News (1353)
As part of its digital transformation ambitions, the Zambian government wants to accelerate Internet adoption. Connectivity for all projects is underway across the country to enable the population to fully capitalize on the services being digitized.
Next year, the Zambian government will establish community digital transformation centers across the nation, offering citizens free Internet access, Science and Technology Minister Felix Chipota Mutati announced on December 19.
“These centers will not only provide internet access but will also serve as training grounds for digital literacy and skills programs including digital entrepreneurship and innovation, creating opportunities for jobs and empowerment. We believe that empowering our citizens with digital skills is as crucial as providing internet access,” he explained.
The announcement closely follows the government's decision to phase out 2G technology in favor of improved connectivity. These initiatives align with the government's broader goals of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every citizen can benefit from the opportunities presented by the digital age.
To establish the community centers, Smart Zambia, the institute responsible for implementing e-governance in Zambia, will draw on the infrastructure of the Zambia Postal Services Corporation and other appropriate infrastructures. The services provided by these centers will encompass various e-government functions, including business licenses, cooperative registration, road taxes, and social cash transfers.
Samira Njoya
The Guinean government is intensifying efforts to ensure high-speed Internet access for the entire population. In that regard, collaboration with partners, including the World Bank, is expected to play a crucial role in advancing these initiatives.
On Thursday, December 14, the Guinean government and the World Bank signed a $60 million agreement to improve mobile Internet access in Guinea. The agreement was announced by Ousmane Gaoual Diallo, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, on his X page.
The new World Bank investment will enable Guinea to build quality digital infrastructure, deploy fiber optic backbones, and reduce the country's pronounced digital divide. The initiative is part of the World Bank-funded West Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (DTfA/WARDIP). Earlier this month, the financial institution announced $266.5 million in funding to improve Internet access in four countries in the region: Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania.
In Guinea, the initiative comes at a time when the country is grappling with Internet access restrictions and limited access to social networks, while the rate of Internet access in the country continues to rise. According to the latest report from the local telecom regulator ARTP, mobile Internet penetration in Guinea stood at 55.2% in the third quarter of 2022.
This major agreement will strengthen market connectivity by removing obstacles to cross-border telecommunications, thereby increasing Internet access in the region. It will also protect cross-border data exchanges to foster innovation and access to data-based services. It will also contribute to simplifying access to digital services and online transactions and boosting e-commerce in the region.
Samira Njoya
According to DataReportal stats, in early 2023, Libya’s internet penetration rate was 45.9% for 3.14 million users. To fill the gap, internet service providers are teaming up with major international groups.
On Wednesday, December 13, Eutelsat OneWeb, a British satellite Internet provider, announced a memorandum of understanding with Libyan Internet service provider Rafawed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology (RLTT) to use its constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to improve the quality of high-speed, low-latency connectivity throughout Libya. The contract will take effect from 2024.
"We have been working with Eutelsat Group for several years now and are excited to bring its high-speed, low-latency connectivity to our customers across the oil and gas, cellular backhaul, and humanitarian sectors. By combining both LEO and GEO-powered connectivity, we can meet the different needs of our customers without having to use multiple providers. Through this exclusive deal, we look forward to bringing unmatched connectivity across Libya," said Taha Ellafi, Chairman of RLTT.
The partnership, which is part of the British satellite Internet provider's planned African expansion, reinforces the longstanding partnership between the Libyan operator and Eutelsat, dating back to 2013. With Eutelsat's recent merger with OneWeb, the company is now equipped to provide not only geostationary solutions but also low-Earth orbit alternatives. These expanded capabilities are being passed on to RLTT as part of the enhanced contract.
"We continue to see huge demand for high-speed connectivity as we roll out our LEO services globally, with the wide variety of potential use cases that the increased resilience offers proving highly attractive to customers. By building on existing customer relationships, we can grow the business in international markets and continue to bridge the digital divide globally," explained Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat OneWeb.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Recognizing the transformative power of digital solutions, Egypt prioritizes international cooperation in its "Digital Egypt 2030" strategy. Recent ICT and telecoms agreements address critical infrastructure gaps and pave the way for a digitally fueled future, unlocking greater socio-economic prosperity.
The United Arab Emirates and Egypt recently signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a comprehensive framework for investment cooperation in the field of digital infrastructure, with a particular focus on data center projects in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The agreement also provides for the improvement of relations between governmental and private institutions in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, the development of certifications, research and development, and innovation in data center projects. According to the press release announcing the signature, a joint action plan and mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of the memorandum will also be developed through cooperation between the two parties.
"This memorandum supports our joint efforts to drive innovation and growth, contribute to the development of the digital economy in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and develop its digital infrastructure in preparation for the future," said Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi (photo, left), UAE Minister of Investment.
The signing of the MoU aligns with the Egyptian government's efforts to implement its "Digital Egypt 2030" digital transformation strategy, which aims to propel the country's ICT sector, modernize its telecoms infrastructure, and establish a robust network of data centers across the nation.
Ultimately, the agreement will enable the development of data centers with a total capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts, meeting the growing need for data centers in Egypt. Currently, the country operates 15 data centers while data from Statista reveals that the Egyptian data center market is poised to grow by 7.23% (2023-2028) to reach a market volume of $369.90 million by 2028.
Samira Njoya
Prior to the digital revolution, centralizing population and housing data collected on paper was a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Data extraction could take months, hindering its use by government agencies like the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. Today, information and communication technologies have transformed this landscape.
On Tuesday, December 12, President Yoweri Museveni officially unveiled the country's 11th National Population and Housing Census (NPHC), set to unfold in May 2024. This time, the census will be completely digital. No more bulky paper registers. Everything will be done using connected digital tablets.
According to the Executive Director of the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), Chris Ndatira Mukiza, digitization will not only minimize errors associated with paper-based data entry in previous years, but will also shorten the publication date of the final data. The first results are expected in the second quarter of the year.
"So this will be the record time because we have been taking 2-3 years to reach the final product. But now because of electronic devices, we have cut so many steps," explained Mukiza.
To carry out the NPHC, the government will finance over 91% of the activities, i.e. 320.9 billion shillings (around $84.6 million). In addition to financial resources, the government will also deploy enumerators to households. They will be provided with digital tablets for the census.
In February 2023, 20 computers and digital accessories were handed over to the Bureau of Statistics to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
This census is the sixth to be carried out post-independence, the first digital, and the third conducted by UBOS. It is part of the 2030 Development Agenda, the 2063 Agenda for Africa, Uganda's Vision 2040, and the 4th Development Plan (NDPIV) that the government is about to launch.
Samira Njoya
As part of its digital transformation process, the Ethiopian government is investing in digital identification. The new project in that line is an e-passport initiative.
On Wednesday, December 13, the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS) and Toppan Gravity Ethiopia –a joint venture between Ethiopian Investment Holdings, Toppan Group, Berhanena Selam Printing Enterprise, and Educational Materials Production and Distribution Enterprise– officially signed a supply and services agreement to begin work on the new Ethiopian e-passport. The aim is to provide the country with a new, more secure travel document.
"This partnership marks a significant stride in modernizing Ethiopia's passport system, offering enhanced security features and improved efficiency," reads a tweet by the Immigration and Citizenship Services.
In recent years, Ethiopia has implemented several digital projects aimed at improving population identification. For instance, it set up the Fayda, a World Bank-supported program aimed at registering 90 million people by 2025. A similar program has also been set up to provide digital identification for 90,000 refugees and returnees on Ethiopian soil.
In a country that is immense in size and torn by internal conflicts between various ethnic groups, the introduction of the e-passport should significantly reduce the risk of identity forgery and fraud, thanks to additional levels of identity verification.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
According to the World Bank, the digital economy could generate more than $5.5 billion for Côte d'Ivoire by 2025, and more than $20 billion by 2050. However, seizing this golden opportunity requires immediate investment in critical infrastructure and initiatives.
