- Algeria introduces electronic stamp duty payments for commercial register filings
- “Tabaakoum” platform enables card-based payments and digital receipt acceptance
- Move supports digitalisation, transparency, and reduced informal economic activity
Algeria’s finance ministry and trade ministry have signed a protocol to introduce electronic stamp duty payments for commercial register filings, the two ministries said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
The agreement enables the use of the “Tabaakoum” digital payment platform for stamp duties linked to commercial registration. Payments can be made via interbank cards or the state-backed Edahabia card.
The digital receipt generated by the platform will now be accepted as official documentation for business registration or modification filings. The move aims to offer more flexibility to businesses and increase the transparency of financial transactions.
The initiative comes as electronic payments see rapid growth in the country. Data from the Monetics Group (GIE Monétique) shows more than 5.2 million payments via electronic terminals between January and July 2025 generated nearly 47.2 billion dinars ($363.8 million), a total that already exceeds all of 2024.
Beyond simplifying procedures for merchants and entrepreneurs, the shift to electronic payments for the commercial register is part of a broader national strategy to modernize public services and reduce the informal economy. The government has recently launched multiple initiatives to expand digital payments, encourage e-commerce and improve online service access in a country where internet penetration now reaches about 77% of the population.
By facilitating commercial registration and reducing the costs and delays linked to in-person procedures, the state aims to improve the competitiveness of the entrepreneurial sector and enhance the traceability and transparency of economic activity.
Samira Njoya
Developed in Kenya, Safia Health redefines how people and businesses manage health, prevention, and physical excellence.
Safia Health is an e-health platform developed by a Kenyan startup that combines digital health tools with training and coaching programs adapted to different user profiles, from elite athletes to beginners. The platform aims to help users improve performance, reduce injury risks, and manage their overall health. Based in Nairobi, the startup was founded in 2024 by Diana Wambui.
At the core of Safia Health’s model is a focus on prevention and accessibility. The company says its platform is designed to help users make informed decisions about their health by providing practical, easy-to-use tools. Its stated objective is to close the gap between early prevention and long-term management of chronic conditions, particularly in contexts where access to healthcare remains uneven.
Rather than responding to health problems after they emerge, Safia Health promotes a proactive approach that emphasizes education, personalized monitoring, and long-term behavior change. The platform offers tailored sports performance programs aligned with users’ fitness levels, continuous progress tracking, wellness assessments that provide a broader picture of physical condition, and recovery guidance aimed at supporting sustainable physical activity.
By relying on data tracking and analytics, the platform enables users to better understand their physical performance, detect weaknesses, and adjust their routines accordingly. According to the company, this preventive approach can also help reduce healthcare costs by limiting reliance on reactive medical care and encouraging earlier interventions.
More broadly, Safia Health positions itself as a response to structural weaknesses in healthcare systems across Africa, including delayed access to care, low levels of health literacy, and the lack of personalized solutions for daily health management. The startup’s ambition is to contribute to a shift toward prevention-driven healthcare models for a wider population.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Clea allows Nigerian companies to pay foreign suppliers quickly and transparently
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The fintech offers a mobile app with digital wallets and competitive FX rates
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The startup was founded in 2024 by Sheriff Adedokun
Clea is a fintech solution developed by a Nigerian startup that enables companies to pay international suppliers directly and transparently, without the delays and high costs typical of traditional banking channels. The startup was founded in 2024 by Sheriff Adedokun.
The startup said it simplifies international payments for importers, exporters, and logistics providers by offering fast, compliant, and cost-effective transactions to global suppliers. It said its mission is to support African trade by building modern financial infrastructure that reduces friction related to foreign exchange, settlement, and compliance.
The solution is available through a mobile application on iOS and Android. It positions itself as a technology-driven financial intermediary, connecting African businesses with overseas suppliers by facilitating cross-border payments in foreign currencies such as the U.S. dollar.
Through its system, users can fund a digital wallet, initiate international transfers in a few steps, and access competitive exchange rates. The user experience is designed to be seamless, with registration and verification completed once, after which businesses can make payments quickly based on their operational needs.
As intra-African economic integration deepens, particularly with initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), solutions like Clea address one of the main friction points in international trade for SMEs and importers: secure, fast, and affordable cross-border payments. By positioning itself within Africa’s fintech ecosystem, the startup contributes to smoother trade flows, lower operating costs for businesses, and stronger competitiveness in global markets.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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ONDA has launched a fully digital passenger journey at Casablanca airport for AFCON 2025
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Self-service and biometric systems are deployed across Terminals 1 and 2
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The airport handled a record 292,221 passengers between December 8 and 18
Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) has announced the launch of a fully digitalized passenger journey at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, alongside the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025). The initiative aims to ease passenger flows and significantly improve the travel experience during the tournament.
The system relies on advanced digital and biometric technologies. Ten Self Bag Drop kiosks have been installed on level 0 of Terminal 1 for Royal Air Maroc passengers, enabling fully automated check-in and baggage drop. In Terminal 2, twelve self-service kiosks allow passengers traveling without checked baggage to check in independently and proceed directly to boarding areas. Several airlines, including Air Arabia, Saudia, and EgyptAir, have already integrated their applications into the system, strengthening interoperability.
The rollout comes amid exceptionally high traffic linked to AFCON 2025, with thousands of supporters traveling through Casablanca. Between December 8 and 18, Mohammed V Airport handled a record 292,221 passengers, accounting for 33.7% of total air traffic in Morocco, confirming its role as the country’s main air hub during the competition.
These measures are part of ONDA’s “Décollage 2025” strategy unveiled last year, which targets the full digitalization of Morocco’s airports. The plan includes the creation of a Digital Factory, the deployment of biometric e-gates, and the rollout of the “SMART AIRPORT” system to monitor infrastructure in real time and anticipate operational disruptions. Together, these initiatives aim to modernize airport operations while strengthening passenger security.
Samira Njoya
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Sonatel Orange launches high-speed satellite internet services nationwide
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The operator targets near-universal coverage by combining satellite, fiber, 5G, and 4G
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The rollout supports Senegal’s Horizon 2050 digital infrastructure strategy
Sonatel Orange announced on December 22 the launch of its first high-speed satellite internet (VSAT) services in Senegal. The move positions the operator as the first in the market to offer near-national coverage by combining satellite technology with fiber-optic networks, 5G, and 4G, with the aim of narrowing access gaps between urban centers and remote areas.
Sonatel, premier opérateur de l’Internet par satellite au Sénégal
— Groupe Sonatel (@GroupeSonatel) December 22, 2025
Grâce à l’Internet par satellite, les zones les plus éloignées peuvent désormais accéder à une connectivité fiable, en complément de la Fibre, de la 4G et de la 5G.
L’offre satellite Orange renforce la résilience… pic.twitter.com/AwrjjM9jOd
Speaking at the launch, Sonatel Group Chief Executive Officer Brelotte Ba said the deployment aligns with the Senegalese government’s vision to modernize digital infrastructure. He said the operator now has the technological and operational capacity to support the implementation of the Senegal Horizon 2050 plan, relying on local infrastructure and national expertise.
Operationally, Sonatel Orange is using a technology mix that combines fixed networks, next-generation mobile networks, and satellite solutions. In partnership with Eutelsat/Konnect, the operator has been marketing satellite internet offers since December 10 for households and businesses, with coverage estimated at around 99% of the country. The unlimited plans primarily target rural, border, and hard-to-reach areas where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited.
The initiative fits into a broader public policy framework aimed at reducing territorial disparities and strengthening nationwide digital continuity. As part of this effort, Sonatel also plans to deploy an additional one million fiber-optic connections between 2026 and 2028, raising the number of homes that can be connected to nearly two million by 2028, including areas that have so far been underserved.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, the project also carries institutional and economic implications. By positioning itself as a technology partner to the state and local governments, Sonatel aims to support the digitalization of public services, particularly in education, healthcare, and public administration. The goal is to improve citizen access to essential digital services and strengthen digital inclusion across the country.
Samira Njoya
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Authorities blocked a fraudulent transfer targeting a major oil company
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The operation was part of a coordinated Interpol-led effort across Africa
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Cyber threats are rising as digital exposure expands in Senegal
Senegalese authorities have foiled a cyber fraud attempt targeting a major oil company, preventing the diversion of $7.9 million, Interpol announced on December 22. The attackers had breached the company’s internal email systems and impersonated senior executives to initiate a fraudulent bank transfer.
According to Neal Jetton, Interpol’s director of cybercrime, the scale and sophistication of cyberattacks in Africa are accelerating, particularly against strategic sectors such as finance and energy. He praised the swift response of Senegal’s security services, which halted the transfer and froze the recipient bank accounts, averting a significant financial loss.
The intervention was carried out as part of a broader international coordination framework involving 19 African countries and deployed between late October and late November. The operation led to the arrest of more than 574 suspects, the seizure of about $3 million, and the removal of over 6,000 malicious links. In Ghana, authorities also made several arrests linked to ransomware attacks and identity theft schemes involving hundreds of victims and losses amounting to several hundred thousand dollars.
The case highlights the growing cyber threat facing Senegal, where digital risks are increasing alongside the expansion of connected technologies. Data from cybersecurity firm Kaspersky show that more than 10 million cyber threats were detected and blocked in 2024, pointing to a surge in intrusion attempts, exploitation of security vulnerabilities, and password theft targeting businesses, public institutions, and individuals. Some of these attacks relied on unsecured remote access points or software vulnerabilities, leaving sensitive systems particularly exposed.
The joint mobilization of African countries underscores the need for modern tools, cross-border coordination, and stronger local capabilities to combat cybercrime. It also highlights the importance of awareness, training, and investment in secure digital infrastructure to reduce fraud risks and support the continent’s digital transformation.
Samira Njoya
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Trésor Pay digitizes the payment of fees and charges owed to the state
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The platform aims to improve revenue collection and reduce fraud risks
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Payments can be made via mobile money alongside existing channels
Guinea has launched Trésor Pay, a digital platform designed to dematerialize the payment of administrative fees and charges owed to the state. The platform was officially rolled out on December 22 in Conakry and is intended to improve public revenue mobilization while reducing administrative friction for users.
According to Economy and Finance Minister Mourana Soumah, Trésor Pay follows a presidential directive aimed at improving citizens’ access to public services and strengthening domestic revenue collection. The platform is expected to reduce queues, limit costly travel, and curb informal practices, while ensuring better traceability of payments. For the state, the dual objective is to speed up the availability of funds and reduce fraud risks across the collection chain.
Operationally, Trésor Pay allows users to pay administrative fees and charges collected by the public treasury directly via their mobile phones. The platform relies on electronic money services and operates alongside the traditional payment circuit. It also includes user support mechanisms, notably a dedicated call center, to assist citizens with the payment process and ensure service continuity.
The rollout comes at a time when financial inclusion in Guinea remains limited, with an estimated rate of around 30%, while the use of mobile money continues to expand rapidly. In this context, the digitalization of public payments is seen as a tool to widen access to administrative services, particularly for populations living far from urban centers and outside the traditional banking system. The reform forms part of broader efforts by the authorities to modernize public finances and strengthen economic governance.
Over time, Trésor Pay could help improve the collection of non-tax revenues, shorten payment processing times, and reduce fraud risks. The platform also opens the door to additional uses, including mass payments and other dematerialized public financial instruments. For Guinea, the challenge now is to turn Trésor Pay into a fully operational system capable of sustainably supporting budget efficiency and transparency in public action.
Samira Njoya
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Operator supports CAN 2025 with connectivity and digital platforms
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Fan-focused tools include real-time content and AI-powered assistance
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Connected fan zones planned across several African countries
Orange said on December 19 that it will deploy its digital and connectivity solutions in support of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) TotalEnergies 2025, scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The telecoms group said the move aims to showcase the role of digital infrastructure in shaping the modern sports experience.
Yasser Shaker, chief executive officer of Orange Middle East and Africa, said the partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reflects the company’s commitment to African sport. He said football represents a shared passion across the continent and added that Orange intends to bring its digital vision to life through its Max it platform, offering an integrated experience around the tournament.
As part of the initiative, Orange will roll out several digital tools designed to improve access to information and fan engagement. These include a dedicated digital platform for supporters, offering real-time content such as match highlights, statistics, interviews, and key moments from games. The group will also introduce artificial intelligence-based tools, including a multilingual conversational assistant designed to provide instant responses to fan queries.
Beyond digital services, Orange plans to set up connected fan zones in several African countries. These spaces will feature large screens and connectivity solutions to allow supporters, including those in less well-served areas, to follow the tournament in shared and immersive settings. According to the group, this approach aligns with its broader strategy to expand access to digital services across its networks.
Through this deployment, Orange seeks to strengthen its presence in major continental events while highlighting the growing role of telecoms and digital platforms in sports consumption across Africa.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
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Government and Tamwilcom launch integrated startup support scheme
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Program targets over 800 startups over three years
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More than 700 million dirhams allocated to funding and support
Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, in partnership with Tamwilcom, launched the “Startup Venture Building” (VB) program on December 17, in Rabat. The initiative introduces an integrated support and financing framework for innovative Moroccan startups.
Designed as a continuous support mechanism covering all stages of growth, the Startup Venture Building program aims to support more than 800 startups over a three-year period. The scheme combines strategic guidance, operational expertise, and tailored financing based on the maturity of each project. New tools include a living allowance, which provides a monthly income to experienced project leaders, and an incubation grant of up to 200,000 dirhams (about $22,000) to fund prototyping and market validation. The program also includes an interest-free loan of up to 500,000 dirhams to support commercial launch, as well as a seed loan ranging from 500,000 to 2 million dirhams to back acceleration and growth phases.
Startup creation in Morocco has gained momentum in recent years, but the transition from concept to market and the ability to scale remain weak points. The Startup Venture Building program brings together national and international support organizations, including CEED Morocco, Technopark, Flat6Labs, Open Startup International, Renew Capital LLC, and 500 Global. The objective is to provide structured support and consistent financing tools that improve project viability and competitiveness.
The initiative forms part of Morocco’s New Development Model and serves as a key implementation tool of the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy. This national roadmap seeks to promote value creation, industrial deployment of digital solutions, and the emergence of startups capable of reaching critical growth thresholds. With a total budget exceeding 700 million dirhams, the program aims to create a favorable environment for transforming ideas into scalable businesses and to strengthen Morocco’s position as a regional digital hub.
Authorities expect Startup Venture Building to contribute to the long-term structuring of Morocco’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By improving access to finance, strengthening support mechanisms, and facilitating scale-up, the program aims to speed up the commercialization of innovative solutions, enhance the competitiveness of the national digital sector, and support the emergence of Moroccan startups with international reach.
Samira Njoya
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ARPCE launches a digital platform for regulated administrative procedures
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Users can submit and track requests remotely through a single portal
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Initiative aligns with Algeria’s broader public sector digital shift
Algeria’s Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Authority (ARPCE) announced on December 21 that it has launched “e-Services,” a new digital platform designed to move its administrative services online.
Through this tool, the regulator aims to improve the efficiency of its procedures and strengthen interactions with operators in the postal and electronic communications sectors. The platform is accessible at https://esvc.arpce.dz.
The e-Services portal allows users to submit, track, and manage administrative requests online, without the need for physical visits. It brings together several procedures related to activities regulated by the ARPCE, with the goal of shortening processing times, improving file traceability, and increasing transparency. Designed as a digital one-stop shop, the platform also seeks to simplify exchanges between the authority and sector professionals, while ensuring the security of transmitted data.
The launch forms part of Algeria’s broader public administration digital transformation agenda, in which service digitization has become a key tool to improve governance. The postal and electronic communications sector includes a large number of regulated operators and generates a high volume of requests each year related to authorizations, declarations, and regulatory obligations, making online processing a strategic priority.
Over time, the e-Services platform is expected to improve the ARPCE’s administrative performance by simplifying access to regulatory services for operators and sector stakeholders. By shifting procedures online, the authority aims to reduce delays and administrative constraints, while strengthening transparency and responsiveness in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
Samira Njoya
More...
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Central bank launches work on a national instant payment platform
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System aims to speed up transactions and expand financial inclusion
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Project relies on open, interoperable technology
Guinea’s central bank, the Banque centrale de la République de Guinée (BCRG), launched work on the implementation of an instant payment system (SPI) on December 18. The digital infrastructure is designed to modernize payment methods and support broader financial inclusion in the country.
At the opening ceremony, BCRG First Vice Governor Mohamed Lamine Conté said the project stems from a consultative process that involved banks, electronic money institutions, microfinance institutions, and fintech companies. He said the SPI will allow users to send and receive funds in real time, at any time of day and without geographic constraints. The system is expected to address delays linked to traditional payment channels and support both merchant payments and personal transfers.
From a technical standpoint, the BCRG has opted for a public, open, and interoperable infrastructure based on Mojaloop technology. According to the central bank, this choice aims to limit technological dependence, encourage local innovation, and foster competition among financial service providers. Under this setup, real-time transfers will be possible between bank accounts, mobile wallets, and other payment instruments, laying the groundwork for a more integrated financial ecosystem.
The project takes shape as Guinea continues to face challenges in financial inclusion. BCRG data show that 23% of adults hold an account with a financial institution, up from 7% ten years ago. Despite this progress, the rate remains below the average for sub-Saharan Africa, even as digital financial services gain traction.
Mobile money services continue to expand in this context. Transactions through mobile money rose by 8.6%, from 43,077 billion Guinean francs ($4.9 million) in the previous quarter to 46,795 billion in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting growing reliance on digital solutions as alternatives to traditional banking.
At the regional level, the SPI aligns with a broader African trend toward instant payment systems, which now process tens of billions of transactions each year. Cross-border platforms such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) highlight the importance of robust national infrastructures that can connect with regional mechanisms and support deeper economic integration.
While the operational timeline for Guinea’s SPI has yet to be specified, the expected benefits remain significant. By reducing cash usage and enabling secure, instant transactions, the system is expected to improve financial flows for households, businesses, and the public sector. Effective interoperability could also lower transaction costs and strengthen transparency and trust in the formal financial system.
Samira Njoya
- Smart Zambia launched a decentralized digital skills training program across government institutions.
- The initiative trains civil servants to manage and deliver courses via the Cisco Networking Academy platform.
- Zambia’s digital transformation could generate ZMW 28.64 billion ($1.26 billion) in added value by 2028, according to GSMA.
Smart Zambia, the public agency responsible for digital transformation in Zambia, announced the launch of a decentralized digital skills training program within government institutions. The agency announced the initiative on December 17, and said it aims to accelerate the implementation of the authorities’ digital ambitions.
The program began with an orientation session that brought together about ten instructor officers from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, the National Science and Technology Council, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, and the University of Zambia.
The program trained participants on learner enrollment procedures and support mechanisms on the Cisco Networking Academy platform, as part of their duties as instructors. The initiative seeks to expand access to free training in digital literacy and applied digital skills across the civil service.
“By empowering Ministries and institutions to directly manage enrolment and basic administration of the courses, the initiative seeks to increase reach, promote institutional ownership, and ensure the long term sustainability of digital skills development across Government,” Smart Zambia said in its statement.
Digital skills development represents a core pillar of Zambia’s digital transformation agenda to improve the efficiency, security, and citizen-centric orientation of public services. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has also emphasized the need to invest in civil servant capabilities, as digital technologies offer significant potential to modernize public administration.
The GSMA estimates that continued digital transformation could generate added value of 28.64 billion Zambian kwacha, or about $1.26 billion, by 2028 across agriculture, trade, manufacturing, transport, and public services.
This article was initilally published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Algerian entrepreneur Mohammed Benchaa co-founded Somu Raqami to centralize and automate corporate training management.
- Founded in 2022, the platform unifies onboarding, procedures, and skills development into a single system.
- Somu Raqami uses data and reporting to help organizations track performance and improve learning outcomes.
Mohammed Benchaa is an Algerian entrepreneur and a graduate of Kasdi Merbah University in Ouargla. He co-founded and leads Somu Raqami, an online solution dedicated to modernizing and centralizing internal training within organizations. The platform allows companies to track learning activities, develop skills, and improve team performance in a structured way.
Founded in 2022, Somu Raqami delivers a unified system that manages and monitors all training activities within an institution. The system covers new employee onboarding, procedure updates, and continuous skills development. The solution automates many training-related tasks, which saves time for teams and makes learning paths more efficient and professional.
The platform adapts to each organization both visually and functionally to remain consistent with its identity and specific needs. It brings all corporate training categories into a single space, thereby preventing the dispersion of content and tools.
Somu Raqami also improves learner monitoring through detailed data and reports that analyze progress, engagement levels, and individual results. These insights help managers assess program effectiveness, adjust content, and manage training as a strategic performance driver.
In parallel, Mohammed Benchaa works as an independent digital marketing specialist. He also serves as head of marketing at Somu Academy, an education platform launched in 2024 that offers recorded online courses focused on freelance careers, including marketing, design, and programming.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum
- Tunisian entrepreneur Omar Hammami founded AgentHub.digital in January 2025 to help companies deploy ready-to-use AI agents.
- The platform targets sales, marketing, content creation, and customer service tasks with 24/7, multilingual automation.
- Hammami also launched ScInter in June 2025 to support research and innovation teams with AI-driven knowledge analysis.
Omar Hammami is a Tunisian entrepreneur and an engineer specializing in artificial intelligence and data science. He founded and leads AgentHub.digital, an online platform designed for companies that want to deploy ready-to-use artificial intelligence agents quickly.
Hammami founded AgentHub in January 2025 and positioned it as an end-to-end solution that allows organizations to create, deploy, and scale AI agents capable of handling key operational tasks. The platform seeks to help teams deliver tangible results faster while adopting artificial intelligence in a gradual and controlled manner. AgentHub emphasizes ease of use and process control.
AgentHub offers preconfigured AI agents that developers tested under real-world conditions and that companies can deploy in a short timeframe to generate immediate operational outcomes. These agents continuously learn and adapt, which improves performance over time and increases their contribution to business activity.
The platform highlights agents that can identify and close commercial opportunities on a continuous basis, including outside regular business hours. Other agents focus on content creation, marketing campaign management, sales growth support, and customer request handling on a 24-hour, seven-day basis and in multiple languages.
In June 2025, Hammami also founded ScInter, a platform designed for research and innovation teams. ScInter uses artificial intelligence to simplify access to internal information while remaining usable by non-technical staff. The solution automatically analyzes documents, reports, notes, and other materials to extract key insights and establish relevant links between them.
Hammami holds a degree in electrical engineering from the National Engineering School of Gabès in Tunisia. He also earned a master’s degree in applied computer science from Stanford University in the United States.
He began his professional career in 2019 at IamFuture, a Dutch fintech company, where he served as chief technology officer. In 2022, he joined Tunisian IT agency ENVAST as a machine learning engineer. In 2023, he moved to Cognism, a UK-based business intelligence company, where he worked as an AI and data engineer. He later held the same role at TAWA Digital Talents from May 2023 to July 2025, supporting an all-in-one platform that enables brands to launch, manage, and analyze influencer marketing campaigns.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum