Universities around the world are rapidly accelerating their transition to digital education, driven by the urgent need to prepare students for a job market increasingly reliant on digital skills and qualifications. This shift necessitates the adoption of new technologies and pedagogies that go beyond simply replicating traditional classroom experiences online.

In Côte d’Ivoire, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Adama Diawara, officially presented 16 mobile studios for recording digital teaching resources to the country’s public universities and grandes écoles.

Valued at XOF275 million ($458,125), these acquisitions aim to foster an environment conducive to integrating digital technology into the education system. “Digital technology is a powerful lever of transformation to support public education policies in all their dimensions,” Diawara stated.

The initiative is part of the AMRUGE-CI n°2 project, which seeks to stimulate the development of digital education. Mobile studios will be delivered to all the country’s universities to reinforce flexible educational production and digital documentation.

Since 2013, the government has collaborated with the French Development Agency (AFD), which has mobilized over XOF10 billion for the development of digital education in Côte d’Ivoire through the Debt Reduction-Development Contract (C2D).

By digitizing the education system, the Ministry aims to renovate the higher education offering to better meet job market demands, guarantee education quality, and comply with international standards.

The first beneficiaries include the Universities of Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Cocody, Nangui Abrogoua in Abobo-Adjamé, Alassane Ouattara in Bouaké, Jean Lorougnon Guédé in Daloa, Péléforo Gon in Korhogo, Man, Bondoukou, San Pedro, the Université Virtuelle de Côte d’Ivoire, the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Abidjan, and the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mardi, 16 janvier 2024 13:45 Written by

Algeria's digital transformation gained momentum in 2023, with the government implementing several programs. For the new year, the country prioritizes e-governance initiatives. 

Algeria's state-run Haut-Commissariat à la Numérisation (HCN), the agency leading the nation's digital transformation, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei Telecommunications' Algerian subsidiary on January 10.

The agreement, signed by HCN High Commissioner Meriem Benmouloud and Huawei Algeria's Chairman and CEO Eason Yi, aims to boost cooperation in key areas including experience exchange, training, and skills development as well as strategic support.

 It sets the stage for collaborative knowledge sharing and best practices in the field of digital transformation while providing the framework for both parties to focus on equipping Algerian professionals with the necessary skills to drive the country's digital agenda. Also, in its framework, Huawei will contribute its expertise to the development of Algeria's 2024-2029 national digital transformation strategy, currently spearheaded by the HCN.

This partnership aligns with the HCN's mission of overseeing and guiding Algeria's digital transition. Established just months ago, the agency is tasked with managing strategic projects like the upcoming draft bill on digitization, slated for completion in the first quarter of 2024.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mardi, 16 janvier 2024 13:23 Written by

Nigeria is easing regulations for internet service providers (ISPs) in a bid to connect more of its vast population to the internet. This move comes as a major American player strengthens its hold on the market through a partnership with a local provider.

US internet service provider (ISP) Parallel Wireless is teaming up with Nigeria's Hotspot Network Limited to bring connectivity to 500 rural areas, the companies announced last week.

The partnership, announced last week, aims to improve the quality of life for millions by enabling access to essential services like healthcare, education, and finance in underserved regions. The project will leverage both 2G and 4G technologies "to connect as many residents as possible," said Yisrael Nov, Parallel Wireless' executive vice president of worldwide sales.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria's broader ambitions for digital transformation. As one of Africa's most mature tech ecosystems, the country aims to bridge the digital divide and maximize the impact of its technology policies. President Bola Tinubu's administration has set an ambitious target of connecting 70% of the population to broadband by 2025.

With a population of over 220 million, Nigeria boasts the largest consumer market in Africa. However, internet penetration remains uneven, with rural areas significantly lagging behind urban centers. As of 2023, only 55.3% of Nigerians had internet access, according to data from DataReportal.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On mardi, 16 janvier 2024 13:17 Written by

Across Africa, investing in the tech skills of young people is gaining momentum as countries recognize the crucial role technology plays in their development aspirations. Governments and institutions are increasingly turning to partnerships to build the necessary training infrastructure and equip future generations with the digital know-how to drive progress.

Angolan President João Lourenço on Friday inaugurated the Integrated Center for Technological Training (CINFOTEC) in Huambo, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to bolster its tech skills. The center, built with Chinese government funding, aims to equip Angolans with the technical and vocational knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.

CINFOTEC Huambo sprawls across 20,000 square meters, boasting 30 laboratories and six workshops dedicated to fields like robotics, information technology, and other technical areas. In its initial phase, the center will train up to 2,400 students annually, contributing to a more skilled workforce in the Angolan tech sector.

The inauguration underscores China's growing role as a partner in Africa's technological development. In 2023 alone, China partnered with Uganda, Ethiopia, Senegal, and the Seychelles on various digital transformation initiatives. CINFOTEC Huambo is the third such center in Angola, joining two others in Luanda province.

"This is a modern, well-equipped training center, and our teachers have also been trained in China," said Geraldo Pambasange, Director of CINFOTEC Huambo. "We are very grateful for China's help and look forward to continuing our cooperation with them in the future."

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On lundi, 15 janvier 2024 14:54 Written by

The 34th Africa Cup of Nations, Africa's premier soccer event, is scheduled to run from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, February 11. Authorities in Côte d’Ivoire are implementing various measures to ensure the smooth execution of the tournament.

Last week, Côte d'Ivoire’s telecom regulator ARTCI and the country’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CI-CERT) launched "CyberCan 2023," a comprehensive cybersecurity plan safeguarding the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Scheduled for January 13 to February 11, the tournament is expected to draw millions of visitors and generate significant online activity, prompting Ivorian authorities to prioritize digital security.

"CyberCan 2023" aims to protect sensitive networks and information systems related to the AFCON, along with the personal data of participants, supporters, and organizers. This includes securing critical infrastructure, implementing robust incident response protocols, and raising cybersecurity awareness among stakeholders.

With the continent's digital landscape expanding, the prominence of the AFCON amplifies the need for robust cybersecurity measures. According to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2020, Côte d'Ivoire ranks 11th in Africa, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

"Organizing major events like the AFCON presents significant challenges, and cybersecurity is one of the most pressing," acknowledged Namahoua Touré, ARTCI's director general. "In today's digital age, securing our national cyberspace is crucial, particularly during a tournament attracting global attention."

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On lundi, 15 janvier 2024 14:52 Written by

In recent years, Ghana has embarked on a series of digitization efforts aimed at tackling corruption, safeguarding tax revenues, and enhancing living standards. The initial outcomes of these initiatives are now becoming increasingly evident.

Ghana's Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia (photo), is advocating for continued government investment in digital technology. At the University of Ghana's 75th Annual New Year School and Conference, themed "Nurturing Resilience: Adopting Technology and Embracing Humanism for Sustainable Development," Bawumia highlighted the significant impact of digitization on the country's development following seven years of government investment in the sector.

Since 2017, Ghana's digitization efforts have resulted in the successful implementation of a national biometric identification system, a property address system, mobile money interoperability across all telephone networks and financial institutions, and the digitization of government services, passport offices, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) services, port operations, and drone delivery of essential medicines, among others.

"The goal, upon assumption of office, was to quickly transform our economy by leveraging technological innovation as a means to leapfrog the development process, overcome legacy problems, and improve both economic and public sector governance. This is why digitalization has been a major area of focus for our government; to build a new system through digital transformation," he stated.

In Ghana, the decision to digitize services aims to minimize human contact as much as possible, combat corruption, and increase public revenue. For instance, the passport office processed a total of 16,232 applications in 2017, generating a turnover of 1.1 million cedis ($91,865). With digitization, the same office processed 498,963 online applications in 2021, generating a turnover of 56.7 million cedis.

The digitization of the driving license department in 2019 led to an increase of over 100% in service demand in  2020. The positive impact of digitization is also evident in the implementation of the motor insurance database, which shows growth in the insurance sector from 19% in 2019 to 37% in 2020 and 26% in 2021.

Samira Njoya

Posted On lundi, 15 janvier 2024 14:34 Written by

Africa is witnessing a swift expansion of its digital economy. However, government measures that disrupt internet services and limit access to social media platforms carry significant implications.

Sub-Saharan Africa saw a nearly $1.74 billion loss in 2023 due to internet outages and social network restrictions, a 489.83% increase from the $295 million loss in 2022, according to data from UK specialist platform Top10VPN. Despite a decrease in the number of people affected by these restrictions from 133.1 million in 2022 to almost 84.8 million in 2023, the number of countries imposing restrictions increased from seven to ten.

Top10VPN attributes the rise in financial loss in 2023 to the extended duration of outages, which lasted 30,785 hours compared to 9,532 hours in 2022. Ethiopia, a large country in terms of demographics and economy, accounted for the highest number of hours of internet and social media impairment.

Ethiopian authorities restricted access to Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok due to religious tensions, leading to a peak in VPN service demand at 3,651% above average. The blockades, implemented in early February, were not lifted until July. Amid tensions with militias in the northern Amhara region, the internet was cut off in August and partially restored in November. The restrictions, which lasted over 3,414 hours for the internet and over 11,496 hours for social media, resulted in a loss of around $1.59 billion, or 91.37% of the total losses in sub-Saharan Africa.

Two West African countries, Senegal and Guinea, also contributed significantly to the financial losses in 2023. Senegal, due to pro-Sonko political demonstrations, cut the internet for 135 hours and social networks for 3,811 hours, resulting in a loss of $57.4 million. In Guinea, authorities restricted social network use since November 2023 without officially stating the reasons, leading to estimated losses of $47.4 million for the 3,720 hours of social media restriction.

Other countries that resorted to internet or social media restrictions in 2023 include Mauritania ($38.5 million), Kenya ($27 million), Sudan ($12.4 million), Gabon ($5.4 million), Tanzania ($2.8 million), Chad ($800,000), and Zimbabwe ($500,000).

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On vendredi, 12 janvier 2024 17:25 Written by

In line with its digital transformation strategy, Tunisia is set to digitize all citizen services, encompassing even social services. This move is part of the country's broader initiative to dematerialize services.

Tunisia's Minister of Social Affairs, Malek Ezzahi, and Minister of Communication Technologies, Nizar Ben Neji, have inked a cooperation agreement aimed at digitizing access to social services. The agreement, signed in Tunis on January 10, is part of a broader initiative to simplify administrative procedures and enhance services for citizens and businesses alike.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, in a press release, detailed the agreement's provisions, which include the adoption of electronic signatures for online administrative procedures, digital identity, and non-material data exchange. The agreement also facilitates access to the Ministry's sectoral platforms via the citizen portal and introduces citizen mail for detailed notifications, thereby improving communication between the administration and citizens.

The initiative falls under the national digital transformation strategy, set for implementation through 2025. It specifically targets entities under the Ministry of Social Affairs' purview, including the national social security fund, the national pension and social welfare fund, the national health insurance fund, the office for Tunisians abroad, and the general committees for social promotion and labor and professional relations.

To realize the agreement's objectives, the Ministry of Communication Technologies will collaborate with the National Information Center, the National Agency for Electronic Authentication, the National Agency for Cybersecurity, and the Tunisian Post Office.

Plans are also underway to streamline the distribution process for "Labes" and "Aman" healthcare cards. These cards, which will replace paper health insurance booklets and healthcare booklets for low-income individuals, will be used to pay for health services and purchase medicines.

Samira Njoya

Posted On vendredi, 12 janvier 2024 14:33 Written by

Internet access restrictions have increasingly become a norm in Africa in recent years. A variety of factors contribute to the intentional suspension of the Internet, including limitations on information access, armed conflicts, and coups d'état among others.

In 2023, network outages impacted 84.8 million Internet users in sub-Saharan Africa. These disruptions, which lasted for 30,785 hours, resulted in estimated economic losses of $1.74 billion. 

The region ranks second after Europe ($4.02 billion), surpassing Asia and the Middle East and North Africa region ($1.44 billion). A recent report published on Tuesday, January 2, by UK technology firm Top10VPN, sheds light on the restrictions that led to these financial losses. The report indicates that Internet restrictions due to peaceful protests were the most economically damaging in 2023. 

Ethiopia experienced an estimated $1.59 billion in lost earnings in 2023 due to the extended suspension of social networks, including Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, and TikTok from February to July. This decision was made by the government in response to religious tensions. Similar restrictions were imposed in the Amhara region in early August due to escalating tensions with local militias, resulting in over 11,496 hours of social media shutdown.

 In 2023, two major network outages occurred in Senegal in response to large-scale protests, affecting 8.01 million people. According to data from the Top10VPN platform, the total duration of the blockages is estimated at 135 hours, with financial losses valued at $57.4 million. This led to a surge in demand for VPN services to bypass the imposed restrictions, with an increase of over 60,000%. 

Several other countries also experienced blackouts due to public protests, including Guinea, Mauritania, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Algeria, Chad, and Zimbabwe. The report by digital security and privacy research group Top10VPN also cites other reasons for social network censorship in Africa. These include information control, conflicts, military coups, and electoral interference as additional causes of Internet blocking.

Samira Njoya

Posted On jeudi, 11 janvier 2024 16:19 Written by

Despite a downturn in sector investment, Africa’s tech ecosystem continues to draw interest. The continent is seeing an influx of new investors keen to support innovative start-ups.

BEI Monde, a subsidiary of the European Investment Bank (EIB), has pledged a $30 million investment in the Seedstars Africa Ventures I venture capital fund, as announced on Wednesday, January 10. This initiative is backed by the secretariat of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) through the Boost Africa program with a contribution of $10 million, and by the European Union via the ACP Trust Fund with a sum of $20 million. The objective is to spur growth and job creation across the continent by investing in businesses that utilize digital technologies to provide essential services and enhance business efficiency. 

Encouraging and promoting innovation and digitalization is crucial to developing strong and sustainable economies. African entrepreneurs hold the key to the continent’s future, creating jobs, reducing inequality, and improving quality of life. The EIB, as part of Team Europe, is committed to supporting African businesses, and we are proud of the success of Boost Africa and the ACP Trust Fund,” stated EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. 

Despite a 36% decrease in fundraising by African startups to $3.2 billion by 2023, as reported by TechCabal Insights, the introduction of a new venture capital entity focused on Africa is a positive development. Startups can now access this fresh funding source to realize their projects and/or initiate their startup’s growth phase.

Most investors active on the continent are drawn to the tech ecosystems of Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria. In 2023, startups from these four countries represented 74.9% of financing rounds on the continent. The first four deals of Seedstars Africa Ventures I affirm this trend, with the fund backing two Kenyan startups (Poa! Internet and Shamba Pride), one Nigerian (Beacon Power Services), and one French (Bizao) startup with a focus on Africa.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On jeudi, 11 janvier 2024 15:54 Written by
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