News (1792)
Nigeria: Aboyeji teams up with Koschitzky-Kimani to launch $750,000 accelerator for African startups
The lack of access to finance continues to be a significant hurdle for Africa's burgeoning startup ecosystem, hindering the continent's economic development potential. Despite a vibrant and growing entrepreneurial landscape, many promising startups struggle to secure the investments they need to scale up and thrive.
Nigerian tech entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (photo, left), co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave, has joined forces with Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani (photo), another experienced technology player, to launch Accelerate Africa, a new initiative aimed at fueling the growth of startups across the continent. The announcement was made in an exclusive interview with Techcabal.
The project, backed by a $750,000 grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will provide support to startups in all 54 African countries. The first cohort, consisting of ten pre-seed and early-stage companies from various sectors, will participate in an intensive eight-week program.
Combining elements of business development, technology integration, financing, and community building, the acceleration program will take place in both Lagos and Nairobi. Its goal is to empower African start-ups to scale faster and more sustainably.
At the program's culmination, the participating ventures will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to investors, including angel investors with the capacity to inject up to $500,000 into promising initiatives.
Aboyeji and von Koschitzky-Kimani's vision for Accelerate Africa is ambitious. They hope to unlock the vast potential of Africa's entrepreneurial spirit and support a significant number of promising start-ups, particularly at a time when international accelerator support is waning.
"The big idea is to become the Y Combinator (YC) of Africa," Aboyeji said, referring to the renowned American accelerator. "We are looking for founders with great ideas and massive market opportunities. The impressive ones who would have gotten into YC but can't because YC is closing their doors to Africa, so to speak."
Samira Njoya
In line with numerous nations, Nigeria is striving to establish itself as a leader in the global digital landscape. The government is collaborating with seasoned industry participants to realize this ambition.
Nigeria will launch the National Broadband Alliance (NBAN) in the first quarter of 2024, aiming to accelerate internet access rollout nationwide. The initiative targets eight states initially, including Edo, Ogun, Kwara, Katsina, Imo, Abia, Borno, and Nasarawa, seeking to address challenges hindering fiber optic network adoption and returns.
"The alliance will bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to collaboratively develop a sustainable business model(s) for driving the adoption and consumption of internet in key critical public institutions (schools, hospitals, government offices, libraries and markets etc) across the nation," a government document revealed.
This project aligns with the government's digital inclusion goals, aiming to build a collaborative platform for technology players and share resources to support the national internet access program.
Nigeria's internet penetration currently stands at around 45.57%, with only 39% of the population within 5 kilometers of fiber optic networks, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The average download speed of 26.48 Mbps ranks the country 89th globally, highlighting the need for improved connectivity, particularly in rural areas. The NBAN aims to address these challenges by facilitating rapid broadband deployment, leveraging expertise and resources from partners and international organizations, and ensuring all segments of society participate in the digital economy.
Samira Njoya
Last December, William Ruto paid a three-day visit to India. Several partnerships were forged between the two countries, including one in the technology sector.
The Indian government has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kenya, aimed at sharing digital solutions for large-scale digital transformation, according to a statement released on Thursday. The MoU, which was signed on December 5, will be effective for three years from the date of signature.
The agreement seeks to foster closer cooperation and exchange of digital technology-based experiences and solutions to drive digital transformation initiatives in both nations.
Kenyan President William Ruto (photo, left), who visited India in December, signed several MoUs, including the one approved, with the Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (photo, right). Ruto is keen on leveraging the digital sector as the driving force of Kenya's economy and is actively seeking partnerships to this end.
Kenya, with its mature technological ecosystem, is a major attraction for investors on the continent. A report by CB Insights, published last January 4, projected that Kenyan start-ups would have raised approximately $228 million by 2023.
It's worth noting that several African nations, including Sierra Leone, Gabon, Mauritius, and Nigeria, have sought India's technological expertise and have entered into partnerships with the country.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
As Africa sees booming e-commerce, innovations in last-mile delivery are revving up efficiency, tightening transaction security, and slashing risks, playing a key role in the continent's economic ascent.
Nigerian logistics startup Fez Delivery is reshaping last-mile delivery with the introduction of Fez Safe Lockers. Launched on January 10, at the Ardova Plc filling station on Admiralty Way in Lagos, Fez Safe Lockers directly address challenges associated with the prevalent cash-on-delivery model in Nigeria.
Strategically positioned in high-footfall areas like filling stations, the Fez Safe Lockers offer seamless package drop-offs and pickups, functioning for a nominal fee of ₦999. User-friendly touchscreens and unique access codes simplify the package drop-off and retrieval process, improving the overall customer experience. Real-time monitoring, CCTV surveillance, and secure locations ensure the safety of packages, addressing concerns related to theft or loss.
Seun Alley, CEO and co-founder of Fez Delivery, emphasized the company's vision, stating, "At Fez, we're delivering a revolution. Fez Safe Lockers are more than just lockers; they're an investment in Nigeria's future. By modernizing logistics and promoting sustainability, we're building a delivery ecosystem that benefits everyone."
Fez Delivery's strategic evolution aligns with an industry shift towards innovative last-mile delivery solutions, marking a significant step forward in transforming Nigeria's logistics landscape.
Hikmatu Bilali
Morocco has stepped up efforts to modernize its government services through digitalization, launching several initiatives aimed at increasing service efficiency and promoting citizen participation through online channels.
Morocco has digitized over 600 public services, with a focus on improving access for citizens and businesses, Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Minister Ghita Mezzour (photo) announced on Monday.
Of the digitized services, 300 are dedicated to citizens, 200 to businesses, and 100 to public administrations, Mezzour told the House of Representatives. She emphasized the government's commitment to completing ongoing digital projects encompassing public service management, administrative reform, online content regulation, and support for emerging businesses, all part of the national digital strategy.
Morocco's new digital strategy, "Maroc Digital 2030," currently undergoing approval, is built on two pillars: complete digitization of public services and stimulating the digital economy. It aims to create 300,000 jobs and contribute $17 billion (170 billion dirhams) to GDP by 2030.
To achieve these goals, the strategy proposes a range of initiatives, including labeling 3,000 startups, a significant increase from the 380 registered in 2022 ; qualifying 45,000 digital talents annually ; retraining 50,000 young people in digital professions and attracting 6,000 foreign digital talents each year.
With full service digitization, Morocco aims to climb from its current 113th position to the top 50 in the UN e-governance rankings. The country aspires to be a major player in the digital economy, driving job creation, economic growth, and improving citizens' lives through accessible and innovative public services.
Samira Njoya
Local authorities are encouraging smartphone manufacturers to shift a portion of their production to their region, a move aimed at boosting smartphone usage by reducing prices.
Uganda’s Minister of ICT and National Orientation, Chris Baryomunsi, has called on smartphone manufacturers to establish production facilities in Uganda, a move aimed at boosting smartphone penetration in the country. The invitation was extended during the launch of a 5G smartphone model by Tecno, in collaboration with a local mobile operator, in Kampala on Friday, January 12.
Baryomunsi highlighted the benefits for smartphone manufacturers investing in Uganda, citing the growing demand in a market of 50 million people. Furthermore, he suggested that Uganda could serve as a gateway to the African continent and its 1.4 billion population.
The minister expressed the government’s support for technological innovation, stating, “We support the innovation and the government has deliberately promoted the policy of legalizing communications and airwaves. So far, we have since moved from traditional means of communication and have created space for innovations and technologies in Uganda so that we move with the rest of the world in this era of digital transformation. Continue making the innovations and technologies and we are ready to embrace all these cutting-edge technologies including these devices.”
The call for multinational smartphone manufacturers to establish assembly plants in Africa is becoming increasingly common. The goal is not only to create local jobs but also to reduce smartphone costs and increase affordability for the population.
In line with this trend, Kenya commissioned a smartphone assembly plant last October. The plant is expected to produce between 1.2 and 1.4 million smartphones annually, with retail cost at 7,500 Kenyan shillings ($46.58). Earlier that year, Angola signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s ZTE to establish a mobile phone factory, set to be operational this year.
It’s worth noting that, according to DataReportal, Uganda is projected to have 30.55 million active mobile subscriptions in 2023, accounting for 63.8% of the total population.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
While the digital economy booms elsewhere, the Central African Republic (CAR) faces a persistent challenge in bridging its own digital divide. Yet, amidst ongoing national struggles, the government is actively taking steps to equip young people with the digital skills they need to thrive in the global job market.
In a significant push towards a digital future, President Faustin Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic (CAR) inaugurated a state-of-the-art digital training center and incubator at the University of Bangui on Monday, January 15. This launch coincided with the official nationwide rollout of broadband internet for the first time in the country.
Financed jointly by the European Union and the African Development Bank (ADB), the center aims to equip young people with the skills and tools to drive the creation of jobs and economic diversification through the burgeoning digital sector.
"This center marks a new chapter for fiber optic development in the Central African Republic. Its completion paves the way for high-speed internet access and positions CAR to become a smart nation, recognizing that internet access is a cornerstone of national development," stated the Prime Minister’s office.
The initiative forms part of CAR's national fiber optic backbone project, a key component of the broader Central African Backbone (CAB) program. Alongside the training center, the project encompasses a cybersecurity and electronic certification platform as well as technical assistance for the Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications in establishing the Central African Digital Development Agency, which will spearhead the nation's digital strategy implementation.
The new center boasts cutting-edge equipment, including a training room, technical facilities, offices, an incubator, a database processing lab, and more. This infrastructure will empower young Central Africans to design, develop, and market digital products addressing the population's needs.
Samira Njoya
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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