News (1354)
In Africa, most women entrepreneurs struggle to obtain financing. Women-owned businesses often lack the capital needed for startup or expansion due to various obstacles.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) jointly initiated a $50 million fund, named the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund (WEIDE), on February 25, Sunday. The fund is designed to promote digital technology adoption among women entrepreneurs, not only in Africa but also in other developing and least-developed nations. Its ultimate aim is to enable women to leverage the opportunities presented by international trade and the digital economy.
For Pamela Coke-Hamilton, ITC's Executive Director, the fund will help women to raise the capital they need for their businesses. "Time and time again, women in developing countries tell us that access to finance is a key barrier to trade. With this new Fund, women entrepreneurs will have the resources they need to do business across borders and online," she stated.
In Africa, women entrepreneurs often struggle to access bank loans and capital due to social norms, discriminatory policies, and a lack of collateral. This fund, initially backed by a $5 million contribution from the United Arab Emirates, aims to overcome these challenges.
The fund’s launch is a step towards empowering women in commerce and assisting them in developing and promoting their online businesses. According to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, digital trade, particularly trade in digitally delivered services, has been the fastest-growing segment of international trade since 2005, with an average growth rate of 8%.
"Digitalization presents us with unprecedented opportunities to empower women entrepreneurs, level the playing field, and foster inclusive growth," said Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Samira Njoya
The strategic partnership was inspired by Tencent's Weixin/WeChat ecosystem and its billion monthly active users.
Orange wants to double the adoption of its Max it super-app by 2025. To this end, the French group decided to sign a partnership with China's Tencent Cloud on Tuesday, February 27 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Orange will leverage "Tencent Cloud's Mobility framework and the Tencent Cloud Mini Program Platform (TCMPP) solution to create an open platform for Max it, enabling the integration of a wide range of mini-apps within its super-app." The aim is to enrich the Max it ecosystem and enhance the customer and partner experience for businesses and people in Africa and the Middle East.
Commenting on the partnership, Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, said: "This partnership with Tencent Cloud is a key step in our vision to offer innovative and high value-added services to our users. Enriching Max it with innovative mini-apps is key to strengthening its value proposition, increasing its penetration among Orange and non-Orange customers, and amplifying our social impact."
Max it, launched last November, is a super mobile application that aggregates all the services offered by Orange and its partners. The French company aims to position its super-app in this part of the world as a hub for all mobile services. Deployed in half a dozen countries at launch, it will expand to eight more destinations in the first quarter of this year, before covering all the countries where the group operates before the end of the year.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The Mobile World Congress opened in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday, February 26, offering an opportunity for technology companies to sign strategic partnerships to support their growth in various regions of the world.
Orange Middle East and Africa and Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support digital transformation initiatives in 17 African and Middle Eastern countries. The memorandum was announced, Wednesday, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
"This collaboration with Microsoft is a significant step in our commitment to support the digital transformation of African businesses. By combining our network and Microsoft’s solutions, we can provide SMEs with the tools and guidance they need to thrive in the digital economy," said Jérôme Hénique (pictured, left), CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa.
Under that agreement, Microsoft will leverage the Orange network to offer Microsoft solutions such as Microsoft 365, Copilot, Azure, and Dynamics 365 to approximately 15,000 SMEs in 2024 and ultimately to 1 million. The two companies will collaborate on training, marketing, and sales support programs, and establish a steering committee to track progress using performance indicators.
Microsoft, like Orange, continues to invest in the continent. Besides announcing the construction of a new data center in South Africa earlier this month, Microsoft has partnered with several African countries to drive digital transformation. This includes Kenya, where the company will integrate its cloud solutions into public administration e-services, and Nigeria, where it aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants across various ministries in collaboration with a local partner.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa needs a skilled workforce to effectively achieve its digital transformation. It can count on the World Bank and its partners, committed to supporting its endeavors.
The Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA) has received a $20 million grant from the World Bank to expand its activities across Africa, as part of the West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP).
The World Bank funding will support a project that expands upon the existing foundations of SADA and the AReg4DT program. It will train a new generation of African policymakers and regulators, equipping them to utilize the potential of green and inclusive digital transformation through innovative approaches to policy and regulation.
"With this aim, the scale-up will reach 30,000 unique policymakers and decision-makers from all African countries, with a targeted participation level of females at 40%. Given the World Bank’s commitment to digital transformation in Africa, the grant will significantly contribute to regional integration and rapid adoption of the Single Digital Market for Africa," says the Smart Africa press release.
This grant builds upon previous World Bank and SADA collaborations aimed at building digital capabilities in Africa. In November 2023, for instance, the World Bank announced $266.5 million in funding for similar purposes and also for internet access expansion and a single West African digital market.
Initially launched by the Smart Africa Alliance with funding of around $30,000, SADA has already made remarkable progress. Since August 2020, it has offered online training for decision-makers and policy-makers, helping to improve digital skills and promote a dynamic learning ecosystem across Africa.
Samira Njoya
Nigeria Launches Ambitious Digital Literacy Program for 40 Million SMEs.
Digitalization is crucial for SMEs as it enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, expands market reach, and fosters innovation. By adopting digital tools and platforms, SMEs can streamline processes, improve customer engagement, and access valuable data insights, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) have introduced an initiative focused on enhancing digital literacy among over 40 million Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. NITDA disclosed the meeting via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on February 23rd.
This strategic collaboration seeks to safeguard approximately 70 million jobs and amplify SMEs’ substantial contribution, constituting a formidable 50% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Beyond mere partnership, the NITDA-SMEDAN alliance reveals an ambitious action plan to establish a comprehensive database crucial for SMEs’ future growth and sustainability. Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, and Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN, envision a multifaceted strategy that not only prioritizes infrastructural advancements but also places significant emphasis on digital literacy.
Acknowledging the transformative potential of digital tools and platforms in reshaping operational paradigms, NITDA and SMEDAN align with the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF). Their shared vision heralds an era where digital competence fuels innovation and propels growth within the SME sector. The imminent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is poised to solidify these collaborative efforts, providing SMEs representing a staggering 90% of Nigeria’s workforce and business landscape with a robust foundation for prosperity.
As Nigeria embarks on this transformative journey, the NITDA-SMEDAN partnership emerges as a beacon of hope for millions of SMEs, intrinsically linked to the nation’s economic stability. Given the pivotal role SMEs play in Nigeria’s GDP, the success of this initiative holds the promise of a resilient and prosperous future.
Hikmatu Bilali
To help African women seize opportunities in the technology industry, She Code Africa will be implementing a training program in product development and management. The FedEx-funded program aims to reach 100,000 women by 2030.
She Code Africa, a program dedicated to empowering African women in technology, has announced a partnership with FedEx to launch a tech training initiative. The program is open to women from all African countries who are passionate about technology and are between the ages of 18 and 45.
The program offers two training paths. The first is a 2-3 month engineering pathway that covers a range of essential technical courses, including software engineering (web and mobile), cloud engineering, data science and analytics, and hardware engineering such as robotics. The second track offers comprehensive 2-3 month bootcamps designed to equip African women with the knowledge and skills needed to design and manage products.
Funded by FedEx, the program also provides career mentoring, a one-month paid internship for practical experience, and job opportunities with leading tech companies. The initiative aims to enable African women to leverage the opportunities offered by the tech industry. By 2030, the program aims to train and integrate 100,000 women and girls into the tech industry. Applications are open until March 8.
Vanessa Ngono Atangana
Technology is indispensable for investment in Africa. It enhances access to information, streamlines processes, and improves transparency, thereby attracting both local and international investors, showcasing potential, and enabling effective participation in the global economy.
Zimbabwe’s Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) unveiled, on February 22, its groundbreaking digital Do-It-Yourself (DIY) investment licensing system, signaling the nation’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly climate. The innovative platform streamlines investment processes, enticing both local and international investors.
Tafadzwa Chinamo (pictured), CEO of ZIDA, praised the launch as a pivotal moment, emphasizing Zimbabwe’s determination to facilitate seamless investment procedures. The DIY portal reduces the license approval timeline from seven working days to an impressive two to five days. Investors worldwide can now navigate the licensing process remotely, eliminating geographical barriers.
The automated system integrates with various government ministries and departments, ensuring a harmonized regulatory approach. Busisa Moyo, Chairman of ZIDA, underscored the portal’s strategic significance in positioning Zimbabwe competitively on the global investment stage. With swift access to the nation’s abundant opportunities, investors can explore Zimbabwe’s potential with ease.
Zimbabwe’s transition to digital platforms reflects a broader commitment to modernization and efficiency within its regulatory landscape. By simplifying procedures and enhancing transparency, the government aims to instill investor confidence and catalyze economic growth.
Martin Rushwaya, Chief Secretary to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to dismantle bureaucratic obstacles and bolster investor protection mechanisms. ZIDA’s digital leap represents a crucial stride toward realizing Zimbabwe’s vision of economic transformation. The nation stands poised to become a beacon of investment opportunity, attracting forward-thinking entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.
The transition to digitalization indicates Zimbabwe's openness to business, and innovation, and its support for entrepreneurship and investment. With this visionary strategy, investors from around the globe can boldly explore the opportunities Zimbabwe offers as the nation advances into the future.
Hikmatu Bilali
African digital financial inclusion remains a challenge. In that context, the new partnership seeks to expand access to financial services.
US Fintech Visa and the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation (GSMA Foundation) launched the Digital Finance for All (DFA) initiative on Monday during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. This initiative aims to boost digital financial inclusion among 20 million individuals across Africa, Asia, and Latin America by providing targeted educational resources and facilitating access to mobile money services.
The DFA program seeks to equip women, small-scale farmers, and entrepreneurs running nano-, micro-, or small-sized enterprises with essential financial knowledge via technological tools. By doing so, it hopes to enable these groups to leverage mobile money platforms effectively within their respective nations.
"At Visa, we believe that digital payments are critical to including everyone in the digital economy by helping provide access to economic livelihood. Together with the GSMA Foundation, we seek to empower those in underserved communities across the world and provide equal access to help build better financial futures for all," said Chiagozie Nwabuebo, Vice President of Global Growth and Social Impact at Visa.
Despite progress over the past decade, Africa's bank account penetration remains low globally. As a result, many African citizens have increasingly relied on mobile money as a viable alternative form of payment. With the expansion of fintech companies throughout the region, mobile money has become an integral aspect of daily life in Africa.
As per the GSMA's "State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2023," the number of active mobile money accounts in Africa rose by 17%, reaching approximately 763 million, while total transactions approached $832 billion - an increase of 22% from 2021. Although growth rates were lower in Latin America and Asia compared to Africa, these markets have also seen significant increases in mobile money usage.
As stated by Ashley Olson Onyango (photo, left), Head of Financial Inclusion and Agri-Tech at the GSMA, “Mobile money can play a transformative role in advancing financial inclusion and resilience for the nearly 2 billion people who remain unbanked globally. However, poor digital and financial literacy is a key barrier to accessing digital financial services, especially for certain population segments like women, farmers, and micro-merchants.”
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The digitalization of education in Africa holds significant promise for revolutionizing educational systems and enhancing learning results. Yet, obstacles persist, including inadequate infrastructure and the imperative to equip educators with proficiency in these emerging technologies.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been awarded a grant of approximately 8.1 million rand ($422,000) by the European Union (EU) to implement the Promotion of Technology Enhanced Learning and Digital Education (Pro-TELDE) project in South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The project, funded by the EU’s Erasmus program, aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to transform education and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
"Project Pro-TELDE reflects UJ’s commitment to advancing digital education and empowering educators for success in the digital era, driving positive societal change through transformative educational initiatives," said Professor Tankiso Moloi, 4IR Research Chair at Johannesburg Business School, UJ.
The EU funding aligns with UJ’s dedication to digital education. The university has recently made significant strides in AI, ranking sixth among African universities for its contributions to AI research.
As part of the project, vocational education will be offered, as well as training of educators, to equip them with the necessary tools to navigate and excel in this new era. An online repository of validated digital educational resources, specifically designed for South African educators, will be established to serve as a hub of knowledge and innovation, providing them with access to a wealth of information and tools to refine their teaching methods.
This initiative, by equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to adapt to digital advancements and incorporate them into their teaching practices, aims to pave the way for a brighter and more technologically advanced future for South Africa’s education sector.
Samira Njoya
For three days, global telecommunications and technology sector stakeholders will meet to discuss an ever-smart and connected world and exchange insights and innovations.
The Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona, Spain, has drawn nearly 96,000 registrants for this year’s event, which opened on February 26, according to Mats Granryd, Managing Director of the Global System Operators Association (GSMA). This marks an increase from last year’s attendance of approximately 90,000.
The Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024), officially inaugurated by King Felipe VI, is focusing not only on connectivity but also on all related sectors. "As connectivity brings us together, technology opens possibilities – with connectivity driving a fusion of technology and purpose across all sectors, enabling new possibilities. This week is all about exploring the future's potential for businesses and society," said Mats Granryd.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the most prominent segment at this year’s event, with public adoption of generative AI, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, gaining traction since its introduction in November 2022. The tech community and governments are currently considering the practical applications, economic implications, ethical use regulations, and safety concerns of generative AI.
Other key topics to be discussed at the event include connected and electric cars, cloud computing, 5G and 6G technology, and the transformation of telecom operators.
MWC 2024 also presents an opportunity to explore the latest tech gadgets, including wrist smartphones, connected watches, laptops, and tablets. Major broadband industry players such as Orange, Vodafone, Telefonica, and China Mobile will be in attendance, along with leading tech companies like Huawei, Samsung, Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, Infobip, and Nokia.
The startup ecosystem is well represented, with a dedicated space for tech entrepreneurs and an African delegation featuring companies like Ghana’s Farmerline, Benin’s FedaPay, and Senegal’s Lafricainemobile.
The event, which concludes on February 29, is expected to foster numerous partnerships for the advancement of global connectivity and digital transformation among private, public, and public-private entities.
Muriel Edjo
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Moove Africa, a mobility company operating in six sub-Saharan African markets, is currently in talks with Uber regarding a potential investment. The funding would support Moove Africa's continued expansion across the continent.
Uber Technologies, the American ride-hailing giant, is poised to invest $100 million in African vehicle financing startup Moove, according to a Bloomberg report. The investment is part of a new funding round that could increase Moove’s enterprise value from $650 million to around $750 million.
This funding round follows a recent $76 million financing round that included participation from U.S. asset management firm BlackRock and Emirati investment firm Mubadala Investment Company. Moove aims to use these funds to build the world’s largest technology-enabled financial services platform for mobile entrepreneurs.
Moove, which is already a funding partner of Uber in Africa and India, could see its partnership with Uber strengthened if the $100 million investment is confirmed. This could potentially enable broader vehicle financing on a global scale.
Currently headquartered in Amsterdam, Moove operates in several African cities, including Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Nairobi, as well as in London, Dubai, and three major Indian cities: Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore.
Samira Njoya
E-commerce growth in Africa is projected to accelerate over the next decade, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. To support and sustain this expansion, there is an urgent need for regulatory frameworks.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Bank have launched "Digital Trade for Africa," a project aimed at boosting e-commerce growth and job creation on the continent. The announcement came during the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi last Saturday.
The initiative seeks to address limited digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks hindering Africa's e-commerce potential, according to WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “Digital trade is one of the fastest growing segments of trade in the world today. Young people and women on the African continent have shown that they are able to take advantage of these opportunities. Africa has only 1 percent share of digitally delivered services trade, but I see it as an opportunity for the continent to grab on,” she stated.
The project builds on a July 2023 joint WTO-World Bank policy brief that urged the creation of a regulatory environment conducive to digital trade on the continent.
As part of the project, the WTO and World Bank will support select African countries in developing digital infrastructure, including payment systems, and in addressing barriers to digital trade participation.
The aim is to enable Africa to lift its economy through e-commerce in a context where E-commerce platforms in Africa are forecast to reach $59.18 billion in sales by 2027, up from $32.49 billion in 2022, according to a report by digital economy consultancy TechCabal Insights.
Samira Njoya
Nigeria's government is pursuing a strategic partnership focused on digital transformation and job creation through technology skills development.
The Nigerian Ministry of Youth Development has announced plans to partner with American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria, a leading provider of telecommunications and technology infrastructure, to offer free Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training to young people in the country.
The announcement was made on Friday, February 23, in Abuja by the Minister of Youth Development, Ms. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (pictured center), during a visit by a delegation from ATC led by Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie (pictured right), Head of Public Affairs for Africa at ATC.
"The ministry’s major mandate is to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive and to prepare them for the 21st century economy just as President Bola Tinubu has emphasised severally in most of his engagements. We are ready to partner with you in the area of information communication technology, which is the main area of partnership with your corporation that our youths can benefit from," the Minister said.
In the wake of the technological revolution, digital skills have become a necessity rather than an option. The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has implemented several ICT training programs to enable the local population to acquire these essential skills. These initiatives allow Nigeria, one of the most mature technology ecosystems on the continent, to support its digital transformation and foster creativity among the country's youth.
ATC operates in 33 states across Nigeria and, according to Mr. Ilozavbie, it has already trained over 50,000 Nigerians.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa, accelerating digital transformation necessitates tight cooperation among various stakeholders, leveraging their collective knowledge for faster progress.
The Southern Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their collaboration in science, technology, innovation, and digitization. The agreement, signed on Tuesday, February 20, marks the beginning of a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating digital transformation, enhancing capabilities, sharing expertise, and promoting youth exchange initiatives.
The partnership will establish capacity-building initiatives for the Ministry’s professionals and public servants, leveraging the SCO’s resources and expertise. It will also provide new opportunities for youth through educational programs and scholarships, with a particular emphasis on science and technology disciplines.
This partnership is expected to be a key driver for the advancement of Ethiopia’s digital infrastructure, enhancing public services and strengthening key economic sectors through technology. It represents a significant step towards achieving the nation’s digital roadmap, “Digital Ethiopia 2025,” which aims to digitize over 300 services by 2025.
At the same event, OCS Secretary General Sheikh Manssour Bin Mussallam introduced the Greater South Learning Enrichment Resources Nexus (GreSLERN) digital platform. This open-source digital tool is designed to assist educators in member states and curriculum development centers in implementing a comprehensive and inclusive educational approach.
Samira Njoya