Disruptive technologies may cause widespread job losses, specialist reports say. The same reports indicate that workforce adaptation is key to mitigating the negative impacts of those technologies.

As Africa’s population surges, creating more and better jobs for its youth is crucial for poverty reduction and wealth distribution, the World Bank stated in its report “Digital Africa: Technological Transformation for Jobs 2023”. The report urges policymakers and the business sector to prioritize digital technology and promote its accessibility urgently to tackle unemployment challenges.

Africa’s jobs and technology challenges are immense and urgent. Its share of the global workforce is projected to become the largest in the world by the twenty-second century, rising from 16 percent in 2025 to over 41 percent by 2100. More than 22 million Africans between the ages of 15 and 64 join the workforce annually—almost 2 million people per month. This flow of workers is expected to increase to over 33 million per year by 2050,(UN DESA 2022). The imperative is to create good jobs for these millions of young entrants to the workforce and better jobs for today’s workers. Greater adoption of improved and adequate technologies is a critical and underemphasized requirement to meet this goal,” the report states.

The report proposes various strategies and initiatives to better prepare Africa for the future. It emphasizes the importance of promoting the development of digital skills and recommends that African governments invest in digital skills training programs to equip the workforce with the skills needed for the digital economy.

It also highlights the importance of supporting entrepreneurship and encouraging the growth of startups and small technology companies by providing them with access to funding, mentoring, and resources. This can stimulate job creation and innovation in the technology sector.

Improve the ecosystem

The World Bank stresses the need to improve access to technology by promoting access to affordable and reliable internet services, smartphones, and computers. It also calls for implementing policies that support a business environment conducive to technology adoption and innovation, which may involve reducing regulatory barriers, promoting competition, and protecting intellectual property rights.

The report recommends investing in the development and upgrading of digital infrastructures, such as broadband networks, digital payment systems, and data storage and processing systems. It also advocates for collaboration with the private sector, suggesting that public decision-makers establish partnerships with private-sector companies to encourage the adoption of technologies, innovation, and job creation.

Finally, the World Bank believes that by implementing these strategies and working collaboratively, African policymakers can harness the power of technology to improve the lives of their citizens and unlock the continent’s potential for inclusive development.

Muriel Edjo

Posted On vendredi, 29 mars 2024 17:46 Written by

Mobile financial services are pivotal to fostering digital inclusion in Africa, a region where a substantial segment of the population lacks access to conventional banking services. Digital technology presents considerable transformational prospects in this area.

The Interbank Electronic Banking Group of Central Africa (GIMAC) is set to assist the Republic of Congo in the implementation of the CongoPay digital platform for financial transactions, confirmed Valentin Mbozo’o, Managing Director of Gimac, following a meeting with Léon Juste Ibombo, Minister of Post, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, on Monday, March 25.

As part of this upcoming collaboration, Gimac commits to making the platform operational and accessible to all segments of the population. “By supporting a project like CongoPay, it will be possible for many people, even the least affluent and most vulnerable, to benefit from these digital payments, regardless of their purchasing power, standard of living, or societal position,” explained Mbozo’o.

This initiative aligns with the fifth pillar of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2020-2026, which aims to align Congo with the development of the digital economy, enabling everyday simple money transfers using electronic transaction technologies.

The CongoPay platform, set to be implemented by the Digital Development Agency (ADN), also partners with Mediasoft Lafayette, an IT engineering services company based in Côte d’Ivoire. This national platform will augment existing electronic money transfer services in Congo.

Once implemented, CongoPay is expected to facilitate trade and financial transactions in the country. It will also aid in improving the efficiency of public administration, facilitate financial inclusion by providing access to basic financial services, and promote the dematerialization of money in the country.

Samira Njoya

Posted On jeudi, 28 mars 2024 15:30 Written by

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has seen significant growth in its digital inclusion in recent years. This growth is driven by the execution of high-impact projects. 

On Saturday 23 March, DRC’s Digital Development Agency (ADN) announced a partnership agreement with local startup Motema, which specializes in the manufacture of made-in-Congo touch-screen tablets, and the French firm KaiOS Technologies, which created the mobile operating system KaiOS.

The initiative aims to set up a mobile phone assembly unit with a production capacity of over one million units, to be sold at a flat rate of 20 dollars per piece.

"Thanks to these low-cost phones, users will be able to explore the digital world, opening the way to new educational, commercial, and social opportunities. It's a revolution in technological accessibility, promising to connect Congolese people to the digital age and broaden their horizons," says an ADN press release.

This new partnership aligns with the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025 (PNN), specifically project 21, which advocates for the development of e-commerce in the DRC. The government reports that 14 projects under the PNN have been finalized, and 25% are nearing operational status, bringing the completion rate to 57%. It also aligns with Motema’s goal of providing every citizen with a cost-effective digital device.

Thanks to this collaboration, Congolese people will have the opportunity to purchase 4G mobile phones for 20 dollars. These internationally standardized phones will provide access to the Google search engine and social networks.

Once operational, the project is expected to create jobs in the DRC and enhance the skills of the Congolese workforce through technology transfer between the two organizations. It also aims to combat the digital divide, foster e-commerce, transform the local economy, and significantly improve the daily lives of the Congolese people.

Samira Njoya

Posted On jeudi, 28 mars 2024 09:58 Written by

Russia has emerged as a significant technological ally in Africa, assisting numerous countries in satellite design. Mali, harboring similar ambitions, has also sought Russia's expertise.

Mali and Russia are collaborating on several imminent projects, including the launch of a telecommunications satellite and the use of Russian spacecraft for monitoring Malian territory, according to a recent announcement. A Malian delegation, led by Finance Minister Alousséni Sanou, visited Moscow to discuss the action plan for these initiatives.

We need four years to build and then launch the satellite. To achieve this, Mali needs to equip itself with specialists in all fields. We have agreed on a training program for ten students a year for four years in specialized fields relating to satellites… There is also a question of sending a series of specialists to deepen knowledge and acquire expertise in aerospace activities,” Sanou stated.

These initiatives are part of a memorandum of understanding signed last year between the Malian government and Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos). In addition to aiding Mali in the production of its satellite, the agreement stipulates that a Russian satellite will be made available to the country to meet needs in security, telecommunications, and other sectors that promote national development.

Bamako will also utilize satellite images to gain a precise understanding of the human impact on the environment. These images will assist leaders in better tracking and neutralizing terrorists. This initiative follows the recent liberation of the Kidal region, which had been plagued by terrorism for approximately a decade.

Samira Njoya

Posted On jeudi, 28 mars 2024 09:55 Written by

During the tenure of Macky Sall, which commenced in 2012, the digital sector emerged as a crucial catalyst for the acceleration and socio-economic development of the country. His successor aims to exceed these accomplishments in the next five years.

Senegal’s newly elected President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye (photo), has outlined plans to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, a process initiated by his predecessor, Macky Sall. Faye, who was elected on Sunday, March 24, sees digital technology as a catalyst for Senegal’s development.

He announced plans to establish a National Fund for the Development of Research and Innovation (FNDRI) within five years. This fund, which will replace the existing Fund to Promote Scientific and Technical Research (FIRST), will finance startups and research and innovation (R&I) initiatives.

The new administration aims to create an incentivized and secure framework for digital entrepreneurship. The goal is to foster a high-performance national ecosystem that can meet the demand for digital products and services across various sectors of the national economy.

Faye also expressed concern about the impact of digitizing public services on the population. He announced plans for a digitized, high-performance public administration capable of meeting the challenges of the new economy. This includes building sovereign data centers, both public and private, with high-speed internet connectivity and lower hosting charges to consolidate state and local business data.

In the education sector, a national priority, the new President plans to reform the licensing system and establish a monitoring system for private higher education institutions. He also plans to support the development of the Cheikh Amidou Kane digital university, strengthen online course platforms in other public universities, and construct technological universities.

Recognizing that these projects depend on good internet connectivity, the new government plans to ensure internet access throughout Senegal. According to a second-quarter report by the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications et des Postes (ARTP), the current penetration rate of broadband internet (3G/4G) is 89.56%.

The primary goal of the investment package announced by the Head of State is to make Senegal a benchmark for digital transformation on the continent by 2029. The digital sector, thriving on constant technological innovation, is one of Senegal’s main drivers of development, contributing over 10% to GDP growth.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mercredi, 27 mars 2024 14:29 Written by

Zimbabwe wants to join the technological revolution ongoing on the African continent. For that purpose, it seeks strategic partners to support the development of its tech sector.  

Zimbabwe’s government has sought the support of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to bolster its digital economy, according to Douglas Runyowa, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Runyowa announced the appeal for UNCTAD’s assistance in conducting an eTrade readiness assessment to identify opportunities and solutions for ecommerce development. This request aligns with Zimbabwe’s efforts to expedite its digital transformation under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Vision 2030”. The strategic plan aims to transform Zimbabwe into a high-income society by 2030, with digital technology as a key pillar of socio-economic development.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Google project that Africa’s digital economy will be worth at least $712 billion by 2050, accounting for 8.5% of the continent’s GDP. Recognizing its current lag in the sector, Harare is intensifying its partnerships to leverage the ongoing technological revolution in Africa.

"The key areas include e-commerce assessment and policy formulation, information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and services, payment solutions, trade facilitation and logistics, legal, regulatory framework, digital skills development and access to finance," added Douglas Runyowa.

Posted On mercredi, 27 mars 2024 11:42 Written by

In recent years, African countries have accelerated the digitization of government services. The aim is to improve administrative efficiency and data management as well as improve citizens’ lives. 

The government of Cape Verde plans to digitize 60% of essential public services by 2026, according to Carlos Tavares Pina, CEO of the government’s digital agency, Nucleo Operacional da Sociedade de Informacao (NOSi).

According to Pina, the digitization initiative aims to foster transparent governance by improving access to information, securing digital infrastructures, and enhancing digital literacy. The move is part of the Digital Governance Strategy, a component of Cape Verde’s broader Digital Strategy.

The strategy includes modernizing all public services, such as online certificate issuance (birth, marriage, adoption, death, criminal records, company name registration), electronic payment, tax identification number issuance, state debt certificates, and income certificates for children’s study grants.

To achieve these goals, the government is relying on its digital agency, NOSi. The agency is increasing partnerships with global technology companies like Huawei and Microsoft and collaborating with countries with similar projects.

The ultimate goal is to have at least 30% of public administration processes running on AI or ML (machine learning) technologies and to use cloud technologies to enhance platform interoperability.

The digitization of public services in Cape Verde is expected to drive digital transformation, stimulate the country’s business environment, and boost national GDP. These services will also provide a centralized information point for citizens.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mercredi, 27 mars 2024 11:23 Written by

Africa's tech sector has seen rapid growth in the past decade. This led to a surge in the number of investment vehicles to support its expansion.  

Anava, a Tunisian fund of funds, announced on Monday its €4 million ($4.4 million) investment in Janngo Capital Startup Fund (JCSF), a fund focusing on African technology. Anava, a €60 million ($66 million) fund, is financed by the World Bank, Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, and KFW.

The investment aims to support approximately 25 seed-stage startups in healthtech, fintech, and edtech sectors across French-speaking Africa. The goal is to enhance market and capital access for African businesses, create sustainable jobs at scale, and prioritize women and youth.

Fatoumata Bâ, founder and executive chairman of Janngo Capital, said the investment would directly contribute to unlocking massive growth and positive economic, social, and environmental impact in Tunisia and beyond.

The investment comes amid a decline in funding for Africa’s technology sector. In 2023, startups on the continent attracted less capital than in 2022. According to the United Nations Development Programme, 89% of the venture capital in Africa’s tech ecosystem is foreign. Several African funds have been launched this year to improve startups’ access to finance.

In 2023, African startups raised $1.8 billion, a 40% decrease from the $3 billion raised in 2022.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On mercredi, 27 mars 2024 11:11 Written by

IFC's equity investment indirectly supports the least financed African startups. This comes amid a 36% plunge in funding raised by African startups in 2023, to $3.2 billion.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) disclosed yesterday, a $10.5 million investment in the 4DX Ventures fund, which supports African tech companies. This investment was facilitated by a new platform launched by the IFC in November 2022, designed to bolster venture capital ecosystems in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Pakistan.

By supporting the development of tech ecosystems in emerging markets, IFC's venture capital platform aims to improve access to key services, boost business competitiveness, and promote job creation through digital transformation,” stated Mohamed Gouled, IFC’s Vice President of Industries.

The investment in the 4DX Ventures fund aligns with IFC’s commitment to backing tech entrepreneurs whose innovations are poised to propel Africa forward in key sectors such as climate, healthcare, fintech, e-commerce, and education.

This move comes amid a 36% decrease in fundraising by African startups in 2023, dropping to $3.2 billion, according to research firm TechCabal Insights. IFC data indicates that Africa is among the regions least served by venture capital, receiving a mere 2% of the global venture capital deal volume in the third quarter of 2023.

This investment is expected to provide further support to African startups, aiding promising tech startups in building transformative businesses and making a lasting impact on the continent’s development.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mercredi, 27 mars 2024 04:50 Written by

African development strategies prioritize lifting women out of financial insecurity. Various stakeholders across the continent are contributing initiatives to address the issue.

Fondation Orange Côte d’Ivoire (FOCI) and Orange Bank Africa (OBA) have advanced their commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs by establishing the Women’s Digital Home Fund for Women’s Empowerment (Fomdaf). Announced at a signing ceremony on March 21, 2024, the initiative aims to provide financial backing to vulnerable women entrepreneurs, enabling them to fully realize their business potential.

The guarantee fund, valued at XOF100 million ($165,700), is provided by Fondation Orange Côte d’Ivoire and managed by Orange Bank Africa. It is designed to enhance financial access for women beneficiaries of the Digital Homes project. With this guarantee, eligible women entrepreneurs can access loans totaling up to XOF500 million. Each woman can borrow between XOF1 and 20 million, with flexible repayment terms over a period of 6 to 24 months, at a competitive annual interest rate of 8.5%.

Today, 32% of Orange Bank customers are women […] We are now moving on to another stage with this fund, which will support women as they grow,” stated Alexandre Oro, Secretary General of Orange Bank.

The signing ceremony also featured the presentation of the Coups de Coeur Ô Féminin Awards, an initiative launched in 2017 by the Fondation Orange Côte d’Ivoire to support women trained at the Maisons Digitales in their entrepreneurial endeavors. These awards, divided into three categories, offer prize pools of up to 10,000 euros (around XOF6,500,000) for the winners, bolstering their financial access and their ability to transform innovative ideas into reality.

To date, only 48 projects have been financed out of 6,871 women trained. This figure underscores the distance yet to be covered to fully achieve the goal of economic empowerment for women in Côte d’Ivoire.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou

Posted On mardi, 26 mars 2024 10:25 Written by
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