News (1789)
Information and communication technologies (ICT) are now an essential part of modern education systems. An international organization headquartered in Tunisia is backing government initiatives to further integrate ICT into schools.
The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced on Friday the donation of 2,000 tablets and 20 computers to Tunisia. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in education by equipping students and teachers from low- and middle-income communities with internet-connected devices.
The breakdown of the donation allocates 1,500 tablets and 15 laptops to the Ministry of National Education, while the Ministry of Family, Women, Children, and the Elderly will receive 500 tablets and 5 laptops.
Mohamed El Jemni, ALECSO's Director of the ICT Department and project coordinator, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to fostering digital solidarity. He emphasized ALECSO's commitment to ensuring equal access to learning opportunities and supporting countries in navigating the current global challenges and significant digital transformations.
This donation aligns with the growing importance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. Stakeholders across the educational spectrum are increasingly embracing these tools to enhance the quality of learning. Tunisian authorities are also actively pursuing similar initiatives, including the implementation of a digital strategy within the Ministry of National Education.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
According to the UN, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of educational exclusion in the world, with approximately 98 million children out of school. To address this issue, governments and various international partners are implementing several initiatives.
Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Tecno announced a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday, July 18th, to support the "Nigeria Learning Passport" initiative. This digital learning platform aims to provide educational opportunities for children across Nigeria, particularly those residing in remote and underserved areas.
"Digital learning is a powerful tool in bridging educational gaps and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive. With TECNO's support, we are one step closer to our goal of making education accessible to all children in Nigeria, empowering them to build a brighter future," said Cristian Munduate, Unicef's representative in Nigeria.
Nigeria, like many African nations, grapples with a high rate of out-of-school children. Data from UNICEF published in 2022 reveals approximately 18.3 million children are not enrolled in school, placing Nigeria among countries with the world's highest number of out-of-school children. Insecurity is cited as a primary driver of this situation.
To address this educational crisis, the Federal Ministry of Education and UNICEF launched the "Nigeria Learning Passport" program in 2022, aligning with UNICEF's global education strategy established in 2018. The program aims to further close the educational gap and improve education quality by expanding to include offline content for 50,000 children in remote and low-income areas in 2024.
The partnership with Tecno is expected to accelerate this progress by strengthening content development, facilitating the purchase and maintenance of technical equipment, and providing professional training for educators. Notably, the program has already seen significant growth, expanding to 19 Nigerian states and registering approximately 888,000 users, ranking Nigeria second in participation globally.
Samira Njoya
Investing in digital infrastructure improves internet access across the continent, especially in underserved rural areas. This increased connectivity is crucial for integrating more people into the digital economy, reducing the digital divide, and promoting social inclusion.
The World Bank has pledged US$100 million to accelerate Zambia's digital infrastructure and expand internet access through the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), Minister Felix Mutati announced on July 19 on X. This initiative aims to bolster the country's digital capabilities and enhance access to digitally enabled services.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Administration Officer Wengcai Zhang announced the project during his visit to Lusaka, where he met with Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati. Zhang highlighted that the project will be funded through national and regional IDA funds, supplemented by US$20 million in unguaranteed commercial financing.
"The Digital Zambia Acceleration Project is designed to increase internet access and enhance digitally enabled services," said Zhang. "It aligns with government priorities and will focus on expanding broadband and last-mile infrastructure. Additionally, it will deploy digital public infrastructure to improve efficiencies in both the public and private sectors."
The DZAP will also target high-impact sectors to support digitalization and nurture employment-ready digital skills. The project is expected to be approved by the World Bank Board in March 2025. In the meantime, a Project Preparation Advance of US$6 million has been allocated to finance preliminary activities.
A Project Implementation Unit will be set up within the Smart Zambia Institute to manage and drive the government's digitization efforts. The World Bank also expressed support for Zambia hosting the World Skills Africa Competition in Livingstone in April 2025, with Zhang emphasizing the event's importance on a global scale.
This initiative aligns with Zambia's goals of creating a more inclusive and equitable society through technology, which is crucial for the country's sustainable development. According to the Zambia Inclusive Digital Economy Status Report 2022, the country's digital economy is still in its nascent stages, with a digital economy score of 45 percent and a significant digital divide. Currently, 47 percent of Zambians are not digitally included, with 56 percent of rural residents lacking digital inclusion. The report underscores the urgent need for digital transformation to improve economic participation and national development
Hikmatu Bilali
African countries fully recognize the benefits that digitization can bring to their economies. They are now committed to seizing these opportunities with determination to maximize the advantages.
Last Friday, July 19th, Colonel Assimi Goïta (photo), President of the Malian Transition, launched the first phase of a program that allows citizens to pay for certain services using their mobile phones.
This initiative, unveiled in President Goïta's speech on June 22nd, 2024, in Sikasso, marks a turning point in Mali's administrative landscape. Initially deployed in the capital city of Bamako, the program will eventually expand to encompass all regions and diplomatic missions. Additionally, the scope of services covered will progressively include taxes and public procurement.
"This initial phase represents a cornerstone. It will be gradually extended to all regions of Mali and diplomatic representations, while progressively integrating all public services, including taxes and public procurement," indicates a presidential statement.
The mobile payment system aligns with a broader vision for Mali's development and modernization, where technological innovation takes center stage. The program aims to streamline administrative procedures, expedite processing times, and optimize the collection of public revenue. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance citizen trust in public institutions by fostering a more transparent and efficient management system.
Mali has historically lagged behind in digitizing public services. In 2022, the United Nations' E-Government Development Index ranked the country at 178th globally. This new initiative, therefore, represents a critical step towards closing the gap and ushering in a more modern administrative system.
Samira Njoya
Improving digital infrastructure in Africa provides robust and reliable cloud services that meet international standards. This enhancement is crucial for the region's digital economy, promoting better internet connectivity and data management.
Schneider Electric and IXAfrica Data Centres have launched East Africa’s largest hyper cloud data centre, NBOX1, in Nairobi, Shneider Electric announced July 18. The Tier 3+ facility is now operational, offering a carrier-neutral, AI-ready environment for cloud, colocation, and connectivity services.
Powered by Schneider Electric's MV and LV switchgear and Kenya's renewable energy, NBOX1 promises stable and reliable services. It aims to attract hyperscale and internet customers with a performance on par with top facilities in North America and Western Europe.
“We believe that sustainable practices are essential for the future of data centres, and we are proud to partner with organizations like IXAfrica to create environmentally conscious and innovative digital habitats for the evolving technological landscape," said Mouna Essa Egh, Schneider Electric’s secure power VP for the Middle East & Africa
The data centre, backed by a $50 million investment from Helios, is strategically located in Africa’s 'Digital Savannah,' serving over 300 million people and a vibrant tech ecosystem.
This development is significant for Africa's digital growth. According to Africa Data Center Market Analysis (2017-2029) by Mordor Intelligence, the Africa Data Center Market is projected to have a capacity of 0.69 thousand MW in 2024 and is expected to grow to 1.23 thousand MW by 2029, with a CAGR of 12.34%. Additionally, the market is forecasted to generate colocation revenue of USD 750.2 million in 2024, reaching USD 1,709.6 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17.91% during this period. The launch of NBOX1 is a crucial step in enhancing the technological capabilities and connectivity in East Africa, fostering further development in the region's digital landscape
Hikmatu Bilali
Establishing regulations that align with international best practices can help African e-commerce platforms improve their competitiveness on the global stage. This can facilitate cross-border e-commerce and open up new markets for businesses on the continent.
The Nigerian government plans to regulate e-commerce platforms and introduce cyber insurance for users. This initiative is part of the draft National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill under review by the National Assembly.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the Bill is in the public engagement phase. It requires e-commerce platforms to provide clear and accurate information about sellers, goods, services, and transaction terms.
During a media engagement in Abuja on July 9, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani said the Bill would create a legal framework to accelerate Nigeria's digital economy. "This Bill will support the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s economy through technology," he said.
Section 40 of the Bill mandates the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to develop cyber insurance regulations for electronic commerce.
Section 39 specifies that e-commerce sellers must provide legal names, addresses, and contact details, ensuring effective consumer communication and legal process service. It also mandates detailed descriptions of goods or services and clear terms and conditions, including payment methods, returns, and refund policies.
If passed, major e-commerce platforms, as well as smaller players, would face stricter regulations and potential new taxes and levies imposed by NITDA. Non-compliance could result in fines.
The proposed legislation is poised to impact the country's rapidly growing e-commerce sector significantly. According to the European Company Database (ECDB) report titled eCommerce Market in Nigeria, this sector is expected to generate $2.68 billion in revenue by 2024 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%, reaching $4.34 billion by 2028.
Hikmatu Bilali
Accurate birth registration data is essential for government planning and budgeting, ensuring efficient resource allocation. It also helps monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as eliminating poverty, promoting quality education, and reducing inequality.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has underscored the critical need for e-birth registration to ensure Nigerian children obtain a legal identity. Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF's South-West Nigeria Field Office, highlighted this during a media dialogue in Lagos on July 17.
The event, organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development and the National Population Commission (NPC), aimed to promote e-birth registration in South-West Nigeria.
Lafoucriere noted that without a birth certificate, a child remains invisible and lacks access to essential services such as protection, health, and education. "Birth registration is a fundamental human right and cornerstone of a child's legal identity," she said.
The dialogue underscored the collective effort required to ensure every Nigerian child is registered and has access to their legal rights and essential services.
According to the 2022 ‘Statistical Update on Birth Registration in Africa’ by UNICEF and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), out of the 164 million children under 5 worldwide who are unregistered, over half (approximately 91 million) reside in Africa. This lack of registration hinders effective planning and policy-making, as accurate data is crucial for these processes.
The E-birth registration will allow parents to register their children immediately after birth, addressing accessibility challenges in Nigeria. This system supports robust civil registration and generates vital statistics for effective planning and policy implementation.
Hikmatu Bilali
With the ongoing technological revolution, African countries have established a timeline for digitizing their various sectors. In Madagascar, the digitization of the education sector is progressing steadily.
Malagasy authorities kicked off the digitization of the country's educational system during a three-day workshop held in Toamasina from July 15 to 17. The project, which begins in the Atsinanana region, aims to equip educational administration zones and schools with the necessary tools and resources to harness the power of digital technologies.
This initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive system for monitoring staff attendance, managing school fund transfers and expenditures, expediting data collection, facilitating remote learning opportunities and maintaining accurate student registries.
"The extension of digital services in the Atsinanana region is a significant first step in the digital transformation of the education sector in Madagascar. The Digital Governance Unit and the Ministry of National Education plan to extend this project to other regions of the country in the coming years," the Ministry of National Education (MEN) declared in a statement.
The Malagasy government is actively forging partnerships to support the digitalization of its education system. Since 2014, the MEN has partnered with Orange Solidarité Madagascar on the "Digital Schools" program, which aims to leverage new technologies to improve access to education. Most recently, in February 2024, the MEN joined forces with UNICEF to connect secondary schools to its digital library.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In 2019, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) adopted a National Digital Plan to guide the development of its digital economy. This strategic framework aims to foster digital transformation across various sectors, enhancing economic growth and improving public services, with various initiatives already being carried out to advance the plan.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is exploring the establishment of a National Unified Information Center, according to a statement from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digitalization (PT-N).
Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba (photo, center) met with Ashraf Attia, President of the Egyptian technology group Omega Gate Tech, on July 18 to discuss the initiative. According to Khaled Rhaïem, Omega Gate Tech's DRC representative, the discussions aligned with the DRC's ongoing digital transformation strategy.
"We discussed the construction of the National Unified Information Center. This approach perfectly aligns with President Félix Tshisekedi's vision. The center will consolidate all census databases and implement 5G technology," Rhaïem said.
The proposed center aligns with the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025 (PNN 2025), which aims to modernize the DRC through accelerated digitalization and key infrastructure development with 48% of its 69 projects already underway, 15 completed and 18 in the operationalization phase (according to the PNN 2025 mid-term review published in December 2023).
The National Unified Information Center envisions a centralized platform for collecting, managing, and disseminating critical national data across sectors like security, health, education, and the economy.
Omega Gate Tech, with its presence in Egypt, UAE, Libya, and Saudi Arabia, is seen as a potential partner to support the DRC's digital transformation. Their involvement could pave the way for significant technological advancements and a promising digital future for the country.
Samira Njoya
Ethiopian authorities are aiming to capitalize on their agricultural sector by modernizing it. To achieve this, they are implementing projects to digitize the sector.
The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) on Tuesday launched two digital initiatives in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) to enhance agricultural input and output market systems.
The first project involves the creation of a digital platform that will connect smallholder farmers with potential buyers. "This initiative modernizes the agricultural market system, improving price discovery, risk management, and transaction transparency. It ensures a consistent supply of quality products, promotes traceability, matches supply with demand, and stabilizes market prices," explained the ATI.
The second project focuses on automating the input voucher system. The ATI is introducing eVoucher 2.0, electronic vouchers with a digital code that can be used to purchase goods or services online or in stores. The adoption of this system is expected to enhance the distribution of agricultural inputs and combat fraud.
These projects are part of a broader effort by Ethiopian authorities to modernize the agricultural sector. They have signed various partnerships to achieve this goal, confirming their intention to leverage technology for agricultural advancement. In June, the ATI partnered with Digital Green, a U.S.-based organization promoting the digitization of agriculture, to develop a knowledge-sharing platform.
The launched projects will help ensure a sustainable market, improve the supply of inputs to farmers, and strengthen the connections between farmers and agricultural product consumers.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) provide greater opportunities for creativity and learning at preschool and primary levels. However, access to digital education remains insufficient in Africa due to the lack of preparedness for integrating digital technologies into early learning.
The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, hosted its first EdTech conference in Abuja from Monday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 10. Themed "Education Tech for Resilient, Inclusive Learning In Africa," the conference aimed to discuss the integration of technology into learning systems across Africa.
The event concluded with the adoption of 10 key actions to strengthen the EdTech ecosystem in Africa:
Champion local innovation through supportive EdTech policies, with governments as leaders, proactive enablers, and consumers of quality content and delivery mechanisms.
Harmonize cross-sector policy by coordinating inter-ministerial strategies, plans, and initiatives on technology-enabled access to education for all.
Underwrite foundational infrastructure through creative use of resources such as Universal Service Funds to invest in electricity, the internet, devices, and dedicated infrastructure for education programs.
Drive decisions with data by investing in government systems and capabilities for timely collection, analysis, and informed decision-making.
Enhance delivery capacity along the EdTech value chain by upskilling teachers to deliver learning using EdTech and supporting leaders in education systems to work with tech-enabled processes and data.
Systematize EdTech integration by introducing (where nonexistent) and enforcing clear, context-relevant standards for technology integration into the educational curriculum.
Guide context-relevant innovation with clear and timely guidelines and approval processes for content, tools, and licenses to encourage innovation, investment, and technology mainstreaming.
Diversify learning pathways for out-of-school youth by developing flexible technology-enabled alternatives for learning, accredited certification, and re-entry to the formal education system.
Lower access barriers to EdTech through strategic private-public partnerships that support responsive, evidence-based policy and affordable solutions for all.
Embed responsive inclusivity (gender equity, persons with disabilities and refugees and displaced persons) in policy and innovation processes, centering and engaging diverse young people throughout development and delivery.
The conference is part of the Mastercard Foundation's efforts to promote digital education in Africa. It coincides with the African Union's declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Education," urging all governments to intensify efforts to ensure quality education for all.
The African Union's Digital Education Strategy (2023-2028) and its implementation plan call for African countries to develop national digital education strategies. They aim for at least 50% of educational institutions to have safe and secure high-speed connectivity at significantly less than $25 per Mbps per month, at least 20% of students and 50% of teachers on the continent to have access to digital devices by 2027, and one-third of students and all teachers to have access by 2030.
Samira Njoya
Africa is the world's youngest continent, with over 60% of its 1.4 billion people under 25. This youth demographic offers a significant opportunity to nurture a tech-savvy generation that can lead the continent's digital future and drive economic growth. However, many African organizations still struggle to find the necessary tech skills to support their digital transformation efforts.
Nigerian Software solutions provider CodeGarageAfrica launched the "1000 Lines of Code" initiative on July 15 in Ibadan, Nigeria. The initiative aims at empowering 1000 senior secondary students through technology and is set to inspire and educate the next generation of tech enthusiasts.
1000 Lines of Code Commences Today!
— codegarage_africa (@CodegarageA) July 15, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the commencement of the #1000LinesofCode event today!
A big thank you to our amazing partners:@oyostategovt@386konsult @zeeh_africa
Stay tuned for updates and highlights as we kickstart!#CodeGarageAfrica pic.twitter.com/5AxvMnfQFx
The event, held at the International Conference Center in Ibadan will last a week, from July 15 to July 19, 2024. It introduces 1000 senior secondary students from 110 schools across 11 local governments in Ibadan to coding and technology. The program features hands-on workshops, industry talks, and interactive sessions designed to ignite a passion for computer science. Participants will engage in coding challenges, receive mentorship, and explore software development.
A 2022 report by SAP Africa, an enterprise software and software-related services provider, titled "Africa’s Tech Skills Scarcity Revealed," highlights that four in five organizations across the continent are negatively impacted by a lack of tech skills. In Nigeria, all surveyed organizations reported some effect from this skills gap, with 47% experiencing employee turnover or the risk thereof due to inadequate tech skills, and 60% suffering customer loss for the same reason. Bridging this gap is crucial for Africa's digital transformation and economic growth.
Hikmatu Bilali
In recent years, Morocco has embarked on a digital transformation, marked by the modernization of various sectors, including higher education. With the support of partners, these advancements are becoming increasingly tangible.
Morocco secured a €120 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to digitize its universities, according to a financing agreement signed in Rabat on Tuesday, July 16.
The agreement was signed by Achraf Hassan Tarsim, AfDB's country manager for Morocco, and Nizar Baraka, Morocco's Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation.
The funds will be used to develop and implement new university training programs in digital fields. These programs will be tailored to meet job market needs and the expectations of national and international investors. Additionally, universities will be equipped with new computer hardware and their services will be digitized.
This €120 million loan is part of a larger €604 million AfDB financing package for Morocco. The other allocations include €200 million for the Territorial Competitiveness Improvement Program, €200 million for the construction of the 104-kilometer Guercif-Nador highway and €84 million for the Integrated and Sustainable Development Support Project for Forest Areas.
The Moroccan government views this investment in university transformation as key to achieving the goals of its Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of the Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation Ecosystem (ESRI 2030). Launched in 2020, ESRI 2030 aims to create a high-performing and attractive higher education system aligned with the country's needs. It emphasizes incorporating entrepreneurship into curricula and promoting excellence and innovation.
Morocco has set ambitious targets: graduating 22,500 students annually by 2027 and increasing the number of graduates with digital specializations or competencies across all disciplines and levels to 50,000 by 2035.
Samira Njoya
Ensuring consistent and improved satellite services is vital for supporting digital transformation efforts across African nations. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, the continent can effectively bridge the digital divide and drive economic growth.
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) is set to replace its aging communications satellite, NIGCOMSAT-1R. To this end, it seeks global investors and collaborators for the project. This move, announced by Managing Director Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, on July 14, comes as NIGCOMSAT-1R nears the end of its 15-year lifespan in 2026.
Operational since 2011, NIGCOMSAT-1R is essential to Nigeria's communications infrastructure. The NigComSat-1R satellite was launched to replace the failed NigComSat-1 in 2007. To maintain and enhance service, NIGCOMSAT plans to develop NIGCOMSAT-2 and NIGCOMSAT-3. The two new satellites will replace NIGCOMSAT-1R.
In 2016, the Nigerian government announced its intention to acquire two new satellites. Adebayo Shittu, then Nigerian Minister of Communications, said the project would require around $500 million. He added that the government was negotiating a loan with Exim Bank China to implement the project.
The launch of two new satellites by NIGCOMSAT will reinforce the development strategy being pursued by the public company. In terms of services, the company has won several contracts with its single satellite. Between June and July, two new agreements were added to its portfolio. On July 5, NIGCOMSAT signed a one-year internet service agreement with Dimension Data, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure. Additionally, in June, NIGCOMSAT partnered with Hotspot Network Limited, a company specializing in rural connectivity solutions, and telecom giant Infratel to bolster rural connectivity.
NIGCOMSAT's proactive steps to replace NIGCOMSAT-1R and global collaboration underscore the need for continuous investment and innovation in Nigeria's satellite technology.
Hikmatu Bilali