- Cairo-based startup Qualiphi supports over 500,000 students across 40 universities.
- The platform uses AI to align academic pathways with labor market needs.
- The company targets expansion across the Middle East and North Africa.
Qualiphi, founded in 2025 by Nevien Magdy and based in Cairo, has developed a technology solution designed to transform how universities manage career pathways. The platform operates as a Career Services Management (CSM) system that enables universities and schools to digitize their career services. The tool covers key stages, including career exploration, skills development, access to internships and job opportunities, and connections with recruiters.
“The platform [Qualiphi] currently supports more than 500,000 students and graduates across 40 universities, along with a growing network of employers seeking to identify, attract, and develop the next generation of talent,” the startup said.
Qualiphi targets the persistent gap between academic training and labor market needs. The platform integrates analytics and recommendation tools to guide students toward career paths aligned with employer expectations while facilitating recruitment processes for companies.
Moreover, the solution reflects a broader regional trend toward digitizing higher education and employability services.
The startup has already secured partnerships with academic institutions and public sector stakeholders, aiming to build an integrated ecosystem linking universities, students, and employers.
Qualiphi has recently strengthened its market position through external growth operations aimed at expanding its services across the Middle East and North Africa. The company aims to scale its platform regionally while improving graduate employability and providing businesses with more structured access to emerging talent.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Nigeria plans a national cybersecurity coordination council to strengthen resilience.
- Cybercrime costs the country over $500 million annually.
- Africa recorded more than $3 billion in cyber-related losses between 2019 and 2025.
Interpol estimates that cybersecurity incidents across Africa caused financial losses exceeding $3 billion between 2019 and 2025, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing governments and businesses.
The Nigerian government aims to strengthen collective resilience and improve coordinated responses to evolving cyber threats across both public and private sectors.
ESTABLISHMENT OF NIGERIA'S NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY COORDINATION COUNCIL TO STRENGTHEN CYBER RESILIENCE
— Dr. 'Bosun Tijani (@bosuntijani) April 1, 2026
The Federal Government has signalled its intention to work collaboratively with the private sector and key stakeholders toward the establishment of a Cybersecurity Coordination… pic.twitter.com/BSqEJIyj9h
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, announced the initiative in a statement released on April 1. He said the proposed council would operate as a non-statutory, multi-stakeholder coordination platform.
The council will bring together key actors to strengthen partnerships, facilitate the sharing of reliable information, and ensure sustained cooperation among institutions responsible for cybersecurity.
Tijani said recent cybersecurity incidents have posed significant risks to customers and disrupted operations across major private institutions, public systems, and Nigeria’s service industry.
“These incidents highlight the increasingly coordinated and sophisticated nature of cyber threats, orchestrated by organized actors and malicious networks seeking to undermine trust in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem,” the statement said.
Nigeria, like many African countries, faces an acceleration in cyber threats as digital adoption expands.
A January 2026 report by Deloitte stated that organizations across sectors experienced a notable increase in attacks in 2025, ranging from AI-driven scams and ransomware incidents to identity theft affecting everyday users.
“Over the course of the year, a clear trend emerged: attackers became more sophisticated and more agile […]” Deloitte said, adding that threat actors are expected to rely even more on automation and AI-driven tools in 2026.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reported that Nigeria loses more than $500 million annually to cybercrime, underscoring the economic stakes.
This trend threatens the government’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy.
Speaking at a conference in January, Tijani stressed that achieving this goal depends as much on trust as on physical infrastructure, given the growing importance of digital systems.
“If we lose trust in this sector, citizens will be discouraged from using tools capable of transforming our economy. If we maintain that trust, citizens will believe in these tools, and they will help make Nigeria prosperous,” he said.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Electrum provides cloud-based payment software used by four major South African banks.
- The platform integrates multiple payment providers through a single interface with smart routing.
- Founder Dave Glass brings experience from Standard Bank, ACI Worldwide, and fintech firms.
Dave Glass co-founded Electrum in 2012 and currently serves as chairman of the board. The company develops cloud-based payment software that simplifies connectivity between payment services for banks and retailers.
Electrum enables institutions to integrate payment providers either directly or through aggregators using a single interface.
The platform incorporates advanced features, including intelligent routing, which selects providers based on availability and existing commercial agreements.
This architecture allows businesses to optimize transaction flows while improving efficiency and reliability in payment processing.
Electrum leverages a modern infrastructure tailored to the South African market. The platform enables companies to capture new opportunities in the payments sector by offering speed, flexibility, and solutions aligned with local use cases.
Four major South African banks currently use the platform, reflecting its growing adoption in the financial ecosystem.
Dave Glass graduated from the University of Cape Town with a bachelor’s degree in information systems in 2002. He later earned a master’s degree in management of information systems from Trinity College Dublin in 2008.
He began his career in 2003 at IQbusiness South Africa, where he worked as a consultant in management and digital transformation.
He joined Standard Bank in 2004 as a technologist, before moving in 2009 to Touch Networks as a fintech project manager.
He became head of professional services at S1 Corporation in 2010 and held the same position at ACI Worldwide in 2012, a global provider of payment systems.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Senegal joins a regional $718,200 digital circular economy initiative across four countries.
- The program targets SMEs with digital tools to improve waste valorization.
- Africa dumps or burns nearly 90% of its waste, underscoring urgent reform needs.
Senegal has launched the Digital Innovation for Circular Economy (DICE) Africa project to address mounting waste management challenges through digital innovation.
Authorities introduced the initiative on March 30 as part of a regional program also deployed in Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. The program aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the circular economy and improve waste valorization using digital solutions.
The initiative seeks to remove structural constraints in the sector while strengthening economic and social opportunities linked to waste management.
The Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) leads the project with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The program operates with a budget of about 1 million Canadian dollars (approximately $718,200) over 30 months across the four countries. The initiative combines research, capacity building, and funding mobilization to create a sustainable ecosystem around the circular economy.
Oluwatosin Ajide, DICE Africa coordinator, said the program places local innovation at its core. He added that organizers will identify grassroots solutions capable of addressing sector-specific challenges.
Ajide said the program will organize a hackathon to stimulate innovation among Senegalese talent and develop digital tools tailored to the needs of circular economy businesses. These tools will support the rollout of a national digital platform designed to facilitate exchanges and improve SME competitiveness.
Waste management remains a major challenge across Africa as volumes rise and collection systems struggle to keep pace. The African Clean Cities Platform estimates that nearly 90% of waste generated on the continent is dumped in uncontrolled landfills or burned in open air.
Senegal produces more than 3 million tonnes of waste annually, while sub-Saharan Africa hosts 19 of the world’s 50 largest dumpsites and could become the largest waste-producing region over time.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Yenza provides digital career guidance to students across hundreds of schools in South Africa.
- The platform integrates self-assessment, skills development, and access to education and job opportunities.
- Founder Jared Molko brings experience from Google across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
South African tech entrepreneur Jared Molko is leveraging digital tools to improve career guidance and help young people make informed professional choices.
Molko co-founded Yenza in 2019 and serves as chief executive officer of the platform, which aims to make high-quality career guidance and development services accessible to all students.
The company positions its solution as an alternative to traditional guidance systems, which often fail to provide personalized and data-driven support. Yenza offers an integrated digital solution that guides users through every stage of their career journey, from self-discovery to access to education and employment opportunities.
The platform collaborates with hundreds of leading schools across South Africa and brings together expertise in technology, career development, education, and psychology. For institutions, Yenza provides academic and post-secondary guidance tools, administrative dashboards to track student cohorts, and training and support programs for educators.
For students, the platform facilitates self-awareness, supports informed career decisions, encourages the development of essential skills, and expands access to study and job opportunities. Career counselors use structured processes, detailed reports, and personalized support to maximize insights generated by the platform’s analytics. Parents also benefit from improved visibility into their children’s profiles, along with tools to guide decision-making, save time, and avoid costly mistakes.
Jared Molko holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Institute of Marketing Management in South Africa, obtained in 2005. He also earned a diploma in psychological analysis from the Pacifica Graduate Institute in 2017.
He joined Google South Africa in 2011 as a business analyst and held several strategic roles until 2017. He served as head of YouTube advertising solutions for Sub-Saharan Africa, head of YouTube mobile for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and later as commercial lead for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- DR Congo launches a national digital university portal integrating its first digital library.
- The platform centralizes academic data and services to improve governance and efficiency.
- Internet penetration stands at 30.5%, highlighting infrastructure challenges to adoption.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a national digital portal to modernize its higher education system and expand access to academic resources. The government inaugurated the platform on March 30 in Kinshasa under the Higher Education, University, Scientific Research and Innovation (ESURSI) framework. The portal integrates the country’s first national digital library and provides unified access to educational and scientific content for students, teachers, and researchers.
The World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) support the initiative, which aims to reduce inequalities in access to knowledge, particularly between urban and rural areas.
The platform already offers several services, including academic pathway management, student identification, equivalency processing, and modules for scholarships and assessments. The system establishes the foundation for a harmonized and secure national academic infrastructure.
Marie-Thérèse Sombo, Minister of Higher and University Education, said the government will expand the platform progressively.
“In a phased approach, this portal will also integrate a national open and distance learning platform to democratize access to education, a system for archiving scientific output […] and advanced digital services to support academic management,” she said.
Beyond access to content, the reform aims to improve governance across the university system. Authorities expect centralized data to improve student tracking, enhance diploma credibility, and reduce fragmentation across information systems.
The country’s participation in the “Gateways” initiative, led by UNESCO and UNICEF, aligns the reform with international standards. However, infrastructure remains a major constraint.
DataReportal reported that DR Congo had 34.7 million internet users by the end of 2025, representing a penetration rate of 30.5%. In this context, broadband access and the adoption of digital tools by public administrations and academic institutions will determine the platform’s effectiveness.
Authorities must now transform the portal from a technical tool into a lever for modernization capable of supporting public governance, scientific production, and, ultimately, the national digital ecosystem.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The EAI Africatek 2025 conference will take place from June 25 to 27, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The event will bring together researchers, government officials, companies, startups, and students to discuss how Artificial Intelligence can drive digital transformation. It aims to develop solutions tailored to African needs—particularly by supporting startups—and to expand the use of AI across society.
The Nigerian organization Cascador is accepting applications for its ScaleUp 2026 program, a 12-week initiative for founders of growth-stage startups. The program aims to help companies move from early traction to institutional funding by offering strategic guidance, mentorship, and support with blended financing. Its objective is to enable high-impact businesses to scale sustainably in Nigeria.
The fintech company Cashi is partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to roll out an interoperable digital payments platform in Central Africa, initially targeting Chad. The platform, accessible via mobile phones, payment terminals and SMS, is designed to facilitate everyday transactions, reduce reliance on cash and broaden access to financial services, particularly for small businesses and underserved populations.
- System enables online access to government services and document processing
- Initiative supports digital transformation under “Digital Ethiopia 2030”
Ethiopia has introduced an electronic signature system to streamline access to government services, as part of its broader digital transformation strategy.
Called teleSign, the platform was developed by state-owned telecom operator Ethio Telecom and officially unveiled on Tuesday, Jan. 31. It enables citizens to complete administrative procedures online securely, without having to visit government offices.
attorney licensing.
— Ethio telecom (@ethiotelecom) March 31, 2026
teleSign enables both the diaspora and domestic citizens to legally grant or revoke Power of Attorney (PoA) digitally, eliminating the need for physical presence at embassies, consulates, or government offices.
Furthermore, the platform incorporates 2/6 pic.twitter.com/l27Lw8WhiZ
Users can sign official documents, verify their identity digitally, request certificates, certify documents and grant power of attorney from anywhere at any time.
“The launch of teleSign marks a major milestone in Ethiopia’s digital transformation journey, introducing secure digital identity verification, legally recognized digital signatures, and fully digitized government workflows that reduce bureaucracy, increase accessibility, and promote national digital inclusion,” Ethio Telecom said in a statement.
The World Bank says electronic signatures can help accelerate digital transformation. In a 2024 report, it noted that as transactions move online, the systems that ensure their security must also adapt.
Without reliable, legally recognised tools to authenticate digital exchanges, handwritten signatures remain necessary, requiring citizens and businesses to appear in person and slowing digitisation.
“When transactions are digitised, new security challenges emerge, as the ease with which digital data can be duplicated or altered creates vulnerabilities absent in paper-based systems,” the report, titled Electronic Signatures: Enabling Trustworthy Digital Transformation, said.
Ethiopia is relying on digital transformation to accelerate its socio-economic development under its “Digital Ethiopia 2030” strategy. The country ranks 169th on the United Nations E-Government Development Index (EGDI). In 2024, it scored 0.3111 out of 1, below sub-regional, continental and global averages.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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- Program aims to strengthen data protection and cyber threat response
- Initiative builds on new laws, partnerships, and national cyber strategy
Somalia's government announced Sunday the launch of a specialized cybersecurity training program for ICT professionals in the public sector. The initiative, which offers internationally recognized certifications, aims to enhance participants' ability to protect national data and respond to growing cyber threats.
The training is supervised by the National Communications Authority (NCA) in partnership with the World Bank Group. The program includes modules ranging from basic to advanced cybersecurity topics, including protection of computer systems, incident management and response, cloud data security, and how to implement and audit organizational security policies. It also covers best practices in risk management and information systems security governance. Courses will take place in Mogadishu through online platforms and in Nairobi, Kenya, between March 28 and May 8.
"This training program forms part of the Authority’s efforts to strengthen the protection of Somalia’s digital infrastructure, secure national data, and address the increasing risks of cyber threats. It will also contribute to building the capacity of government personnel to effectively protect national digital systems and services," said Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, director general of the NCA.
The initiative comes as Somalia steps up efforts to secure the national cyberspace against rising threats. On March 7, the country launched the Somalia Computer Incident Response Team (SOMCIRT), as mandated under the Cybersecurity Law, which the parliament approved in January 2026. In August 2025, Somalia passed a cybercrime bill. The Data Protection Law, which entered into force in March 2023, also led to the creation of the Data Protection Agency (DPA), tasked with overseeing its enforcement.
Strengthening the legal framework and international cooperation
Somalia is also deepening international cooperation to tap external expertise. On Feb. 10, the country signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey spanning several areas of the digital sector, including cybersecurity. Somalia has also partnered with Malaysia, Nigeria and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), among other partners. The Horn of Africa nation is additionally a signatory to the Malabo Convention, which aims to strengthen Africa's legal framework on cybersecurity, data protection and the fight against cybercrime.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) considers cybersecurity a prerequisite for countries looking to fully benefit from ICT opportunities. In its Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, the ITU ranked Somalia in the fourth tier (Tier 4) out of five. The country recorded an overall score of 37.39 out of 100 and needs to strengthen efforts, particularly in the areas of technical measures, legislation and capacity building.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Rwanda’s Parliament approved the draft law’s explanatory memorandum to regulate virtual asset activities.
- Authorities aim to curb fraud, money laundering, and financing while protecting investors.
- The bill introduces a supervisory authority to oversee crypto service providers in coordination with the central bank.
Rwanda’s Parliament approved on Tuesday, March 31, the explanatory memorandum of a draft law designed to regulate activities related to virtual assets. The bill seeks to establish a clear legal framework for a fast-growing sector while balancing investor protection with support for digital innovation.
The draft law aims to prevent risks linked to money laundering and terrorism financing, according to the official document. It also seeks to protect consumers from the speculative nature of digital assets and to ensure market integrity and transparency.
Today, the Chamber of Deputies approved the rationale of the draft law regulating virtual assets in Rwanda. The law aims to create a safe and clear framework for this growing sector, protecting investors while supporting innovation.
— Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning (@RwandaFinance) March 31, 2026
The draft law will now move to the commission… pic.twitter.com/HmF6Oq2AiV
Moreover, the legislation aims to preserve financial stability by limiting systemic risks arising from the increasing interconnection between digital assets and the traditional financial system.
The proposal introduces a structured regulatory framework, including the designation of a supervisory authority tasked with overseeing virtual asset service providers in coordination with the central bank.
It also covers key activities such as exchange platforms, conversion services between fiat currencies and digital assets, and public offerings of crypto-assets. These offerings will now face enhanced disclosure requirements.
This initiative comes amid growing adoption and rising risks. Rwandan authorities have identified several fraud cases linked to fake digital asset projects.
Data presented during parliamentary discussions show that the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has recorded 35 cases involving pyramid schemes and scams tied to pseudo-cryptocurrencies, resulting in significant financial losses for the population.
By introducing a dedicated regulatory framework, authorities aim to secure market practices, strengthen trust in digital financial services, and position Rwanda in Africa’s emerging digital asset market.
The bill will now move to the relevant parliamentary committee for further review before potential adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Nathalie Kienga leads Africa Cyber Education to expand cybersecurity awareness across vulnerable groups in Africa.
- She combines NGO leadership with senior roles in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidency and global telecom programs.
- Her initiatives target women, children, seniors, and parents to build grassroots digital resilience.
Nathalie Kienga is a Congolese expert in cybersecurity and digital sovereignty. She serves as founder and president of Africa Cyber Education, a non-governmental organization that promotes safe, inclusive, and responsible digital usage across Africa.
Africa Cyber Education, founded in 2022, delivers concrete training and awareness initiatives in cybersecurity. The organization prioritizes vulnerable groups and individuals with limited familiarity with digital tools.
The foundation structures its activities around several educational programs tailored to different audiences.
The first program, Mwasi Cyber, also known as Les Marguerites, targets women and young girls. It aims to “improve the socio-economic well-being of girls and women by offering cybersecurity training, mentorship, and internship or job-shadowing opportunities.”
The second program, Batoto, focuses on children, whom the organization considers highly exposed to online risks. It teaches them to navigate the internet safely and responsibly through awareness campaigns.
The foundation also runs Cyber Senior, a program designed for older adults. It teaches essential digital security basics, best practices, and methods to avoid online fraud.
In parallel, the Cyber Parents program supports parents in understanding digital tools and cybersecurity rules. It enables them to better guide and protect their children in digital environments.
Alongside her non-profit work, Nathalie Kienga serves as head of cybersecurity at the presidency of the Democratic Republic of Congo. She also acts as national coordinator for the cybersecurity program of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
In 2021, she founded the African Institute of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (I-CSSI). The institute offers training programs for students seeking specialization in cybersecurity and information systems security.
Nathalie Kienga graduated from the School of Economic Warfare in France with a master’s degree in cybersecurity. She began her professional career in 2013 as a cybersecurity specialist at Systemis Cybersécurité.
She joined Crédit Agricole Group in Switzerland in 2019 as an information security manager. She later worked between 2021 and 2022 as project development manager at the Switzerland-DRC Chamber of Commerce.
In 2025, she received the Women in Tech Global Tech Diplomacy Award. In 2026, Forbes Africa included her among the 50 most influential African women in its Powerlist published for International Women’s Rights Day.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Selma Ndi leads Data Girl Technologies to train women in digital skills and connect them to job opportunities.
- The organization combines technical training, mentorship, and market access in Cameroon’s growing digital sector.
- Data Girl Technologies also operates as a digital agency supporting businesses with online visibility and branding.
Selma Ndi is a Cameroonian web developer and entrepreneur. She serves as chief executive officer of Data Girl Technologies, an educational and digital organization she co-founded in 2019 with Frida Eposi. The organization supports young girls and women in entering and advancing in the digital sector.
Data Girl Technologies prepares participants for careers in digital professions. The organization strengthens technical skills, builds confidence, and improves understanding of opportunities in the sector.
It also creates an environment where participants receive guidance, support, and access to internships, jobs, and professional collaborations.
The company places practical training at the core of its strategy for girls in Cameroon. Its workshops and programs cover a wide range of topics, from basic computing to advanced modules.
Participants learn website creation, programming, interface design, and other disciplines related to online solution development. The programs also address essential topics such as digital security and responsible technology use.
At the same time, Data Girl Technologies operates as a digital agency that supports businesses and project owners in improving their online visibility. It designs websites to help brands differentiate themselves and better market their products and services.
Its team develops integrated visual and digital communication solutions, working on brand identity, online platforms, and customer retention tools.
Selma Ndi graduated from the University of Buea with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2011. She later earned a master’s degree in management and marketing in 2015 from The ICT University in Cameroon.
From 2021 to 2024, she worked as a technology mentor at CareerFoundry, an online school that supports career transitions into digital professions. At the same time, she served as operations manager at Women in Blockchain Africa, a platform focused on blockchain awareness and women’s empowerment.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum