News (1785)
South African lawmakers have completed digital economy courses to gain a better understanding of technology. Now, local officials are set to receive similar training.
South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi on Tuesday launched the Broadband and Digital Skills Program, aimed at equipping municipal leaders and councilors with skills to leverage digital innovations, improve service delivery and enhance public engagement.
According to Malatsi, public representatives, particularly councilors, are often overwhelmed by numerous service requests and critical decisions they must make daily. Acquiring digital skills enables them to work more efficiently and respond more swiftly to public inquiries, making them more accessible to citizens.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the British Embassy and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), comes amid the rapid acceleration of digital transformation. It is part of the South African government's national strategy on digital and future skills. According to the strategy, acquiring digital skills is expected to create new jobs, significantly improve quality of life, education, and drive economic growth.
"In recognition of the fact that trends and advances in information and communications technology are ever evolving, we are committed to developing these competencies to realise our mission to digitally skill, upskill, and reskill the population," Malatsi said.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Artificial intelligence offers Africa a chance to tackle key challenges and drive economic growth. But to fully capitalize on AI, significant investments are needed.
Djibouti plans to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, according to Houssein Ahmed Assoweh (photo), the country's representative at the ICESCO regional workshop for the development of the Islamic World Charter on AI.
In an interview with the Djiboutian News Agency ADI, Houssein Ahmed Assoweh said: "We will continue to invest in AI education and training to strengthen national skills. Additionally, we plan to launch several pilot projects in identified priority areas. The goal is to position Djibouti as an AI innovation hub in the Horn of Africa. I am convinced that Djibouti has an important role to play in the global AI ecosystem.”
According to the AI expert, Djibouti is developing its national AI strategy, focusing on improving living conditions in a challenging environmental context. The strategy includes the application of AI in critical areas such as smart agriculture, healthcare, logistics and transportation, as well as education. These efforts are part of "Vision 2035," the Djiboutian government's development strategy aimed at equipping the country with world-class digital infrastructure.
By investing in AI, Djibouti aims to become a key player in technological innovation in Africa. AI could notably enable significant advances in smart agriculture, optimizing crop yields despite the country's climate challenges. In healthcare, AI could facilitate more accurate diagnoses and increased access to care, particularly in remote areas.
According to PwC's "Annual Global CEO Survey," AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $1.2 trillion potentially generated in Africa. This contribution could represent a 5.6% increase in the continent's GDP over that period, highlighting the enormous potential of AI to boost Africa's economic growth if properly harnessed.
Samira Njoya
In many African nations governance is riddled with a lack of transparency, which is critical for building public trust and ensuring that development initiatives are implemented effectively. The introduction of digital platforms streamlines public administration to increase transparency in government activities, addressing public concerns about unfulfilled promises and resource management.
The Kenyan government launched, yesterday September 2, two innovative digital platforms, aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in public administration. The platforms, the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and the Foreign Travel Management Information System (FOTIMS), were officially introduced at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Dr. Margaret Ndung’u, the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (MICDE).
“The Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and Foreign Travel Information Management System (FOTIMS) are a huge milestone in our quest to deal with obscurity in decisions undertaken as raised by Kenyans recently,” said Rigathi Gachagua in a tweet shared the same day.
This system tracks and manages directives from President William Ruto, ensuring efficient and transparent implementation. It is accessible only to high-level officials, centralizing all directives and eliminating the need for paper copies.
FOTIMS digitizes the approval process for foreign travel by senior officials, ensuring justifications are made and resources are used wisely. Access is limited to authorized personnel, enhancing oversight.
The launch of PDMIS and FOTIMS represents a key step in Kenya's digital transformation, aiming to set higher standards for accountability and efficiency in public administration.
This move aligns with the Kenyan government’s efforts to improve digital governance. In the 2022 UN E-Government Index ranking, which assesses the digital government landscape of UN member countries, the country rose from 116th to 113th out of 193 countries, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancing its digital government capabilities. Introducing these new digital platforms further underscores Kenya's progress in public administration, as they are likely to contribute to continued improvements in transparency, efficiency, and overall governance.
Hikmatu Bilali
African nations are increasingly forming partnerships to accelerate their digital progress. New initiatives are emerging rapidly, building momentum towards a digitally transformed continent.
A Sierra Leonean delegation visited Guinea last week to discuss the implementation of a fiber optic interconnection project between the two countries. The project aims to enhance internet connectivity and resilience in both nations.
According to Mohamed Kourouma, general manager of Guinea's National Backbone Management and Operations Company, the project is crucial as Guinea currently relies on a single submarine cable for international internet connectivity.
The working visit follows discussions initiated in early August between Guinea's Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, Rose Pola Pricemou, and her Sierra Leonean counterpart, Salima Manorma Bah. During the talks, they announced an ambitious project aimed at ensuring a permanent and reliable Internet supply in both countries.
The discussions among the various parties laid the groundwork for the signing of a framework agreement, which is expected to be signed after review by the competent authorities of both nations. This agreement will define the technical modalities for implementing this strategic partnership.
The partnership is seen as a way to significantly improve the quality and scope of connectivity services while reducing associated costs. Moreover, strengthening Internet access and sharing expertise will help accelerate the achievement of the two countries' shared ambitions for digital transformation, while also promoting digital inclusion for their respective populations.
Samira Njoya
Cocoa is a vital export for many African nations, yet production challenges limit the sector's potential. Leveraging technology can address these issues, leading to improved market access and higher prices for African cocoa.
Cameroon's cocoa sector has unveiled plans to launch a digital platform that will provide georeferencing data for cocoa plantations across the country. The Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council (CICC) formalized this initiative with an agreement signed on August 28. Supported by key industry players such as Atlantic Cocoa Corporation, Neo Industries, Ofi Cam, Sic Cacaos, Telcar Cocoa, and the Cocoa and Coffee Subsectors Development Fund, the platform aims to ensure that all cocoa beans produced in Cameroon can be accurately traced to their origin.
CICC Executive President Apollinaire Ngwe emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “This marks a significant step forward in technological integration and inter-professional collaboration. The system will provide operators with immediate access to precise and up-to-date data, facilitating more efficient supply chain management.”
Georeferencing involves assigning precise geographical coordinates to cocoa plantations, enabling each location to be uniquely identified. This data-sharing system will centralize important information such as farmers’ locations, farm details, productivity, and sales, allowing cocoa exporters to quickly access coordinates for producers' farms.
This initiative is driven by the need to meet EU legislation set to take effect by the end of the year, which will prohibit the entry of goods produced on deforested or degraded land into the European market. The platform will be instrumental in maintaining Cameroon’s access to this crucial market where in 2020 the country exported 65% of the cocoa it produced, according to data from the EU sustainable cocoa program.
Cameroon is one of Africa’s top cocoa producers globally. WorldAtlas ranks the country as one of the top six cocoa-producing countries producing over 290,000 tons annually. The new platform will guarantee the international standard quality of its production.
Hikmatu Bilali
Malaria remains one of Africa’s most pressing public health issues, accounting for over 90% of global malaria cases and deaths. Leveraging AI to enhance prevention, detection, and treatment can drastically reduce the disease’s burden, saving lives and improving health outcomes.
The University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Convergence Research Centre for Insect Vectors (CRCIV) of South Korea have signed an agreement to advance malaria research using artificial intelligence (AI). The partnership, signed on August 30, will establish a Research Center of Excellence at UNZA’s School of Engineering, focusing on preventing malaria outbreaks through AI technology.
For UNZA Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Bornface Namangala, the partnership marks the beginning of a transformative effort to tackle malaria, a leading cause of death in Zambia.
SMART Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, praised the collaboration, noting that the center could serve as a learning platform and help institutionalize AI in Zambia.
The initiative will leverage cutting-edge AI technology to identify mosquito species and combat malaria. An AI-powered system will be deployed to collect and accurately classify mosquito species, enhancing the precision of malaria prevention efforts. This project has garnered strong support from the government.
According to the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which aids sub-Saharan African countries in controlling and eliminating malaria, Zambia remains highly endemic, with the entire population at risk. In 2022, the National Malaria Elimination Centre (NMEC) reported over 8.4 million cases, an incidence rate of 428 per 1,000 people annually, and 1,337 malaria-related deaths, equating to 8 deaths per 100,000 people.
This initiative aligns with Zambia’s National Malaria Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan 2022-2026, which outlines a framework for tracking malaria program indicators, data sources, analysis, information flow, reporting, and feedback for informed decision-making. It directly supports the plan’s goal of improving data-driven decision-making and achieving better health outcomes.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Mauritian government has rolled out several ambitious programs to boost the country's digital transformation. Early results are promising, with modern infrastructure and digital public services becoming a reality.
Mauritius launched its Mobil ID, a digital identity card, on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in its digital transition.
The event, presided over by Technology Minister Deepak Balgobin, also showcased the Mobile Wallet Application (MWA), the tool through which the digital ID can be obtained.
Balgobin said the Mobil ID is more than a technological innovation; it represents a decisive government commitment to modernizing the nation. "Mauritius stands out as the first African country to adopt a digital identity card that meets international ISO standards. This technological advancement positions our country at the forefront, reinforcing our role as a leader in this new digital era," he stated.
The Mobil ID is the result of a collaboration between Thales and Harel Mallac Technologies. It is a key component of the "Digital Mauritius 2030" strategy, which aims to make digitalization one of the main pillars of the Mauritian economy. This ambitious strategy includes significant investments in digital infrastructure, digital skills training, and transforming public administration into a fully digital model. Supporting this initiative, Mauritius Telecom (MT) expanded its 5G network nationwide as early as June.
According to DataReportal figures published at the beginning of 2024, Mauritius had approximately 982,500 Internet users out of a population of 1.3 million, reflecting the population's growing embrace of the digital age.
The Mobil ID stands out for its advanced features, allowing citizens to report a change of address or declare the loss of their physical identity card. It also facilitates the electronic signing of official documents. To ensure user security, the Mobil ID incorporates two verification systems and dual authentication, providing effective protection against identity theft.
Samira Njoya
Amazon has been expanding its presence in Africa for years. As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary on the continent, it is setting ambitious goals to achieve by 2029.
Amazon.com Inc's cloud computing unit, Amazon Web Services (AWS), plans to invest an additional $1.7 billion in Africa by 2029 to expand its cloud and artificial intelligence services, the company said on Thursday. The investment was announced at the AWS Summit 2024 in Johannesburg.
"The AWS community in Sub-Saharan Africa is thriving," said Chris Erasmus, AWS Managing Director for South Africa. "We have thousands of AWS customers in Sub-Saharan Africa today, and we see this as an incredibly strategic growth area for us. [...] We have over 6,000 partners helping us build and deliver our business value."
The investment is part of Amazon's celebration of its 20th anniversary in Africa. In 2020, the company followed Google by launching data centers on the continent. In October 2024, it launched its online retail service in South Africa, the second African country where it has introduced this service, following Egypt.
Amazon's investment will also focus on generative AI, highlighting Amazon Bedrock, its platform that enables businesses to create and develop generative AI applications.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
E-commerce in Côte d'Ivoire has seen a surge in recent years, with a marked increase in online retail sites and sales volume.
Key players in Côte d'Ivoire's e-commerce sector gathered in Abidjan on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the future of the industry. The market, valued at over XOF280 billion (€421.6 million) in 2023, is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 11.3% through 2027, according to figures presented at the strategic workshop.
The workshop, initiated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the consulting firm Marabu, focused on promoting a national strategic vision for e-commerce development. The goal is to cultivate a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem.
"We aim to position Côte d'Ivoire as a regional hub in this rapidly expanding sector. We are here to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop initiatives that will foster a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem," stated Sylla Kalilou, Director General of External Trade, who represented Minister of Commerce and Industry Souleymane Diarrassouba.
Like many African nations, consumers in Côte d'Ivoire are increasingly attracted to online shopping, driven by both local and international e-commerce platforms like Jumia, Afrimarket, and Africashop, which provide a diverse array of products and services. However, despite this rapid growth, the Ivorian e-commerce market remains largely underdeveloped, with many startups facing challenges in establishing themselves.
Through this initiative, the government aims to facilitate dialogue among stakeholders in the sector to enhance e-commerce in Côte d'Ivoire. The initiative also seeks to communicate ongoing reforms, which include drafting and validating a new e-commerce law, implementing a national e-commerce strategy, creating a strategic action plan through 2028, and developing regulations for a public-private consultation framework.
Samira Njoya
To advance information and communication technologies, the International Telecommunication Union is forming strategic partnerships
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) announced on Monday a partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to accelerate digital skills development among policymakers and ICT professionals across Africa.
As part of the collaboration, Wits’ LINK Centre will join the ITU Academy’s network of training centers.
“This significant milestone will complement the postgraduate degree programs and the professional certificates offered by the LINK Centre. The Centre is poised to contribute substantially to the critical skills required for the economic and social advancement of South Africa and beyond, promoting a globally connected and digitally proficient society,” Wits said in a statement.
The ITU established its academy in 2012 to meet the growing demand for training, education, and research in the ICT sector. Over the years, various entities have joined the program, benefiting from the specialized knowledge and tools provided by the UN agency to navigate the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
Wits is one of the top universities in South Africa and the continent. According to the 2023 QS Ranking, it ranks as the second-best university in Africa, behind the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Launched in June 2022 by Osita Oparaugo, the Nigerian edtech GetBundi provides access to educational content in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and digital skills.
On Thursday, August 29, the Nigerian edtech startup GetBundi announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). The initiative, titled "Empowering Tomorrow’s Teachers," aims to equip both students and teachers with essential digital skills.
“This initiative is not just about filling gaps in numbers but also about enhancing the quality and attractiveness of the teaching profession by equipping our future teachers with 21st-century digital skills. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, our teachers must be well-versed in digital tools and technologies that enhance learning outcomes,” said Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the NCCE.
The program comes at a time when digital transformation is accelerating across the continent. Nigerian authorities are increasingly launching initiatives to train the population in digital skills. In August 2023, the government partnered with American tech giant Google, which plans to invest $1.5 million to train 20,000 youths in digital literacy. Later, the American Business Council (ABC) and Microsoft also committed to similar efforts.
These initiatives align with the digital agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, unveiled in May 2023. Nigeria is a leading tech hub in Africa, with one of the most attractive startup ecosystems on the continent. Nigerian startups secured $469 million in 2023, representing 20.39% of the total funding raised by African startups, according to Partech Africa.
However, the country still faces significant challenges in the sector. According to the International Telecommunication Union, Nigeria ranks 26th in Africa with an ICT development index of 46.9 out of 100 in 2024, trailing far behind the top three—Libya (88.1), Morocco (86.8), and Seychelles (84.7).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly important in global technological advancements, including in Africa. International partnerships are being explored to foster AI growth on the continent and maximize its potential benefits.
Azerbaijan is looking to bolster its cooperation with Ethiopia in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). A high-level Azerbaijani government delegation, led by Mohammad Ali Kudaverdev, visited the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute on Wednesday, August 28, to explore potential collaborations.
The visit, reported by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), is part of ongoing efforts by both countries to identify areas for AI expertise exchange. It follows a similar visit by Russian officials on August 21, underscoring Ethiopia's growing interest in AI.
Ethiopia has recently accelerated its AI initiatives, focusing on sectors like healthcare and agriculture. The country passed legislation in 2023 to regulate AI and established the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute three years ago. Azerbaijan is also developing its national AI strategy.
The collaboration aims to foster knowledge sharing, develop innovative AI solutions, and capitalize on the economic opportunities offered by AI. According to PwC's "Annual Global CEO Survey," AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, including $1.2 trillion in Africa, representing a 5.6% increase in the continent's GDP.
Samira Njoya
The global telecom sector is currently exploring various initiatives aimed at ensuring the profitability of investments while protecting the environment. However, achieving this balance requires several prerequisites, including recycling plants.
French telecom group Orange recently announced that it collected 479,853 units of mobile phone waste in 2023 across the Middle East and Africa, representing 24% of the devices sold in the region. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to promote a circular economy tailored to the specific needs of each market.
By 2025, Orange aims to increase the use of refurbished equipment in its networks and data centers, supported by its OSCAR program. This program encourages the reuse of devices to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable electronic waste management. The company expects this approach to positively impact its equipment expenses.
Since 2010, it has partnered with Emmaüs International and Ateliers du Bocage to establish mobile waste collection workshops in Africa. In 2023, these workshops in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire recovered the equivalent of 264,000 mobile devices for recycling.
Last year, the company expanded its recycling efforts in Egypt by partnering with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to open a state-of-the-art facility for refurbishing electronic devices. This project supports Orange’s goal of reducing its environmental impact, promotes local job creation, and develops specialized skills.
Additionally, the facility will help promote digital inclusion by offering refurbished phones at more affordable prices to low-income populations. According to a market analysis by Custom Market Insights, the market for refurbished and used mobile phones in the Middle East and Africa was valued at $5.33 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach nearly $12.39 billion by 2030, driven by growing demand for mobile internet.
Muriel EDJO
According to a report by consulting firm McKinsey & Company, the e-commerce market in Africa is rapidly expanding and is expected to reach $180 billion by 2024. This outlook is drawing increasing interest from international companies.
Chinese e-commerce firm AliExpress has made its debut in Ethiopia, partnering with local firm MKTY IT Services Plc. The partnership culminated in the opening of the continent’s first AliExpress showroom on Thursday, August 22.
The showroom, located in Addis Ababa, is designed to offer Ethiopian consumers a more interactive shopping experience, allowing Visitors to explore a wide range of products from around the world.
According to Yeshurun Alemayehu (photo), Ethiopia’s State Minister for Innovation and Technology, AliExpress’s entry into the Ethiopian market presents a significant opportunity for local businesses to engage in global trade.
The move aligns with Ethiopia’s efforts to attract foreign investment and boost its economy. Online commerce has been gaining traction in the country, with the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration issuing approximately 45 e-commerce licenses by December 2023. However, the sector is still dominated by small, often fragile startups.
In that context, AliExpress’s presence is expected to create jobs, stimulate innovation among local startups, and provide a platform for Ethiopian products to reach international markets.
Samira Njoya