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Tunisian entrepreneur Mohamed Khoueja co-founded ExpyAI in 2023 to help organizations deploy artificial intelligence tools without requiring technical expertise.
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ExpyAI uses a no-code approach that enables companies to automate tasks, build AI-powered applications and improve workflow efficiency.
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Khoueja also co-founded Kidin in 2026, an AI-powered educational platform that generates personalized stories for children.
Tunisian entrepreneur Mohamed Khoueja serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of ExpyAI, a technology platform launched in 2023. The company enables businesses to harness artificial intelligence and internal data without requiring specialized technical skills.
ExpyAI adopts a no-code approach that allows organizations to design intelligent applications, automate routine tasks and optimize operational processes. The startup aims to democratize access to artificial intelligence by addressing practical business needs, including time savings, operational efficiency and improved information management.
At the core of the platform, ExpyAI deploys intelligent agents that assist teams with a range of day-to-day functions. Organizations can customize these virtual assistants to process data, answer specific requests and reduce repetitive manual work.
In addition, ExpyAI positions itself as a tool for unlocking the value of corporate data. The platform transforms internal information flows into strategic assets, streamlines workflows and supports faster decision-making.
Khoueja launched ExpyAI as enterprises increasingly seek affordable ways to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. By eliminating the need for advanced coding expertise, the company lowers barriers to AI adoption for organizations that lack dedicated technical teams or large development budgets. The platform reflects a broader trend in the technology sector, where businesses increasingly favor low-code and no-code solutions to accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
Alongside his work at ExpyAI, Khoueja co-founded Kidin in February 2026. Kidin operates as an educational and entertainment platform that also relies on artificial intelligence technologies. The platform generates personalized content and allows children to become the central characters in their own stories.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Chadian fintech Konoom offers a digital wallet that enables money transfers, merchant payments, bill payments and other financial services through mobile, web, USSD and WhatsApp channels.
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The company targets financial inclusion by serving both smartphone users and customers with basic mobile phones in areas with limited internet connectivity.
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Konoom aims to bridge traditional financial services and digital finance in a market where cash remains dominant.
Chadian fintech Konoom is expanding access to digital financial services through a multi-channel platform that combines mobile applications, web services, USSD technology and WhatsApp integration. The company offers an electronic wallet that allows individuals and businesses to perform money transfers, merchant payments, bill payments and other financial transactions from mobile phones or computers.
Konoom launched operations in 2025 and operates from N'Djamena. Brahim Moussa Hassan leads the company as chief executive officer. The startup describes itself as a payment institution licensed by Chad’s financial authorities and the Central African Banking Commission (COBAC).
One of the platform’s distinguishing features lies in its accessibility strategy. Konoom provides services through mobile applications available on iOS and Android, a web portal, USSD codes that function without internet access and WhatsApp-based services.
The company designed this approach to reach both smartphone users and consumers who rely on basic mobile phones, particularly in regions where internet connectivity remains limited.
In addition, Konoom enables transfers between electronic wallets, bank accounts and agent networks. The platform also offers business-oriented services, including bulk payments, supplier settlements and digital payment acceptance through QR codes.
Konoom says it seeks to address financial exclusion, which continues to affect a significant share of Chad’s population. The company aims to create stronger links between traditional financial services and emerging digital financial practices.
“We want to build a modern, transparent and reliable financial ecosystem capable of supporting the needs of individuals, merchants, businesses and public institutions,” Brahim Moussa Hassan, Chief Executive Officer of Konoom, said during the platform’s launch.
The company enters a market where digital financial services continue to expand but where cash remains the dominant means of payment.
Konoom’s long-term success will depend on several operational factors. The company must expand its agent network, encourage merchants to accept digital payments and build trust among users. These challenges affect most fintech companies operating across Africa as they compete to increase adoption of digital financial services.
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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Algeria has launched a pilot version of a National Certification and Qualification Framework (CNC) to standardize and digitize the recognition of university degrees and skills.
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Authorities aim to improve graduate employability and better align higher education outcomes with labor market demands amid youth unemployment approaching 30% in 2025.
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The framework adopts internationally recognized competency-based standards and follows models already implemented in nearly 150 countries.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research announced on June 17 the rollout of the National Certification and Qualification Framework (CNC), a digital system that structures and harmonizes the recognition of university degrees.
The platform, available at cnc.mesrs.dz, aims to improve the transparency of academic programs and facilitate the recognition of qualifications at both national and international levels.
The initiative comes as Algeria seeks solutions to youth unemployment, which approached 30% in 2025, according to government figures cited by local authorities.
“This pilot version constitutes a fundamental step in establishing a transparent and reliable higher education system and aligning university training outcomes with the real needs of the national economy,” the ministry said. The ministry added that the framework should also strengthen the professional mobility of graduates.
The CNC adopts a competency-based methodology that classifies degrees according to clearly defined qualification levels. The framework evaluates academic credentials through a combination of knowledge, practical skills and behavioral competencies. The system also incorporates criteria such as autonomy, responsibility and communication abilities.
Authorities aim to provide a clearer interpretation of qualifications while creating stronger links between academic pathways and employment opportunities. More specifically, the platform describes and classifies certifications awarded by higher education institutions while establishing benchmarks that remain comparable with international standards.
The system targets students, universities and employers. It aims to simplify the interpretation of academic qualifications and improve the identification of relevant skills during recruitment processes.
The government has positioned the CNC as part of a broader effort to modernize Algeria’s higher education system. Authorities expect the framework to increase transparency, strengthen the credibility of Algerian qualifications and improve the responsiveness of educational programs to economic needs.
The ministry stated that the framework draws on methodologies already adopted in nearly 150 countries that have implemented similar systems to standardize qualifications and facilitate academic and professional mobility.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Kamal El Hardouzi co-founded Woliz in 2025 to help neighborhood retailers access digital tools and financial services.
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The platform connects merchants, consumers, consumer goods companies, banks, insurers, telecom operators, public institutions and service providers through a single ecosystem.
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Woliz aims to modernize traditional retail operations while preserving the customer relationships that underpin local commerce.
Moroccan serial entrepreneur Kamal El Hardouzi serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Woliz, a startup that aims to fully integrate neighborhood merchants into the digital economy.
Founded in 2025 alongside Ismail Amri, Othman Jabrane and Karim Hamri, Woliz combines a range of business management tools within a single platform. The company aims to help small retailers compete more effectively with large retail chains while preserving the trust-based relationships that distinguish local commerce.
The platform operates as an integrated marketplace that connects merchants, consumers, consumer goods companies, banks, insurance firms, telecom operators, public institutions and service providers.
For shop owners, Woliz simplifies daily operations by enabling sales tracking, inventory optimization and access to financial services through strategic partners.
Meanwhile, consumers gain access to promotions and loyalty programs offered by their regular neighborhood stores.
Consumer goods companies also benefit from the platform. Woliz provides greater market visibility and deeper insights into traditional retail networks. In addition, the platform enables brands to engage more efficiently with local points of sale without increasing field operations.
An International Profile Shaped by Marketing and Consumer Goods
El Hardouzi has built several ventures before launching Woliz. He also founded and leads FMCGapps, a startup that uses technology to increase sales, optimize costs and strengthen brand visibility for fast-moving consumer goods companies across traditional distribution networks. His entrepreneurial profile reflects a strong academic background.
He earned a bachelor's degree in exchange studies, market research, international marketing and consumer behavior from the University of San Diego in the United States in 2011. He also graduated from Al Akhawayn University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance and marketing in 2013 and a master's degree in international business in 2016.
El Hardouzi began his professional career in 2013 as business development and sales manager at Derichebourg Multiservices, a company specializing in outsourcing services. He took his first major step into entrepreneurship in 2017 when he founded Fenris Agency, a company specializing in marketing, events and public relations.
In parallel, Samsung Electronics recruited him between 2016 and 2017 to lead online business development and sales activities across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. That combination of experience in consumer goods, technology, marketing and distribution ultimately led him to design digital solutions tailored to African market realities.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The fifth annual Insurance Meets Tech conference will take place on September 18, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. This flagship event will bring together leaders from West Africa's insurance and technology industries. This year's conference will explore how artificial intelligence and digital innovation can help create more accessible insurance products, strengthen consumer confidence, and expand financial inclusion across the region.
