News (1583)
Senegal is fully committed to digitizing its entire healthcare system. In a bid to achieve its goals, the government is multiplying its initiatives in collaboration with all the stakeholders in the sector.
Senegal's state-owned digital infrastructure company, Sénégal Numérique SA (Senum SA), and the Ministry of Health and Social Action signed an agreement on Tuesday to speed up the digitization of the country's healthcare system.
According to Cheikh Bakhoum (photo, left), CEO of Senum SA, the agreement encompasses various activities, including the domestic hosting of health data, which was previously stored abroad. The data will now be housed within Senegal, specifically in national resource centers.
Under this three-year collaboration, Senum SA will aid in the execution of all digital projects within the sector, host data in the national data center, and enhance connectivity for healthcare facilities, among other tasks. The company will also augment the hosting capacity and bandwidth for digital health records, including the shared patient file (Dpp), telemedicine, the hospital information system, the geographic health system, the digitization of medicines, community health processes, and electronic health governance.
The partnership aligns with the 2023-2027 healthcare system digitization program (PDSS), a government-led initiative. The program, which has received significant financial backing from the World Bank to the tune of $50 million, coincides with the country’s efforts to construct data centers dedicated to storing and hosting national data. The most recent addition to this infrastructure is a Tier 3 data center, established in Diamniadio.
Samira Njoya
Nigeria, like many other countries, faces persistent challenges when it comes to electronic fraud, particularly bank card fraud. To counter this threat to the economy, initiatives are currently being rolled out across the country.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in partnership with the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) and the Association of Mobile Money and Banking Agents of Nigeria (AMMBAN), is set to introduce a new feature aimed at improving the detection of potentially fraudulent transactions. This initiative, a response to the country’s increasing fraud incidents, will necessitate specific Know Your Customer (KYC) details for validating certain transactions.
Fasasi Sarafadeen Atanda, AMMBAN’s Chairman, stated that the technological development of this feature is nearing completion, with its activation slated for the first quarter of this year. Point-of-service terminals nationwide will prominently display this new feature, enabling the identification, reporting, and cancellation of suspicious transactions.
This measure is a reaction to a significant surge in fraud, as evidenced by data from the Financial Institutions Training Center (FITC). In the second quarter of 2023, Nigerian deposit banks reported fraud-related losses of 9.75 billion naira ($10.8 million), marking a 276% increase from the same period in 2022, when losses totaled 5.79 billion naira.
The ultimate objective of this innovation is to foster a more secure, transparent, and regulated financial ecosystem in Nigeria. By bolstering consumer trust in electronic financial services, it aims to stimulate healthy and robust sector growth.
Samira Njoya
Senegal's ongoing drive to digitize administrative services marks a significant milestone as GUDE embarks on its digital transformation journey. This crucial segment of the Senegalese economy, previously undergoing initial digitization efforts, has now entered a key phase that promises to streamline procedures and enhance efficiency.
Starting February 1, Senegal's authorities will expand the Single Dematerialized Collection Desk (GUDE) to all participants in the port sector. The move aims to enhance the Port of Dakar (PAD)'s efficiency, increase the port platform's revenue, and simplify procedures for economic operators.
Makhtar Lakh, Secretary General of the Ministry of Commerce, Consumer Affairs, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, stated that the new system for dematerializing collection procedures would save operators time and resources, reduce state and consumer costs, and improve operation predictability.
The GUDE, a collaboration between the PAD, the General Directorate of Customs, and the Community of Port Actors, will extend to other services such as transit, export, and transfers to customs clearance areas outside the PAD over the next three months.
The GUDE's launch is part of Senegal's public sector's ongoing digital transformation. Despite the digital transition's progress, many services are still catching up with the country's public administrations' technological revolution.
Earlier this month, the General Directorate of Public Accounting and the Treasury (DGCPT) introduced an online payment service for road fines. Last November, Senegal Numérique, the national company responsible for managing the State's digital infrastructures, partnered with Blaise Diagne International Airport to digitize all airports in the country.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
In Africa's evolving digital landscape, the ability of regulators to respond to the needs of investors can help support the development of the sector. Developing effective collaborative tools is becoming a necessity.
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has introduced the Tanzanite Portal system, revolutionizing communication services across the nation. This innovative platform aims to simplify operations and promote transparency among service providers.
Dr. Jabiri Bakari, TCRA's Director General, in a statement released on January 28, lauded the Tanzanite Portal for its role in streamlining registration and enhancing regulatory oversight. With a user-friendly interface, the portal facilitates licensing across diverse sectors, including Telecommunication, Internet, Postal, and Broadcasting, while streamlining fee payment.
Key features like a centralized application window and electronic device certification underscore TCRA's commitment to improving customer experience and operational efficiency. Stakeholders can now submit license applications remotely, marking a departure from traditional procedures.
The portal's transparent framework enables swift responses to inquiries and feedback, promoting accountability within the regulatory ecosystem. Its streamlined electronic device approval process, complemented by a verification USSD code, ensures greater control over unauthorized service providers.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed TCRA's initiative, citing its potential to expedite processes and provide clarity in the communication sector. The launch of the Tanzanite Portal reflects TCRA's ongoing efforts to foster innovation and transparency, aligning with its mission of advancing Tanzania's communication infrastructure.
The Tanzanite Portal launch follows TCRA's commitment to openness, with routine press briefings serving as a platform for disseminating sector updates and performance reports. As Tanzania's communication landscape evolves, the Tanzanite Portal stands poised to reshape industry dynamics, offering stakeholders a streamlined pathway to enhanced services and regulatory compliance.
Hikmatu Bilali
Kenya is aiming to become a leading technology hub in Africa, ramping up investment in the sector and forging strategic partnerships to fast-track its ambitions.
Kenyan President William Ruto (photo, right) announced on Saturday, January 27, during the inauguration of the Mukiria Technical Training Institute’s teaching block and engineering workshop in Central Imenti, that China has been chosen to equip the country’s digital hubs. The initiative aims to provide Kenyan youth with digital skills.
Ruto emphasized the importance of investing in technical colleges and ICT hubs to ensure that the youth acquire the necessary competencies to monetize their knowledge and skills, thereby contributing to the country’s economic development.
"Our investment in technical colleges and ICT hubs guarantees our youth the acquisition of competencies to help them monetize their knowledge and skills so that they can contribute meaningfully to our economic development," he said.
The Kenyan government has prioritized digital technology in its development policy, taking steps to enable its population, particularly the youth, to keep up with the global technological revolution. The establishment of various digital hubs is a part of this initiative, and the government has increased the education budget to support this project.
“Technical training is a crucial element of the Kenyan government’s strategy to equip our human capital, especially the youth, with skills that can significantly contribute to the country’s development,” Ruto explained.
Kenya, along with Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, boasts one of the most advanced technological ecosystems in Africa. As of early 2023, Kenya had 17.86 million Internet users, representing an Internet penetration rate of 32.7%, according to DataReportal.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Liberia's incoming president, Joseph Boakai, will prioritize youth when building on outgoing leader George Weah's digital technology initiatives to power economic growth, officials said. Weah, a former soccer star, launched projects during his term to leverage technology and promote entrepreneurship. The incoming president intends to take these efforts further, with a focus on empowering young Liberians through tech-driven opportunities.
Liberia’s newly inaugurated President, Joseph Boakai (photo), pledged to enhance the digital skills of over 10,000 young Liberians during his first address to the nation on Monday, January 29, at the Capitol Building. “In our quest to expand the economy, we will leverage Information Communication Technology (ICT) in creating jobs, especially for our youth. To achieve this, my Administration will train up to 10,000 young people in various digital skills in the first half of 2024. The Liberian middle-class goal must be a reality in the next 6 years,” Boakai declared.
This ambitious initiative aims to prepare young people for the digital age by bridging the country’s existing technology gap and ensuring that Liberians are competitive in the global marketplace. This project continues the digital initiatives of former President George Weah, which included the establishment of a national digital transformation project in partnership with the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the construction of a national fiber optic network with Kenyan company CSquared, and the digitization of public services and modernization of the Post Office.
It’s worth noting that Liberia significantly lags in the digital field in Africa. According to the latest statistics from DataReportal, as of the start of 2023, the country had 1.80 million Internet users, a penetration rate of 33.6% for a population of 5.36 million. Additionally, the number of social media users was 642,100 in January, representing 12.0% of the total population. In terms of mobile connectivity, Liberia recorded a total of 4.20 million active cellular mobile connections at the start of 2023, equivalent to 78.4% of the total population.
Samira Njoya
Plagued by high youth unemployment, Kenya is turning to innovative technology solutions to equip its young workforce and bridge the skills gap. The challenge remains daunting, however, reflecting the complexities of the Kenyan labor market.
Kenya launched the National Skills Inventory (NSI) on Monday, January 29, in a government-led initiative to combat youth unemployment and connect young people with relevant jobs, both locally and internationally.
Backed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, the NSI aims to create a comprehensive digital database of skills available across the country. This data will be used to match unemployed young people with job opportunities that align with their qualifications and market needs.
"The digital skills database will support the government's skills migration agenda that is geared to ensure that surplus labor is henceforth exported to enhance the inflow of diaspora remittances," said Shadrack Mwadime, Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
The NSI launch follows the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Committee dedicated to its development and ongoing management. This committee aims to establish a comprehensive framework for capturing and utilizing individual skill sets, contributing to the national target of reducing unemployment, which the International Labour Organization put at 4.9% in 2022.
Bilateral agreements signed with several European and Middle Eastern countries over recent years pave the way for smoother job placement and migration for skilled Kenyans. The ambitious goal is to export at least one million workers annually over the next five years.
By providing youth with a platform to showcase their skills and access international opportunities, the NSI is a significant step towards tackling Kenya's unemployment challenge. The initiative's potential to boost remittances and stimulate the national economy further strengthens its importance.
Samira Njoya
Across Africa, a rapid digital transformation is fueling the continent's economic emergence. Massive investments in technological infrastructure are laying the groundwork for innovation, job creation, and enhanced connectivity, offering a powerful catalyst for growth.
Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson is teaming up with the Malagasy government to accelerate the country's digital transformation, following a recent working visit by its regional leadership.
Strategic meetings with key partners, customers, and industry leaders explored leveraging Ericsson's technologies to expand mobile broadband, bridge the digital divide, and empower individuals, businesses, and communities.
"The engagements focused on Madagascar’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) landscape and delved into areas of collaboration to leverage Ericsson’s innovation to expand mobile broadband access, drive digital inclusion, and create unlimited opportunities for individuals, empower businesses, and transform communities," an Ericsson release points out.
This initiative is part of Ericsson's #AfricaInMotion vision, aiming to contribute to sustainable development and digitization across the African continent. Ericsson's commitment to Madagascar includes recent collaborations like the 2Africa submarine cable project alongside Vodafone. The company is also intensifying investments in telecom infrastructure across its African markets.
The recent working visit thus reaffirms Ericsson's commitment to supporting Madagascar's digital transformation ambitions, contributing to a more connected and prosperous future for the island nation. According to the company's Mobility Report published in November 2023, mobile subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa are forecast to grow by 3% annually. The number of subscriptions is expected to rise from 940 million in 2023 to 1.1 billion in 2029, with 5G leading this rapid expansion.
Samira Njoya
Ghana's public utilities are joining a wave of digital transformation sweeping across Africa, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in vital sectors like water, electricity, and sanitation. The move reflects a broader trend across the continent, where countries are increasingly leveraging technology to modernize infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve citizens' lives.
Ghana’s state-owned Electricity Company (ECG) announced on Saturday, January 27, the digitization of several of its services. Customers will need to use the company’s mobile app to access services such as requesting a new contract, a sub-meter, or an additional load, to enhance service quality.
The company issued a press release stating, “This paperless system will require prospective customers applying for service to use the ECG Mobile App and follow the prompts therein, including uploading all required documents for the processing of service requests.” It further advised customers to provide accurate information when applying for the service, noting that all responses regarding their applications would be communicated via the contact telephone numbers provided.
Digital transformation is accelerating in Ghana, as in many other African countries, with an increasing number of public bodies digitizing their services to simplify daily life for citizens. According to the “E-Government Survey 2022 The Future of Digital Government” report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Ghana, under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo, is one of sixteen African champions in e-government, outperforming other West African countries like Cape Verde and Côte d’Ivoire.
DataReportal data indicates that Ghana had 23.05 million internet users at the start of 2023, representing an internet penetration rate of 68.2%.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Africa's digital economy is projected to surge to $712 billion by 2050, representing a hefty 8.5% of the continent's gross domestic product. This robust growth is fueling digital transformation strategies across African nations, with Côte d'Ivoire emerging as a frontrunner in spearheading the digital shift.
Côte d’Ivoire plans to activate 5,207 kilometers of fiber optic cable in the coming months, part of a total 7,000 km to be deployed nationwide by 2025, according to Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, Minister of Digital Transition and Digitization. The announcement was made during a New Year’s greeting ceremony at his ministry on January 26.
The project, initiated in 2012, aims to provide high-speed internet access, crucial for the broad adoption of dematerialized services, and to bridge the digital divide by creating new socio-economic opportunities. The government has partnered with Axians to construct 1,920 km of the fiber optic cable, in collaboration with the National Agency for Universal Telecommunication Services, a public agency under the Ministry of Telecommunications. Sagemcom and Bouygues Energies & Services are also key contributors to the project.
In addition to the fiber optic rollout, the country plans to implement other digital initiatives this year, including the enforcement of a new startup law passed in 2023 and an increase in 4G coverage from 63% to 90%.
These actions form part of the national digital development strategy through 2025, adopted by the Council of Ministers on December 22, 2021. Minister Konaté is optimistic about the potential impact of digital transformation on the Ivorian economy, predicting it could boost the gross domestic product (GDP) by 6 to 7 points and mobilize between XOF2,000 billion ($3.3 billion) and XOF3,500 billion.
Samira Njoya
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In a bid to bolster the nation's digital economy, Tanzanian officials have opted to forge strategic alliances.
Minister of Information and Communication Technologies Nape Nnauye (pictured center) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NMB Bank executives this weekend in Dar es Salaam. "This agreement aligns with our Ten-Year Digital Economy Strategy (2024-2034)," Nnauye emphasized, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering local tech advancement.
The partnership positions NMB Bank as a key player in Tanzania's digital drive. The collaboration will see the bank co-design crucial digital systems alongside public authorities. Examples include the "Jamii Namba" citizen identification platform and the electronic "Know Your Customer" (eKYC) protocol for streamlined online service delivery.
NMB Bank CEO Ruth Zaipuna (pictured left) welcomed the partnership, stating, "Strengthening the digital economy benefits both NMB Bank and the broader financial sector by enabling improved delivery of financial services across the country."
This move aligns with President Samia Suluhu's vision of a thriving digital economy as a vital engine for Tanzania's development. The country's growing online presence is undeniable, with DataReportal data citing 21 million internet users and 4.90 million social media users as of 2023, translating to a 31.6% internet penetration rate.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Bosun Tijani's tenure as the Digital Minister has seen a surge in programs aligned with national strategy. This new program is dedicated to enhancing the skills of civil servants.
Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani (photo, right), announced the launch of DevsInGovernment on Friday, January 26, via social media platform X. The initiative aims to enhance the digital skills of civil servants and improve public service delivery.
"To build a digitally empowered Civil Service for Nigeria, we recently launched DevsInGovernment," Tijani wrote. "This community of technologists and tech enthusiasts in public service will collaborate to drive efficiency in the delivery of public services. They will also champion our Digital Public Infrastructure initiative aimed at transforming public services."
This move aligns with Nigeria's national digital transformation strategy. However, despite government investments, the country lacks a strong e-government presence, ranking outside the top 16 performers in Africa, according to the UN DESA's 2022 "E-Government Survey."
“When we empower these people, when we create the community as a platform for Serendipity a lot will happen. They can collaborate, they can share their pains; they can access resources together and we can also focus on supporting them with continuous personal development as well just to ensure that even as we aspire to deeply use technology, we have the workforce to also back them as well," Tijani explained.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Fueled by tech ambitions, Nigeria rolls out initiatives with private partners to revitalize its economy and boost citizen empowerment.
Tech4Dev, a social enterprise promoting digital inclusivity in Africa, has launched "DigitalForAllChallenge 2.0," aiming to train two million Nigerians in basic and intermediate digital skills. Backed by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the initiative targets youth, young adults, and civil servants across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
"The Digital for All Challenge is a free digital skill-building competition and program to increase digital literacy in Nigeria and ignite interest in obtaining digital skills and certifications using online platforms," stated NITDA.
The challenge unfolds in two stages: training followed by a competitive track. Participants need to pass a post-training assessment to enter the competition, consisting of national, regional, and a grand final stage. Over 150 million naira ($166,657) in cash prizes, laptops, tablets, and other rewards await winners.
DigitalForAllChallenge aligns with the Nigerian government's push for digital literacy, aiming to achieve a 70% rate by 2027 and cultivate three million tech talents. As Kashifu Abdullahi, NITDA Director General, highlighted, this initiative seeks to address both domestic and global talent needs, contributing to the global value chain.
Starting February 5, the program offers three tracks: young learners (8-15), young adults (16-45), and civil servants. This comprehensive approach aims to equip diverse cohorts with essential digital skills, empowering them to participate in the nation's digital future.
Samira Njoya
In 2023, funding for African startups fell by 40% compared to 2022 with all African technology ecosystems being affected, especially Nigeria.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (photo, left) pledged a strong partnership with Nigeria's burgeoning tech sector during a Tuesday meeting with President Bola Tinubu, expressing American firms' eagerness to invest and collaborate.
Nigeria "is a place of extraordinary innovation and dynamism," Blinken said at the State House in Abuja. "I've seen that each and every time, and I expect to see more of that in Lagos tomorrow."
Blinken's remarks underscore the growing interest from U.S. tech giants and venture capitalists in Nigeria's vibrant startup ecosystem, one of the most promising on the continent. According to CB Insights, Nigerian startups raised $224 million in 2023 alone, following a $531 million haul in 2022 and exceeding $1 billion in 2021.
"American entrepreneurs and companies are eager to partner with and invest in Nigeria's economy, particularly in the tech sector," Blinken emphasized. "Our venture capital companies are working to finance them. We want to work in partnership to help drive Nigeria's technological revolution."
He further highlighted the potential for mutual benefit, stating: "One of the things we've learned from these partnerships is that it benefits us as much as any place or any company that we're investing in."
Adoni Conrad Quenum