Ibrahim Kalil Konaté (photo, center), Ivorian Minister for Digital Transition and Digitization, launched the construction of the next national data center in Abidjan on Thursday, December 14, in the presence of Jessica Davis Ba (photo, left), US Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire. Certified Tier 3, the 2,200-terabit infrastructure will be built on a 20,000-square-meter site at the headquarters of the Radio Frequency Management Agency (AIGF) in Marcory-Anoumabo. The construction budget is $60 million.
"The National Data Center symbolizes our quest for digital sovereignty. It is designed to stimulate the dematerialization of administrative procedures, thus serving to modernize our public administration. As a catalyst for innovation, this Data Center will not only host the data of national administrative entities but also offer disaster recovery and business continuity solutions, thereby strengthening the resilience and security of our information systems," said the Minister.
The project aligns with the national digital development strategy, which was formally adopted in 2021. This comprehensive strategy, announced by Amadou Coulibaly, the then Minister for the Digital Economy, in June 2022, encompasses not only the construction of vital facilities but also the ambitious deployment of 7,000 kilometers of fiber optics by 2025.
Data centers are key to the ongoing digital transformation. African countries therefore need to invest in these infrastructures especially since the continent hosts only 2% of the global data centers, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Long, cumbersome border crossings remain a major bottleneck for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Recognizing this, several countries are implementing initiatives to facilitate greater integration and boost bilateral trade.
Kenya is set to eliminate entry visa requirements for travelers from every corner of the globe starting January 2024, according to an announcement made by President William Ruto on Tuesday, December 12, during an event celebrating Jamhuri Day (Republic Day).
"It is with great pleasure, as President of this extraordinary country to make a historic announcement of the decision of the Government of Kenya. Beginning in January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya," announced President William Ruto.
To operationalize this decision, the Kenyan government has introduced a digital platform designed to pre-identify travelers before they arrive in the country. Upon verification, travelers will be issued an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Although comprehensive details of the ETA are yet to be fully disclosed, it has been indicated that the cost of this electronic authorization will be approximately 4,600 shillings ($30).
This initiative aligns with the directives of the African Union, which has been championing the elimination of visas within the continent for the past decade. By adopting this measure, Kenya joins the select group of nations, including Seychelles, Gambia, Benin, and recently Rwanda, that extend visa-free entry to all African nationals.
While awaiting the formalization and specific details of this announcement, which is currently in the preliminary stage, it is important to note that, as of January 1, the eVisa will continue to be mandatory for all travel to Kenya.
Samira Njoya
Brutus Diakité, Director of Orange Digital Platforms, pulls back the curtain on Orange's groundbreaking new multi-service solution for Africa in an interview with We Are Tech Africa. He dives deep into the innovative technologies powering this initiative and sheds light on crucial security considerations and general improvements in the pipeline.
We Are Tech: What specific technical advantages does Max it offer compared to Orange Money and Orange et Moi, particularly in terms of features, functionality, or user experience?
Brutus Diakité: First of all, Max it marks a groundbreaking integration of the uses and functionalities of the Orange Money and Orange et Moi universes (telecoms account management). It also offers e-commerce functionalities to our customers and OTT–Over The Top– users.
From a technical standpoint, Max it is the culmination of over a decade of application development expertise, with our initial foray into applications dating back to 2009-2010. Everything we've acquired in terms of experience, technical skills, and technology is reflected in Max it.
The fundamental difference between this new application and its predecessors, from a technical point of view, lies in several points. First and foremost, Max it was developed using a hybrid technology known as Flutter. This approach allows us to generate a single codebase for deployment across various platforms, including Android, iOS, and Harmony OS. It's even possible to deploy the solution on the web. This stands in stark contrast to the previous necessity of crafting platform-specific versions, which often led to disruptions in the user experience when transitioning between different operating systems. For example, when switching from Android to IOS or vice versa, the configuration of the environment changes, and certain functionalities no longer respond correctly. But we're committed to delivering a quality customer experience regardless of the consumer’s device.
Furthermore, Max it's design is grounded in microservices, where functionalities have been distributed strategically. The primary advantage of this architectural approach lies in its scalability. For a Max it-type application aspiring to accommodate several million customers, it is imperative to integrate the inherent capability to seamlessly handle a rapid surge in user numbers without jeopardizing system stability. Leveraging microservices and deploying in a Kubernetes-type container environment, the application becomes adaptive. As the volume of requests escalates, the application dynamically reconfigures itself to adeptly support the burgeoning user base. This set of technical assets makes Max it different from previous applications.
We Are Tech: Do any of Max it's microservices integrate with third-party mobile or online payment solutions, beyond Orange Money?
Brutus Diakité: When it comes to payment methods, our preference naturally leans towards Orange Money. However, in response to our customers' requests, we have incorporated additional options. The microservices development approach we've adopted makes integration remarkably straightforward, be it for payment services or other service categories. These microservices operate on API (application programming interface) access, facilitating seamless integration. Leveraging these APIs allows third-party companies to effortlessly connect with Max it and extend their services to our customers and users. Consequently, these APIs serve as a secure gateway to Max it, ensuring the safeguarding of exchanged data.
We Are Tech: The application is due to be launched in Orange's 17 markets in the Middle East and Africa. How do you ensure that the development of the application takes into account the specific realities of each of those markets?
Brutus Diakité: This is another key feature of the Max it project compared to our previous applications. To ensure a consistent experience for all customers across different countries while accommodating local requirements, the application follows a co-development approach. Essentially, the core of the application is centrally designed and implemented, while specific functionalities are developed by individual countries. As a result, we have a tailored application for each of the 17 countries that adapt to their unique realities once deployed. The application caters to the distinct offers, products, and services of each country, taking cultural codes into account. Our approach avoids imposing a one-size-fits-all application on our markets. Instead, each deployment in a country is treated as a separate project, meticulously designed and managed in close collaboration with local teams.
Additionally, we aimed for countries to have a high degree of autonomy in managing the application and the flexibility to experiment and learn in their markets. In practice, this co-development philosophy allows countries to create functionalities beyond the standard catalog and test them locally. If [users] like the feature, the code can be made available to other countries to integrate if they wish. One example is the "Wheel of Fortune", which invites users to try and win a gift. This feature was developed by one country, successfully tested with users, and then duplicated in other countries.
We Are Tech: In terms of user security, what is Max it's level of integrity?
Brutus Diakité: In the development of the application, we adopted a Security by Design approach, meaning that security considerations were integrated into every stage of design and development. Our development teams include security experts who continuously assess the application for vulnerabilities. Following the initial deployment in the first five markets, security experts are conducting daily penetration and vulnerability tests to swiftly identify and address potential flaws. It's crucial to highlight that our Group, through Orange Cybersecurity, holds a significant global presence in security, with a team of skilled professionals consistently evaluating the application.
Beyond the technical security aspects, we also have a section dedicated to social engineering. This involves countering scammers who target customers directly through calls and messages to manipulate them into revealing their passwords. For this, we employ a Deep Link-based authentication solution. This entails sending a secure link to a Max it user, and only Max it can open this link. This approach ensures that the user has initiated the action and possesses the app, representing one of the best contemporary security practices for authenticating customers and safeguarding their usage. This technology has already been successfully implemented in multiple countries.
We Are Tech: What enhancements are you currently focusing on to bolster the application?
Brutus Diakité: Regarding security, we are continuously working on enhancements. As hackers and scammers evolve, our goal is to stay ahead of these threats. In terms of functionalities, several are currently undergoing testing and will be incorporated into the application in future deployments. These additions aim to elevate Max it to the level of applications offered by leading companies in the field, surpassing their flagship applications due to our unique telco environment, which sets us apart and works in our favor.
We Are Tech: Are these improvements likely to make Orange Money interoperable across Orange's 17 markets in the Middle East and Africa?
Brutus Diakité: As far as mobile money is concerned, the challenge lies in regulatory considerations. Technically, today, we know how to achieve this interoperability. However, regulatory decisions on the issuance of electronic money between countries still need to be determined by banking regulators, which are the central banks of each country.
We Are Tech: What will happen to customers who have a preference for previous applications, or who use basic mobile phones?
Brutus Diakité: We strongly recommend their transition to Max it as it introduces several innovative features that were not present in our previous applications. Max it not only retains all the functionalities of the older ones but also provides additional advanced features. For users with basic mobile phones, USSD services will continue to be available for some time. However, it's important to note that they do not offer the same user-friendly experience and numerous benefits as the app. Specifically, users relying on USSD will not have access to the Marketplace, video, and audio content, among other features.
Interview by Muriel Edjo
The Ivorian government's 2021-2025 development plan unveils ambitious projects for economic and social growth. The projects require substantial financial resources. In that context, authorities are determined to clamp down on loopholes and collect every penny due.
Starting from January 2024, fines for road traffic offenses in Côte d'Ivoire will be processed through the Treasury platform, TrésorPay-TrésorMoney. Ibrahima Koné, the Managing Director of Quipux Afrique, the company overseeing the project, announced this development on Tuesday, December 12, during a visit by members of the Economic, Social, Environmental, and Cultural Council (CESEC) to the Integrated Management Center (CGI) in Treichville.
The platform, implemented by the Treasury and Public Accounting Department, is designed to enhance government revenue collection, ensure operational traceability, and provide immediate access to public funds to meet external support requirements.
This initiative is a key component of the Ivorian government's broader efforts to modernize public services and enhance services for the population. In practical terms, it involves the digitization of all funds collected by the Treasury and its branches, encompassing various fees such as school fees, school examination fees, communal taxes, fixed fines, contraventions, hospitalization fees, royalties, acts of justice, and other payments processed through Treasury departments.
Recent figures released by the National Treasury indicate that from January 2021 to June 10, 2023, over XOF30 billion ($50.2 million) was collected through the TrésorPay-TrésorMoney platform.
Samira NJOYA
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The development of information and communication technologies fueled the growth of ecommerce across Africa, encouraging the multiplication of startups in the sector. In that context, to unlock the full potential of this economic engine, creating a robust legal framework becomes a critical and urgent need, ensuring both consumer protection and investor confidence.
On Wednesday, November 13, in Nairobi, Kenyan authorities, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), unveiled the country’s national e-commerce strategy. The primary goal is to enhance both domestic and cross-border trade, enabling local producers to respond to the international market.
"In the contemporary digital landscape, digital trade emerges as a gateway to commerce with a significantly low entry barrier. Notably, Kenya takes the lead among African nations, with its digital economy contributing a substantial 7.7% to the GDP. The newly launched Kenya National E-commerce Strategy aligns with our commitment to empowering local businesses and fostering economic growth from the ground up," explained Rebecca Miano, Kenya's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
The launch is part of the government's strategy to make the country a leading technology hub on the continent and in the East African sub-region in particular. Startups operating in the e-commerce sector, such as Wasoko and Copia Global, have been able to emerge in the Kenyan ecosystem and will be able to continue their growth with the safeguards put in place by the public authorities to stimulate the sector's development.
Developing e-commerce-specific financing products; raising awareness of the need for documentation and collateral for financing; improving links between companies and financial institutions; and developing investment incentives are some of the objectives set by the country's authorities when rolling out the strategy.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The COVID-19 pandemic has irrevocably changed the education landscape. With classrooms shut down and social distancing becoming the norm, the transition to digital education became a matter of survival for schools around the world. However, this shift is not merely a temporary response to a crisis; it presents a vital opportunity to reshape education for the future.
The Liaison Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Addis Ababa, in partnership with Huawei, has provided Ethiopian schools with a vital technology boost. On Thursday, December 14, representatives from both organizations handed over IT equipment to the Ethiopian Ministry of Education and regional education offices.
The delivery includes 480 tablets, 48 laptops, 48 access points, and 24 smartboards. This equipment is part of the TeOSS Project (Schools Open to All through Technology), a joint initiative aimed at bridging the gap between school and home learning and ensuring quality education for all.
"Beyond the classroom, the TeOSS project is a catalyst for innovation and economic growth," said Rita Bissoonauth, Director of UNESCO's Liaison Office in Addis Ababa. "By equipping schools with ICT facilities, we are empowering students to shape Ethiopia's future. Congratulations to UNESCO and Huawei for leading the charge," she added.
The $300,000 investment will equip 24 secondary schools across Ethiopia, providing students and teachers with essential tools to enhance their learning experiences. The TeOSS project, supported by the Huawei Trust Fund, aims to build technology-based, crisis-resilient school systems. This includes facilitating continuity and quality of learning in both normal and crisis situations, a crucial factor in Ethiopia's educational landscape.
Aligned with UNESCO's Priority Africa strategy, the TeOSS project extends its reach beyond Ethiopia. Sub-Saharan African countries like Ghana and Egypt are also participating in the initiative, with the shared goal of utilizing technology as a driving force for quality education and digital development opportunities.
In Ethiopia, the TeOSS project is focusing on building robust ICT infrastructure in pilot schools. This includes connecting schools, setting up a learning management system, and integrating a dedicated teacher training platform.
Samira Njoya
In addition to its core e-commerce business, Jumia also launched a food delivery service. This service did not live up to the expectations of the startup's management.
E-commerce giant Jumia will shutdown Jumia Food by the end of this month. The decision, communicated through a press release on Wednesday, December 13th, cites the current challenging economic conditions and macroeconomic environment in its African markets as the primary factor.
Jumia Food, operating in seven markets across Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Côte d'Ivoire, struggled to find profitability in the competitive food delivery landscape. "Food delivery remains a business with very challenging economics, in Africa and across the world, and we want to focus our efforts on our physical goods e-commerce business, in the eleven markets where we operate. This is a matter of prioritization of opportunities, and expected return on investment," explained Antoine Maillet-Mezeray, Jumia’s executive vice-president (EVP) of finance and operations.
Prioritizing profitability, Jumia is streamlining its operations, focusing its capital and resources on its core e-commerce business across its eleven African markets. The company, founded in 2012 and Africa's first unicorn by 2016, has raised $1.2 billion to fuel its growth and remains publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
"The more we focus on our physical goods business, the more we realize that there is huge potential for Jumia to grow, with a path to profitability. We must take the right decision and fully focus our management, our teams, and our capital resources to go after this opportunity. In the current context, it means leaving a business line, which we believe does not offer the same upside potential - food delivery," says CEO Francis Dufay
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Corruption has long been a cancer on Uganda's socio-economic development, stifling progress in various sectors. To combat this issue, the government has turned to technological solutions.
On December 13, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni officially inaugurated the Electronic Investor Protection Portal (EIPP) at his residence in Entebbe. This new portal is designed to safeguard the interests of investors and combat fraudulent activities by establishing a direct channel of communication with the President's office.
Commending the initiative, President Museveni indicated the EIPP would play a key role in combatting corruption and misinformation. “I [...] congratulate Col. Edith Nakalema and her team for successfully leveraging technology and launching the Electronic Investor Protection portal, which serves as a crucial tool in safeguarding the interests of investors. I wish them good luck,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Managed by the State House Investor Protection Unit (SHIPU), the platform provides a range of services. These include offering advice to investors through direct access to verified government sources, a comprehensive reporting mechanism for investor inquiries and complaints, rigorous enforcement and follow-up procedures for reported issues, a conduit linking investors to pertinent ministries, departments, and agencies, and language features catering to the diverse linguistic needs of investors.
The introduction of this portal aligns with President Museveni's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for investors, shielding them from unwarranted corruption and bureaucratic hurdles. It comes at a time when corruption is on the rise in the country. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index 2022, Uganda ranks 142nd out of 180 countries in terms of corruption control.
Samira Njoya