The expansion of fibre optic network in Africa is a critical development in the journey toward digital transformation. This achievement supports key objectives, including bridging the digital divide, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the continent’s position in the global digital economy.
Technology services provider of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Galaxy Backbone (GBB), has successfully deployed its cutting-edge fibre optic network in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin, it announced on December 16. This marks a major milestone in Phase II of the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) project. The expansion reflects GBB's commitment to enhancing Nigeria's digital connectivity and accelerating its transformation into a digitally inclusive nation.
Prof. Ibrahim A. Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, hailed the achievement, stating: "The expansion of our fibre optic network to Lagos, Ibadan, and Ilorin is a significant step in bridging the digital divide and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the digital economy. This infrastructure empowers us to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions for both the public and private sectors."
With an extensive cross-country optical fibre backbone now spanning over 5,000 kilometers across 27 state capitals, GBB continues to solidify its role as Nigeria’s digital backbone. The project integrates the nation’s six geopolitical zones, enhancing digital inclusion and fostering economic growth.
The newly completed Abuja-to-Lagos route, which connects key cities such as Minna, Bida, Mokwa, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibadan, and Lagos, is a strategic development designed to bolster network reliability. This closed-loop network ensures service redundancy and reduces potential downtime, offering users a seamless, world-class digital experience.
The fibre optic network enhances high-speed, secure connectivity for government institutions and businesses, empowering them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. With this deployment, GBB reinforces its commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and its vision of a digitally inclusive society.
As Galaxy Backbone (GBB) extends its network, it reinforces its position as a key partner in driving Nigeria's digital economy, fostering innovation, and enabling sustainable development. This initiative aligns with GBB’s vision of building a smarter government, which will pave the way for smart communities, cities, and a more technology-driven nation. It also marks a significant step towards fulfilling its mandate of operating a nationwide IP-based network to provide a unified platform for connectivity and infrastructure services for all Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The expansion aligns with Nigeria's National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 which aims to increase broadband penetration to 90% by 2025, a goal supported by GBB’s ongoing projects.
Hikmatu Bilali
The e-commerce market in Nigeria is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a tech-savvy youth population and the growing adoption of online shopping. The entry of international players is intensifying competition, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the local economy.
Three weeks after its launch in Nigeria, Chinese online retailer Temu has soared to the top of download charts on both Android and Apple Store. Its swift success stems from a targeted marketing campaign combined with a compelling offer of low-priced products imported directly from China. By tailoring its services to local needs—such as payments in naira and home delivery—Temu has captured the attention of Nigerian consumers.
Temu’s entry into Nigeria is part of a broader strategy by Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein, Aliexpress, and TikTok Shop to offset increasing restrictions in Western markets. Following its debut in South Africa, Nigeria became Temu’s second African market, solidifying its foothold on the continent.
To break into Nigeria, Temu employed an aggressive launch strategy backed by massive advertising investments. In 2023, the company was Meta's largest advertiser, spending nearly $2 billion on ads. This approach has not only outpaced established local and international competitors but also driven up advertising costs for rivals.
Temu’s key advantage lies in its direct-shipping model, sourcing products directly from Chinese manufacturers. By cutting out intermediaries, it offers a wide range of ultra-competitive prices, appealing to a market characterized by high price sensitivity and low brand loyalty.
However, this model poses significant challenges for the local economy. The influx of low-cost imported goods puts pressure on domestic platforms like Jumia and threatens small Nigerian businesses, especially in the growing fashion and design sectors.
Temu’s arrival has drawn mixed reactions. While consumers applaud access to affordable and diverse products, analysts warn of long-term repercussions for local enterprises. Some experts urge the government to consider protective measures, inspired by countries like Indonesia and Vietnam, which have implemented taxes and tariffs to safeguard their domestic markets from e-commerce giants.
Policies requiring foreign firms to create local jobs or establish production centers could help mitigate the economic impact while leveraging foreign investment.
Nigeria’s e-commerce market, valued at $8.53 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $14.92 billion by 2029, growing at an annual compound rate of 11.82%, according to Mordor Intelligence's E-commerce in Nigeria Market Size & Share Analysis (2024-2029). This rapid growth reflects the increasing adoption of online shopping, driven by a young, tech-savvy population.
To ensure this growth benefits the local economy, Nigeria must strike a balance between welcoming international players and protecting local businesses. Temu’s rapid rise highlights the transformative shifts in Nigeria’s e-commerce landscape while raising critical questions about maintaining a sustainable economic ecosystem.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Mobile wallets are rapidly gaining popularity in Africa, offering a viable alternative to traditional banking services for a significant portion of the population that lacks access to them. These digital wallets are particularly useful for facilitating money transfers, especially international remittances.
Singapore-based cross-border payment company Tranglo announced on Monday, December 16, the addition of 10 new African countries to its payment network. This expansion increases its coverage on the continent to 25 countries, providing an additional option for international remittances to Africa.
The newly covered countries include Benin, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Rwanda, and Tanzania. At launch, all new markets will support peer-to-peer electronic wallet transactions, enabling near-instant transfers in local currencies.
This move comes amid a surge in mobile money adoption across Africa. According to the GSMA’s State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2024, mobile money subscriptions grew by 19% between 2022 and 2023, reaching 856 million. Total transactions increased by 28% to 62 billion, while the value of these transactions rose by 12% to $919 billion.
The growth of mobile money has made international remittances more accessible, which are "essential for many African families, helping them address urgent challenges such as food insecurity, drought, supply chain disruptions, flooding, and debt servicing," the GSMA notes. In 2023, international remittances and merchant payments saw the highest growth in usage, with mobile money remittances reaching $29 billion—a 23% year-on-year increase. According to the World Bank, total international transfers to Africa amounted to $90.2 billion.
However, Tranglo's solution will face increasing competition, particularly from telecom operators. For instance, Safaricom’s M-Pesa platform is ramping up efforts to expand its acceptance of international transfers from an ever-growing number of countries.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Designed by two tech entrepreneurs, the tailored solution aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa embrace the digital revolution. Since its launch, Leja claims its platform is used by over 1.4 million businesses.
Leja is a fintech solution that helps micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) digitize their management processes. It simplifies the shift from paper-based records to digital systems while promoting the adoption of financial services. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the startup was founded in 2018 by Tekwane Mwendwa and Morgane Kablan.
"We’re proud to address the challenges MSMEs face, including limited access to affordable payment options and working capital financing. Many MSMEs previously relied on costly and inconvenient methods like cash, which impacted their operations," explains Tekwane Mwendwa.
Leja offers automated record-keeping, 360-degree payment solutions, and loans among its services. "We plan to expand our reach from 5% to 20% by partnering with financial institutions and NGOs to close the credit gap for MSMEs," he adds.
The platform also supports monetary transactions between users. Currently, only 10% of users utilize this function, but the fintech aims to increase this figure to 50%, unlocking significant transaction volumes and revenue potential in the process.
Leja operates exclusively through an Android mobile application. To access its services, a company representative must create an account by providing essential information such as their phone number, full name, national ID number, and email address.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
As a passionate engineer, he is dedicated to creating and developing innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of businesses and individuals. With his latest venture, he aims to revolutionize the insurance industry across Africa.
Louw Hopley (photo), a South African engineer and tech entrepreneur, is the co-founder of Root, a startup revolutionizing the insurance sector through digital transformation.
Founded in 2016, Root offers an innovative digital infrastructure that enables industry players to design efficient, market-driven insurance products. With a modular and fully configurable platform, the startup reduces technological challenges for businesses, allowing them to focus on delivering value to their clients.
Root’s solution features over 500 open insurance APIs, facilitating omnichannel distribution, policy administration, and claims management. The platform is widely used by brands, retailers, insurers, and enterprises to create, launch, and manage insurance products while streamlining policy and claims administration.
Before co-founding Root, where he served as CEO until May 2024, Hopley launched Falkon Apps in 2012. This company specialized in consulting, designing, and developing mobile and web applications, collaborating with international clients to deliver solutions with a strong emphasis on user experience.
Hopley holds a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Stellenbosch University. He began his professional journey in 2011 at Krit.com, a tech firm connecting clients with business leaders. From 2014 to 2016, he worked as a senior delivery engineer at Journey Apps, a platform dedicated to building custom industrial applications.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he moved to South Africa where he founded his first company and gained valuable experience. Now based in the United States, he has successfully launched several other companies, operating both in Africa and in other rapidly growing global markets.
Elijah Lubala (photo) is a Congolese computer scientist and tech entrepreneur who serves as the founder and CEO of Tuma, a company addressing the lack of payment infrastructure in high-growth emerging markets.
Founded in 2022, Tuma offers users a simple, fast payment solution that transforms their phones into a fully functional payment gateway. Through a strategic partnership with UBA, a bank operating in 20 African countries, Tuma enables card payments and digital transactions, supporting small merchants’ growth. The startup also collaborates with financial institutions such as Credit Bank Kenya, InTouch, Appiawave, Cellulant, and Seerbit.
Elijah is also the founder of Attila Group, a private investment firm established in 2013, focused on real estate, technology, and venture capital. Initially based in South Africa, Attila Group later relocated its headquarters to New York, USA. Additionally, he is the founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Elie Technologies Corporation, a company delivering essential products and services tailored to the needs of emerging markets.
Elijah’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 with the creation of Sofet Entertainment in South Africa, a company specializing in event production, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer for two years. Afterward, he worked as an executive producer at New Vision Studio. In 2012, he joined Airtel DRC as a junior software engineer before taking on the role of senior software engineer in the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development in South Africa from 2013 to 2015.
Academically, Elijah holds a degree in Computer Science and Information Systems, specializing in enterprise systems, application development, and networking, earned in 2015 from Monash University.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial achievements, Elijah Lubala was named to the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in 2017, highlighting his contributions to the tech industry and the African business landscape.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He is an entrepreneur who specializes in electronic services across Africa. He designs innovative digital solutions that make everyday life easier for people in Gabon.
Anthony Marat (photo) is a Gabonese businessman and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of Yoboresto, a meal delivery app. Launched in 2018, Yoboresto simplifies food ordering and delivery in Libreville and its surrounding areas. Through its website and mobile app, users can order meals in just a few clicks from a wide range of partner restaurants.
The platform provides access to menus, pricing, opening and closing hours, customer reviews, and photos. Yoboresto also offers additional services such as table reservations for lunch or dinner and a loyalty program that rewards users with bonus points.
Anthony Marat holds a bachelor's degree in international business from Marymount University in the United States, earned in 2014. He also completed a master's degree in entrepreneurship and international business development at the American Business School in Paris in 2016.
His professional career began in 2010 with internships at prestigious companies, including Citi, Bechtel Corporation, Addax Petroleum, and SCRP Consulting. In 2014, he joined the Franco-American Academy of Management (AFRAM) in Gabon as a project management intern. The following year, he interned in tax and legal services at Deloitte Gabon. In 2017, Marat worked as a business consultant at Vivendi, a company specializing in art promotion, entertainment, and recreational activities.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Digital transformation offers unique opportunities to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion. In Côte d’Ivoire, new initiatives highlight the potential of digital technology to empower women.
The Ivorian Ministry of Women, Family, and Children (MFFE), U.S. companies Cybastion and Cisco Tech, signed a tripartite partnership agreement on Tuesday, December 17, in Abidjan. This initiative aims to train 3,000 women in digital skills by 2025 through Cisco's "Network Academy" (NetAcad) educational platform.
"Empowering women to master technology is an investment in the future. It is planting the seeds of sustainable prosperity for future generations," said Minister Nassénéba Touré. She emphasized that the program will have tangible and transformative impacts on Ivorian women and society as a whole.
The agreement is part of the MFFE's commitments to bridging the digital divide and empowering women through technological tools. It follows the launch of the "DigitFemmes" program, in partnership with Cybastion, which aims to train 1,000 women across Côte d’Ivoire.
Since its inception in 1997, the NetAcad platform has trained over 24 million people in 191 countries, demonstrating its effectiveness in creating career opportunities in the digital sector. The platform provides training in key areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Its deployment in Côte d’Ivoire is expected to equip Ivorian women with highly sought-after skills in the job market, strengthening their leadership, financial independence, and contribution to the country’s digital economy.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Since 2019, the startup has undertaken numerous financial operations to enhance its technology and accelerate growth. The company has announced the successful completion of a new funding round, elevating its status to that of a unicorn.
South African fintech startup Tyme has achieved unicorn status a designation for startups valued at over $1 billion following a valuation of $1.5 billion after successfully completing a $250 million funding round led by Brazilian neobank Nubank, it announced on Tuesday, December 17.
“Nubank transformed financial services in Brazil. We are excited by the value that Nubank's thought partnership and advice can bring to Tyme, particularly in areas such as data analytics, credit risk management, product development and marketing - levers we believe are key to achieving leadership in our markets,” said Coen Jonker, CEO and co-founder of Tyme Group.
Despite a slowdown in investments in African startups, Tyme has become the second startup to reach unicorn status this year, following Nigerian fintech Moniepoint. The company’s rise to unicorn status was driven by successive funding rounds since 2019, including $79 million in June 2019, $110 million in February 2021, $70 million in December 2021, and $78 million in May 2023.
Tyme is now the ninth African unicorn, joining fintech peers Interswitch, Flutterwave, Opay, Chipper Cash, Wave, MNT-Halan, Moniepoint, and edtech startup Andela. Notably, e-commerce platform Jumia, the continent’s first unicorn in 2016, and fintech Fawry lost their unicorn status after going public in 2019.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
As part of its digital transformation efforts, the Kenyan government aims to improve the efficiency of public services by leveraging Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The government has announced plans to digitize 80% of its public services.
The Kenyan government plans to spend 28 billion shillings ($216.6 million) over the next two years to digitize police operations as part of a broader effort to modernize the National Police Service. President William Ruto unveiled the plan last week during the launch of the 2023-2027 strategic plans for the National Police Service and the State Department of Correctional Services.
“We need a modern police service and technology is key to this. We must ensure we digitise operations, including the famous OB (Occurrence Book),” said President Ruto.
He added, “In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape and the ability to detect, disrupt, deter, and investigate these threats depends on our capacity to operate effectively in a high-tech environment. We are taking decisive action to ensure the NPS stays ahead of emerging threats.”
This initiative aligns with Kenya's broader Digital Economy Acceleration Program. Upon taking office in September 2022, Ruto emphasized his vision to harness digital technology for socio-economic development by 2027. In addition to strengthening telecom infrastructure and improving internet access, the government aims to digitize at least 80% of public services and make them accessible via a single platform, E-Citizen.
Currently, Kenya ranks 109th globally in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ 2024 E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.6314 out of 1. While this places the country above the East African (0.3903) and African (0.4257) averages, it remains slightly below the global average of 0.6382. For the Online Service Index, Kenya achieved a score of 0.7770 out of 1.
Notably, Kenya’s digital economy is projected to contribute a significant 662 billion shillings to the country’s GDP by 2028, according to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA).
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
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Sub-Saharan Africa is a region disproportionately affected by climate change. The initiative not only supports start-ups offering innovative solutions but also highlights the urgency of investing in sectors critical to Africa's sustainable future.
On December 16, Proparco announced a $5 million investment in the Equator Africa Fund through its FISEA+ facility. This climate-focused investment fund targets early-stage start-ups across sub-Saharan Africa that offer innovative solutions to address critical climate challenges.
“Through this investment, we aim to support ventures addressing the urgent climate challenges in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Fabrice Perez, head of Proparco’s Venture Capital Division. “Equator’s approach resonates with our mission to drive sustainable development and enhance climate resilience in the region.”
Equator Africa Fund specializes in climate technology ventures in energy, agriculture, and mobility—three sectors essential for Africa’s climate transition. With operations in Nairobi and Lagos, Equator combines local expertise with a global perspective to support start-ups that drive environmental and economic sustainability.
Africa receives only around 2 percent of total global climate finance, as highlighted in the UNDP’s 2024 Climate Finance in Africa report. To meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), African countries require an estimated $2.8 trillion—or $277 billion annually—between 2020 and 2030, the report adds. Equator’s emphasis on supporting early-stage start-ups plays a pivotal role in bridging this gap, delivering essential funding at a stage where many ventures face significant barriers to accessing capital.
Proparco’s investment aligns with its 2023-2027 strategy to expand economic opportunities and champion climate initiatives. The funding qualifies for 40-60% climate co-benefits and underscores Proparco’s commitment to sustainable growth in Africa.
This investment strengthens Equator’s capacity to bridge the gap in climate financing and reinforces efforts to unlock Africa’s economic potential while addressing the pressing need for climate adaptation. The fund represents a vital step toward building a sustainable and resilient future for the continent.
Hikmatu Bilali
After several years of experience as a software engineer at both local and international companies, he now uses his technical expertise to provide innovative, tailored solutions for businesses and individuals.
Kenneth Kwesiga (photo) is a Ugandan computer scientist and tech entrepreneur, serving as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ioTec Ltd, a company specializing in business-to-business financial technologies.
Founded in 2020, ioTec Ltd is a fintech company licensed and regulated by the Bank of Uganda. Its mission is to develop secure financial solutions that bring financial services closer to individuals and businesses through intuitive digital channels.
ioTec provides companies with a secure platform that simplifies the delivery of financial services. Its offerings include the ability to send and receive payments, rigorously verify customer identities, assess creditworthiness, and submit credit reports to rating agencies. By leveraging these solutions, businesses can maintain continuous engagement with their customers while ensuring efficient and transparent management.
In addition to his role at ioTec, Kenneth Kwesiga serves on the board and the technology and innovation committee of FITSPA Uganda—the Financial Technology Service Providers Association, which is the regulatory body for fintechs in Uganda.
Kenneth holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology in India, which he earned in 2010. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Business Management and Administration in 2019 from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.
Kenneth’s professional career began in 2009 as a software engineer at Data Care, a Ugandan consulting firm. In 2014, he joined Laboremus Group AS, a Norwegian fintech company, where he held various roles including software engineer, quality assurance engineer, technical project manager, and Chief Operations Officer. In 2018, he became Head of Business and Enterprise Solutions at Mcash Uganda, a fintech firm where he also served as Chief Operations Officer from 2020 to 2021.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Launched by five Zimbabwean tech entrepreneurs, the service streamlines bus ticket booking for users. The concept came to one of the founders while he was conducting business at a bus station.
Founded in 2017 by Vusumuzi Mkhwananzi, Josiah Mahachi, Millcent Mkhwananzi, Gift Chirinda, and Mandla Ncube, myRunner is a Zimbabwean tech startup with a mission to improve road transport services across Africa. Through its all-in-one web and mobile platforms, the company offers online ticket booking and real-time bus tracking. It also streamlines fleet management for transport companies.
"I grew up selling sweets and freezits in bus station [...] Everyday I saw challenges faced by passengers and bus operators ,passngers harrassed by touts , waiting long hours for buses and bus companies lossing a lot of revenue due to ineffective ticketing and bus managemet systems that where largely manual," explains Vusumuzi Mkhwananzi.
With myRunner, several processes are simplified. Registered travelers, for instance, can purchase tickets online from their chosen bus operator using various digital payment options. They can make selections based on their destination, travel date, and departure time, among other criteria.
Active in several African countries, including Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, the startup aims to revolutionize intercity transport in Africa by combining innovation and accessibility. It seeks to accelerate its growth by further developing its features to meet the growing demands of the market.
In July 2024, myRunner was selected alongside 41 other African startups to join the inaugural Timbuktoo Fintech Hub cohort. This initiative, launched by African nations in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to support the development of Africa’s tech ecosystem.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Éditing by Feriol Bewa
To help companies find talent in African countries and their diasporas, and to assist job seekers in securing employment, Senegalese tech entrepreneur Kémo Touré has developed a tailored solution.
Wutiko is a web platform that helps Africans, including those in the diaspora, discover the best opportunities for jobs, funding, and events. It was developed by Kémo Touré’s agency, Wutiko Senegal SAS, which operates out of Dakar, as well as Lagos (Nigeria) and Ébène (Mauritius).
The digital solution uses artificial intelligence to match relevant profiles to specific search criteria. Users can apply for temporary opportunities or recruit job seekers. The platform also offers a range of services, including classified ad management, collaboration tools, and performance measurement solutions.
One notable feature is the Wutiko Wealth Index, which evaluates interactions within the platform's community. This initiative aims to address the needs of Africa’s job market while ensuring access to resources tailored to local and regional specificities.
“Wutiko is a platform designed to meet the needs of the job market in Senegal, Africa, and within the diaspora. Instead of carrying around a paper CV or reaching out to unverified companies, young people can enhance their visibility by creating a profile that will be seen by all companies on the platform. Likewise, businesses can recruit using well-structured, certified CVs,” explains Kémo Touré.
Adoni Conrad Quenum