. A total of 562 teachers have been trained and certified in Python programming.
This partnership brings Morocco closer to achieving the goals of the African Union's Digital Education Strategy, which advocates for the promotion of digital skills among teachers and students. The strategy also aims for at least 20% of students and 50% of teachers on the African continent to have access to digital devices by 2027, with a target of one-third of students and all teachers by 2030.
Samira Njoya
The initiative aims to facilitate investments from members of the Cameroonian diaspora in their hometown and encourage economic contributions from Cameroonians living abroad, fostering development and growth in Douala
The Urban Community of Douala (CUD), the Douala's municipal government, unveiled its digital platform, icud-diaspora, on Wednesday, June 26, following the establishment of a framework for exchanges with the diaspora in December 2022. This initiative aims to encourage Cameroonians living abroad to invest in the country's economic capital.
"We took the time to analyze key insights, such as the unanimously expressed demand from our diaspora to establish digital bridges to better harness opportunities in Cameroon. Through this platform, we want to offer skills, networks, and relationships that will enable our diaspora to invest in Douala and help us meet the city's social demands," explained Douala's mayor, Roger Mbassa Ndine.
The icud-diaspora platform allows Cameroonian migrants to declare their projects for Douala with just a few clicks and propose their expertise. In return, the city government promises to offer public-private partnerships (PPP), a dedicated remote contact person, project assistance, online services, a network of approved providers, and land availability.
According to a diaspora consultation conducted by the CUD between June and August 2023, 72% of the 445 respondents are willing to invest if conditions are met, 49% desire a dedicated intermediary to facilitate their projects, and 81% prioritize the quality and reliability of information. The consultation identified main barriers to diaspora engagement, including economic, social, and political conditions, bureaucracy, lack of incentives, and a deficit of trust and knowledge about opportunities.
Currently, the CUD offers a dozen opportunities to the diaspora in infrastructure and urban planning, such as developing residential or commercial real estate projects, constructing and operating supermarkets, among others. Roger Mbassa Ndine emphasized, "It's about co-constructing Douala's development with Cameroonians abroad who are a strength for our country."
Remittances from the diaspora are significant for the national economy. According to the World Bank, remittances from Cameroonian migrants to their home country amounted to $365 million in 2022, an increase of about 5% compared to $350 million in 2021. Douala aims to leverage these funds to drive its development.
Frédéric Nonos
In July 2022, Togo set a goal to digitize 75% of its administrative procedures by 2025.
Togo and Kazakhstan are strengthening their cooperation in the digitalization of public services. Togo's government agency, Togo Digital Agency (ATD), has formed a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan's National Information Technologies (NITEC). According to Togo First, this partnership will enable ATD to leverage NITEC's resources and expertise for its digital projects.
"This partnership will allow ATD to benefit from NITEC's expertise on various subjects to accelerate the digitalization of public services and administrations," stated the Togolese agency.
This initiative is part of the efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries, particularly following President Faure Gnassingbé's visit to Kazakhstan. NITEC, ranked 28th on the E-Government Development Index and 8th on the UN's Online Services Index, is expected to bring its expertise to Togo, helping the country deploy advanced technologies to improve its public services.
It is worth noting that Togo aims to digitalize 75% of its public services by 2030.
Ayi Renaud Dossavi