Japanese firm NEC Corporation has announced a new collaboration program targeting African startups, aimed at developing practical solutions with a focus on agriculture and food security. NEC will run pilot tests with these startups to assess the viability of their solutions. The most promising ventures could secure funding and scale up by 2027, supported by a network of international partners.
Botswana has launched a $64 million fund to support tech startups across Southern Africa. The fund will support young companies at every stage, from early-stage ideas to full-scale growth. An initial $6.4 million tranche has already been allocated. The project draws on private investors and industry experts, with the Botswana Innovation Hub providing hands-on support to participating businesses.
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Senegal plans to train hundreds of engineers and thousands of youths in cloud computing for Dakar 2026.
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The government partnered with Alibaba to build a sovereign cloud infrastructure for the event.
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The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to develop local digital skills and data sovereignty.
Senegal is partnering with Alibaba Group to train engineers and thousands of young people in cloud computing, as the country prepares to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.
The government plans to train around 100 engineers and several thousand young people in cloud-related skills to support the digital infrastructure required for the Games. Alioune Sall, minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, announced the initiative, according to the Agence sénégalaise de presse.
The project relies on a partnership with Alibaba Group, which will support the deployment of a sovereign cloud infrastructure designed to host critical data for the event.
Authorities are building the cloud platform to meet high standards of availability and scalability. The infrastructure will handle sensitive data linked to the Games and support applications for accreditation, administration and visitor management.
Moreover, the platform will serve as a training base to develop local expertise capable of operating and maintaining the systems over time.
“The training will start very soon. It has not started yet because we have just completed the deployment of physical infrastructure in the data centers. We received the equipment, we installed it, and Senegalese and Chinese engineers working at Alibaba tested it to verify mirroring and redundancy,”Alioune Sall said.
Senegal will host the Youth Olympics in Dakar from October 31 to November 13, 2026, marking the first time the event takes place in Africa.
In addition to sports infrastructure, the event requires robust digital systems to manage data, accreditations and administrative services. Authorities are finalizing several digital applications, including tools to facilitate entry procedures and manage visitor flows.
The initiative aligns with the “New Deal technologique,” Senegal’s digital roadmap launched in 2025 to position the country as a regional technology hub.
The strategy prioritizes data sovereignty, digital skills development and the creation of a competitive digital economy. It targets the training of 100,000 digital graduates, including 90% certified experts, and aims to host 100% of sensitive data within the country.
Beyond the Youth Olympics, authorities aim to leverage these investments to build a sustainable digital ecosystem. The training of engineers and technicians will reduce reliance on foreign expertise and strengthen local capacity.
As a result, Senegal seeks to establish a domestically controlled digital infrastructure capable of supporting new services and attracting technology investment.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Senegal inaugurated its first UniPod innovation hub at Diamniadio in partnership with UNDP.
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The initiative aims to transform universities into engines of startups, innovation and job creation.
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The government targets 500 tech startups and 150,000 direct jobs under its long-term strategy.
Senegal has launched its first University Innovation and Technology Hub (UniPod) in Diamniadio, marking a shift toward positioning higher education institutions as key drivers of innovation and economic growth.
Authorities inaugurated the UniPod on April 27 in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. Daouda Ngom, minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Alioune Sall, minister of Communication, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, formalized the initiative.
Avec l’inauguration de l’UniPod à l’Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow et le lancement de « Sénégal Digital Factory : de l’idée au produit », ce lundi 27 avril 2026, le Sénégal accélère sa transformation numérique avec une ambition claire : passer de l’idée à l’impact.
— SALL Alioune (@SALLAlioune20) April 27, 2026
Dans un… pic.twitter.com/PfLTDVLlW7
The hub operates within Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow and serves as a co-creation space that brings together students, researchers, startups and private sector actors. The facility includes prototyping and experimentation infrastructure designed to support digital solutions in sectors such as health, agriculture and education. Moreover, the Diamniadio site will host a pan-African EdTech hub, strengthening its role in the regional innovation ecosystem.
The launch forms part of the “Sénégal Digital Factory” program, which aims to build a nationwide network of innovation hubs. Authorities plan to replicate similar structures in Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis to expand access to technological infrastructure and reduce regional disparities. This rollout reflects a broader effort to decentralize innovation capacity and support balanced territorial development.
Beyond infrastructure, the government aims to reposition universities as central actors in economic production. Authorities want higher education institutions to generate solutions for public administrations and private companies. In addition, the strategy seeks to transform universities into incubators for entrepreneurs and technology startups, thereby strengthening the link between education, innovation and employment.
