Enhancing data protection compliance fosters trust among consumers and businesses, which is vital for the expansion of the digital economy. It ensures that data is managed responsibly and securely.

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Youth Development signed an agreement with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) yesterday, September 18, to train 5,000 youths as data protection professionals. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to boost job creation in the digital sector.

For Ayodele Olawande, the minister of state for youth development, who signed on behalf of the Ministry, “..this initiative is aimed at equipping 5000 youths with the requisite technical skills for jobs in the data protection ecosystem.”

The NDPC has authorized the Institute of Information Management to certify these professionals, aiming to enhance local capacity and competitiveness.“We have already licensed an in-country certification body who will issue globally recognized certificates to eligible trainees,” said Vincent Olatunji, the CEO of NDPC.

Better data regulations attract foreign investments by assuring investors that their data and operations are secure. This can be particularly impactful in developing countries, where digital economies are growing but still face challenges related to data privacy and security. 
 
The World Bank 'World Development Report 2021' highlights that Regulating data flows, especially personal data, is central to international trade discussions. Domestic data rules can either support or restrict cross-border digital trade. Therefore, a strong framework for privacy, security, and consumer protection is vital for digital transactions.
 
The initiative will also help build capacity among the youth. With Nigeria's youth NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rate at 13.7% in Q3 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, there is a clear need for focused efforts to enhance employment and skill development. This context underscores the initiative's importance in addressing these challenges.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On jeudi, 19 septembre 2024 15:15 Written by

Digital transformation, a key focus of the United Nations for the past three decades, emphasizes the modernization of public services as a crucial driver of development. While Africa has historically trailed behind other regions in this area, the gap is rapidly closing.

Gabon, South Africa, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Ghana remain leaders in the implementation of e-government within their respective regions, according to the "E-Government Survey 2024: Accelerating Digital Transformation for Sustainable Development" report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). These countries were already the leaders in the 2022 survey. 

South Africa continues to lead both in Southern Africa and across the continent, boasting a very high development index. Mauritius remains the frontrunner in East Africa, while Tunisia retains its top spot in North Africa, climbing one position in the continental rankings to third, after being fourth in 2022. Ghana, the leader in West Africa, ranks seventh continentally, while Gabon leads in Central Africa, though it has dropped to fifteenth overall, down from eleventh in 2022.

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These five nations stand out due to their e-government development index (EGDI) scores, which exceed the African average of 0.4247 (on a scale of 1.0000). Their strengths lie in telecommunications infrastructure, human capital development, and online services, approaching the global average of 0.6382.

As regional leaders in e-governance, these countries set an example for others across Africa. Their advancements highlight the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, human capital, and enhancing online services. If this momentum spreads across the continent, it could significantly accelerate Africa's digital transformation, foster economic growth, and support sustainable development.

Samira Njoya

Posted On jeudi, 19 septembre 2024 11:15 Written by

As digital transformation rapidly takes hold in Africa, digital skills have become indispensable. To facilitate this shift, numerous organizations, businesses, and institutions are launching initiatives and programs aimed at bolstering digital literacy.

Chinese tech firm Huawei launched, last Monday, a two-week training program for teachers at the National Institute of Post, Information Technology, and Communication (INPTIC). The program aims to equip educators with essential digital skills and prepare them to obtain certification upon completion.

"By the end of this training, these teachers will be equipped with the necessary skills to pass on to their students," said Lee Nesta Veronne Komault, head of human resources at Huawei Gabon.

The initiative is part of Huawei's ICT Academy program, a school-business cooperation project designed to provide students with access to the latest technologies and ICT knowledge. 

According to the "Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa (SEPA) Action Plan, 2022–2025," published by the African Development Bank, Africa is expected to create 230 million digital jobs by 2030.

In addition to INPTIC, the training program will be conducted in other institutions across Gabon. Huawei aims to accelerate scientific and technological innovation on the continent by investing in knowledge development and talent cultivation. "By strengthening cooperation between schools and businesses, Huawei aims to align academic programs with industry sectors, course content with professional qualifications, teaching structures with production processes, and talent development with employment," the company explained.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On jeudi, 19 septembre 2024 08:17 Written by

Digital transformation in Africa requires massive investments. The search for strategic partners, both financial and technological, is crucial to support this ambition and ensure the success of ongoing initiatives.

Mauritania and the Sultanate of Oman are working to expedite the implementation of a digital cooperation memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations. This was the focus of discussions between Ahmed Salem Bede Etvagha, Mauritania's Minister of Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization, and Jassim bin Eid bin Abdullah Al Saadi, Oman's Chargé d'Affaires in Mauritania.

According to the Mauritanian Press Agency, the meeting yielded concrete cooperation projects, particularly in cybersecurity and the digital transformation of services. Minister Etvagha expressed his department's interest in learning from Oman's digital transformation experiences, emphasizing the localization of digital expertise and alignment of technological projects with the cultural values of both countries.

This meeting aligns with Mauritania's 2024-2027 National Strategy for Administrative Modernization and broader digital transformation efforts. Oman's selection as a partner reflects its significant digital progress. The Sultanate's modernization of services has propelled it to 41st place in the UN's 2024 e-Government Development Index. Additionally, Oman's impressive strides in communication infrastructure, ranking 22nd globally, underscore its technological advancement.

By collaborating with Oman, Mauritania aims to close its digital divide. The agreement seeks to localize technological expertise, tailor digital projects to national needs, and explore new investment opportunities to support the country's digital development.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mercredi, 18 septembre 2024 16:25 Written by

Since 2018, the Tunisian government has been working on developing and adopting a national artificial intelligence strategy. This aligns with the executive's ambition to position the country as a digital hub in Africa.

American tech group Nvidia announced the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) innovation center in Tunisia on Tuesday, September 17. Located in the Novation City technology park, the center aims to empower Tunisian developers with training, technology, and networking opportunities to foster AI adoption across Africa.

This initiative comes as Tunisia prepares to adopt a national AI and digitalization strategy, part of a broader vision to establish the country as a digital leader in Africa. Earlier this year, the University of Tunis launched Tunisia's first public institute dedicated to AI, further encouraging its integration.

AI adoption across various economic sectors is expected to drive socio-economic development. For instance, in agriculture—employing around two-thirds of Africa’s workforce and contributing 15% to the continent’s GDP, according to the World Bank—AI can enhance productivity. It can help develop better seeds tailored to local conditions, advise farmers on optimal crops for their soil and climate, and aid in developing medications and vaccines for livestock.

Tunisia ranks 81st out of 193 countries in AI readiness, with a score of 46.07 out of 100, according to the 2023 "Government AI Readiness Index" by Oxford Insights. Within Africa, it ranks third, behind Mauritius and Egypt.

Isaac K. Kassouwi

Posted On mercredi, 18 septembre 2024 14:55 Written by

Landlocked African countries heavily rely on neighboring nations' markets, infrastructure, and institutions, making them economically vulnerable. To enhance their economic resilience, the adoption of new trade facilitation methods is crucial.

On September 10, Botswana's permanent mission in Geneva, Switzerland, organized a forum to discuss strategies for boosting digital trade in landlocked countries. The event was organized under the theme ‘Overcoming Geography: Digital Trade in Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs),’ on the fringes of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Public Forum 2024. It focused on how to meet the unique challenges faced by landlocked nations, particularly in Africa, to participate in global trade.

Torbjörn Fredriksson, head of e-commerce and the digital economy at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), explained that there is a need for “ more investment in ICT infrastructure, strengthening the capacity of policymakers to put in place a favorable legal environment, intensify efforts to improve digital and financial literacy and other skills, including through more effective public-private collaboration, and strengthen support for improved trade logistics and trade facilitation, including paperless cross-border trade.”

Vuyile Dumisani Dlamini, Eswatini's Permanent Representative, stressed the need to invest in “ a robust digital infrastructure coupled with a vibrant skills development and supportive regulatory environment, including international cooperation.” He justified this approach given the importance of digital commerce, which “can help to reduce trade costs, improve market access and foster economic growth.”

Moderating the discussion, Gerelmaa Davaasuren, Mongolia's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that it is also necessary “to fully digitize customs processes to reduce the high trade costs faced by landlocked countries due to their lack of direct access to the sea.”

During the discussion, emphasis was also placed on the potential of the creative industry in digital trade, advocating collaboration with various organizations to improve transactions. The formation of alliances was suggested as a way of streamlining support and funding efforts. In addition, the disparity in ownership of digital devices between developed and developing regions was noted, underlining the importance of equitable access to digital resources.

There are currently 32 landlocked developing countries in the world, 17 of which are classified as least developed countries. According to the World Bank report ‘Improving Trade and Transport for Landlocked Countries’, one of the characteristics of these countries is their low per capita income compared to neighboring transit countries. They are often heavily dependent on the markets, infrastructure, and institutions of their neighbors, making regional cooperation and investment in digital trade vital to their economic growth. 

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On mardi, 17 septembre 2024 18:58 Written by

The government aims to position Burundi as an emerging country by 2040. To achieve this goal, the administration is focusing on the development of ICT as a key accelerator for economic and social transformation.

Burundi's vice president Prosper Bazombanza launched a $92 million project on Thursday to improve internet access and digital public services. The project dubbed PAFEN (Projet d’appui aux fondations de l’économie numérique- Support Project for the Foundations of the Digital Economy) is funded by the World Bank to help Burundi achieve its goal of becoming an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060.

"Everyone understands the importance that the government of Burundi places on this project, which comes at a crucial time as we embark on a digitalization drive to support the structural transformation of our economy and ensure transparent, effective, and efficient governance," Bazombanza stated.

This initiative aligns with Burundi's vision to become an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060, with digital technology as a key development driver. It follows a national survey conducted earlier this year as part of the project to assess the penetration of ICT in the country.

The survey results are yet to be published but Burundi lags behind in this area. According to a report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) released in December 2023, the country ranks 43rd out of 45 African ITU member countries, with a score well below the continental average of 23 points.

PAFEN’s main challenge will be to close the digital divide by 2028, facilitate access to digital services in the public sector, and establish a legal framework for data protection. Additionally, the project seeks to attract private investment to develop digital infrastructure, creating the necessary conditions for Burundi's digital growth.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mardi, 17 septembre 2024 16:11 Written by

The e-TAMKEEN program was implemented between 2018 and 2023, training approximately 6,800 participants at a total cost of 3.5 million euros.

Last week, Morocco’s Digital Development Agency (ADD) announced the launch of the e-learning program "e-TAMKEEN" on the national digital learning platform Academia Raqmya. This initiative will allow more civil servants, professionals, and learners to benefit from the digital capacity-building program that was implemented between 2018 and 2023.

The program includes several training modules, such as digital communication, public innovation, collective intelligence and public problem-solving, cybersecurity and data protection, as well as digital transformation.

e-TAMKEEN is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform and the Belgian development agency Enabel, aimed at training civil servants at both central and local levels. From 2019 to 2023, over 6,800 participants engaged in training activities covering 23 digital-related topics. The program required an investment of 3.5 million euros.

This initiative is part of Morocco's new national digital transformation strategy, "Maroc Digital 2030," which places a strong emphasis on strengthening professional training in ICT. This approach is designed to ensure a qualified and adaptable workforce, fostering more effective and efficient public service management in an era of accelerated digital transformation.

Isaac K. Kassouwi

Posted On mardi, 17 septembre 2024 15:50 Written by

After inaugurating a branch in Paris last January, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University continues its global expansion, seeking meaningful opportunities for Africa and its dynamic youth.

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) officially announced the opening of its new international branch in Montreal last Friday. According to the Moroccan university, this Canadian branch will focus on research and skill development, knowledge exchange, and enhancing capacity and technology transfer between Africa and North America.

“With the opening of UM6P Canada, we mark a significant step in our commitment to strengthening ties between Africa and North America. In collaboration with our Canadian partners, we are addressing the need for innovation and fostering international cooperation in response to contemporary challenges,” said Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P.

The initiative is part of UM6P’s broader international expansion strategy, which recently included the launch of a campus in France. That campus will house the first Eurafrican lab, dedicated to supporting startups across both continents for a year. Additionally, the university plans to open the Digital Farming School in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, in the coming months, in partnership with Moroccan group OCP Africa, with a focus on agriculture.

The expansion into Canada represents a strategic milestone for UM6P. It will drive innovation, encourage partnerships in key sectors such as AgriTech, AI, and executive training, while also contributing to sustainable economic growth in Africa.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mardi, 17 septembre 2024 11:17 Written by

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

Posted On mardi, 17 septembre 2024 09:32 Written by
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