News (1580)
ICT plays a central role in the digital transformation that is a priority for many governments worldwide. To accelerate the realization of their digital ambitions, countries are exploring avenues for collaboration.
The Angolan government announced on June 27 the start of tests on a fiber optic connection with Zambia. The Minister of Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Social Communication, Mário Oliveira (pictured), told the press about the tests during the visit of a parliamentary delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
According to the minister, the tests align with Angola's objective of becoming a telecom hub. A few days before the tests began, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding to boost their cooperation in the field of fiber optics and space technology.
In this context, the minister stated that the country will provide satellite services to Zambia and South Africa in the coming months, specifically in the areas of agriculture, migration control, infrastructure, and the environment.
To achieve these goals, the minister called on financial partners who could support the strengthening of cooperation. "Without money, nothing can be done, but with the support of all, we can create robust systems for the continent and the world," said Mário Oliveira.
The new fiber optic connection will promote digital inclusion by improving traffic in the region and reducing the costs of accessing high-speed Internet in both countries. These efforts reflect the gradual progress the country is making in achieving its telecommunications objectives and promoting regional connectivity.
Samira Njoya
The evolving digital landscape in Africa is creating opportunities for governments to generate revenues for the development of their countries. These changes highlight the commitment of governments to keeping pace with the rapid growth of the digital economy.
On Monday, June 26, President Ruto signed Kenya’s Finance Bill 2023 into law. This new law brings significant changes to the digital economy, affecting digital content creators, crypto traders, and digital lenders. Effective July 1, 2023, the bill introduces new tax implications and regulations.
Digital content creators will now be taxed on their earnings from digital content, with a 1.5% withholding tax applied to their income. This expansion aims to include various forms of electronically offered content, such as advertisements, sponsorships, subscriptions, and merchandise sales, within the scope of taxation.
Crypto traders face the introduction of a digital asset tax (DAT) on earnings obtained from the transfer or trade of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Platform owners will deduct 3% of the digital asset's value, with non-resident owners required to remit the tax within 24 hours after deduction. The short period for deductions and the taxation of turnover rather than gains may pose challenges for crypto traders.
The bill also broadens the definition of 'fees' to cover charges associated with lending activities by digital lenders. This means that all costs linked to digital lending transactions, including fees charged by digital lending apps, will be subject to excisable duty. Consequently, borrowing from digital lending platforms may become more expensive.
Kenya's Finance Bill 2023 represents the country's adaptation to the evolving digital landscape, aiming to capture revenue and ensure fairness. Industry players must adjust their practices and business models accordingly to comply with the new regulations.
Digital Service Tax (DST) is a tax imposed on income generated from services offered through a digital marketplace (a platform facilitating electronic interactions between buyers and sellers). It was introduced in the Finance Act 2020. The rate of DST is 1.5% of the gross transaction value, which includes payments received for digital services and commissions or fees paid to digital marketplace providers for platform usage.
These changes highlight Kenya's commitment to keeping pace with the rapid growth of the digital economy and aligning its regulatory framework with global trends.
Hikmatu Bilali
African governments are embracing technology to revolutionize healthcare and enhance living standards.
Fujifilm South Africa and Uni Medical Supplies are collaborating to enhance healthcare in Namibia through the implementation of Fujifilm's advanced Synapse Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) platforms. This deployment is the country's largest and has transformative potential for healthcare services.
The project, launched Tuesday, June 27 connects geographically distant hospitals, including Katutura State, Onandjokwe State, Oshakati State, Rundu Intermediate, and Windhoek Central Hospitals, through the innovative Synapse RIS/PACS system.
Taro Kawano, Managing Director of Fujifilm South Africa, expressed optimism about the platform's impact on Namibian citizens' health. “We thank the Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services for seeing the value of this platform and the benefits it holds for the country’s healthcare system,” he said.
The Synapse RIS/PACS system efficiently manages radiological information, streamlining appointment scheduling and reporting. Doctors can remotely access and diagnose patients using digital storage of imagery, such as CT scans and X-rays, on the PACS system. Additionally, four out of five hospitals have implemented Fujifilm's cutting-edge REiLI artificial intelligence (AI) platform, which provides advanced detection capabilities for breast and chest abnormalities, assisting radiologists in conducting further examinations.
The immediate availability of data and imagery enables accurate and timely diagnoses, eliminating distance barriers for healthcare services in remote areas. Fujifilm's Synapse RIS and PACS platforms have a successful track record globally.
In that light, Namibia's healthcare system is set to undergo a remarkable transformation with this project. The collaboration between Fujifilm South Africa and Uni Medical Supplies promises improved healthcare services, enhanced patient care, and a more connected healthcare network throughout the country.
Uni Medical Supplies, a Namibian-owned company, delivers affordable, high-quality medical products directly to customers while prioritizing customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. Meanwhile, FUJIFILM South Africa (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, serves the Sub-Saharan region with a diverse range of award-winning products, including Photographic Film and Paper, Film and Digital Cameras, Photofinishing Products, Healthcare Systems, Graphic Systems, and Data Management Systems.
Hikmatu Bilali
The rapid advancements in technology, surging data consumption, and the deployment of 4G and 5G networks in Africa intensify the need for telecom infrastructures. In response, the government and international partners are working diligently to address these needs within the digital transformation landscape.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) loaned $60 million to telecom tower manager Eastcastle Infrastructure. This was made public in a press release issued on Monday, June 26. The funds will be used to enhance digital connectivity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the least connected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Expressing his satisfaction with the IFC's investment, Peter Lewis, Co-founder and Director of Eastcastle Infrastructure Ltd., said: "We are delighted that following their equity investment in Eastcastle, the IFC has made $60 million in long-term financing available to our operations in the DRC. Together with the $34 million from Standard Bank of South Africa, this will enable us to surpass 1,000 towers in the DRC."
According to the release, the funding includes $30 million from IFC and an additional $30 million mobilized from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF). This is in line with Eastcastle's strategy to construct a maximum number of shared towers in the DRC. The main goal is to promote the digital economy in the region.
Back in 2021, the IFC had provided financing to support Eastcastle’s growth plans in Sub-Saharan Africa. Now with the new financing, the company will be able to lease its new towers to mobile network operators and other digital service providers in the DRC, thus helping expand their coverage, reduce operating costs, and minimize energy consumption through infrastructure sharing.
It is worth noting that the DRC has 48.4 million mobile phone subscribers. According to the latest data from the Regulatory Authority for Post and Telecommunications of Congo (ARPTC), the rate of penetration is 50.9%. However, the number of mobile internet users stands at 22.6 million, with a penetration rate of 23.8%. The expansion of Eastcastle's telecom towers network will improve the quality and coverage of telecom services in the country.
Samira Njoya
Kenya has introduced its digital sex offender registry as part of ongoing digitization efforts across all sectors, including the justice system. By doing so, the government aims to significantly reduce sexual assaults on women and children and facilitate the identification of perpetrators.
On Monday 26, Martha Koome, the Chief Justice of Kenya, unveiled the country's first digital sex offender registry at the Kibera Law Courts. The registry comprises a comprehensive database containing crucial information about convicted sex offenders.
11. The Register, established under the Sexual Offences Act, serves as a crucial database, holding the records of all convicted offenders. By automating this Register, we will ensure easy access to information on convicted sex offenders, facilitating expedited justice. pic.twitter.com/OW7FArbZvC
— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) June 26, 2023
During this ceremony, she stated: "The implementation of the automated registry is a vital tool for protecting the public from sex offenders. By providing accessible information, we empower individuals to take necessary precautions and create an environment that discourages such offenses."
In recent years, Kenya faced an upsurge in sexual offenses. This created so many challenges to the safety and well-being of its citizens. The digital registry will bolster government efforts against this menace.
Before this action, the government took some measures to fight sexual offenses in Kenya. In 2008 for example, Legal Notice No. 133, supplementing the Sexual Offenses Act, mandated the director of the Criminal Investigations Department to establish a DNA database of dangerous sex offenders.
This digital tool will be useful for key stakeholders in Kenya's justice system in tracking and monitoring sex offenders after their release from prison. It will also help the public to access information about sex offenders residing in their neighborhoods. Thus, they can take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their children.
Through this, Kenya joins other countries that have implemented sex offender registries. In 2007, South Africa established a similar registry. Unfortunately, it is kept confidential and not open to the public.
Samira Njoya
Africa's youth-dominated population presents a prime opportunity for the continent to emerge as a digital hub. Governments are actively tapping into this valuable resource to drive progress and foster economic development.
Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima, unveiled on Monday June 26, a plan to generate one million digital jobs for the youth. During talks with a Korean delegation led by Special Envoy Jang Sungmin (photo), he stressed the importance of strategic collaborations to achieve this objective.
Reaffirming Nigeria's commitment to bolstering ties with Korea, Shettima highlighted the potential for learning from Korea's successes in manufacturing and agriculture. The Vice President also pointed out that with 75% of Nigerians under the age of 35, Nigeria sees an opportunity to address global talent deficits, while also emphasizing the need for Korea's assistance in digital skills training and technology support. “We need the skills set, we need the technology to drive the process and yours is a technology that we can embrace,” he said.
The Nigerian government, focusing on security and economic development, expressed its commitment to supporting Korean businesses operating in the country and creating a favorable business environment for foreign investors.
The partnership between Nigeria and Korea in skills training and technology support is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government's target of one million digital jobs. This collaboration opens doors not only to addressing talent shortages but also to Nigeria's integration into the global digital landscape.
According to the "Africa's Development Dynamics 2022: Regional Value Chains for a Sustainable Recovery" report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, “Africa's thriving digital sector presents an opportunity for governments to drive post-COVID-19 growth. By promoting the adoption of digital technologies, and data sharing [… ], African countries can expedite economic transformation and generate productive employment, aligning with the African Union Agenda 2063 aspirations.”
Hikmatu Bilali
In May, Algeria inaugurated six digital platforms to enhance the skills of students and teachers, as well as digitize university services. In the same vein, 11 platforms have just been launched.
Last Saturday, Algeria inaugurated eleven new digital platforms dedicated to teaching, research, and university services. This brings the number of digital platforms dedicated to the higher education sector to 46.
According to Minister of Higher Education Kamel Baddari who inaugurated the eleven platforms, the platforms will be developed based on identified needs. In early May, he launched six platforms. One platform is an electronic one-stop-shop, another for documentation, while others are created to authenticate graduates’ documents, public medical research, and manage university incubators.
They are launched in line with the main digital plan for the scientific research sector under the 42+4 electronic platforms program. This program involves the launch of 42 platforms for teaching and research, and 4 others for the management of university services such as transport, accommodation, and catering.
For Minister Kamel Baddari, the sectoral plan aimed at addressing 12 challenges has seven strategic programs, which are 80% completed. The program runs from November 2022 to December 2024.
Samira Njoya
Senegal is working hard to fully digitize its healthcare system. To achieve its objectives quickly, the government has turned to the World Bank for financial support.
The Senegalese government has allocated CFAF30 billion ($49.8 million) of World Bank financing to its national health digitization system PDSS. The information was disclosed by Dr. Ibrahima Khaliloulah Dia, coordinator of the Health and Welfare Map and Digital Health Unit CSSDOS, at a recent information workshop in Thiès.
The digital system is a user-focused platform. “...it will host your online medical data, scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), and check-ups. So it's an important tool. These data can be stored on secure servers to help patients coordinate their care. A patient can have their medical file following them, which circulates securely in a national database and this is a great added value for the patient because there will be savings, such as x-rays that need not be repeated but also, it will have better support,” said Dr. Dia.
Since 2017, Senegal has been digitizing its healthcare system. Several actions have been taken to completely transform the sector. Recently, a draft orientation law on digital health was finalized and sent to the government's general secretariat for implementation. Among other things, the bill covers telemedicine, patient records, data hosting, and management.
The CFAF30 billion dedicated will be used to build, equip, connect, and interconnect the country's hospitals. According to Dr. Ibrahima Khaliloulah Dia, the funding will only cover part of the vast project. Senegal has 1,500 health posts, 110 health centers, and 40 hospitals that will have to be digitized. In its initial phase, 20 health centers will be involved, and 1.5 million patients, 50% of them women, will benefit from the shared patient record (DPP).
The PDSS is part of the Senegal Digital Economy Acceleration Project (PAENS) financed by the World Bank to the tune of $150 million.
Samira Njoya
Amidst surging crime rates, the Ugandan government is leveraging technology to bolster security and safeguard its citizens. However, these efforts encounter significant obstacles that must be addressed. Striking a balance between public safety and stakeholder concerns is now a pressing task for the government.
The Ugandan government is planning to introduce digital number plates, starting on July 1, 2023, and car owners will be required to pay shs735,000 ($199.6) for each plate.
A digital number plate is a type of number plate that uses RFID (radio frequency identification) tagging. They feature a chip that stores vehicle-specific information such as insurance, tax, and journey records serving as a means of instant identification, tracking, and monitoring.
The decision comes in response to the increasing crime rate in the country. To address the issue, President Museveni discussed the potential of improving security measures by equipping boda bodas (motorcycle taxis commonly found in East Africa) and other vehicles with GPS tracking devices. He mentioned this during his address to the parliament on the state of security in the country, in June 2018.
The government's decision has, however, faced criticism from many citizens including the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), who deem it rushed and highlight the lack of sufficient stakeholder engagement. Established and registered in 2001, KACITA is a business support association in Uganda with a mandate that encompasses the entire country.
KACITA chairman, Musoke Thadeus Nagenda (photo), expressed his concerns about the decision. While addressing journalists on Wednesday, Nagenda stated, "Having thoroughly analyzed and studied what the new registration process entails, the consumers of the service, and all the players in the chain, we think this is rushed. There hasn't been any form of sensitization of consumers and stakeholders. We realized that there were no stakeholder engagements at most levels. The implication of this is that the July 1, 2023 implementation date is too soon, and if implemented, this will cause a lot of business stampede as well as public outcry."
The Kampala City Traders Association also mentioned the high cost and unfair payment structure of the number plates compared to cheaper plates in Kenya with similar security features, citing the price as exorbitant and unreasonable.
KACITA then raised issues related to administrative procedures, practicality, data protection, and security risks associated with live location tracking, recommending a phased implementation starting with government vehicles, the establishment of fitment centers nationwide, and training for local players involved in plate installation and maintenance.
The association also advises against rushing the project and proposes an additional year for piloting and phased implementation to address concerns, ensure public sensitization, and protect privacy rights and small-scale businesses. “Comprehensive planning, stakeholder involvement, and transparency are crucial for a successful rollout of the digital number plate system. The government must address these concerns for an inclusive implementation benefiting all stakeholders,” it adds.
Hikmatu Bilali
Gabon's digital transformation policy provides for the construction and creation of several digital entities and infrastructures. The plan has attracted several players that are already making proposals to support the country in its implementation.
On Thursday, June 22, Gabon's digital minister Jean Pierre Doukaga Kassa granted an audience to representatives of Chinese company China Investment Holding. The team, led by Donghu Liu, the company's General Manager for Africa, expressed interest in working with the Gabonese government on a number of digital projects.
The Chinese business leader offered his company’s support in segments like "smart forest management (reforestation, remote sensing, and satellite management), the creation of an intelligent forest industry park (digital management)," the ministry in charge of the digital economy reported on social networks.
The group also expressed its interest in establishing a win-win partnership for the launch of a satellite and the construction of a precise proprietary-based ground station that would be so precise that the whole territory will be covered with radio, television, Internet, and electronic communications networks.
The Chinese company's interest comes in the wake of Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba's visit to China, during which he called on members of the government to strengthen business relations between Libreville and Beijing. It also comes at a time when Gabon is working to further develop its digital sector to greatly facilitate the transformation of its economy. Since 2009, through the Plan Stratégique Gabon Emergent (PSGE), the government is working to make Gabon a reference in the African digital sector by 2025.
Responding to requests from his visitors, the Minister for the Digital Economy announced that the "smart forest" projects are already being carried out by Gabon’s space agency AGEOS. He then instructed officials to pursue technical exchanges with the partner.
China Investment Holding is active in two main digital fields: satellite communications and drone analytics solutions for natural resource management.
Samira Njoya
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Over the past few years, Tanzania has taken steps to orbit its satellite. But, in recent months, it is stepping up initiatives to speed up the process.
Tanzania has set up a special government team to study the country’s needs in preparation for the construction of a national satellite. Its Deputy Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology Kundo Mathew said as much on Monday, June 19 at the opening of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) 2023 Annual Conference, which runs until today, Friday, June 23 in Arusha.
“...We are taking time to identify our needs for the proposed National Satellite. We are mulling the intended use for the Tanzanian Satellite, will it be just for patrolling our skies, or safeguarding our resources from the air; maybe also monitoring the country’s borders digitally?” said Minister Kundo Mathew.
“There are areas dotted with big hills and mountains where it becomes impossible for the fiber optic cables to be laid through, these are where the satellite will take over to spread digital waves,” he added.
Tanzania's announcement comes at a time when African governments are showing increasing interest in space programs and stepping up investment in the sector. According to the 2022 edition of Space In Africa's annual report on the African space industry, the value of the industry is expected to reach $22.64 billion in 2026, up from $19.49 billion in 2021. The same report indicates that African nations allocated a total of $534.9 million to space programs in 2022, compared with $523.2 million in 2021.
The satellite that the Tanzanian government plans to launch will complement the 758 communication towers erected throughout the country and the 600 others to be installed soon.
It could thus be used to improve coverage of telecoms and broadband Internet services, particularly in rural or remote areas that are hardly accessible to mobile operators. These efforts will help reduce the digital divide and improve access to education and health services. According to the latest statistics from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the country has 61.9 million cell phone subscribers and 33.1 million Internet users.
Samira Njoya
The transaction will allow GoCampus to realize its founder’s unfulfilled business goals.
Indian tech entrepreneur Vickram Sybri recently acquired the Nigerian university networking platform GoCampus for $71,000.
The platform, which connects college students, managed to connect over 370,000 users in three countries in the space of four months, becoming a thriving platform for student interaction.
In the weeks leading to the sale, the platform experienced a shutdown and other problems that prevented it from evolving. Those obstacles forced young Nigerian entrepreneur Muili Seun (photo), founder of Go Campus, to sell his platform.
“It was a tough decision to part ways with GoCampus, but I wanted to ensure its continued success and growth. The platform faced challenges due to infrastructure limitations, resulting in occasional downtime during peak periods. By selling the platform to an established tech guru, I am confident it will receive the necessary support and resources to overcome these obstacles,” he said.
GoCampus has rapidly gained in popularity. The platform has revolutionized the way students interact, enabling them to connect to exchange and share ideas on assignments and other university-related topics.
With this acquisition, Indian entrepreneur Vickram Sybri will be able to continue the work started by Muili Seun. Well-known in the Indian and international technology spheres, his company specializes in digital marketing and building a strong and influential online presence for individuals and companies.
Samira Njoya
Africa's digital revolution falls behind other continents, but governments are proactively adopting strategies to narrow the divide, drive economic growth, and accelerate the adoption of next-gen technologies.
The South African government is spearheading digital transformation through a two-step plan for analogue switch-off and digital migration. This strategic approach aims to unlock spectrum for advanced telecommunications and usher in next-generation technologies nationwide.
In the initial step, analogue services above the 694MHz band will be switched off by July 31, 2023. This action will liberate valuable spectrum, enabling enhanced connectivity and resource optimization in the evolving digital landscape.
The second step focuses on accommodating high-population areas below the 694MHz band. The deadline for switch-off in these regions is set for December 31, 2024, ensuring a seamless transition and equitable digital migration for all.
For Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, analogue switch-off plays a critical role. “This approach is accepted to be a win-win approach that will enable analogue switch-off progress, release spectrum, and allow key stakeholders to recover from post-COVID economic decline and the impact of load shedding,” he said.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will collaborate closely with industry stakeholders and the regulator, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Together, they will oversee the successful implementation of the analogue switch-off, spectrum release, and digital migration.
In support of the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting, the government has received over 1.5 million applications for government-subsidized set-top boxes (STBs) since 2015. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, late registrations will continue to receive support until the completion of the nationwide digital migration.
Installation of STBs is already underway in provinces earmarked for analogue switch-off, equipping households with the necessary devices to access digital broadcasts. Simultaneously, robust public awareness campaigns are educating the population about digital migration and its wide-ranging benefits.
Looking ahead, the government plans to intensify its awareness campaign, forging partnerships with broadcasters to amplify the digital migration message. By embracing digital technologies and facilitating a seamless transition, South Africa is poised to unlock its full digital potential, fostering economic development and empowering connectivity for all citizens.
According to a GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) report "Digital Switchover in Sub-Saharan Africa" (October 2022), DSO (Digital Switchover) presents a unique win-win situation for spectrum allocation. It expands mobile service coverage, reduces costs, and enhances TV quality for consumers. Unlike outdated analogue broadcasting, digital TV broadcasting is more efficient, allowing countries to utilize the UHF band for both mobile services and television broadcasting.
Hikmatu Bilali
With the ongoing digital transformation, African businesses need more broadband capacity to support their activities. Local and foreign companies are stepping up investments in this direction to better meet the growing demand on the continent.
Africa Data Centres (ADC), a subsidiary of pan-African digital services provider Cassava Technologies Group, has been chosen by the London Internet Exchange (LINX) as the Point of Presence (PoP) for the new East African interconnection center, LINX Nairobi.
The new partnership aims to improve connectivity and support digital growth in the region, the company announced in a statement on Wednesday, June 21.
"With LINX Nairobi, we are not only creating a hub for Kenya but for all of East Africa. The rapidly growing region has a huge demand for low latency, high speed, and improved interconnectivity. LINX Nairobi will not only serve local networks but also attract international Internet providers and hyperscalers," said Nurani Nimpuno, LINX's Global Engagement Manager.
This news comes after last month's announcement of a strategic partnership between the two organizations, ADC and LINX, to secure growth and opportunities in new markets in Africa, improve connectivity and bring digital services to citizens.
According to the press release, this new partnership will enable customers based at Africa Data Centres' Nairobi data center (NBO1) to have direct access to LINX Nairobi's new peering community via a single cross-connection. These customers will also benefit from additional services such as 24-hour support and access to the LINX portal. In addition, networks connecting to LINX Nairobi from any data center will be able to establish peering agreements, fostering a strong digital ecosystem and guaranteeing the traffic will remain local.
LINX Nairobi, due to go live in the coming weeks, is the region's first interconnected, multi-site Internet Exchange Point (IXP). The platform is designed to the same standards as LINX in the UK and USA, offering redundancy and resilience to the networks connecting to it.
Samira Njoya