News (1785)
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) offer a powerful engine for progress across Africa. Their potential to improve governance, stimulate economic growth, and drive social development is undeniable. Recognizing this, African governments have a critical role to play in embracing these technologies and adapting to the transformative changes they bring.
SciTech DiploHub, a Barcelona-based organization specializing in science, technology, and international affairs, announced the launch of a Scientific Diplomacy Center for Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, on May 6th.
This new center is a hub designed to foster collaboration among various stakeholders. Scientists, diplomats, policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, and multinational companies will all come together to promote collaborative research and technological development initiatives across Africa.
"The launch signifies a strategic move," declared Alexis Roig (CEO, SciTech DiploHub), pictured left. "It aims to solidify international collaboration between leading research institutions, universities, and companies within Africa's burgeoning scientific and technological landscape."
The project is spearheaded by SciTech DiploHub and boasts a robust network of partners. This includes the municipal governments of Barcelona and Kigali, the Rwandan government, the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) representing over 30 academies continent-wide, and the Association of African Universities encompassing over 400 universities in 50 African nations. Additionally, over 30 Spanish universities, organizations, and research centers affiliated with SciTech DiploHub will contribute to the initiative.
The project is propelled by an initial investment exceeding 3 million euros, secured through contributions from founding institutions and co-financing funds provided by the European Commission, aligned with the African Union - European Union Innovation Agenda.
Over the initial three years, the Center plans to train over 2,500 African professionals in the nuances of scientific and technological diplomacy. Additionally, it will support the development of innovative science policy strategies for roughly 20 national and local governments throughout the region.
Samira Njoya
Various initiatives have been implemented in recent years to foster technological innovation in Africa. One of them in Timbuktoo, which was launched last January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
On Friday, May 3rd, Beninese authorities and the United Nations Development Programme inaugurated the University Innovation Pod (UniPod), an innovation hub located on the campus of Abomey-Calavi. The goal is to help young people express their creativity and talents by bringing innovation projects to life.
"UniPod Benin arrives at a perfect moment," said Félicien Avléssi, Rector of the University of Abomey-Calavi. "It undoubtedly serves as a true engine of development for our university. This hub's contributions will be crucial in achieving our ambition to remain at the forefront of technological innovation in Benin and Africa."
The UniPod complex offers a comprehensive space for young innovators. It features a coworking space, a design lab equipped with computers featuring specific professional software and 3D printers to facilitate industrial and electronic design projects, a makerspace that brings together several manufacturing workshops with appropriate equipment, and a technology transfer office that will protect innovation and bring it to market or closer to industry and the private sector.
The implementation of this project is part of the Timbuktoo initiative, which aims to mobilize and invest $1 billion in catalytic and commercial capital to fill critical gaps and support the startup ecosystem on the continent. With the rise of challenges in securing funding for African startups, initiatives like UniPod are crucial for fostering a vibrant landscape of technological innovation on the continent.
Apart from Benin, 15 African countries are expected to host Unipods. They are notably Mali, South Sudan, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Togo, Liberia, Lesotho, Guinea, Zambia, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, and Gabon.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Across Africa, microfinance has the potential to be a game-changer for financial inclusion. These institutions offer services that can empower vulnerable individuals by providing them with a safety net against life's unexpected challenges.
On Friday, May 3rd, telecommunications operator Orange Guinea officially launched Orange MicroFinances Guinée (OMIG), its microfinance program. This initiative leverages Orange Money to deliver accessible and inclusive financial services to local communities.
"Credit and insurance remain underutilized within mobile financial services, despite their vast potential for African populations," explained Ousmane Boly Traore, CEO of Orange Guinea. "Through OMIG, we aim to empower micro-entrepreneurs, particularly women, by offering them credit and savings solutions tailored for success, wherever Orange Money operates."
OMIG will provide a range of services accessible through the Orange Money app or USSD menu, targeting micro-entrepreneurs and those without access to traditional banking. This includes loans, money transfers, and savings options. These services aim to simplify and streamline business development and financial goals. Customers will benefit from a fully digital experience, competitive loan and savings rates, and the ability to manage repayments, accounts, and track loans directly within the app.
By introducing OMIG, Orange aims to drive financial inclusion and economic growth in Guinean communities. The diverse services offered by OMIG are expected to further encourage and stimulate entrepreneurship within the country.
Samira Njoya
By streamlining cross-border payments and reducing reliance on third-party currencies, initiatives like these promote financial inclusion and stability. Moreover, they pave the way for greater investment, innovation, and collaboration in key sectors, ultimately driving sustainable development across the continent.
India and Ghana have decided to fast-track the linkage of India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) with Ghana’s Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS). This will facilitate real-time fund transfers between users in both nations within a six-month timeframe. The decision was made during a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting held in Accra from May 2-3.
This step is a part of India’s broader strategy to globalize its UPI system, which has already made its mark in countries such as France, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
The JTC meeting also brought to the table potential agreements on digital transformation solutions and the adoption of the Local Currency Settlement System (LCCS) under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The LCCS is designed to enable cross-border transactions in local currencies, thereby reducing dependence on third-party currencies.
The meeting identified several sectors for increased bilateral trade, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, ICT, agriculture, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
According to the World Bank, in a press release dated April 28, 2022, Ghana stands out as a digital frontrunner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with its digital sector demonstrating robust growth, averaging 19 percent annually from 2014 to 2020.
The 2020 Payment Systems Oversight Annual Report by the Bank of Ghana reveals that the Ghana GhIPSS experienced a 103% surge in processed transactions by the end of 2020. The platforms handled a total of 77 million transactions, double the 2019 figure of 38 million. This surge suggests a shift towards digital transactions, highlighting the increasing adoption of digital financial services and the expanding digital economy in Ghana.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Burundian government has pledged to modernize services offered to citizens. However, several regions of the country still lack comprehensive internet coverage and digital skills, limiting access to digital services in these areas.
On Monday, April 29, the Ministry of Communication, Information Technology, and Media announced the launch of a national survey on ICT access and usage among households, businesses, and public administrations in Burundi. This initiative aims to assess the state of digital service usage and access while identifying the knowledge and needs of the Burundian population.
According to Thierry Kitamoya (photo), Assistant to the Minister for ICT, this survey is part of the Digital Economy Foundations Support Project (PAFEN), financed by the World Bank to the tune of $92 million. The PAFEN aims to expand broadband internet access for underserved populations, enhance the government's capacity to provide digital services, and lay the groundwork for accelerated digital economy development in Burundi.
The survey, which began on April 29, will continue until May 17, led by the Burundian Center for Population and Development Studies (CERPED) and the Tunisian company SFM Technologies. The survey will target varied samples across different communes and provinces to provide a comprehensive overview of ICT access and usage in Burundi.
The survey results will inform the design and goals of digital access programs, the formulation of new broadband policies, and the assessment of ICT penetration levels in Burundi.
Access to high-speed internet connectivity is now indispensable in Africa, where digital transformation is accelerating. However, the high cost of internet remains a significant barrier for a population eager to take advantage of new technologies.
The Malagasy government has rescinded its recent decision to raise the price of a gigabyte of data to $0.95, reversing a policy introduced last month. This U-turn was announced by the Ministry of Digital Development, Posts, and Telecommunications (MNDPT) in a statement following a review of internet service providers' pricing practices in the country.
"The government found that the artificially high prices maintained by telecommunications operators did not reflect the commitments made during negotiations. As a result, this measure aims to restore fair competition and reduce costs for end users," said the MNDPT statement.
Initially, the government had decided to raise the price of a gigabyte from $0.45 to $0.95, justifying this measure by arguing that it would promote a more equitable distribution of internet access across the country. However, this decision made internet access increasingly difficult for many Malagasy citizens, further widening the existing digital divide.
In response to their customers' needs, several providers did not implement the new rates. According to data from Kepios, a consultancy specializing in digital usage studies, Madagascar had 3.8 million social media users as of January 2024. Following the price hike, many internet users were forced to cut back on their internet-related expenses or visit cybercafés, thus turning what was once a widely accessible service into a luxury product in Madagascar.
The suspension of this decision is expected to pave the way for new discussions between the government and the country's mobile operators. A potential reduction in prices should help liberalize the market and allow various users to reconnect with the internet, which is a crucial tool for students, traders, and local startup founders.
Samira Njoya
These initiatives address barriers to tech education and careers while emphasizing the pivotal role of AI skills in driving innovation and prosperity. It lays the foundation for a thriving tech hub and contributes to economic growth and technological advancement.
The Kaduna State Government, in partnership with Google and Data Science Nigeria, launched on April 30, the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series. The program, presented in Hausa, aims to make AI education more inclusive in Northern Nigeria, making technology more culturally relevant and accessible to women in the region.
Governor of the state, Uba Sani, highlighted the government's commitment to digital transformation and economic growth. He emphasized the importance of equipping women with AI skills to drive innovation and prosperity. “AI is not just the future; it’s the present. By equipping our people, especially our women, with AI skills, we’re paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative Northern Nigeria and laying the foundation for Kaduna to become a thriving tech hub,” he said.
Northern Nigeria encounters several challenges that hinder tech education and career opportunities, such as socio-cultural complexities, and language barriers among others. Unicef's 2022 report on Education Opportunities for Out-of-School Children (OOSC) reveals that one in three children in Nigeria are not attending school, with 66% of them located in the Northeast and Northwest regions, and over 50% being girls. This highlights the need for education and skills development, particularly in the tech sector, for women in Northern Nigeria as these skills and literacy are crucial for digital development.
Through engaging culturally relevant imagery and animations, the series seeks to make digital concepts relatable, encouraging women's participation in the tech sector. The Series is available on platforms like YouTube and in Kaduna State schools
The initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering Northern Nigerian women with essential digital skills, fostering economic growth and technological innovation in the region.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital technologies are driving the rapid transformation of Africa's economy. Recognizing this, African leaders are ramping up efforts to establish high-quality digital services and expand access to high-speed internet.
African Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ministers have set a target to boost the continent’s internet access by 20% within the next five years. This resolution was reached at the Connected Africa 2024 summit, which took place in Nairobi from April 21 to 25. The summit concluded with a declaration aimed at fostering a digitally connected and empowered Africa, setting several ambitious goals for the continent’s digital transformation.
Kenya’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo, underscored the significance of collaboration in propelling Africa’s digital transformation during the summit’s closing ceremony. According to the official, by harmonizing digital policies across the continent, the continent can expedite its aspiration to become a leading global trade power under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He also disclosed a plan to equip one million young Africans with digital skills by 2027 ,through capacity building, to advance the collective vision of a digitally empowered Africa by 2030.
The 14 African ICT ministers who attended the Connected Africa 2024 summit will follow a comprehensive digital empowerment roadmap. This roadmap includes agreements, commitments, and political resolutions, such as initiatives to integrate digital skills into educational curricula, develop broadband infrastructure, facilitate digital trade via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and encourage research and innovation in artificial intelligence.
The fourth edition of the Connected Africa summit is in line with Africa’s Digital Strategy 2063 and the African Union’s Vision 2030. The aim is to synchronize the efforts of African nations to hasten digital transformation and bridge the digital divide across the continent.
Samira Njoya
Robust ID systems can curb cybercrime and boost Africa's economic development by enhancing security and trust in digital transactions. Accurate identification enables targeted resource allocation, fostering financial inclusion and driving economic growth.
The Central Bank of Uganda, BoU, recently mandated a government-issued ID presentation for digital transactions exceeding one million Ugandan shillings ($260). The move, announced on April 19, aims to combat digital payment fraud in line with regulatory requirements.
The institution revealed in a tweet that it has “observed a rise in the usage of mobile money platforms for online fraud and scams. Mobile money systems have occasionally been the target of cybercrime carried out by agents working with criminals.”
Valid national IDs or passports are now necessary for transactions surpassing one million Ugandan shillings.
KPMG, in its Africa Cyber Security Outlook 2022 Survey, reveals that East Africa has the highest proportion of cyber-attacks in Africa, with 31% reported incidents. Also, despite 39 out of 54 African countries having cyber security legislation, Africa's adoption of such policies stands at 72%, the lowest globally.
Strengthening cybersecurity measures is crucial to enhance digital resilience and protect financial systems and individuals from future threats.
Hikmatu Bilali
Morocco becomes the fourth African country to join UNESCO Digital Skills Initiative, Following Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, and Nigeria
On Tuesday, April 23, Moroccan authorities, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Chinese tech giant Huawei, initiated a program aimed at enhancing the digital skills of educators, particularly those teaching literacy. The objective is to boost the digital competencies of 10,000 literacy educators by 2025. The launch was announced last week through press releases from both UNESCO and Huawei.
“Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning and a driver for sustainable and participatory development. In light of the digital transformation, it is essential that literacy instruction leverages the full potential of technology. We are proud to support the Kingdom of Morocco as a member of the UNESCO Global Alliance for Literacy in improving the digital skills of 10,000 literacy teachers by 2025,” stated Isabell Kempf, Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL).
This program is a component of the national strategy for the digitization of education, which is part of the Morocco Digital 2030 strategy. The strategy aims to position the kingdom as a regional leader in digital education. In November 2023, the Moroccan government collaborated with American company Oracle to foster digital skills in higher education, thereby providing professors and students with access to training, learning resources, and specialized software.
In essence, the implementation of this initiative will enhance the quality of education in Morocco, better equip students for the digital era, and bridge the digital divide in the kingdom.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Faced with the growing enthusiasm for social media, an increasing number of advertisers are turning to these platforms to promote their products. However, many platforms sometimes do not comply with the regulations imposed by the government.
On Thursday, April 24, the Mauritanian Advertising Regulatory Authority (ARP) granted the first 12 permits for ordinary individuals to advertise on social media. This move is part of an initiative to foster a legal, healthy, and organized advertising practice on social media platforms.
At an official ceremony in Nouakchott, Doro Sow, the ARP Administrative and Financial Director, underscored that these new permits do not limit advertising freedom. Instead, they are necessary for ensuring compliance with Mauritania’s advertising laws.
The issuance of these permits is a component of the ARP’s new approach to regulating advertising on social media platforms. This strategy follows the ARP Council’s publication of deliberation No. 01/2024 on March 12, 2024. The deliberation outlines the conditions for authorizing advertising on digital platforms and personal social media accounts, as well as the procedures for revoking these authorizations.
The decision required individuals advertising on social media to comply with the law within a one-month period starting March 13, 2024. The first licenses were consequently issued to individuals who adhered to this procedure.
The ARP’s objective is to regulate digital platforms and ensure adherence to advertising laws across the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The country’s Law No. 2018-017 on advertising stipulates two regimes for conducting advertising activities and related services: the authorization regime and the declaration regime, each depending on the specifics of the activity.
Samira Njoya
Enhancing digital infrastructure and facilitating cross-border telecommunications can greatly benefit Africa's economic development by improving connectivity and enabling online commerce, fostering innovation and growth across the region.
The Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy of The Gambia has unveiled the US$50 million Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Programme (DTfA/WARDIP) SOP-1. Funded by the International Development Association (IDA) and supported by organizations like the African Union, Smart Africa, and ECOWAS, the initiative, launched on April 24, aims to transform the digital landscape across The Gambia, Guinea Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania.
Ousman A. Bah, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy of The Gambia highlighted the program's objectives, emphasizing its role in addressing critical digital challenges and unlocking opportunities. The initiative comprises three components: connectivity market development, data market development, and online market development, aimed at fostering cross-border telecommunications, facilitating data-driven services, and enhancing the digital ecosystem for cross-border commerce.
For Lacina Kone, CEO of Smart Africa, the initiative is a milestone in regional digital innovation and integration, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for economic transformation.
Access to the internet and connectivity are crucial for economic development in developing nations. The World Bank's Policy Research Working Paper 9853 highlights that expanding 3G and 4G connections by 10 percentage points can boost the economy by 0.41 percentage points, with 3G contributing 0.02 percentage points and 4G contributing 0.05 percentage points. Overall, increasing internet penetration enhances annual growth per worker by 0.6 percentage points. Yet, despite global mobile broadband coverage, approximately 16% of the population in central and western Africa lacks access, as reported by the ITU Mobile Network Coverage Facts and Figures 2023.
According to World Bank data, The Gambia's internet usage rate was 33% in 2021. However, access to fixed broadband remains significantly below the global average of 13.6, standing at 0.19 per 100 inhabitants. Mobile subscriptions are higher, with 101 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, but 4G uptake remains low, accounting for just 4.5% of all data subscribers.
Hikmatu Bilali
Data centers are becoming the backbone of cloud services adoption. They provide users with everything they need to get started – online storage, computing power, software, servers, and applications – all accessible over the internet.
From 2012 to 2022, the number of data centers in West and East Africa saw a significant increase, jumping from 9 to 134. This information was highlighted in the "Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023" published by the World Bank in March 2024.
The report explains: “Development funding for data centers is increasing to fill the financing gaps. In Africa, where an estimated annual investment of between US$4 billion and US$7 billion is needed to bridge the region’s data center gap, the US International Development Finance Corporation is providing funding of US$300 million to Africa Data Centers to support the expansion and development of seven existing and greenfield data centers in five African countries.”
The ongoing technological revolution in Africa, accelerated by the digital transformation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made digital infrastructures, especially data centers, essential. An increasing number of globally recognized providers have established a presence on the continent, leading to a rise in the number of these infrastructures in Africa.
Several American companies, including Raxio Data Centres, Digital Realty, and Oracle, along with France's Orange and China's Huawei, have set up operations in various African countries. Local entities like Africa Data Centres, Paix Data Centres, Onix Data Centres, and MainOne continue to expand across the continent. In addition to private sector involvement, African governments are also investing in these infrastructures in their pursuit of digital sovereignty.
The "Cloud Computing Market" report published in December 2023 by U.S.-based market research firm MarketsandMarkets projected that the global cloud market would grow from $626.4 billion in 2023 to $1,266.4 billion by 2028, with a compounded annual growth rate of 15.1%. While this growth is promising, Africa and the Middle East hold marginal shares compared to North America, the undisputed leader in the sector, according to the same source.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Guinea is working on several digital projects and is seeking experienced partners to effectively bring them to fruition. The West African country is eager to move forward quickly with the implementation of these projects.
Guinea and the United States have expressed a shared interest in digital sector collaboration. Aminata Kaba, Guinea's Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo discussed this during the Smart Africa ministerial roundtable in Nairobi on Thursday, April 25th.
The meeting centered on the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in Guinea and Africa at large. The need to bolster cooperation in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) between the two nations was also emphasized, as noted by the Ministry overseeing the Digital Economy.
The discussions specifically focused on enhancing ICT cooperation, including an ongoing partnership with U.S. firm Cisco to establish a Networking Academy in Guinea. The dialogue also explored potential joint initiatives between Africa and the U.S. aimed at facilitating access to and adoption of technologies suited to the continent's needs.
Following the meeting, the Secretary of State announced an upcoming initiative that will offer young Africans the chance to participate in immersion experiences within the U.S. startup ecosystem, particularly in Silicon Valley.
The meeting forms part of Guinea's efforts to develop its digital sector through partnerships. For the U.S., it presents an opportunity to seek collaborations that will further the Digital Transformation in Africa (DTA) project. This government initiative seeks to broaden digital access across the continent. As part of this project, the U.S. invested $82 million in 2023 towards new digital infrastructures, digital projects, and technical programs in Africa.
Samira Njoya