News (1352)
The digital revolution emerges as a potent catalyst for development and progress worldwide. Nevertheless, it also unveils vulnerabilities that may present obstacles to advancement.
Last week, the cybercriminal group Snatch claimed a cyberattack on the South African Department of Defence (DoD). The group was said to have acquired 1.6 terabytes of sensitive data including military contracts, internal call signs, and personal data including President Cyril Ramaphosa's contact number.
The declaration was qualified as "fake news" by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) spokesperson Brigadier General Andries Mahapa, on Friday 25 August. It has however raised concerns about national security and the country's digital infrastructure.
While the presidency hasn't commented on the matter, some cybersecurity experts have stressed again the need to strengthen cybersecurity protocols to protect the digital transformation of the country. This breach highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical government institutions, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity practices.
In its "Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2022" report, the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that Ransomware attacks will be the main threat to the digital systems of organizations and administrations.
The report also points out that "Ransomware attacks saw a significant increase in the first six months of 2021, with global attack volume increasing by 151%. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned that there are now 100 different strains of ransomware in circulation globally. It is unlikely that this issue will diminish in pace or severity any time soon."
Hikmatu Bilali
Zanzibar started its digital transformation journey a few months ago. All sectors are undergoing the process; this includes payment systems, which play a crucial role in digital inclusion.
MasterCard recently committed to supporting the digital transformation ambitions of the government of Zanzibar, an autonomous administrative region of Tanzania. Last Tuesday, the the US company inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Zanzibar e-Government Agency (eGAZ), in this framework.
Under their partnership, MasterCard will provide technical support and its expertise to Zanzibar, over three years. According to the payment giant, this includes setting up a digital transformation team, collaborating with the ZanMalipo government payment portal to enable digital payments, and launching two million government cards for better access to services and tourism.
“This collaboration confirms our commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to improve service delivery. We believe that by working with MasterCard, a trusted partner, we can significantly accelerate the realization of our digital strategy and provide invaluable benefits to our citizens,” said Said Seif Said, Director General of eGAZ.
The agreement, signed during the launch of Zanzibar’s digital government strategy (2023-2027), aligns perfectly with the island's digital transformation objectives outlined in its master plan and digital economy roadmap.
The collaboration builds on MasterCard’s global experience in promoting digital transformation and facilitating financial and digital inclusion. It will, ultimately, foster an environment conducive to a pan-African digital economy, and stimulate innovation, trade, and investment in the United Republic of Tanzania and the region as a whole.
Samira Njoya
After much debate about the TikTok application, the Kenyan government has finally made up its mind. Unlike other African countries, the video-sharing app will not be suspended in the country.
TikTok recently committed to collaborating with Kenyan authorities to better control its content in the country. Kenyan President William Ruto made the announcement last Thursday, August 24, after a virtual meeting with TikTok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, who also agreed to open an office in Kenya to coordinate its operations in the region.
Kenya will work with the short-form video hosting service TikTok in reviewing and monitoring its content to ensure that it adheres to the agreed community guidelines and standards. It is our commitment that we bring up our children in the right environment.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 24, 2023
During a virtual… pic.twitter.com/ua1X8oL1sG
“Kenya will now work with the short video hosting service TikTok to review and monitor its content to ensure it adheres to the agreed community guidelines and standards. This new development means that inappropriate or offensive content will be removed from the platform,” said Ruto.
Barely 10 days before the announcement, Kenyan lawmakers received a petition from Bob Ndolo, a Kenyan businessman, highlighting the sharing of inappropriate content on TikTok and the collection of user data by its Chinese company. The parliament had decided to investigate the platform’s usage in Kenya and said it would decide in the following two months.
Earlier last week, Kenya’s neighbor Somalia banned TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBet, a betting platform. In a statement released on August 29, Somalia’s government blamed the platform of spreading misinformation and content that is harmful to national interests.
TikTok, which has more than one billion active users worldwide, is also suspended in Senegal, with authorities claiming that the platform is used to spread hateful and subversive messages that threaten the country's stability.
Samira Njoya
As part of efforts to develop its digital economy, Zambia has been partnering with various States that share its ambition.
Zambia and Malawi recently teamed up to reduce the costs of broadband connectivity in both countries. The two sides inked last week two major agreements in this framework. The first was between Malawi’s Ministry of Information and Digitization and Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Sciences. The second was between the Malawi Electricity Supply Corporation (Escom) and Fibercom, a Zambian ISP.
Escom Malawi and Fibercom will, via their optical fiber cables, establish a diplomatic data corridor as part of their deal. This corridor will create an internet pathway through Zambia.
“The agreement on the diplomatic data corridor signed today lays the foundation for such connectivity to meet the communication needs of current and future generations. Escom, as the implementing agency on behalf of the Malawi government, is committed and ready to provide available, reliable, and affordable digital services,” said Escom CEO Kamkwanda Kumwenda.
The two agreements were signed in Lilongwe, Malawi. For Malawi, they will contribute to its ambition to achieve full digitization by 2063, and for Zambia, they are a major milestone towards its goals for accelerating ICT and Telecoms development by 2030.
Also, the partnership will help lower the cost of data, thus boosting access to Internet and consequently stimulating the partnering economies.
According to recent data from the Zambian Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), Zambia has 20.2 million mobile phone users, and 10.4 million internet users. As for Malawi, it had 5.04 million internet users at the beginning of this year, according to DataReportal. By 2026, the country seeks to have 80% of its population have access to the internet, against only 14% now. It also seeks to raise the mobile penetration rate from 51% to 80% over the same period.
Samira Njoya
Service digitization is one the priorities of the Kenyan government. Several projects are underway in the country to provide the necessary framework for the delivery of digital services.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Kenyan government recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to roll out a digital identity system in the country.
Signed in Nairobi, the deal provides for UNDP technical assistance and collaboration with the government to mobilize resources to support the development and implementation of a new Unique Personal Identifier (UPI), the Maisha Namba. The country will anchor digital identification to this UPI.
"Together, we will build on our current registration and identity management practices in a way that doesn't reinvent, but rather identifies and corrects gaps in our current systems and leverages digital solutions, including mobile and web applications, to move to better systems," said Julius Bitok (pictured, left), Principal Secretary of Immigration and Citizen Services.
The two sides inked the agreement as part of a nationwide digital identification program that the Kenyan government kickstarted. Under this larger program, each Kenyan citizen will get a UPI at birth. The Maisha Namba will replace the Huduma Namba, a system launched in 2019 by the Kenyatta government but highly criticized by the population.
Maisha Namba and Digital ID will officially come online on October 2, 2023. Other products like the Maisha Card, which will replace the current ID card, will follow, and a National Master Population Register will be established.
According to Julius Bitok, the digital ID system will safely, and reliably, enable Kenyans to check their identity for various purposes, ranging from opening bank acccriticizedo accessing government services or traveling. This will also reduce fraud and corruption.
Samira Njoya
The 21-year-old entrepreneur seeks to make a positive impact on her community by solving problems she relates to, through tech. She has great ambitions for the future.
Hawanatu Sesay (picture) is an aspiring entrepreneur and programmer from Sierra Leone. She is the founder of the Sierra Learning Complaint website. The tool enables students to anonymously voice their educational concerns. Through this website, she ensures students’ complaints reach the relevant authorities.
Passionate about positive change, Hawanatu created Sierra Learning Complaint after a computer programming training at Orange Fablab (in 2022). “Orange has provided knowledge and career development programs. They have helped me to identify my hidden potential,” Hawanatu says. This experience has given her the ability to act more effectively by using the current tools that young people like her love.
Apart from her work with the complaint site, Hawanatu who has also developed an interest in other technologies is actively working on an Internet of Things (IoT) project. The project aims to revolutionize agriculture by monitoring soil conditions, providing valuable insights to farmers, and helping troubleshoot any growth issues affecting their crops. Through the project, she aims to contribute to food security and sustainable farming in her community.
Before her entrepreneurial pursuits, Hawanatu engaged in volunteer work with a patriotic advocacy organization (2018-2021) during her school years. More recently (2021), she joined "Digital Islam," an organization providing charity to the less fortunate, and she is still an active volunteer.
Hawanatu Sesay exemplifies a young visionary determined to make a positive impact in her community. With her innovative mindset and commitment to using technology for social good, she is poised to become a significant figure in the tech and social entrepreneurship spheres. As she awaits college admission, she continues to pursue her passions and create positive change through her work.
Hikmatu Bilali
In a context of cross-border criminality encompassing terrorism and more, the Nigerian authorities wish to better control entry and exit from the country. ICT emerges as a potential solution to this concern.
Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (picture), on August 22, introduced a plan to deploy advanced technology for securing Nigeria's borders.
The plan, revealed during a news conference, aims to leverage technology to fortify land, air, and sea borders, helping address escalating threats. "We must protect all borders - land, air, sea," said Hon. Tunji-Ojo, stressing technology's role as a complement to current security efforts.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's reform call, aiming to instill hope via the Interior Ministry's efforts.
To complement this move, the ministry would also focus on optimizing the visa and passport system, minimizing delays, and enhancing transparency. The minister also pledged respectful treatment at passport offices, with foreign entry based on merit.
The move underscores the government's commitment to a safer, more secure Nigeria through technology and strategic reforms.
Hikmatu Bilali
In Africa, thousands of ghost civil servants still benefit from governments’ outdated management systems. To tackle the issue, some countries on the continent have turned to new technologies.
Guinea launched last week, August 16, a biometric enrolment campaign targeting officials and contract civil servants.
The campaign was launched by the Minister of Labor and Public Works, Julien Yombouno. Set to last 44 days, it started from the Ministry of Labor and will extend to other ministries over the period. Over 87,000 civil servants are expected to be enrolled.
“The main goal is to determine the real headcount of the civil service. With the accurate figures, we will be able to calculate exactly how much the State pays its civil servants every month. The end goal, however, is to establish a single administrative and accounting registry,” Yombouno explained.
According to the Minister, the single biometric registry will regroup the data of all Guinean civil servants and contract employees, thus guaranteeing "a single agent, a single registration number, and a single salary".
The government picked Digitalis, a local startup, to carry out the project. The company develops biometric applications and software.
Enrolled civil servants will get a receipt after registering. They will later exchange the receipt for their professional card.
Like Guinea, several African countries have recently turned to technology to flush out ghost workers and put an end to the payment of undue wages. The aim is to clean up the civil service and remove the ghost workers who cost African countries tens of billions of CFA francs every year.
Samira Njoya
The Southern African country joins the technological advancement trends in the region. This move aims to increase the security of people and will contribute to data management for social and economic development.
Namibia's Cabinet has given the green light to the implementation of contactless microchip identity documents. These advanced digital IDs will consolidate various national documents, marking a pivotal step in the country's technological evolution. Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Peya Mushelenga, announced this development during his customary weekly Cabinet Briefing which took place on August 15.
During an interview with Nina on NBC Digital News' Daily Roundup, Jackson Wandjiva, Executive Director of Civil Registration at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS), emphasized that the move will help “Provide a secure and inclusive identity management environment that will benefit the holder and the service providers (..) eliminate fraud and identity theft.”
The initiative falls under the purview of MHAISS, which has received a directive to explore the integration of diverse national documents into these digital IDs. With this revolutionary approach, Namibia aims to streamline administrative processes, enhance security measures, and provide citizens with a more convenient means of identification.
This recent Cabinet decision highlights the nation's proactive approach to technological advancement. These key developments signal the government's determination to propel the country toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital technologies are quite useful, and many of their advantages emerged during the Covid-19 crisis. Seduced by them, many African governments decided to make the digital sector a pillar of their development strategy.
The Ugandan Ministry of ICT and National Orientation launched a new plan for digital transformation on August 17. The plan revolves around seven (7) key axes: digital infrastructure and connectivity; digital services; cybersecurity, data protection and privacy; digital skills; innovation and entrepreneurship; systematic experimentation and preservation of the national environment.
"The Digital Transformation Plan represents a bold vision of our nation's future, one that is not driven by technology alone, but in which technology serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth and improved living conditions for all Ugandans," said the ICT Minister, Chris Baryomunsi.
The five-year strategy (2023-2027) was drawn with the help of several partners, including the UN Development Program (UNDP). It is set to foster an administrative, economic, and social environment that will benefit both Ugandans and foreign investors.
According to a government survey on ICT conducted nationwide, only 5% of government ministries, departments, and agencies had internal IT interoperability frameworks in 2022. Furthermore, only 61% of local governments had access to the Internet, while only 5.6% of their staff regularly used a computer for business purposes.
Around one in two businesses (55%) had Internet access in the year reviewed, and only one in three had a professional website; 94% of the population still had no Internet access at home. 74% of the population had a cell phone, 49% of the population had a Mobile Money account, versus 10% with a personal bank account. The broadband Internet penetration rate was 55%. Currently, the contribution of ICT to gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at 9%.
Uganda’s new Digital Transformation Plan falls under its 2040 Digital Uganda Vision launched in 2013.
Muriel Edjo
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Amid the ongoing technological revolution, the tech giant has introduced a range of initiatives aimed at involving African startups. This highlights Google's dedication to cultivating innovation within the African technology landscape.
Global tech giant Google has introduced the 'Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First' program, now open for applications. This initiative aims to support African startups using artificial intelligence (AI) to solve local problems.
The 10-week equity-free accelerator is designed for startups up to the series A stage operating in Africa or working on Africa-focused AI solutions. Participants will gain access to Google's AI expertise, up to $350,000 Google Cloud credits, mentorship from AI professionals, and networking opportunities.
The program highlights AI's transformative global role while acknowledging African startups' contributions to tackling regional issues with AI solutions. Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google's Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa, commended the dynamic tech landscape and the startups' vision. “AI First' is more than a program; it's a testament to our belief in the vision of these startups, ensuring they have the support and guidance they need to realize their full potential,” he said.
Since its 2018 launch, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has aided 106 startups across 17 countries, raising over $263 million and creating 2,800 job opportunities.
Startups interested in the initiative can apply via this link by September 6, 2023.
Hikmatu Bilali
The partnership aims to empower people and businesses by leveraging technology infrastructure to improve access to goods and services. This step should contribute to fostering economic growth on the continent.
Mastercard, a global fintech leader, partnered earlier this month with Lipa Later, a key fintech player, to boost the adoption of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services in Africa.
This collaboration will offer tailored BNPL solutions and improved payment options, benefiting both consumers and merchants. With Mastercard's merchant network, tech innovations, and Lipa Later's consumer credit expertise, the partnership aims to enhance access to crucial products and services, streamlining credit access and transaction experiences.
Kenya, with an 84% formal financial service usage according to the 2021 FinAccess Household Survey Report, shows growth in financial inclusion. Yet, a significant portion still lacks access. This collaboration seeks to bridge this gap, extending digital financial services to the underserved.
Shehryar Ali, Mastercard's East Africa Country Manager, stressed the partnership's role in providing new digital payment solutions. By leveraging Lipa Later, Mastercard aims to ensure secure digital payments and foster financial inclusion for underserved communities, thereby promoting economic growth. “Mastercard is fundamentally committed to promoting financial inclusion, and this alliance unfolds fresh avenues for consumers and retailers to tap into previously inaccessible digital payment solutions,” she stated.
The BNPL solution simplifies financing at checkout, with instant Know Your Customer (KYC) capabilities. This benefits consumers and boosts merchant revenue, allowing a wider product range.
Eric Muli, CEO of Lipa Later Group, highlighted the partnership's significance in expanding BNPL and lending solutions in Africa. The collaboration seeks to stimulate economic empowerment and innovation in Africa's retail sector.
This partnership showcases Mastercard's commitment to inclusive growth through technology-driven solutions. By backing new payment models and local entrepreneurship, Mastercard propels economic progress in Africa.
Hikmatu Bilali
Election periods are characterized by sensitive information and potential misinformation due to conflicting intentions, but today's technology can help minimize these issues.
Mozambique is introducing an innovative digital platform that employs artificial intelligence (AI) to counter disinformation and uphold information integrity during elections. While announcing the adoption of the digital platform -during a press briefing on August 14 - Regina Matsinhe, spokesperson for the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) emphasized its significance for the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for October 11th.
The digital platform, named "eMonitor+," developed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has already proved effective in countries like Lebanon, Tunisia, Libya, and Peru. Mozambique's adoption sets it apart as the first Southern African and Portuguese-speaking country to embrace AI for election integrity.
Matsinhe highlighted the platform's role in promoting information integrity and countering disinformation. "We're implementing an innovative AI-based platform to ensure information integrity," she stated.
The eMonitor+ platform employs AI and machine learning to analyze online media, identifying electoral violations, misinformation, hate speech, polarization, pluralism, and online violence against women. This analysis empowers election commissions and media stakeholders with insights through graphical representations.
With around 4.5 billion meticais (approximately US$70 million), STAE covers logistical aspects leading to polling day - from preparation, training, and material acquisition to transport, equipment, and human resources.
For successful 2023 municipal elections and subsequent 2024 general elections, an estimated 18.7 billion meticais (US$292 million) is needed to ensure proper preparation.
Mozambique's AI-driven approach underscores its commitment to transparent democratic processes. By combating disinformation and promoting fair practices, the nation sets a global example for modernizing elections.
Hikmatu Bilali
Well aware that the country can have no sustainable digital economy without reliable and quality internet, the South Sudan government has been, since 2020, taking steps to reinforce its capacities in this aspect.
The Presidents of South Sudan and Kenya, Salva Kiir Mayardit and William Ruto, respectively, signed a fiber-optic cable deal last Saturday, August 19, in Nairobi. The cable will connect Eldoret in northwest Kenya to Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
William Ruto, on the occasion, said that the project will enhance connectivity, foster integration, and boost intraregional trade between the two countries.
The signing of a deal on the establishment of a fibre optic cable along the Eldoret-Juba Road validates Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its ties with South Sudan. pic.twitter.com/KcOPaRRN9k
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 19, 2023
This project is part of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) project. Under the latter, seven key infrastructure projects will be developed in the three nations, to achieve economic growth and prosperity and reduce the infrastructure deficit.
Before the recent deal, Kenya and South Sudan already shared a fiber-optic cable. Indeed, in October 2020, 630 km of fiber-optic cable were deployed at the border between the two countries, under the regional project for the facilitation of transport, trade, and development in East Africa. The World Bank and the Kenyan government financed the cable’s establishment at the time.
The new interconnection will link the South Sudanese capital to the rest of the world. It will also reduce the high cost of the Internet, consequently improving cross-border communication and trade.
Samira Njoya