News (1792)
Bilateral relations between Italy and Tunisia date back to the 1980s. Over time and with the evolving global context, the two countries have successfully expanded their exchanges in various fields. They now aim to extend this cooperation to the fourth industrial revolution.
On Monday, May 27, Italy and Tunisia declared their commitment to intensifying collaboration in the digital realm. This new phase emphasizes the promotion of economic and industrial collaboration initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transition research. A memorandum of intent was inked by Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (Mimit), and Nizar Ben Néji, Tunisia’s Minister of Communication Technologies.
According to the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies, this announcement mirrors a mutual aspiration to bolster economic and industrial cooperation initiatives, boost investments, and foster joint ventures between Tunisian and Italian firms via business forums, seminars, and workshops. These events are organized with the participation of governmental institutions and the backing of associations and organizations representing entrepreneurs.
The ministry further explained that this new phase stems from a mutual interest in fostering bilateral cooperation for technology transfer. This is achieved through the exchange of experiences and knowledge in research, innovation, and skill development. The shared goal is to facilitate and implement projects in the public, private, and joint sectors, incorporating stakeholders from both nations in the context of applying AI to industry and related research sectors.
This new commitment for digital cooperation follows a previous agreement on September 29, 2023. On that day, the two nations, represented by Tunisia’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANCS) and its Italian equivalent, signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity and digital trust services. This agreement aimed to intensify the exchange of experiences and expertise between the two institutions, develop specialized skills to safeguard cyberspace, ensure digital sovereignty, and enhance response speed and vigilance levels to effectively identify and address cyber risks.
Italian Minister Adolfo Urso also announced the establishment of a center dedicated to sustainable development in Tunisia, in partnership with Italy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He described the center as an opportunity to draw in expertise and investment, contributing to inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of services provided to institutions and citizens. According to Urso, this multilateral platform can serve as a catalyst for the development of AI technology and its multiple applications at both national and cross-border levels.
Boasting a youthful population, Africa is experiencing a boom in its startup industry. Digital innovations are flourishing, with countries like Nigeria and Kenya at the forefront of this new economic driver. This has fostered a technically advanced environment, albeit one with some lingering weaknesses.
Africa's innovative ecosystem has seen explosive growth over the past decade, according to the International Trade Center (ITC). In 2010, the continent had just a handful of tech hubs, essential support structures for young, resource-constrained businesses. By 2021, that number skyrocketed to 1,031, a 60% increase from the 643 hubs recorded in 2019. The ITC attributes this boom, at least in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digitization across Africa.
Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya Lead the Way
The report, "Tech Hubs in Africa, accelerating start-ups for resilient growth" (3rd edition), reveals that Nigeria leads the continent with 164 tech hubs, followed by South Africa (96) and Kenya (90). Interestingly, 53% of African tech hubs prioritize community building, while only 45% offer business support programs.
Eight Models of Support
The ITC categorizes tech hubs into eight distinct models based on their business models and services. Accelerators provide intensive, cohort-based programs with mentorship. Incubators offer early-stage startups resources like training, mentoring, and sometimes funding. Innovation centers foster creative ideas and help entrepreneurs build their businesses.
For hands-on creation and testing, hackerspaces, makerspaces, and fab labs offer access to equipment, tools, and skills development. Coworking spaces provide physical workspaces that boost productivity, collaboration, and networking. Venture builders help high-growth companies access resources for rapid expansion. Tech parks cluster tech companies to stimulate innovation and interaction. Finally, venture capital firms offer capital, mentorship, and access to new technologies.
Spécificités
Among the various hub types, incubators are the most prevalent. However, access to local venture capital remains a significant hurdle.
Source : ITC
Training and networking events are the most commonly offered services, with financing being a weaker area.
Source : ITC
Specialization for Impact
Many tech hubs are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach. By specializing in specific demographics or sectors, they can optimize their support. Over half (52%) of hubs target specific sectors in their programs, with agriculture (22%), fintech (17%), and e-commerce (11%) leading the pack. These sectors are not only highly active in terms of investment and startups, but also offer immense opportunities for social impact.
Gender Focus
Many hubs also prioritize supporting specific populations. While many cater to various groups, young people and students are the most common targets, followed by female founders and women in general.
Source : ITC
Challenges and the Road Ahead
The COVID-19 pandemic forced 73% of tech hubs to close their physical locations in 2020. While the remaining 27% adapted with strict safety protocols, the closure significantly impacted platform revenue, leading to the closure of 8% of hubs. Many transitioned to remote training models, but financing remains the biggest challenge. The ITC report emphasizes the need for sustainable funding models, potentially through grants or external support. Additionally, favorable policies that attract investors and encourage innovation are crucial for the continued growth of Africa's dynamic tech hub ecosystem.
Muriel Edjo
Benin has set its sights on becoming the digital hub of West Africa since President Patrice Talon took office in 2016. The country has pursued this goal by digitizing numerous services, with a significant acceleration following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
Benin's Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) unveiled new online services on Thursday, May 23rd, aimed at streamlining tax payment procedures for small businesses and property owners in Cotonou. The initiative, with plans for a nationwide expansion, leverages technology to improve efficiency and convenience for taxpayers.
"We live in an era where information and communication technologies play a crucial role in all aspects of our lives, and the tax domain is no exception. [...] We are providing micro and small businesses and property owners with modern tools to secure and facilitate the fulfillment of their tax obligations. This platform significantly reduces the cost of tax compliance and the time required," said Nicolas Yenoussi, Director General of Taxes.
Building on Benin's 2017 launch of the "e-services.impots.bj" portal, which marked the beginning of tax administration digitization, the DGI has implemented a phased rollout, adding functionalities over time. The introduction of these new services aligns with this strategy.
The DGI underscores the initiative's goal of creating a more modern, transparent, and user-friendly tax environment. They report that the gradual digitization of services has contributed to a 13.1% increase in tax revenue between 2017 and 2021, compared to a 5.7% increase over the previous five-year period (2012-2016).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Digital technologies are crucial for driving economic growth, innovation, job creation, and social inclusion. However, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) grapples with significant challenges in digital development, such as underdeveloped infrastructure and costly connectivity. Entry into the African telecom market with 5G infrastructure is pivotal for African development, promising to enhance digital inclusion, spur economic growth, reduce costs for local telecom operators, and hasten technological progress.
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is set to enter the African telecom market by providing 5G shared network infrastructure through its subsidiary Radisys, in collaboration with Next-Gen Infrastructure Co. (NGIC), backed by the Ghanaian government. Radisys announced this on May 27.
"By bringing Fixed Wireless Access alongside 4G and 5G cellular services to help drive economic growth and digital inclusion, Radisys looks forward to helping Ascend and NGIC build a disruptive and affordable shared broadband infrastructure across Ghana," said Arun Bhikshesvaran, CEO of Radisys.
Radisys, owned by RIL's unit Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL), along with Tech Mahindra and Nokia, will collaborate with NGIC to develop 4G and 5G networks across Africa, starting with Ghana. NGIC plans to invest $200 million in this initiative over the next three years, offering the networks as shared resources to local mobile operators to cut costs. With partnerships already established with AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, NGIC aims to replicate India's low-cost, high-speed data model, providing affordable and efficient digital services across the continent.
This investment aligns with the strategy outlined in August 2023 by Owusu-Ekuful, Ghana’s Minister for Communication and Digitisation, during the 12th African Peering and Interconnection Forum (AfPIF). She disclosed the government's decision not to issue a 5G license, which would require significant investment from telecom operators. Instead, the government plans to establish a neutral shared infrastructure company to provide the necessary networks to operators.
Andrew Dabalen, the World Bank's Chief Economist for Africa, emphasized that increasing mobile internet usage could create jobs and spur economic recovery. A 2023 World Bank report (Digital Transformation Drives Development in Africa) revealed that extreme poverty decreased by around 7% in Nigeria and Tanzania, and labor force participation increased by up to 8% after three or more years of internet coverage. Addressing these gaps is crucial for fully harnessing digital technologies' potential in SSA.
Hikmatu Bilali
The COVID-19 crisis significantly impacted the postal sector, and the subsequent surge in digitalization has further disrupted the market, forcing postal services to contend with innovative competitors. This challenge is particularly acute in Africa, where postal services must adapt and reinvent themselves to remain relevant.
Equatoguinean investors, represented by INVERFIN, met with Gabon's Minister of Communication and Media, Laurence Ndong, on Thursday, May 23rd, to discuss potential investments in the country's postal and telecommunication sectors.
The investors signaled their interest in supporting Gabon's postal service (La Poste SA) in its digital transformation initiatives. The discussions also explored backing an economic group formed by La Poste SA, Télédiffusion Gabon (TDG), and Universal Services for expanding telecom network coverage in underserved areas.
According to a Facebook post by Minister Ndong, INVERFIN expressed willingness to "fully finance La Poste SA's digital projects" across the tri-border zone (Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon) and beyond. The investment seeks a return based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) currently under legal review by La Poste SA and the Ministry.
This financial support aligns with Gabon's Digital Plan and the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) directives, emphasizing the need for La Poste SA to adapt and capitalize on e-commerce, e-government, and digitalized financial services. The UPU's 2023 Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) ranks Gabon's postal development as "weak" with a score of two out of ten.
“INVERFIN representatives are expected to return to Libreville in a few weeks for the final signing of the memorandum of understanding,” Minister Ndong's post informs.
As part of its initiatives in Africa, Google is significantly increasing its investments in digital infrastructure. The goal is to harness the opportunities presented by the internet economy, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable digital future for the continent.
Google on Thursday announced the Umoja fiber optic cable project, aiming to significantly enhance the reach and reliability of digital connectivity across Africa. This initiative aligns with Google's broader Africa Connect strategy, following the successful deployment of the Equiano cable connecting Africa to Europe.
The Umoja network leverages a partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies to establish a terrestrial segment connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. From South Africa, a subsea connection will traverse the Indian Ocean to link directly with Australia.
Google's investment in Umoja comes at a critical juncture. Recurrent outages in existing subsea cables serving Africa have resulted in widespread internet disruptions. The most recent incident occurred on May 12th, when failures in the SEACOM and EASSY systems caused disruptions in several East and Southern African countries. Similar issues arose in March, affecting numerous cables – WACS, MainOne, ACE, SAT3, Seacom/TGN, AAE1, and EIG – impacting internet access across a dozen West, Central, and Southern African nations.
"This initiative is crucial in ensuring the redundancy and resilience of our region’s connectivity to the rest of the world, especially in light of recent disruptions caused by cuts to sub-sea cables," stated Kenyan President William Ruto. "By strengthening our digital backbone, we are not only improving reliability but also paving the way for increased digital inclusion, innovation, and economic opportunities for our people and businesses."
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Limited access to financing remains a critical hurdle for startups, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Bolstering these startups fosters innovation, creates jobs, and energizes the regional digital economy.
Orange Ventures, the investment arm of telecoms giant Orange Group, and Digital Africa, a pan-African initiative supporting early-stage businesses, joined forces on Thursday to co-invest in startups across the Orange Digital Centers (ODC) network in Africa and the Middle East.
The partnership, announced on the sidelines of the Vivatech technology fair in Paris, underscores both organizations' commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the region's burgeoning digital economy.
"Orange Digital Centers are true catalysts for innovation, where ideas take shape and dreams become reality," said Asma Ennaifer (pictured left), Executive Director of CSR, Communication, and the Orange Digital Center program for Orange Africa and the Middle East . "By joining forces with Orange Ventures and Digital Africa, we're giving African startups the means to thrive and make their mark in a rapidly expanding digital world."
This initiative builds upon a strategic agreement signed between Orange and Digital Africa in June 2023 to streamline financing and support for ODC network startups. Under the new collaboration, the partners can leverage Fuzé, an investment scheme implemented by Digital Africa, to potentially double the funding offered to individual startups through joint application review and co-investment.
This enhanced partnership marks a significant step towards bolstering support for African entrepreneurs within the ODC network. In its first year, the previous collaboration provided funding of up to €50,000 to five startups through the Fuzé program. With Orange Ventures now on board, the initiative is expected to empower a growing number of African entrepreneurs from the early stages of their ventures by offering comprehensive financial and strategic backing.
Samira Njoya
Investing in digital infrastructure is a significant step for African development as it is crucial in enhancing government efficiency, improving data management, and fostering economic growth. By integrating advanced technology, Nigeria sets a precedent for other African nations to modernize their operations, support digital transformation, and boost overall development.
Nigeria will launch a state-of-the-art data center with a storage capacity of 1.4 petabytes before May 29, 2024, to house critical national information, including citizens' bio-data. The Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced this during a meeting with the National Union of Nigerian Associations in Italy (NUNAI) on May 20, a statement from the Interior Ministry dated the same day revealed.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo emphasized that adopting advanced technology would enhance efficiency and accountability across national operations, the statement read.
In its 2019 publication titled “Nigeria Digital Economy Diagnostic: A Plan for Building Nigeria’s Inclusive Digital Future,” the World Bank assessed that “Nigeria is capturing only a fraction of its digital economic potential and will need to make strategic investments to develop a dynamic, transformative digital economy.” In line with this, in 2015, the Nigeria Communications Commission proposed transitioning the economy into a digital economy through investments in digital infrastructure.
The launch of this data center directly addresses this assessment, marking a strategic investment in Nigeria's digital infrastructure. This move is expected to unlock more of Nigeria's digital economic potential, promoting an inclusive and robust digital economy.
Hikmatu Bilali
In September 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto visited Silicon Valley to meet with several tech company leaders. Since then, many of these companies have announced investments in this East African country.
Microsoft and G42, a United Arab Emirates-based firm specializing in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, have announced plans to invest $1 billion in Kenya's digital sector. The announcement was made through a press release issued by Microsoft on Wednesday, May 22.
The investment will be directed towards the construction of a data center in Olkaria, which will be powered entirely by renewable geothermal energy. G42 and its partners will oversee the development of this infrastructure to utilize Microsoft Azure in a new cloud region in East Africa. The data center is projected to be operational within 24 months after the signing of definitive agreements, scheduled to take place on Friday, May 24, in Washington, D.C.
“A letter of intent formalizing the relationship will be signed on Friday as part of Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States of America, the first state visit to Washington, D.C., by a sitting African head of state in nearly two decades. The letter of intent will be signed between Microsoft, G42 and Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, and was crafted with the assistance of the governments of the United States and the United Arab Emirates,” the statement read.
This initiative builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between Kenya and Microsoft last September, focusing on integrating the cloud services of the Redmond-based company to enhance public service delivery through a cloud-first approach. Kenya aims to position itself as the digital hub of the region, attracting investments from various tech giants. In addition to Microsoft, Oracle is preparing to establish its second data center in Africa in Nairobi.
The investment will also involve the development of four key pillars in collaboration with local stakeholders. These pillars include creating AI models in local languages and related research, establishing an innovation lab in East Africa, providing extensive digital skills training in AI, investing in international and local connectivity, and working with the Kenyan government to promote cloud services across East Africa.
Despite having a promising startup ecosystem, Kenya currently ranks 19th with a score of 54.2 out of 100 in the 2023 ICT Development Index for African countries, as reported in the "Measuring Digital Development: The ICT Development Index 2023" by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The horticultural sector in Ethiopia is experiencing remarkable growth. To achieve even impressive results, various digital initiatives are being implemented.
On Tuesday, May 21, the Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) and Trade Mark Africa, an African trade assistance organization, signed a partnership agreement in Addis Ababa. This initiative aims to develop comprehensive online learning and knowledge management systems in Ethiopia's horticulture sector.
Tewodros Zewdie (photo, center), Executive Director of EHPEA, highlighted the importance of this partnership, emphasizing that the project will help maintain competitiveness in the country's dynamic horticulture sector. "Through this project, we are investing not just in technology but in the future of Ethiopia’s horticulture sector. Our partnership with TradeMark Africa will enable us to equip our members with the necessary resources to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace," he stated.
The partnership will benefit from a €139,000 grant from the European Union, provided through the French Development Agency (AFD). This financial support will facilitate the implementation of the learning platform, offering access to valuable resources, training materials, and interactive modules to enhance skills and knowledge sharing in horticultural production and export practices.
This collaboration is part of a broader program focusing on the Ethiopia-Djibouti corridor. It comes at a time when the Ethiopian horticulture sector has seen significant growth in recent years, becoming a fundamental pillar of the national economy. According to official data, the sector contributes 86% to the agricultural GDP.
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The adoption of digital health tools represents a significant opportunity for African economic development. By improving healthcare access and efficiency, these innovations can drive broader socioeconomic progress and help bridge the development gap with other regions.
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and MobiHealthCare Limited (MobiHealth) have signed a $1.5 million agreement to expand MobiHealth's telemedicine services in Nigeria and explore feasibility in Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Côte d'Ivoire, Afreximbank announced May 21.
For Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, “This initiative will reshape healthcare delivery across the continent and improve equitable access to quality, affordable healthcare.”
The bank will finance activities to leverage MobiHealth’s telemedicine platform, initially piloted in Nigeria, aiming to establish a network of telemedicine clinics across Africa. The $1.5 million facility is expected to advance the project to bankability, unlocking further investments estimated at $65 million. This initiative will enhance access, efficiency, and quality of healthcare, leveraging local and diaspora medical professionals for remote diagnosis and prescriptions, benefiting underserved communities.
Afreximbank will also lead senior debt syndication and support bankable studies for the project's advancement. Supported by the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) and a $1 million grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), this initiative marks a significant step forward.
In its 2023 “How digital tools could boost efficiency in African health systems” report, market consultancy firm McKinsey reveals that though digital health is still in its early stages in many African regions, advancements in smartphone connectivity, data management policies, and data infrastructure are beginning to reshape the landscape of healthcare. These innovations are not just improving the delivery of health services but are also poised to enhance the efficiency of health systems significantly. It further projects that by 2030, the expanded use of digital health tools could yield up to a 15 percent increase in efficiency for African health systems. The financial savings from these efficiency gains could then be reinvested to further improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Moroccan government has pledged to extend high-speed connectivity across the country. The goal is to provide everyone with quality and affordable internet.
Morocco announced a new program on Monday to bring internet access to 1,800 rural areas in the coming months, marking a significant step in its National Plan for the Development of High and Very High Speed Broadband.
Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Minister Ghita Mezzour (photo) unveiled the initiative, which builds on the ongoing first phase of the plan that aims to cover 10,740 previously unconnected rural areas.
This program aligns with Morocco's soon-to-be-launched National Digital Development Strategy 2030. The strategy also includes the introduction of 5G technology, expected to play a key role in the country's modernization. By embracing digital tools, Morocco seeks to boost economic growth, improve public services, and foster broader digital inclusion.
The internet access program is projected to improve the lives of millions in rural areas. Residents will gain access to various online public services through the government's established network of 600 digital platforms, offering essential services like healthcare appointments and administrative procedures.
Improved internet connectivity is expected to have a positive impact on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. Students will benefit from online learning resources, patients will have the possibility of remote consultations, and local businesses will have the opportunity to expand their reach through e-commerce.
Morocco's commitment to digital transformation demonstrates its resolve to bridge the digital divide and integrate all regions of the country into the global digital economy.
Samira Njoya
Commerce and distribution are cornerstones of Morocco's economy, playing a significant role in driving both GDP and job creation. Embracing new technologies in this sector is crucial to boost its efficiency and sharpen its competitive edge.
Global digital advertising firm Aleph and Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Commerce signed a framework partnership agreement on Monday, May 20, in Rabat. The initiative aims to propel the digital transformation of the commerce sector and enhance merchant competitiveness.
"Our 'Digital Ad Expert' program is specifically designed to educate and empower our partners to leverage digital technologies," stated Mohamed Megahed, General Manager at Aleph Group, ensuring "a smooth transition to modern, efficient business models."
Under this partnership, Aleph will provide merchants with educational resources through the Digital Ad Expert platform and offer local support from Google-certified experts. The company will also organize training sessions and innovative workshops to effectively integrate digital advertising into their marketing strategies. The Ministry of Commerce will implement a joint action plan, mobilizing chambers of commerce and other entities to support the digitization of SMEs and organizing events to encourage the use of new technologies.
This partnership aligns with the government's trade recovery plan, which emphasizes sector modernization and job creation. The commerce and distribution sector, representing 10.8% of GDP and employing over 15.4% of the workforce (according to official figures), is a key target for this digitization push.
The Aleph-Ministry alliance is expected to assist businesses in digitizing services, ensuring their competitiveness in the increasingly digital commercial landscape. This collaboration is seen as a crucial step in fostering innovation, technology adoption, and ultimately, the growth of Morocco's digital economy.
Samira Njoya
To enhance administrative efficiency and optimize data management, African governments are increasingly digitizing public services. The ambitious initiative is expected to significantly improve citizens' lives.
Burkina Faso's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Sanitation unveiled a new digital platform on Friday, May 17, to simplify the application process for users. Accessible at www.eservices.envieau.gov.bf, the platform currently streamlines ten environmental procedures.
"This portal will make it easier for our citizens to access these services and improve our ministry's efficiency in responding to user requests," said Aminata Zerbo/Sabane (photo, center), Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, at the launch event.
The ten procedures digitized by the Ministry of Environment include the issuance of technical opinions for the importation of chemical products, certification for biodegradable plastic packaging and bags, exemption certificates for non-biodegradable plastic packaging and bags, and authorization for solid waste management. They also cover permits for the transportation and cutting of wood and charcoal, ecotourism permits, wild animal possession, hunting licenses, and technical approvals in the water and sanitation sector.
The launch of this portal is part of the 2021-2025 National Strategy for the Modernization of Public Administration (SNMAP). This strategy aims to provide Burkina Faso with an excellent public administration serving users by 2025. In the coming months, other ministries will also launch their own platforms, to facilitate interaction between users and the administration while reducing the need for in-person visits.
This extensive project marks a significant step towards the modernization and digitization of administrative services in Burkina Faso, thereby improving the quality and accessibility of public services for citizens. It reflects the Burkinabe government's commitment to using digital technologies to optimize interactions between citizens and the administration, track requests in real-time, generate statistics on processed applications, facilitate file archiving, and reduce paper usage.
Samira Njoya