The final presentation for the HealthX Catalyst incubation program will be held on Wednesday, June 24, showcasing twelve African healthcare startups. Launched by Evon Labs in partnership with the United Nations, this twelve-week initiative helps young entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into viable businesses. Participants receive funding and mentorship to scale solutions that address pressing healthcare challenges across Africa.
PaidHR has partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to support Nigerian small businesses. One hundred selected companies will receive free HR and automated payroll software for one year. The program also includes training in financial and operational management to help these businesses scale, strengthen their operations, and sustain employment.
The 2026 Laptop LLM Challenge is inviting African developers and researchers to build high-performance language models. The challenge is that these AI tools must be able to run on standard laptops, eliminating the need for expensive infrastructure. Applicants have until Friday, July 24, 2026, to register online and compete for a share of the prize pool.
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Burkina Faso has approved a national artificial intelligence roadmap for 2026-2030 to guide the development of AI solutions across key sectors.
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The strategy targets healthcare, agriculture, education, public administration, water and energy services as priority areas for AI deployment.
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The roadmap forms part of the government's broader digital transformation agenda under the RELANCE 2026-2030 Plan and the "AI for All" initiative.
Burkina Faso has taken a new step toward developing its artificial intelligence ecosystem as authorities seek to position the technology as a driver of economic and social development. Government officials approved the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap for 2026-2030 on Wednesday, June 17. The document will serve as a strategic framework for developing AI solutions tailored to the country's priorities in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education and public administration.
The roadmap identifies several priority areas where authorities plan to deploy AI-based applications over the coming years. In healthcare, the strategy promotes the development of decision-support and medical diagnostic tools. In agriculture, authorities plan to support farmers through solutions that leverage weather forecasting and data-driven insights.
The roadmap also prioritizes educational technologies designed to address local realities and improve learning outcomes for pupils and students. In addition, the strategy includes applications for the water and energy sectors. Authorities aim to use AI-powered tools to facilitate citizen reporting, improve information flows and strengthen public service management.
The roadmap forms part of the RELANCE 2026-2030 Plan and the government's "AI for All" initiative, which authorities have identified as a central pillar of Burkina Faso's digital transformation agenda.
Stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, universities, research centers, civil society organizations and development partners participated in the drafting process. As a result, the roadmap reflects a multi-stakeholder approach designed to align technological development with national development priorities.
Burkina Faso joins a growing group of African countries that have adopted dedicated artificial intelligence strategies. In recent years, countries such as Rwanda, Senegal, Benin, Egypt and Kenya have launched similar initiatives to regulate AI development, encourage innovation and strengthen digital competitiveness. Consequently, Burkina Faso's strategy aligns with a broader continental effort to establish governance frameworks for emerging technologies while capturing their economic benefits.
For Burkina Faso, the stakes extend beyond the technology sector alone. The country continues to face significant challenges related to public service delivery, agricultural productivity and skills development. Against this backdrop, authorities view artificial intelligence as a tool that can improve the effectiveness of public policies, support local innovation and facilitate the emergence of digital services adapted to national realities.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Algeria is advancing its National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2030 and is recruiting a national expert to help implement key reforms.
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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) seeks a consultant to support the High Commission for Digitalization and coordinate a technical support team.
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The eight-month assignment will focus on project monitoring, governance tools, action plans and the execution of hundreds of digitalization initiatives across the public sector.
Algeria is moving forward with its National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2030 and is seeking to strengthen the expertise supporting the initiative. In this context, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has launched a call for applications to recruit a national digital transformation expert who will also coordinate a support team tasked with assisting the implementation of ongoing reforms.
The selected consultant will support the High Commission for Digitalization (HCN) in operationalizing the National Digital Transformation Strategy. The expert will coordinate the work of mobilized specialists, support the development of priority action plans, monitor digital projects and establish management and evaluation tools designed to measure implementation progress.
Moreover, the assignment forms part of a joint project between the UNDP and the HCN aimed at accelerating the execution of Algeria’s digital transformation roadmap. The recruitment comes as Algeria seeks to translate its National Digital Transformation Strategy 2025-2030 into concrete actions.
The strategy aims to modernize public administration, improve citizen services, strengthen digital governance and expand the digital economy. To support these objectives, Algerian authorities have launched several hundred digitalization projects across government agencies and public service institutions. Consequently, authorities require specialized expertise to coordinate implementation efforts, ensure project alignment and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
The mission will run for eight months, from July 2026 to March 2027, and will cover a total of 70 working days. Interested candidates may submit applications until June 24 through the UNDP Quantum supplier portal: https://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org/.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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SoshoPay operates in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia, providing digital tools that support clean energy distribution and financing.
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The platform has supported more than 568 small and medium-sized enterprises, half of which are women-led, while tracking over $400,000 in assets.
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SoshoPay maintains a 98% payment success rate through a system that combines customer onboarding, payment monitoring and remote asset management.
Zimbabwean entrepreneur Simbarashe Gwenzi serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of SoshoPay, a technology company that develops digital tools for clean energy providers, distributors and financial institutions.
Founded in 2023 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, SoshoPay currently deploys its solutions in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia. The company enables partners to manage the entire customer journey, from initial registration to payment monitoring and equipment usage tracking. Under this model, partners retain responsibility for financing, product distribution and customer relationships.
SoshoPay integrates customer registration tools, equipment monitoring systems and analytical dashboards to streamline operations. These features give financial institutions and distributors greater visibility into customer payment behavior and consumption patterns. As a result, partners can refine their services and make more informed strategic decisions.
In addition, the platform allows partners to remotely monitor financed installations, helping them optimize technical operations and reduce operational inefficiencies. SoshoPay also offers integration tools that connect directly with clients’ existing payment systems and software infrastructure.
The company focuses on strengthening the economic capacity of small businesses and has already reported measurable results. According to information published on its corporate website, the platform has supported more than 568 small and medium-sized enterprises, including a significant share led by women. The company also tracks more than $400,000 in assets and maintains a payment success rate of 98%.
Simbarashe Gwenzi has built a career that combines expertise in finance, risk management and technology. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Zimbabwe in 2014. He later obtained a master's degree in actuarial science, risk management and insurance from the National University of Science and Technology in 2018.
Gwenzi began his professional career in 2012 as a credit risk analyst at KM Financial Solutions. He subsequently joined the insurance sector as a data analyst at Heritage Life in 2018. He then worked as a data analyst at retailer Verimark between 2020 and 2021.
Alongside his corporate career, Gwenzi pursued several entrepreneurial ventures. In 2016, he co-founded Nanosoft IT Solutions, a technology company that he led until 2021. He also founded YEC Fund, a microfinance institution that supports businesses, and currently serves as a board member of the organization.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value in Africa in 2025, equivalent to 7.8% of the continent’s GDP.
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The sector supported around 13 million jobs and contributed $45 billion in public revenues, according to the GSMA.
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Mobile operators are expected to invest more than $76 billion in network infrastructure between 2024 and 2030 to expand 5G coverage and accelerate digital adoption.
Mobile technologies and services generated $240 billion in economic value across Africa in 2025, representing 7.8% of the continent’s gross domestic product, according to a report published by the GSMA on June 16. The sector also supported approximately 13 million jobs and contributed $45 billion in government revenues, underscoring its growing role in Africa’s economic development.
In its report, The Mobile Economy Africa 2026, the GSMA said the sector’s performance reflects a broader transformation of the mobile industry beyond traditional connectivity services. Mobile operators increasingly position themselves as digital transformation partners by integrating artificial intelligence, digital services and open application programming interfaces (APIs) designed for developers. As a result, operators are expanding their role within the digital economy and supporting innovation across multiple sectors. Despite significant progress in network deployment, digital adoption continues to lag behind connectivity availability.
The GSMA reported that approximately 63% of Africans who live within mobile broadband coverage areas do not use mobile internet services. The report identified device affordability, data costs and limited digital skills as the primary barriers to adoption. Consequently, affordability remains the biggest obstacle to achieving broader digital inclusion across the continent.
The report also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in the mobile sector. Operators increasingly use AI technologies to improve network performance, optimize customer experiences and develop new digital services.
However, the GSMA noted that existing AI models remain insufficiently adapted to Africa’s linguistic diversity and local market realities. As a result, the industry continues to face challenges in developing AI solutions tailored to the continent’s specific needs. Meanwhile, mobile operators are expected to invest more than $76 billion in network infrastructure between 2024 and 2030. The investments will support 5G expansion, improve service quality and accommodate rising digital usage across Africa.
The GSMA said these investments will play a critical role in converting existing connectivity into tangible economic gains. Moreover, the organization said stronger infrastructure investment will help narrow Africa’s digital adoption gap and unlock additional value from the continent’s expanding mobile ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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South African entrepreneur Thabo Leotlela founded Synapes AI in 2024 to automate customer communication through AI-powered omnichannel chatbots.
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The platform centralizes conversations, generates sales leads and automates repetitive customer service tasks across multiple channels.
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Leotlela leverages a background in accounting and financial management to build technology solutions that improve business efficiency.
South African entrepreneur Thabo Leotlela, a trained accountant and business founder, serves as the chief executive officer and founder of Synapes AI, a technology start-up that helps organizations automate customer interactions and optimize digital communications.
Founded in 2024, Synapes AI builds its offering around intelligent omnichannel chatbots designed to streamline customer experiences. The company aims to deliver instant responses while automating repetitive interactions that frequently burden customer support and after-sales teams. By centralizing communication flows on a single interface, the platform provides continuous and consistent engagement around the clock. As a result, customers can interact with brands at any time without experiencing service interruptions.
Synapes AI positions its technology as more than a customer service solution. The platform actively supports lead generation by engaging website visitors, identifying customer needs and collecting strategic information during initial interactions. Consequently, businesses can accelerate sales prospecting efforts while improving customer engagement processes.
The company also differentiates itself through its omnichannel architecture. The platform enables conversations to move seamlessly between communication channels, such as websites and messaging applications, without losing contextual information. As a result, users maintain continuity throughout the customer journey regardless of the channel they choose.
Synapes AI automates time-consuming activities such as answering frequently asked questions, scheduling appointments and collecting basic customer information. The platform allows employees to focus on higher-value tasks by reducing administrative workloads and repetitive interactions. Consequently, organizations can improve productivity while maintaining consistent customer engagement.
Leotlela draws on extensive experience in finance and business management to develop operational efficiency solutions. He holds a professional accounting qualification from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). He began his career in 2013 with the City Lodge Hotel Group in South Africa.
He subsequently expanded his financial management experience across several organizations, including mining-sector company AMIS. He later transitioned into technology entrepreneurship, where he combined his financial expertise with emerging technologies to build digital solutions for businesses.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Guinea has launched a $393,333 Japanese-funded digital health pilot to improve maternal and neonatal healthcare access in remote areas.
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The project uses SPAQ technology developed by SOIK Corporation and combines a mobile application with portable ultrasound devices.
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The initiative aims to directly benefit more than 5,000 pregnant women and 5,000 newborns while supporting the digital transformation of Guinea’s healthcare system.
Guinea launched a digital health pilot project in Conakry on Tuesday, June 16, to improve access to maternal and neonatal healthcare services in remote communities. The Government of Japan finances the initiative with $393,333 and implements the project in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The project relies on the Japanese SPAQ technology developed by SOIK Corporation.
“By connecting a dedicated application to a portable ultrasound device, SPAQ enables healthcare providers to optimize and modernize prenatal monitoring, centralize medical results and strengthen monitoring activities in isolated areas,” Japanese Ambassador to Guinea Kato Ryuichi said. He added that the project will also deploy a mobile clinic, equip 10 healthcare facilities and train 20 midwives to use the digital solution.
The initiative aims to bring healthcare services closer to populations living in some of the country’s most remote locations. The combination of a mobile application and a portable ultrasound device will allow healthcare workers to conduct prenatal examinations, identify high-risk pregnancies more quickly and improve monitoring of both patients and newborns.
The project expects to directly benefit more than 5,000 pregnant women and an equal number of infants. The initiative comes as Guinea continues to face significant maternal and neonatal healthcare challenges. According to government authorities, the country has only one midwife for nearly 20,000 inhabitants.
At the same time, recurring floods have increased pressure on healthcare access. Authorities reported that floods affected more than 175,000 people in 2024, further complicating access to health facilities across several regions.
Long travel distances, shortages of medical equipment and limited healthcare coverage in some rural areas continue to constrain maternal healthcare delivery and prenatal monitoring services.
Beyond improving prenatal care, the project seeks to accelerate the digital transformation of Guinea’s healthcare system. Authorities aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of digital tools in expanding access to specialized healthcare services in remote areas. They also expect the initiative to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system against future health emergencies and climate-related disruptions.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum