News (1786)
Sub-Saharan Africa is poised to see the fastest growth in demand for digital skills globally, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This poses a significant challenge in preparing young people for these emerging opportunities.
Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates partnered on Tuesday to train over a million young Malagasy people in new technologies through the "Digital School" and "Coders Initiative" projects. The initiative, announced at the World Government Summit in Dubai, aims to equip youth with in-demand digital skills to improve their employability and contribute to Madagascar's economic development.
“The future lies in preparing our future generations to face challenges with innovative technological weapons that will forge their world of tomorrow. The hopes of an entire generation lie in our hands, the leaders of today. We must assist them towards a better future,” President Andry Rajoelina (photo) stated.
Digital School, already established in eight countries, will provide flexible learning opportunities through digital training centers in Madagascar. These centers will utilize advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to complement the national curriculum and develop students' skills in areas like coding and data analysis. The "Coders Initiative" will likely focus on more intensive training programs for specific IT professions.
With over 1.5 million instructors trained and 60,000 students enrolled globally, Digital School has a proven track record of success. Its expansion into Madagascar, coupled with the "Coders Initiative", has the potential to significantly improve the digital literacy and employability of young Malagasy people.
Samira Njoya
The Angolan government is launching a series of digital projects to streamline access to public services and meet citizens' demands for electronic solutions. However, the success of these initiatives may hinge on improving the country's internet infrastructure.
The implementation of Angola's ambitious Digital Acceleration Program (PADA) is encountering challenges, with limited internet access across the country emerging as a major hurdle.
During a public consultation session on PADA, Meick Afonso (photo), Director General of the Institute of Administrative Modernization (IMA), highlighted the issue to stakeholders, stating that for the transformation to be successful, it is essential that every citizen is connected.
PADA, a $300 million initiative funded by the World Bank, aims to drive digital inclusion, expand access to public services, and stimulate the digital economy. Ultimately, it seeks to transform Angola into a fully digitized society, streamlining access to administrative documents.
However, achieving this vision hinges on a reliable internet infrastructure. While recent developments such as Angola's connection to Meta's 2Africa fiber optic cable and a $249 million loan for a national broadband project bode well, current penetration remains low.
Statistics from the Angolan Institute of Communications (INACOM) indicate 10.08 million internet users in the country. However, a December 2023 report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) ranks Angola 24th in Africa for ICT development, with a score of only 44.1 out of 100.
Samira Njoya
South Africa is looking to capitalize on the growing trend of remote work by attracting "digital nomads" to its shores, hoping to boost tourism and inject dynamism into the local economy.
The South African Department of Home Affairs has released draft amendments to current immigration regulations, which include two new visa categories: a visa for remote work and a visa for essential skills. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the news in his newsletter last week.
"A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa. [...] International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for," he wrote.
To be eligible for the remote work visa, digital nomads must meet several criteria, including qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and a job offer. They must also have a minimum annual income of at least 1 million rand (around $53,088) to live adequately in the country.
Countries such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles are already offering this type of visa to tap into the rich market of 35 million digital nomads worldwide. The Western Cape Government has invited public comment on the proposed amendments
Adoni Conrad Quenum
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital education in schools, highlighting the need for integrating modern technologies and teaching methods to prepare students for an increasingly digital world. This shift aims to equip future generations with the skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities of our digital society.
Swiss building materials giant LafargeHolcim unveiled its "Connected Classrooms" initiative on Friday, February 9, aiming to address the challenge of school dropout in Morocco.
The three-year program, launched in early 2023, targets schools near LafargeHolcim's sites across the country, initially providing 26 schools and 13,000 students with high-quality IT equipment. This includes desktop and laptop computers, interactive whiteboards, printers, projectors, and Wi-Fi connections.
"We are [...] invested in various projects to support education and children in communities near our sites, with a particular focus on preventing school dropout," said Zineb Bennouna, Communications and CSR Director at LafargeHolcim Morocco, in a press release.
The initiative promotes community-based education and provides access to online educational resources. This aligns with the government's efforts to digitize educational services and improve the quality of the system.
LafargeHolcim describes the program as part of its broader "N'Bniouw l'7ayat" social responsibility program, which aims to create an inclusive learning environment and reduce school dropout within local communities.
Samira Njoya
Following successful landings in Dakar and Accra last November and December, the telecommunications infrastructure embarked on its onward journey across the West African sub-region.
The 2Africa fiber optic submarine cable has landed in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a press release issued on Thursday, February 8 by Bayobab (formerly MTN GlobalConnect), one of the partners investing in the telecoms infrastructure alongside Orange, Meta, and China Mobile International.
2Africa will be the seventh submarine fiber optic system to connect Nigeria, which already draws part of its high-speed connectivity from Google's Equiano cables, SAT3, MainOne, Glo1, Africa Coast to Europe (ACE), and West Africa Cable System (WACS). This new asset represents the private sector's contribution to the project to improve broadband access initiated by the government in 2020. The aim is to cover 90% of the national territory by 2025.
The digital economy is expanding worldwide, but access to broadband connectivity remains a challenge in Africa, where it has the potential to unlock numerous development opportunities. Networks are still largely concentrated in urban areas, hindering the reduction of the digital divide, at the heart of the battle for inclusion that many organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union have been waging for the past 30 years.
In Nigeria, the importance of broadband is well established. The impact the service has had on the country's startup ecosystem over the past ten years is reflected in the dynamism of its tech entrepreneurs, whose solutions meet real, practical local needs. Today, Nigeria is one of the startup ecosystems that attracts the most foreign investment in Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Following global trends, Congo has initiated the digitization of driving licenses, aiming to address longstanding issues plaguing its road sector. This effort seeks to improve efficiency, transparency, and security within the system, ultimately contributing to safer roads and better transport management.
Congo is launching new, highly secure biometric driving licenses as part of a broader digital transformation push, officials announced Thursday.
Presented by Land Transport Director General Mopaya Atali (photo, left) on February 8th, the license aims to standardize identification and combat security issues plaguing the sector.
Initially planned for 2023, the initiative also tackles inadequate driver training and aims to decrease road accidents. It aligns with the government's Digital Transformation Acceleration Program (PATN) and follows the June deployment of a biometric vehicle license plate system.
These reforms address long-standing challenges in the road transport sector, including insecure data management and a lack of reliable electronic archiving. The new licenses aim to enhance security, simplify administrative processes, improve road safety, and integrate with other digital services.
Samira Njoya
African countries are accelerating their digital transformation efforts, improving services, and adopting new technologies to drive efficiency across various sectors. Governments are modernizing infrastructure, rolling out broadband internet, and investing in innovative solutions to address challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance.
Tanzania is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline public service delivery and combat inefficiency, officials announced at the annual e-government meeting (Arusha, February 6-8).
"Physical delivery of services in public institutions and government agencies continues to be a challenge due to the prevalent lackadaisical attitude among many workers. This often results in delays and substandard executions of tasks.[...] We also want to totally eradicate queues and delays as people scramble to be served at public institutions and organizations, something that has been raising many complaints from people across the country," said George Simbachawene, Minister of State for Public Service Management and Good Governance, citing prevalent disinterest among some public servants as a key challenge.
AI adoption in Africa is gaining momentum, driven by its potential to improve online services across various sectors. Several countries are actively pursuing this technology, backed by international support.
Last November, the UK and partners pledged £80 million to boost AI development in Africa, while UNESCO earlier supported Morocco's digital transformation efforts including AI.
However, concerns exist about Africa becoming a testing ground for unproven AI solutions. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, a UN AI advisor, urges African countries to implement "real control" over the technology to avoid exploitation.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Since his appointment as Vice-President, Mahamudu Bawumia has helped position Ghana on the international technological and digital scene. He aspires to even greater achievements in this field, should he become President of the Republic.
Ghanaian Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia (photo), nominated as presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), unveiled an ambitious digital program on Wednesday. Bawumia, seeking to leverage his tech-focused image, outlined a vision for a "digital Ghana" that applies technology across key economic sectors.
The program's core includes training one million digital talents over five years, with a focus on software skills. This aims to meet the growing domestic and global demand for tech professionals. Additionally, education reforms prioritize STEM fields, robotics, AI, and vocational training to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Bawumia also pledged to abolish the 1.5% electronic transaction tax, dubbed the "E-levy," to promote a cashless economy and encourage digital payments. Infrastructure development is another key component, aiming to reduce internet costs and bridge the digital divide. The program targets a 100% internet penetration rate, compared to the current 72%.
The presidential candidate’s vision encompasses digitizing all sectors, from agriculture and healthcare to education, manufacturing, and finance. This aims to create jobs for young people and position Ghana as a regional digital hub.
Samira Njoya
African nations are making strides in the space industry, with growing investments and collaborations. The initiatives aim to boost the continent’s capabilities and expertise.
Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat and Qatari firm Es'hailSat said on Wednesday they signed a memorandum of understanding to offer various services across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Under the agreement, the companies aim to provide video streaming, connectivity, telecommunications, and digital technologies utilizing their combined satellite fleets.
"This partnership represents a significant development for the region's satellite industry," said Nilesat CEO Sameh Katta. "By combining expertise and resources, we are well-positioned to meet evolving customer needs and contribute to economic growth."
The deal comes amid increasing interest in space activities across Africa. A 2023 report by Space in Africa, a Nigerian consultancy, found African nations allocated $425 million to space programs in 2023, with Egypt leading the continent.
Last week, Egypt's space agency launched its experimental NExSat-1 satellite and plans further launches in 2024, aiming to become a regional leader in the space industry.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Morocco is aiming to solidify its position as a leading player in the global economy by harnessing the digital revolution. However, achieving this vision requires a well-defined strategic roadmap to address digital challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
The Moroccan government is in the final stages of formulating its digital transformation strategy, “Maroc digital 2030”, as revealed by Ghita Mezzour, Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, at the inaugural meeting of the National Committee for Digital Development on Wednesday.
According to Mezzour, the strategy is anchored in two key pillars: the digitization of public services and the cultivation of a vibrant digital economy centered on local innovation and job creation. The plan encompasses bolstering the offshoring sector, fostering a conducive ecosystem for startups and SMEs, and supporting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized businesses.
As part of the strategy, the government aims to generate 300,000 jobs in the digital sector by 2030, potentially contributing up to 170 billion dirhams ($16.9 billion) to the national GDP. Plans are also in place to extend Internet and telephone coverage, particularly in rural areas, with a focus on the deployment of fiber optics and the medium-term adoption of 5G technology.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence as part of Maroc Digital 2030, emphasizing its potential to improve public services and position the country as a leader in AI development.
Samira Njoya
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In a bid to digitize the nation and boost employment, the South African government is planning a countrywide broadband deployment as part of its digital transformation strategy. The move aims to empower citizens to fully leverage digitized services.
South Africa has extended the deadline for shutting down its 2G and 3G networks by two years, prioritizing faster 4G and 5G technologies instead.
Previously set for June 2024 and March 2025 respectively, the complete deactivation of both networks will now occur on December 31, 2027. The shutdown process will begin on June 1, 2025, with mobile operators having discretion over which network to switch off first.
"This deadline is meant to allow mobile network operators some level of discretion and for them to decide which network to switch off first. Some operators have indicated that they will commence with the shutdown of 3G in June 2024 in support of the policy," said the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
This decision aligns with the government's draft policy on "next-generation radio frequency spectrum" licensing, launched in September 2022. The policy aims to reallocate existing radio frequencies from older technologies like 2G and 3G to more advanced 4G and 5G networks. This will free up the spectrum for faster mobile internet speeds and wider network coverage across the country.
The transition to newer technologies also seeks to attract investment in telecommunications infrastructure. This is expected to lead to significant improvements in network quality and reliability, benefiting both businesses and individuals.
Furthermore, the widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks paves the way for innovation in mobile-based services and applications. This could lead to the development of new industries, businesses, and job opportunities, potentially impacting the South African economy positively.
Samira Njoya
Africa's broadband demand has exploded since 2019, presenting a goldmine for service providers and attracting a wave of financial investment in network expansion.
IHS Nigeria, a major owner and operator of telecom infrastructure, announced on Wednesday the completion of a 10,000-kilometer fiber optic cable network spanning all 36 Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The project, executed by IHS subsidiary Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), aims to address connectivity gaps and support the government's National Broadband Plan, which targets 90% penetration by 2025.
"Limited fiber optic networks hinder service improvement and emerging technologies," said GICL Vice President Kazeem Oladepo. "Our open-access approach provides robust, scalable fiber for multiple operators."
Beyond the fiber network, GICL also brought mobile coverage to over 580 previously unconnected rural communities. Oladepo credited collaboration with stakeholders for the "significant volume" of fiber laid in under three years.
This investment aligns with IHS's strategic focus on high-growth markets like Nigeria. The company sees strong revenue potential, bolstered by the government's commitment to broadband development.
"Supporting wider coverage makes IHS's services indispensable for public and private sectors," Oladepo added, highlighting competition from Pan African Towers, INT Towers, and ATC Nigeria.
African nations are witnessing a renewed interest in the space industry, with several countries ramping up investments and initiatives. Among these, Egypt stands out as a regional leader, actively pursuing ambitious space programs.
The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) successfully launched its experimental NExSat-1 satellite on Saturday, February 3, using China's Jielong-3 launch vehicle. This move aims to position EgSA as a pioneer in microsatellite technology within Egypt and Africa, contributing to the nation's sustainable development and potentially opening economic opportunities through domestic satellite production.
EgSA confirmed successful signal reception from NExSat-1 through a test on its website. The satellite, designed for remote sensing and scientific research, was assembled and tested at EgSA's Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test Center (AITC) in collaboration with the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Science (NARSS) and Berlin Space Technologies (BST).
This launch follows the December 2023 deployment of MisrSat-2, an Earth observation satellite, further solidifying EgSA's leading role in African space science and technology. The agency seeks to build on this momentum in 2024.
"We are planning to launch two more satellites, AfdevSat (African development satellite) and SPNEX (Space Plasma Nanosatellite Experiment), primarily for climate change monitoring," said EgSA Director General Sherif Sedky in December 2023. "Additionally, we aim to expand collaboration with other African countries, particularly for commercializing MisrSat-2 images and applications."
According to the 2022 edition of Space In Africa's annual report, African nations allocated $523.2 million to space programs in 2021 and $534.9 million in 2022, highlighting a growing interest in the sector.
Mobile phones are the primary conduit for internet access in Africa, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This realization prompts several countries to implement strategies for promoting affordable, high-quality handsets.
The East Africa Device Assembly Kenya (EADAK) manufactured 194,000 smartphones in its initial quarter of operation, from October to December 2023, according to an announcement by Kenya’s Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Eliud Owalo (photo).
The local assembly plant, located in Athi River, Machakos County, is part of the government’s initiative to offer high-quality devices at affordable prices. Owalo announced during the 2nd African preparatory meeting for the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 in Nairobi on February 5.
He stressed that the domestically assembled phones would bolster the country’s digital inclusion efforts, with the government aiming to produce 3 million smartphones annually. The EADAK factory, a collaboration between the state and several private firms, including Chinese company Shenzhen TeleOne Technology, Safaricom, and Jamii, has created 310 direct jobs for Kenyans.
As of September 2023, 32.63 million of the 64.67 million mobile phones connected to the national telecoms network were smartphones – a penetration rate of 50.5%, according to the latest data from the Kenya Communications Authority. Digital technology is a key component of Kenya’s Vision 2030 economic and social development program.
For the past decade, national authorities have been striving towards this goal through the digitization of public services, the transition to digital payment methods, and the promotion of fintech solutions. The government views increasing access to smartphones as a means to ensure citizens’ access to these digital services and their participation in the 4.0 economy.
The EADAK factory primarily produces smartphones compatible with fourth-generation technology. Owalo disclosed that designs for fifth-generation smartphones are currently underway. Kenya has had an active 5G mobile network since the end of 2022.