This initiative aligns with the “Sénégal 2050” strategy and the “New Deal technologique,” which identify innovation as a key driver of growth and technological sovereignty. The government targets the creation of more than 500 certified technology startups and approximately 150,000 direct jobs in the coming years, underscoring the scale of its digital transformation ambitions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Oracle plans to launch cloud services in Kenya in the coming months.
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Kenya targets cloud adoption as a strategic priority under its 2024 Cloud Policy.
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Cloud adoption in Kenya stands at 26%, with projected economic impact rising sharply by 2033.
In this context, Oracle Corporation plans to introduce cloud services in Kenya that will allow governments, businesses and individuals to access applications and store data online through remote servers, without relying on local infrastructure.
A delegation from Oracle Corporation, led by Annick Sakho, head of government affairs for Africa, met last week with William Kabogo Gitau, Kenya’s minister of Information, Communication and Digital Economy.
The meeting forms part of broader cooperation efforts by Kenyan authorities to support ongoing digital transformation. As a result, Oracle expects to make its cloud services commercially available in the coming months.
The planned cloud infrastructure will provide end-to-end integrated capabilities to support efficient and reliable operations. It will also stimulate innovation and enable a transition beyond “software-as-a-service (SaaS)” toward more comprehensive digital solutions.
At the same time, Kenya is positioning cloud computing as a strategic priority. The government aims to use cloud adoption to drive innovation, improve service delivery and optimize resource management across public institutions and organizations. According to the “Kenya Cloud Policy” adopted in 2024, cloud computing reduces infrastructure and maintenance costs while improving efficiency and service responsiveness.
Moreover, the policy emphasizes the role of cloud technologies in accelerating innovation, strengthening data security, improving system scalability and enhancing inter-institutional collaboration. It also highlights cloud computing as a tool for international openness by facilitating cross-border data flows.
A report by Telecom Advisory Services LLC, published in September 2023, shows that cloud adoption among organizations in Kenya stands at 26%, compared with 49% in Eastern Europe and North America.
The report estimates that cloud adoption contributed 12.9 billion Kenyan shillings (about $100 million), or 0.08% of GDP, to the Kenyan economy in 2021. It projects that this contribution could reach 1,400 billion shillings by 2033, equivalent to 0.56% of GDP.
These growth prospects create opportunities for Oracle Corporation as it expands its cloud operations in Africa. The company currently operates 51 cloud regions across 26 countries, with a limited presence on the continent concentrated in South Africa.
However, Oracle plans to extend its footprint by launching new cloud regions in Morocco and Kenya, reinforcing its long-term strategy in emerging markets.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Burundi introduced BurundiPay, enabling real-time 24/7 payments across banks and mobile wallets.
- The platform ensures full interoperability between financial institutions and payment providers.
- The World Bank-backed system positions Burundi among 22 African countries with instant payment infrastructure.
Banque de la République du Burundi launched the national instant payment system “BurundiPay” on April 23 in Bujumbura, aiming to modernize financial transactions, expand financial inclusion and reduce cash reliance.
The bank designed BurundiPay to streamline transactions and strengthen financial inclusion. The system enables users to transfer money and make payments in real time, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, from both bank accounts and mobile wallets.
BurundiPay introduces full interoperability across the financial ecosystem. The platform connects commercial banks, microfinance institutions and payment service providers within a single network, allowing seamless transactions across previously siloed systems.
As a result, the system eliminates constraints such as the need to withdraw cash before transferring funds between different institutions. This shift simplifies user experience and improves transaction efficiency across the market. The platform relies on international standards, including ISO 20022, ensuring high security levels and compatibility with global financial systems.
Moreover, BurundiPay integrates with existing national infrastructure, including real-time gross settlement systems and automated clearing houses. This integration strengthens the overall payment architecture and enhances system reliability.
BurundiPay emphasizes accessibility to support mass adoption. The platform operates on both smartphones and basic mobile phones via USSD codes, addressing limited internet penetration, which official data places at around 30%. This inclusive approach aims to extend financial services to underserved populations, particularly in rural areas where banking access remains low.
World Bank supported the project through the Digital Economy Foundations Support Project (PAFEN). This backing places Burundi among 22 African countries that have deployed instant payment infrastructure.
Consequently, the initiative aligns with broader continental trends, where financial digitalization acts as a key driver of economic transformation. The success of BurundiPay will depend on adoption by market participants and end users. Its rollout could accelerate financial integration, support digital commerce growth and improve transparency of financial flows.
Therefore, the system could play a central role in advancing Burundi’s economic modernization and growth ambitions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Algeria has launched a national artificial intelligence training program to develop local skills and support start-ups.
- Authorities aim to train up to 500,000 ICT specialists under a broader digital transformation strategy.
- The program combines intensive training with practical projects and incubation support.
Algeria has stepped up efforts to build skills in emerging technologies as artificial intelligence expands across industries. Nacima Arhab and Noureddine Ouadah launched the national artificial intelligence training program on April 26 at the El Rahmania National Specialized Vocational Training Institute in Algiers.
Authorities said the initiative aims to position local skills as a central driver of adaptation to technological change and development of the knowledge economy. The program seeks to train, within short timeframes, professionals who can integrate into the digital environment and design solutions tailored to business and domestic market needs.
Intensive, Practice-Oriented Training
Moreover, the program relies on a practice-based learning model. The training cycle lasts 12 weeks, including eight weeks of intensive coursework and four weeks dedicated to real-world projects. Authorities launched a train-the-trainers program on January 15, 2026 to ensure instructional quality.
This approach aims to align training with market realities and accelerate workforce readiness. Participants work on real use cases, often in collaboration with start-ups, while using the latest artificial intelligence tools and models.
National Strategy to Accelerate Digital Skills
Furthermore, the initiative forms part of a forthcoming national digital transformation strategy that authorities plan to roll out in the near term. The strategy targets the training of up to 500,000 ICT specialists and aims to significantly reduce brain drain among qualified talent.
In this context, Algeria seeks to strengthen its technological sovereignty and capture a larger share of value generated by artificial intelligence. Authorities target AI contributions of up to nearly 7% of GDP by 2027. To support this ambition, they are deploying multiple levers, including dedicated financing mechanisms, the development of centers of excellence and broader access to digital technologies.
Beyond training, the program fits into a broader strategy to structure an innovation ecosystem. In this regard, authorities have inaugurated a business incubator within the institute to support project holders and foster the creation of technology start-ups.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Winich Farms links farmers directly with buyers, eliminating intermediaries in the supply chain.
- The platform combines logistics, aggregation, and secure digital payments for producers.
- The company provides financing, inputs, and storage solutions to boost agricultural productivity.
Riches Attai, Winner Attai, and Chichebem Jibunoh founded Winich Farms in 2019. The company operates a digital platform that links farmers with traders, processors, and businesses. This model removes intermediaries, which often drive up prices and reduce farmers’ incomes.
The platform relies on a network of field agents who collect agricultural produce directly from farmers. The company then aggregates these products in dedicated centers, where teams verify quality before delivery to buyers. This process ensures higher product standards and more efficient distribution.
Winich Farms extends its offering beyond logistics by providing practical services that improve farmers’ daily operations. The company delivers direct and secure payments through a dedicated card that also enables crop storage, cash withdrawals, and access to financing solutions.
In addition, the platform supplies essential agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, crop protection products, and equipment. The company also offers financing options that allow farmers to scale their activities by using their harvests as collateral.
Riches Attai graduated from the University of Benin in Nigeria with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2016. He served as chief executive officer of Attai’s Consumption from 2016 to 2018, where he focused on repackaging African beans. He later leveraged this experience to build and expand Winich Farms.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- MedSen digitizes and centralizes student health records to replace fragmented paper-based systems.
- The platform enables real-time monitoring of school health data at local, regional, and national levels.
- Founder Ndeye-Talla Dioum brings experience from European tech and financial institutions to scale the solution.
Ndeye-Talla Dioum, a Senegalese computer engineer and entrepreneur, founded and leads MedSen, a company that leverages technology to improve student health monitoring nationwide. She launched the company in 2021 to address persistent inefficiencies in school healthcare delivery.
MedSen offers a digital platform dedicated to school health, with the stated goal of ensuring equitable access to care for every child. The company built its solution on a critical observation: despite the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990, “the school health system remains fragmented, relying largely on manual processes and paper records,” the startup said.
The platform aggregates each student’s health information into a single digital record. It compiles health assessments, vaccination records, medical consultations, and referrals into one system. As a result, stakeholders gain a unified and structured view of each child’s medical history.
In addition, MedSen integrates real-time monitoring tools that provide a comprehensive overview of school health indicators at local, regional, and national levels. These tools allow decision-makers to track trends, allocate resources, and respond more effectively to emerging health needs.
MedSen also supports the planning and monitoring of preventive health initiatives, including vaccination campaigns and screenings for vision, hearing, oral health, and nutrition. The platform strengthens coordination by streamlining communication between schools and school health services through a request and intervention management system.
Consequently, the solution improves both preventive care delivery and operational efficiency within the school health ecosystem.
Ndeye-Talla Dioum earned an engineering degree in information technology from CentraleSupélec in France in 2010. She started her career the same year as a software research and development engineer at Amadeus IT Group.
She later joined Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg in 2016 as a business analyst and developer. In 2017, she moved to Banque Internationale à Luxembourg as an IT business analyst. From 2018 to 2021, she worked as a functional and IT analyst at BNP Paribas Cardif. She subsequently leveraged this international experience to build and scale MedSen.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Safiri offers a mobility marketplace that digitizes ticket booking across multiple transport modes.
- The platform integrates real-time tracking and logistics services, including parcel delivery.
- Founders aim to formalize and modernize a fragmented, largely offline transport sector.
Safiri operates as a digital solution developed by a Tanzanian startup. The platform positions itself as a mobility marketplace that allows travelers to search, compare, and book tickets for multiple transport modes, including buses, trains, boats, and airplanes, directly through a mobile application.
The company aims to simplify a process that physical ticket purchases still dominate, often creating long queues and uncertainty for passengers. The startup, based in Dar es Salaam, was founded in 2020 by Abraham Itule and Justine Nsemwa.
“We enable you to reach your destination by providing real-time information on your means of transport and other transport-related insights. In terms of accessibility, we remove the need for physical travel to ticket offices and allow you to purchase tickets online. No more long queues at the counter,” the startup said.
Safiri provides a mobile application available on iOS and Android platforms. The application has recorded more than 10,000 downloads on Google Play Store, according to platform data. This adoption reflects growing demand for digital mobility solutions in the region.
Beyond ticket booking, Safiri integrates real-time tracking features that allow users to monitor their journeys and check transport arrival times. The platform also offers logistics services, including parcel delivery and tracking, thereby expanding its value proposition beyond passenger transport.
Safiri positions itself as a comprehensive management tool for transport operators. The platform enables companies to digitize sales, manage schedules, track vehicles, and centralize operations through a single interface. As a result, operators can improve efficiency and increase revenues in a sector that remains under-digitized.
In a fragmented market where information remains dispersed, Safiri aims to become a single entry point for organizing travel. Over time, the platform seeks to play a central role in modernizing transport across Africa by combining service digitization, supply aggregation, and improved user experience.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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From June 17 to 20, Viva Technology marks its 10th anniversary at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, bringing together 180,000 participants, 14,000 startups and 3,600 investors. The event gathers the global tech ecosystem around artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital health and sustainability, aiming to drive innovation, partnerships and investment.
From April 27 to 30, 2026, the Connected Africa Summit is bringing together more than 1,500 policymakers, innovators and tech leaders from 30 countries in Nairobi. This year’s theme — "Shaping The Future of a Connected Africa: Unlocking Growth Beyond Connectivity" — highlights discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital identity and digital public infrastructure, with a focus on turning ideas into concrete action to support economic development across the continent.
On June 29-30, 2026, the Global AI Show will gather more than 10,000 participants in Riyadh under the theme “AI 2030: Accelerating Intelligent Futures.” More than 100 speakers will discuss machine learning, robotics, and sector-specific applications with policymakers, startups, and investors. The event aims to advance artificial intelligence innovation across the region and beyond.
- Wuilt enables users to create fully functional websites and e-commerce stores within minutes without coding skills.
- The platform targets Africa’s fast-growing digital commerce sector with a simplicity-first approach.
- Founder Ahmed Rostom leverages a background in digital marketing to scale an all-in-one online business solution.
Ahmed Rostom, an Egyptian entrepreneur, co-founded and leads Wuilt, an online platform that allows individuals and businesses to build their web presence quickly and easily.
Rostom founded Wuilt in 2019 and designed the platform around an ultra-simple model. Users enter basic information about their activity, and the system generates a ready-to-use website within minutes. The platform requires no programming or design skills.
Wuilt offers two main types of digital products. First, it provides standard websites that showcase a business, services, or personal brand. Second, it delivers online stores that enable users to sell products, manage orders, and process payments. The platform presents all features through an intuitive interface that targets both beginners and experienced users.
Wuilt supplies predefined templates that users can customize by editing text, adding images, and publishing content. The platform also integrates operational tools that help users manage their online activity on a daily basis.
Users can add products, organize collections, track orders, and administer their stores from both computers and smartphones. In addition, Wuilt includes search engine optimization features that enhance online visibility.
The platform also handles hosting, domain names, and data security. As a result, it removes technical constraints and allows users to focus on business operations.
Before launching Wuilt, Rostom co-founded Vertex Advertising in 2013, a company specializing in digital marketing. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from October 6 University in 2008.
Rostom started his career in 2007 as a sales agent at Amecho Tech in Cairo. He later worked as a sales manager between 2010 and 2013 at eRankings and Quad Solutions, two digital marketing firms.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum