- Burundi and India opened discussions on cooperation in digital identity and electronic payments to support public-service modernization and financial inclusion.
- Burundi is studying elements of India Stack, the digital public infrastructure that underpins India's digital identity, instant payment, and public-service delivery systems.
- India has already signed digital infrastructure cooperation agreements with 23 countries, including several African nations.
Isidora Ntakiyiruta, assistant to Burundi’s Minister of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy, discussed the issue with Upender Singh Rawat, India’s ambassador to Burundi, during a meeting on Monday, June 22. The two sides examined mechanisms that could support the modernization of public services and expand financial inclusion through the sharing of India’s experience in digital transformation.
The discussions highlighted the potential adaptation of components of India Stack to Burundi’s local context. India developed the digital public infrastructure to provide digital identity, instant payments, secure data exchange, and online access to government services.
Over recent years, India Stack has emerged as an international benchmark for digital governance and financial inclusion. The platform has enabled India to scale digital services across a vast population while improving access to financial and public services. Burundi’s interest comes as governments increasingly view Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a critical tool for improving public-sector efficiency, strengthening financial inclusion, and expanding access to essential services.
India has positioned itself as a leading global reference in this field through a digital ecosystem that serves approximately 1.3 billion people. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which enables real-time transactions, has expanded beyond the country’s borders and now operates in several markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Qatar, and France.
New Delhi has leveraged its experience to increase international partnerships centered on digital infrastructure. According to the Indian government, 23 countries have already signed cooperation agreements covering digital identity, electronic payments, data exchange, and digital public-service delivery solutions. In Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Lesotho are among the countries participating in such partnerships.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing technical contacts between relevant institutions to assess the conditions for future collaboration. Such cooperation would deepen an already active bilateral relationship that spans several sectors. India currently supports the Kabu 16 hydropower project, which both countries regard as one of the flagship symbols of their partnership.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Ugandan entrepreneur Allan Rwakatungu launched Tyms in 2025 to help businesses automate operations and improve productivity.
- The platform uses customized virtual assistants to handle queries, generate reports, retrieve information, and execute automated tasks.
- Tyms integrates with existing workplace tools, including email, WhatsApp, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, to ease adoption.
Ugandan technology entrepreneur Allan Rwakatungu has launched Tyms, a software platform that aims to simplify daily business management through artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistants. Rwakatungu founded and leads Tyms as chief executive officer. He designed the platform to help organizations reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks so that employees can focus on higher-value activities and improve overall productivity.
Tyms, which launched in 2025, serves a broad range of organizations, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations. The platform centralizes and streamlines several critical business functions, including finance, sales, marketing, customer service, regulatory compliance, and operations.
The platform’s core innovation relies on customized virtual assistants that support employees and, in some cases, customers directly. These digital agents answer user requests, retrieve strategic information, generate reports, and execute automated workflows.
Tyms leverages internal company data to provide executives with real-time visibility into business performance and financial health. The platform’s financial module streamlines cash-flow monitoring, simplifies management accounting processes, and accelerates the preparation of periodic financial statements. As a result, organizations can improve decision-making while reducing administrative workloads.
Tyms integrates directly into existing workplace environments to facilitate adoption. Users can interact with the platform through familiar communication channels without changing their daily routines. The platform supports email, WhatsApp, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. Consequently, businesses can deploy the software within established workflows while minimizing operational disruption.
Before launching Tyms, Allan Rwakatungu co-founded Xente in 2013, a company that specialized in e-commerce and digital financial services. Rwakatungu graduated from Makerere University in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in economics and statistics.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
« Les entreprises ne sont pas seules face à ces défis. Pour réussir leur transformation digitale, elles ont besoin d’un partenaire, et ce partenaire est Orange Cloud & Cyber Solutions », a déclaré Pacôme Boidi, Manager Senior en charge de la coordination de la vente.
- Kenyan entrepreneur Edward Ndichu co-founded Wapi Pay in 2019 to simplify cross-border payments between Africa, Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- The platform provides real-time visibility on exchange rates, transfer amounts, settlement methods, and transaction status.
- Wapi Pay offers digital wallet services for individuals and payment management tools for businesses, including mass payouts and large-scale transactions.
Kenyan finance entrepreneur Edward Ndichu serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Wapi Pay, an international payments platform that facilitates money transfers between Africa, Asia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Ndichu launched the company with his brother, Paul Ndichu, in 2019. The startup seeks to address longstanding challenges surrounding transparency, speed, and efficiency in multi-currency transactions.
Wapi Pay enables individuals and businesses to send, receive, and manage cross-border transactions through a transparent payment infrastructure. Before users authorize a transaction, the platform displays the exact transfer amount, the applicable exchange rate, the destination currency, and the selected payout method in real time. As a result, users can evaluate transaction costs and settlement details before completing a transfer.
Wapi Pay also offers a digital wallet that allows users to store funds and execute transfers quickly. The service enables transfers to bank accounts, mobile wallets, and other Wapi Pay users. Moreover, the platform provides visibility throughout the payment journey, allowing users to track funds at every stage while enhancing transaction security.
In addition to retail services, Wapi Pay provides businesses with tools that centralize payment management. Companies can collect funds, execute mass payouts, and monitor transaction status through a single platform. The fintech aims to simplify commercial operations and strengthen relationships between businesses and international suppliers.
Furthermore, Wapi Pay offers a tailored service for large-scale financial operations. The premium solution enables large organizations to manage significant payment volumes while receiving dedicated support from the initial quotation request through final settlement.
Alongside his responsibilities at Wapi Pay, Edward Ndichu serves as an investment partner at Future Hub Africa, where he supports entrepreneurship and innovation across the continent. Ndichu earned a degree in management information systems and statistics from Murdoch University in Australia in 2006.
Before launching Wapi Pay, he built his career across banking, technology, and telecommunications. He served as Director of Financial Services at SBM Bank Kenya between 2014 and 2015. He later moved into the technology sector and became Managing Director of Opera Software in 2018. He subsequently assumed the same position at Kenyan fintech Opay in 2019, further strengthening his expertise in digital financial services.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) has launched its 2026 Pitch n Grow competition. This initiative aims to support women-led African startups in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and artificial intelligence. Applicants have until July 20, 2026, to apply, benefit from training opportunities, and compete for the chance to pitch their businesses to investors in Cape Town, South Africa.
Paystack has launched a support program for Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative provides eligible merchants with significant discounts on accounting, logistics, and communication tools. It also offers personalized mentorship and financial grants to help entrepreneurs address day-to-day business challenges and accelerate their growth.
The Global AI Show, a leading international AI conference, will be held in Riyadh on June 29-30. The event will bring together technology leaders, investors, and researchers from around the world to discuss the latest advances in artificial intelligence and explore its growing use in sectors such as healthcare and finance.
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Pascal Bokari Dicko launched ZeroName in February 2026 to use artificial intelligence in job matching and professional coaching.
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The platform helps users optimize CVs and cover letters, identify suitable vacancies and prepare for interviews through a virtual recruiter.
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Dicko also co-founded AI agency Dicken AI and previously worked as an AI and automation specialist at Mstudio in Côte d’Ivoire.
Malian serial entrepreneur Pascal Bokari Dicko founded ZeroName, a digital platform that launched in February 2026. The platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape the job market and transform professional support services.
The startup’s platform enables users to identify job opportunities that closely match their profiles. In addition, the tool adapts and optimizes CVs and cover letters to meet recruiters’ specific requirements and improve candidates’ chances of success.
Beyond document optimization, ZeroName integrates an immersive interview simulation system. The platform uses a virtual recruiter that allows candidates to practice in real time and experience conditions that mirror actual recruitment processes.
As a result, applicants can refine their communication skills and strengthen their interview performance before meeting employers. The platform also provides ongoing professional support. It offers permanent career coaching and assistance that guides users through job searches and career development efforts.
Furthermore, users access the platform’s features through a paid credit system that activates the various services available on the platform.
Dicko also serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Dicken AI, an agency established in 2023 that specializes in the development of artificial intelligence solutions. Previously, he worked as an artificial intelligence and automation specialist at Mstudio in 2025. Mstudio operates as a mobile startup studio focused on Francophone West Africa and is based in Côte d’Ivoire.
Melchior Koba
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Guinea launched work on a National Data Governance Strategy on June 19 to establish rules for data collection, sharing, security and value creation.
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The government aims to improve public-sector data quality, strengthen interoperability and support artificial intelligence, innovation and the data economy.
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The initiative aligns with Guinea’s Simandou 2040 development program, which places digital transformation among the country's strategic priorities.
Guinea continues to structure its digital economy. The government launched work on a National Data Governance Strategy on Friday, June 19. The strategy will establish rules for the collection, sharing, protection and valorization of data generated by government agencies, businesses and citizens.
The National Directorate of Information Technologies and the Digital Economy (DNTIEN) is leading the initiative. The strategy seeks to provide Guinea with a reference framework that improves the quality of public data, strengthens interoperability and promotes the use of data in digital services.
In addition, authorities aim to create conditions that support new applications in artificial intelligence, innovation and the data economy. At the same time, authorities intend to protect sensitive information and preserve national digital sovereignty.
The initiative comes as Guinea increases investment in digital infrastructure and places digital transformation among the priorities of its Simandou 2040 development program. The long-term national plan includes the modernization of technological infrastructure and the development of an economy that relies more heavily on knowledge, innovation and digital services. Consequently, the data governance strategy forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the foundations of the country's digital transformation agenda.
Beyond infrastructure development, several experts view effective data utilization as a critical factor in improving public services, strengthening economic planning and attracting investment.
As a result, many African countries have accelerated the adoption of data governance frameworks. Countries including Rwanda, South Africa, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Lesotho, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique have already strengthened or implemented national policies dedicated to data governance.
For Guinea, the stakes extend beyond administrative reform. Effective data governance could facilitate the secure exchange of information among government agencies, improve public-sector decision-making and support the development of artificial intelligence applications in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and financial services.
Furthermore, authorities expect the initiative to lay the foundation for a digital ecosystem capable of supporting the country's economic ambitions through 2040.
Samira Njoya
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Ethiopia launched the MESOB digital platform on June 20 to centralize access to more than 185 public services through a single government application.
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The platform uses the national digital identity system Fayda and connects multiple government databases to streamline administrative processes.
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The government positions MESOB as a cornerstone of its 2025-2030 digitalization strategy and plans to expand the platform across all ministries and public agencies.
Ethiopia officially launched the unified digital platform MESOB on Saturday, June 20. The government designed the initiative to centralize access to public services and accelerate administrative modernization. Officials unveiled the application during the “Digital for Excellence” summit. The platform seeks to simplify administrative procedures for citizens and accelerate the digital transformation of the public sector.
The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute developed MESOB as a government super app. The platform allows users to access more than 185 public services through a single account linked to the national digital identity system, Fayda. Users can obtain identification documents, complete tax procedures, apply for business licenses, secure work permits and carry out investment-related formalities through the platform.
Moreover, the platform connects databases across multiple government agencies. This integration eliminates the need for citizens to submit the same information repeatedly and reduces physical visits to public offices. According to government authorities, the integrated system will shorten processing times, improve administrative transparency and reduce opportunities for corruption associated with manual procedures.
The launch of MESOB aligns with a broader global push to develop Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Governments typically build these systems around three pillars: digital identity, data-sharing platforms between public institutions and online service delivery.
Across Africa, several countries, including Rwanda, Kenya and Morocco, continue to invest in digital public infrastructure. These investments aim to improve access to public services and support the digital transformation of national economies.
MESOB represents one of the pillars of Ethiopia’s 2025-2030 government digitalization strategy. The platform relies heavily on Fayda, Ethiopia’s national digital identity system. Fayda had registered more than 20 million users as of July 2025 and had already connected 55 institutions.
During its pilot phase, which began in April 2025, MESOB brought together 12 federal institutions and 41 public services. The government now plans to expand the platform progressively across all ministries and public agencies in the country.
Samira Njoya
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Tosin Eniolorunda co-founded Moniepoint in 2015 to provide integrated financial services for businesses and consumers across Africa.
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The fintech offers payments, banking, bill payments, financial management tools and credit products tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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Eniolorunda built Moniepoint after gaining technical and operational experience at Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading payments companies.
Nigerian engineer Tosin Eniolorunda, a mechanical engineer by training and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s technology sector, serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Moniepoint. The fintech, which launched in 2015, has established itself as a key player in Africa’s financial technology ecosystem by providing an integrated financial services platform for businesses and individuals.
Moniepoint has developed a robust infrastructure that simplifies day-to-day money management. Through a suite of intuitive digital tools, the platform enables users to make payments, manage bank accounts and settle bills. The fintech primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises, which serve as major drivers of local economic activity. At the same time, the platform remains accessible to individuals for routine financial transactions.
Moreover, Moniepoint offers financing solutions designed to support SME growth. The company provides credit products that help businesses replenish inventory and fund commercial expansion.
In addition to transaction services, Moniepoint integrates advanced financial management tools into its platform. These features allow business owners to monitor expenses closely and improve the organization of their day-to-day finances. Consequently, users can manage both operational and financial activities through a single platform.
To support this volume of activity, the startup relies on advanced technology infrastructure capable of processing transactions at scale while maintaining reliability. By combining payments, banking services and operational tools, Moniepoint continues to pursue its mission of democratizing access to financial services and supporting economic activity among its users.
Eniolorunda built his entrepreneurial success on a strong academic foundation. He graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 2007. He began his professional career in 2005 through an internship at Schlumberger. That experience paved the way for his move to Interswitch in 2009.
Eniolorunda spent six years at Interswitch before launching Moniepoint in 2015. During that period, he held positions including software engineer and operations manager. These roles enabled him to acquire the technical expertise and operational experience that later supported the creation and growth of Moniepoint.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Johannesburg-based startup Handal connects businesses with pre-vetted freelance creative professionals through a curated digital marketplace.
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Founder Riyana Randall launched the platform in 2026 to replace fragmented hiring processes that rely on referrals, emails and messaging applications.
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The platform combines talent sourcing, project management and secure payments within a single interface, reducing operational friction for both clients and freelancers.
Handal is a digital solution developed by a South African startup. The company operates a specialized marketplace that connects businesses with pre-screened freelance professionals, including writers, designers, art directors, photographers and marketing specialists.
The Johannesburg-based startup launched in 2026 under the leadership of Riyana Randall. Unlike open freelance marketplaces, Handal requires every professional to complete a validation process before joining its network.
Randall highlighted the inefficiencies of traditional hiring methods in comments to Disrupt Africa.
“At the moment, a company looking for a senior copywriter or an art director sends a WhatsApp message, waits for someone to recommend a name, makes contact by email, negotiates a rate, shares a brief through WeTransfer, tracks feedback through a chain of replies, follows up for an invoice and crosses its fingers,” Randall said.
She added:
“Handal replaces that entire process. You see who is available. You book them. You work within a structured system. There are no quotes, no negotiations, no uncertainty and no follow-ups.”
The platform allows businesses to search for talent using several criteria, including specialization, rates, location and availability. Clients can then publish project briefs, select service providers and manage entire assignments through a single workspace. The platform centralizes communications, deliverables, revision requests and task tracking within the same environment. As a result, businesses can manage freelance engagements more efficiently while reducing administrative complexity.
Handal also integrates a secure payment mechanism. The platform holds client funds in escrow until clients approve completed deliverables. The platform then transfers the funds to freelancers.
This mechanism aims to reduce payment-default risks, a challenge that many independent professionals continue to face across freelance markets. During its pre-launch phase, Handal attracted more than 100 registered creatives, primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. The company now plans to expand its talent pool before accelerating customer acquisition efforts.
By integrating recruitment, project management and payments into a single platform, the South African startup seeks to professionalize a rapidly growing freelance economy segment that remains highly fragmented across the continent.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
Senegalese startup Nixacom has launched Auto Apply, a digital platform that automates customer onboarding and identity verification. The solution enables financial institutions to replace lengthy paper-based procedures with a streamlined digital workflow. By centralizing data collection and contract generation, Auto Apply reduces processing times from several days to just a few minutes.
NerdzFactory and Meta are launching the seventh edition of the SafeOnline program to help young Nigerians stay safe online. In response to the growing use of artificial intelligence, the initiative will train more than 8,900 students, parents, and teachers by November 2026. The program aims to promote online safety best practices, raise awareness of emerging digital risks, and encourage responsible online behavior.
The StartCraft program is now accepting applications from Nigerian entrepreneurs, helping them transform promising ideas into sustainable businesses. This intensive training program offers personalized mentoring, practical business tools, and access to funding opportunities. Designed for startup founders looking to build strong foundations and scale their ventures, the program is accepting applications through its official portal until Tuesday, June 30.