News (1583)
The COVID-19 pandemic's disruptions exposed the need for robust digital infrastructure and skills across Africa, sparking a surge in initiatives aiming to bridge the digital divide and accelerate economic transformation.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and Google signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at the Africa Business Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to boost digital transformation across the continent.
Commenting on the merits of the initiative, Claver Gatete (photo, right), Executive Secretary of the ECA, said it had the potential to deliver significant results in addressing digital challenges and bridging the digital divide in Africa. He also emphasized Google's central role in improving connectivity in Africa, supporting African innovators and entrepreneurs, and building digital capacity.
As part of this partnership, the two parties will collaborate in three key areas. Firstly, they will focus on start-up development, to enable 1 million start-ups to generate $100 billion in revenues by 2033. Secondly, they will focus on training young people in ICT, with plans to train 5,000 young African students and 200 teachers in computer science and robotics. This training will support their participation in global competitions, such as the Robotics Olympiad, and increase Africa's representation in this field.
Finally, both partners will work to strengthen cybersecurity in the region. This will be done through dialogues with government officials, training workshops, collaborative research, and the sharing of best practices in cybersecurity. Ultimately, these initiatives will help bridge the digital divide in Africa by promoting infrastructure development and affordability, a sound regulatory environment, and fostering digital skills.
Samira Njoya
Technological advancements offer African countries grappling with rising crime rates an opportunity to leverage this tool for enhanced law enforcement. In Africa, technology supports crime-fighting endeavors by enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of criminal activities, leading to faster response times and improved resource allocation for law enforcement agencies.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Ayoade Fayoade, in an interview on Friday, February 16, 2024, announced the reactivation of the police force’s tracking device to tackle kidnapping and other crimes in the state. This reactivation comes in response to rising kidnapping cases reported in the country.
Measures have been intensified to address residents’ concerns about kidnapping in various parts of the state. Fayoade stated, “We have reactivated our tracking devices and deployed personnel in identified kidnap-prone areas such as Igbogbo, Ijede, and Idimu.”
In Nigeria, kidnapping has become a profitable criminal enterprise, attracting new perpetrators who hold victims hostage in exchange for ransom. In 2018, Nigeria had the highest number of kidnapping for ransom cases worldwide, as reported by the International Centre for Investigative Report in their article titled “The Cost of Getting Kidnapped in Nigeria.” The incidents of kidnapping started to rise in 2014, with 897 victims recorded, and peaked in 2021, with 5,287 victims, the report further revealed, placing the country “among the Costelli Kidnap Ransom Top Ten Countries for Kidnapping Foreign Citizens in 2022.”
The reactivation of the tracking device and collaborative initiatives demonstrate the proactive approach of the Lagos State Police Command in safeguarding residents against the menace of kidnapping and associated crimes.
Hikmatu Bilali
Despite progress, nearly half of Nigeria's population remains offline, underscoring the country's persistent digital divide. This gap is largely attributed to the lack of internet infrastructure in rural areas. The government is aiming to bridge this divide by launching new initiatives, but challenges remain.
Nigeria's Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Minister, Bosun Tijani, announced on Monday the launch of the "Project 774 LG Connectivity" to address limited Internet and digital access by connecting all 774 local government secretariats in the country to the Internet.
The initiative aims to foster inclusive development and access to digital public infrastructure in government offices across Nigeria, including remote areas that may have been previously underserved or unserved. Co-financed by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and Galaxy Backbone, it is placed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's "Renewed Hope" program and the Ministry's strategic plan. It will provide local governments with reliable and affordable Internet access, promoting efficient public services and transparency. As the foundation of governance at the local level, local government secretariats will play a more crucial role in shaping the country's socio-economic landscape.
The initiative will also contribute to digital inclusion in the country, creating at least 300 direct jobs as the project is rolled out nationwide, and potentially more indirect jobs through increased digital access.
Samira Njoya
As Africa's internet connectivity surges, data hosting emerges as a critical battleground. While major tech companies invest heavily in the continent's infrastructure, concerns around digital sovereignty rise, prompting some nations to seek greater control over their data landscape.
Moroccan cloud provider Atlas Cloud Services and Indian IT giant HCLSoftware signed a partnership on Thursday, aiming to support businesses' digital transformation and strengthen the country's digital sovereignty, Morocco's MAP news agency reported.
The collaboration focuses on delivering high-performance cloud services tailored to local needs. A key initiative is establishing a localized messaging platform, ensuring data security and control for sensitive information. This platform offers flexible capacity and performance, catering specifically to business requirements.
Furthermore, the partnership encompasses secure instant messaging solutions for internal and external communication, facilitating collaboration and boosting employee productivity. A video conferencing tool is also included, enabling seamless communication and remote working. Additionally, a dedicated data storage and sharing space allows businesses to store and access data securely from any location and device.
Beyond commercial initiatives, the partnership extends to deploying a university research system and promoting scientific research and training, fostering innovation and talent development.
This collaborative effort aligns with Morocco's goal of bolstering its digital sovereignty. The country boasts dedicated infrastructure, including the African Supercomputing Center at UM6P, which opened in March 2021, one of Africa's most powerful computing facilities. In July 2023, Morocco implemented a ban on storing sensitive data outside the country.
Samira Njoya
The Egyptian government's recent surge in investments in the digital sector reflects its recognition of technology's potential to drive economic growth and exports. This increased focus on digitalization aims to bolster Egypt's capabilities in outsourcing, a key pillar in the country's aspirations to become a regional technology hub.
Egypt's Information Technology Industry Development Authority (ITIDA) and UAE-based Mashreq Global Network inked a cooperation agreement today at the World Government Summit, aiming to create 300 digital banking jobs for Egyptian professionals over three years.
This partnership goes beyond job creation, enabling Mashreq to expand its Egyptian operations in data analysis, business intelligence, and internal auditing. These services will be exported from Egypt to Mashreq Bank clients in the UAE, bolstering Egypt's digital export ambitions.
According to Egypt’s Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, the agreement reflects the attractiveness of Egypt's ICT sector, which has become a target for international companies seeking expansion.
The deal aligns with Egypt's 2022-2026 Digital Strategy for the Development of the Outsourcing Industry, which aims to double digital exports and create 34,000 export-oriented jobs by 2025.
Egypt's investments in the digital services export sector yielded $6.2 billion in 2023, a 26.5% increase from the previous year. The country eyes reaching nearly $9 billion by 2026.
Samira Njoya
Like many sub-Saharan nations, Lesotho grapples with digital education challenges. However, the government aims to leverage assistance from more advanced countries to significantly improve the situation in the coming years.
Lesotho's Education Minister Ntoi Rapapa signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost digital education, aiming to establish "digital schools" in the African nation.
This collaboration concluded at the World Government Summit in Dubai, reflects the commitment of both countries to equip communities for the digital age. Under the agreement, the UAE's "Digital School" program, launched in 2020 by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be extended to Lesotho.
This program promotes continuous innovation in education through game-based modules and AI-driven adaptive learning. The initiative is crucial for Lesotho, where only 5% of primary schools currently possess digital education equipment, according to government data.
Rapapa also highlighted efforts to digitize other sectors in Lesotho, including government administration. Currently, only three of the 18 ministries utilize e-governance practices. The plan aims to digitize all ministries within the next 2-5 years.
Samira Njoya
Togo's push towards digitalization has gained momentum following the creation of Agence Togo Digital, a government agency overseeing digital projects. To accelerate progress, the country is actively seeking partnerships.
Togo and Kazakhstan have expanded their bilateral collaboration in information and communication technologies (ICT) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at the Digital Almaty Forum.
Signed by Togo's Digital Economy Minister Cina Lawson and Kazakhstan's Digital Development Minister Bagdat Mussin, the MoU focuses on supporting the "Togo Digital 2025" strategy, particularly digitizing administration and citizen services.
This cooperation aligns with a broader rapprochement between the two countries, following President Faure Gnassingbé's visit to Astana in November 2023 and the upcoming prospecting mission by a Kazakh delegation to Togo this week.
Under the MoU, Kazakhstan will assist Togo in implementing its digital agenda, drawing on its own e-governance experience. Kazakhstan launched its eGov.kz portal in 2006, offering over 200 automated services, and ranks 28th globally in the UN's e-Government Development Index (EGDI).
Similarly, Togo launched its national public services portal in 2022, including services like passport applications and building permits. This partnership aims to accelerate digitization in Togo, leveraging Kazakhstan's expertise.
Samira Njoya
Sub-Saharan Africa is poised to see the fastest growth in demand for digital skills globally, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This poses a significant challenge in preparing young people for these emerging opportunities.
Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates partnered on Tuesday to train over a million young Malagasy people in new technologies through the "Digital School" and "Coders Initiative" projects. The initiative, announced at the World Government Summit in Dubai, aims to equip youth with in-demand digital skills to improve their employability and contribute to Madagascar's economic development.
“The future lies in preparing our future generations to face challenges with innovative technological weapons that will forge their world of tomorrow. The hopes of an entire generation lie in our hands, the leaders of today. We must assist them towards a better future,” President Andry Rajoelina (photo) stated.
Digital School, already established in eight countries, will provide flexible learning opportunities through digital training centers in Madagascar. These centers will utilize advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to complement the national curriculum and develop students' skills in areas like coding and data analysis. The "Coders Initiative" will likely focus on more intensive training programs for specific IT professions.
With over 1.5 million instructors trained and 60,000 students enrolled globally, Digital School has a proven track record of success. Its expansion into Madagascar, coupled with the "Coders Initiative", has the potential to significantly improve the digital literacy and employability of young Malagasy people.
Samira Njoya
The Angolan government is launching a series of digital projects to streamline access to public services and meet citizens' demands for electronic solutions. However, the success of these initiatives may hinge on improving the country's internet infrastructure.
The implementation of Angola's ambitious Digital Acceleration Program (PADA) is encountering challenges, with limited internet access across the country emerging as a major hurdle.
During a public consultation session on PADA, Meick Afonso (photo), Director General of the Institute of Administrative Modernization (IMA), highlighted the issue to stakeholders, stating that for the transformation to be successful, it is essential that every citizen is connected.
PADA, a $300 million initiative funded by the World Bank, aims to drive digital inclusion, expand access to public services, and stimulate the digital economy. Ultimately, it seeks to transform Angola into a fully digitized society, streamlining access to administrative documents.
However, achieving this vision hinges on a reliable internet infrastructure. While recent developments such as Angola's connection to Meta's 2Africa fiber optic cable and a $249 million loan for a national broadband project bode well, current penetration remains low.
Statistics from the Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM) indicate 10.08 million internet users in the country. However, a December 2023 report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ranks Angola 24th in Africa for ICT development, with a score of only 44.1 out of 100.
Samira Njoya
South Africa is looking to capitalize on the growing trend of remote work by attracting "digital nomads" to its shores, hoping to boost tourism and inject dynamism into the local economy.
The South African Department of Home Affairs has released draft amendments to current immigration regulations, which include two new visa categories: a visa for remote work and a visa for essential skills. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the news in his newsletter last week.
"A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa. [...] International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for," he wrote.
To be eligible for the remote work visa, digital nomads must meet several criteria, including qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and a job offer. They must also have a minimum annual income of at least 1 million rand (around $53,088) to live adequately in the country.
Countries such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles are already offering this type of visa to tap into the rich market of 35 million digital nomads worldwide. The Western Cape Government has invited public comment on the proposed amendments
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital education in schools, highlighting the need for integrating modern technologies and teaching methods to prepare students for an increasingly digital world. This shift aims to equip future generations with the skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities of our digital society.
Swiss building materials giant LafargeHolcim unveiled its "Connected Classrooms" initiative on Friday, February 9, aiming to address the challenge of school dropout in Morocco.
The three-year program, launched in early 2023, targets schools near LafargeHolcim's sites across the country, initially providing 26 schools and 13,000 students with high-quality IT equipment. This includes desktop and laptop computers, interactive whiteboards, printers, projectors, and Wi-Fi connections.
"We are [...] invested in various projects to support education and children in communities near our sites, with a particular focus on preventing school dropout," said Zineb Bennouna, Communications and CSR Director at LafargeHolcim Morocco, in a press release.
The initiative promotes community-based education and provides access to online educational resources. This aligns with the government's efforts to digitize educational services and improve the quality of the system.
LafargeHolcim describes the program as part of its broader "N'Bniouw l'7ayat" social responsibility program, which aims to create an inclusive learning environment and reduce school dropout within local communities.
Samira Njoya
Following successful landings in Dakar and Accra last November and December, the telecommunications infrastructure embarked on its onward journey across the West African sub-region.
The 2Africa fiber optic submarine cable has landed in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a press release issued on Thursday, February 8 by Bayobab (formerly MTN GlobalConnect), one of the partners investing in the telecoms infrastructure alongside Orange, Meta, and China Mobile International.
2Africa will be the seventh submarine fiber optic system to connect Nigeria, which already draws part of its high-speed connectivity from Google's Equiano cables, SAT3, MainOne, Glo1, Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), and West Africa Cable System (WACS). This new asset represents the private sector's contribution to the project to improve broadband access initiated by the government in 2020. The aim is to cover 90% of the national territory by 2025.
The digital economy is expanding worldwide, but access to broadband connectivity remains a challenge in Africa, where it has the potential to unlock numerous development opportunities. Networks are still largely concentrated in urban areas, hindering the reduction of the digital divide, at the heart of the battle for inclusion that many organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union have been waging for the past 30 years.
In Nigeria, the importance of broadband is well established. The impact the service has had on the country's startup ecosystem over the past ten years is reflected in the dynamism of its tech entrepreneurs, whose solutions meet real, practical local needs. Today, Nigeria is one of the startup ecosystems that attracts the most foreign investment in Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Following global trends, Congo has initiated the digitization of driving licenses, aiming to address longstanding issues plaguing its road sector. This effort seeks to improve efficiency, transparency, and security within the system, ultimately contributing to safer roads and better transport management.
Congo is launching new, highly secure biometric driving licenses as part of a broader digital transformation push, officials announced Thursday.
Presented by Land Transport Director General Mopaya Atali (photo, left) on February 8th, the license aims to standardize identification and combat security issues plaguing the sector.
Initially planned for 2023, the initiative also tackles inadequate driver training and aims to decrease road accidents. It aligns with the government's Digital Transformation Acceleration Program (PATN) and follows the June deployment of a biometric vehicle license plate system.
These reforms address long-standing challenges in the road transport sector, including insecure data management and a lack of reliable electronic archiving. The new licenses aim to enhance security, simplify administrative processes, improve road safety, and integrate with other digital services.
Samira Njoya
African countries are accelerating their digital transformation efforts, improving services, and adopting new technologies to drive efficiency across various sectors. Governments are modernizing infrastructure, rolling out broadband internet, and investing in innovative solutions to address challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance.
Tanzania is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline public service delivery and combat inefficiency, officials announced at the annual e-government meeting (Arusha, February 6-8).
"Physical delivery of services in public institutions and government agencies continues to be a challenge due to the prevalent lackadaisical attitude among many workers. This often results in delays and substandard executions of tasks.[...] We also want to totally eradicate queues and delays as people scramble to be served at public institutions and organizations, something that has been raising many complaints from people across the country," said George Simbachawene, Minister of State for Public Service Management and Good Governance, citing prevalent disinterest among some public servants as a key challenge.
AI adoption in Africa is gaining momentum, driven by its potential to improve online services across various sectors. Several countries are actively pursuing this technology, backed by international support.
Last November, the UK and partners pledged £80 million to boost AI development in Africa, while UNESCO earlier supported Morocco's digital transformation efforts including AI.
However, concerns exist about Africa becoming a testing ground for unproven AI solutions. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, a UN AI advisor, urges African countries to implement "real control" over the technology to avoid exploitation.
Adoni Conrad Quenum