Orange Egypt has announced a partnership with Saudi Arabia’s fintech company, Enjaz Payment Services, to expand its international remittance services and make money transfers from Saudi Arabia to Egypt easier, faster, and more rewarding.

Through this collaboration, customers can now send money from Enjaz branches or the Enjaz app directly to Orange Cash wallets in Egypt with zero transfer fees. In addition, receivers in Egypt will benefit from an exclusive cashback reward of EGP 500 once the transfer is completed.

The new service strengthens Orange Cash’s cross-border capabilities, which already cover transfers from Jordan, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. It also reflects Orange’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s digital transformation strategy and advancing financial inclusion by providing secure, convenient, and affordable digital financial solutions.

Posted On mardi, 26 août 2025 08:52 Written by

For Egypt, local handset assembly isn’t just about industrial policy—it’s a key enabler of digital transformation. By making devices more affordable and accessible, Egypt accelerates internet adoption, strengthens its digital economy, and positions itself as a regional player in Africa’s digital future.

Egypt’s mobile handset market sales are forecast to climb from an estimated USD 2.5 billion in 2025 to more than USD 4.8 billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%, according to new industry forecasts by Fitch Solutions published August 14. This expansion is being powered by a surge in local phone assembly, supportive government policies, and growing demand for affordable smartphones.

According to the report, Egypt is fast emerging as a regional handset production hub, eventhough it was once heavily reliant on imports. Global brands including Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Nokia have established assembly lines in the country, complementing the pioneering efforts of local firm SICO, which launched the first domestically made smartphone, the Nile X, in 2019. By 2022, Samsung rolled out its first “Made in Egypt” Galaxy A13 at its Beni Suef plant, while Oppo and Vivo committed over USD 30 million each to new factories. Xiaomi followed with its first Middle East facility in 2023, and Nokia partnered with SICO for joint assembly projects.

This wave of investment has pushed Egypt’s installed handset production capacity to 11.5 million units annually as of 2024, backed by more than USD 87 million in capital and the creation of over 2,000 jobs. Actual production, however, has lagged at around 3 million units per year, reflecting a utilisation rate of just 26%. Industry forecasts suggest that while utilisation could rise to 80% by 2031, a capacity gap of 3.2 million units will likely remain.

The shift to local assembly has dramatically reshaped trade flows. Imports of finished mobile devices fell from USD 1.8 billion in 2020 to just USD 54 million in 2024, even as imports of electronic components surged to feed local assembly lines, the report reveals further. This aligns with the government’s “Egypt Makes Electronics” initiative, which combines tariff hikes on finished handsets with incentives for domestic production, including moves to ease taxes on imported components.

Macroeconomic pressures are also reinforcing demand for locally made, low-cost smartphones, the report adds. The Egyptian pound’s sharp depreciation, from under EGP 20/USD in 2022 to over EGP 50/USD by 2025, has made imports less affordable, while inflation – which peaked during the 2022–2024 crisis – is projected to ease to an annual average of 6.5% from 2025–2031. Combined with GDP growth expected to average 4.3% annually, the outlook points to a stable but price-sensitive mass market, particularly for devices under USD 150.

Despite these gains, structural challenges continue to hold back Egypt’s handset ambitions. Supply-chain disruptions, customs delays, foreign exchange shortages, and persistent inflationary pressures limit capacity utilisation. Moreover, limited consumer incomes, rural smartphone penetration barriers, and geopolitical risks – from Red Sea freight disruptions to regional tensions – remain hurdles for sustained growth.

Still, analysts note that closing the production gap could unlock significant economic value, allowing Egypt not only to fully meet domestic demand but also expand exports across Africa and MENA. With major brands already invested and the government actively courting new entrants – including Apple for potential iPhone assembly – Egypt is positioning itself as a competitive electronics manufacturing hub for the region.

Affordable mobile phones are the gateway to fintech, e-government, e-commerce, and online education—all fast-growing sectors in Egypt’s digital economy. Scaling up local production will not only drive device adoption but also accelerate digital inclusion, positioning Egypt as both a leading consumer and an exporter of mobile technologies in Africa and the Middle East.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On mardi, 26 août 2025 08:42 Written by

Passionate about tech innovation, he is a key player in the digital transformation of African businesses. Through his initiatives, he simplifies complex processes and paves the way for more efficient financial management for small businesses.

Sidney Rema is a Kenyan entrepreneur with a unique background in both software engineering and medicine. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Patika, a startup that helps small African businesses automate their payment and receivables management.

Founded in 2021, Patika aims to reinvent financial management for small and medium-sized enterprises across Africa. Its platform automates invoicing, payment tracking, and order management, which helps to minimize errors and payment delays. The solution is specifically designed to meet the needs of African businesses with a simple interface adapted to the local context. In addition to payment management, Patika offers tools that enhance business efficiency by facilitating data-driven decision-making in real time. This digitization is intended to accelerate the growth of small businesses and strengthen their financial inclusion.

Rema is also a co-founder and non-executive director at Kuza Lab Ltd, a software development company founded in 2017. The firm provides IT solutions to both established institutions and emerging technology players. Prior to these ventures, Rema co-founded VoSpine in 2015, a social networking platform where he served as CEO until 2015. In 2017, he also launched Meal Time Company, an enterprise specializing in digital solutions for the restaurant industry, which he led until 2018.

Rema holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Management from the University of Nairobi, graduating in 2018. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Medicine, Surgery, and Information Technology from the same university in 2019. His professional career began in 2013 as a credit agent at Equity Bank Ltd in Kenya. In 2017, he became a senior project management consultant at INB Management & IT Consulting, an information technology company based in Mogadishu, Somalia, and Kenya. He went on to work as an operational strategy and marketing consultant for Gomma Lotto Kenya, then as a growth strategy consultant for Dandia Doh Lottery in 2019.

Melchior Koba

Posted On mardi, 26 août 2025 06:13 Written by
  • AfDB, Japan’s Aerosense partner on drone-based infrastructure management

  • Drones to support road maintenance, disaster response, agriculture, health

  • Initiative tackles Africa’s infrastructure deficit, boosts trade and resilience

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japanese drone company Aerosense Inc. signed a letter of intent on Thursday, Aug. 21, to promote the use of drone technology in managing Africa’s infrastructure. The agreement was concluded on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan.

"The program is a bold response to Africa’s growing infrastructure challenges. By partnering with Aerosense, we will not only promote efficient road management but also consider promoting other unique solutions such as disaster management, river/flooding control, agricultural sensing, and medical equipment delivery," said Solomon Quaynor, AfDB's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization.

Under the agreement, the AfDB will coordinate relations with African governments, facilitate project financing and build local capacity. For its part, Aerosense will conduct feasibility studies and adapt its drones to local geographical and logistical conditions. The company's technology was selected in June 2025 as part of the Sustainable Road Maintenance Program for Africa (SRMPA), where it will be used to collect precise data on road conditions to facilitate more efficient and less costly predictive maintenance.

The initiative comes amid a chronic infrastructure deficit on the continent. According to the Africa Finance Corporation’s "State of Africa’s Infrastructure 2024" report, the majority of paved roads are concentrated in the continent's northern and southern regions, with nearly 40% of the total in South Africa and Algeria. Every year, Africa loses up to 2% of economic growth due to the poor quality of its infrastructure. Climate change further accentuates this vulnerability, as seen in 2022 when floods in Nigeria destroyed more than 100,000 hectares of farmland and damaged several strategic road arteries.

The use of drones in African public services has already proven effective. In Rwanda, Zipline has delivered more than 500,000 bags of blood to remote areas, while in Ghana and South Africa, drones are used for vaccine distribution and agricultural surveillance. The AfDB-Aerosense agreement aims to expand these applications, particularly for road maintenance, a strategic sector for intra-African trade often slowed by logistics bottlenecks.

Ultimately, the widespread deployment of drones could transform infrastructure management and climate risk prevention on the continent. Regular aerial surveillance would not only reduce maintenance costs but also build resilience in the face of disasters, while promoting economic development and the fluidity of regional trade.

Samira Njoya

Posted On mardi, 26 août 2025 06:10 Written by

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Final Year Committee of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), has launched a capacity-building program in Bauchi State aimed at strengthening digital literacy and preparing students for life after graduation.

The initiative, themed “Upskill for Employability and Self Reliance,” seeks to equip students with both foundational digital literacy and advanced technological skills. It also provides practical guidance to support innovation, job creation, and wealth generation as part of efforts to prepare graduates for Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The program reflects NITDA’s broader mandate to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and aligns with the agency’s initiatives under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which prioritises digital literacy and skills as a cornerstone for sustainable growth.

Posted On lundi, 25 août 2025 11:04 Written by

As Nigeria advances its digital transformation, collaborations with global technology leaders like NEC are expected to play a crucial role in unlocking opportunities across various sectors, thereby fostering sustainable development.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has met with senior executives of NEC Corporation, one of Japan’s leading multinationals in artificial intelligence (AI), digital government, and sustainability solutions, to discuss accelerating the adoption of AI and strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

The meeting, announced on August 23, brought together Yosuke Koide, Director of NEC West Africa; Carel Coetze, CEO of Miho Hara International Development Aid; and Kentaro Maekawa, Senior Relations Department of NEC. It focused on accelerating AI adoption across Nigeria’s key sectors. Priority areas include agriculture, digital infrastructure, smart governance, and sustainable technology solutions.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing 25% to GDP in Q4 2024 (Nigeria’s largest GDP contributor), according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Deploying AI solutions for precision agriculture, crop management, and market access could deliver transformative benefits for millions of Nigerians.

For citizens, the partnership promises practical benefits—from boosting food security through precision farming and data-driven crop management, to expanding access to digital services and enhancing public sector efficiency. AI-powered tools can help smallholder farmers to increase yields, reduce losses, and better manage climate risks. In governance, smart systems can improve transparency, streamline service delivery, and reduce corruption.

The NEC engagement also comes as Nigeria scales up its 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, designed to train young people in digital and AI-related skills. By linking Nigeria’s innovation ambitions with NEC’s global expertise in AI and digital governance, the country can ensure its workforce is prepared for emerging opportunities in AI-driven sectors.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On lundi, 25 août 2025 08:55 Written by

As the government pushes forward with its Digital Superhighway agenda, fibre connectivity is becoming a cornerstone for inclusive growth, innovation, and long-term development.

Kenya has extended its fibre optic network to Kericho and Bomet counties, in a move expected to accelerate access to education, healthcare, business opportunities, and government services. The rollout, announced August 23, forms part of the country’s Digital Superhighway agenda, which seeks to provide fast, reliable, and high-capacity internet across the nation, enabling more communities to benefit from the digital economy.

For Principal Secretary - State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, Fibre infrastructure is a game changer for communities because it provides fast, reliable, and high-capacity internet connectivity that supports education, business, healthcare, government services, and innovation.”

In schools and institutions, the fibre backbone will support modern e-learning, while farmers and local businesses gain access to e-commerce platforms and digital financial services. Healthcare facilities will benefit from telemedicine and real-time information sharing, and government services will become more efficient and accessible online. The initiative is also expected to generate jobs in ICT, digital trade, and other emerging sectors.

The rollout forms part of Kenya’s Digital Superhighway Project (DSH). Launched in November 2023, the program seeks to deliver universal broadband by deploying 100,000 km of fibre, 25,000 public Wi-Fi hotspots, 1,450 digital hubs, and three national data centres, alongside enhanced data protection and cybersecurity systems.

According to an update from the ICT Authority of Kenya, Phase One of the project, funded with KSh 5 billion, has seen 88% of backbone fibre (1,512 km) and 77% of last-mile connections (312 of 405 sites) completed. Phase Two, backed by KSh 10 billion, is being implemented in partnership with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to extend last-mile connectivity to about 8,000 sites nationwide, including schools, universities, health centres, digital hubs, and Wi-Fi locations. Early works cover 3,868 sites and 278 Deputy County Commissioner offices, accelerating efforts to bridge the country’s urban–rural digital divide.

So far, 135 institutions across Kericho and Bomet have been connected. An additional 275 sites are set to come online in 2025, further strengthening the digital backbone in the two counties and enabling more households, schools, and businesses to fully take part in Kenya’s digital transformation.

Hikmatu Bilali

Posted On lundi, 25 août 2025 08:50 Written by
  • Interpol operation recovered $97.4M, found 88,000 victims

  • 1,209 arrests, 11,432 cybercrime networks dismantled across Africa

  • Major scams uncovered in Angola, Zambia, and Ivory Coast

Interpol announced on Friday, August 22, that a massive anti-cybercrime operation across 18 African countries led to the recovery of $97.4 million and the identification of nearly 88,000 victims.

Codenamed "Serengeti 2.0," the operation, which ran from June to August 2025, also resulted in the dismantling of 11,432 criminal infrastructures and 1,209 arrests.

"Each INTERPOL-coordinated operation builds on the last, deepening cooperation, increasing information sharing and developing investigative skills across member countries. With more contributions and shared expertise, the results keep growing in scale and impact. This global network is stronger than ever, delivering real outcomes and safeguarding victims," said Valdecy Urquiza, the organization’s Secretary General.

Major Scams Exposed

In Angola, authorities discovered 25 illegal cryptocurrency mining farms, operated by 60 Chinese nationals and powered by 45 clandestine mini-power plants. The operation caused an estimated $37 million in damages. The seized equipment will be repurposed to improve electricity access in vulnerable areas.

In Zambia, investigators uncovered a massive online investment scam that affected nearly 65,000 victims and generated an estimated $300 million in losses. Fifteen suspects were arrested, and digital evidence was seized. Investigations are ongoing to trace financial flows and dismantle any international ramifications of the network.

In Ivory Coast, a transnational inheritance scam operating from Germany was neutralized. The main suspect was arrested, and valuables including jewelry, vehicles, and cash worth an estimated $1.6 million were seized.

Regional Cooperation and International Support

Supported by the United Kingdom as part of the African Joint Operations against Cybercrime (AFJOC), the initiative involved private sector experts in cryptocurrency tracing, ransomware analysis, and open-source intelligence. Interpol also collaborated with the International Cyber Offender Prevention Network (InterCOP), a consortium of 36 countries tasked with anticipating and neutralizing digital threats before they materialize.

The operation comes just a few months after "Operation Red Card," which led to the arrest of 306 people and the seizure of nearly 2,000 electronic devices in seven African countries: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Cybercrime is a critical issue for African economies, which are already weakened by unevenly developed digital infrastructures. According to the African Union, it costs the continent nearly $4 billion each year. A Cybersecurity Ventures study estimates that the rise of artificial intelligence will further exacerbate the situation, with global losses expected to increase by 11% to $10.5 billion in 2025.

Samira Njoya

Posted On lundi, 25 août 2025 06:50 Written by
  • Founder of Ivoir’OpsTech, a start-up launched in 2022 to digitalize operations

  • Company offers platforms for mail, ticketing, and baggage management

  • Ziago built expertise through roles in fintech and logistics before founding his firm

Marcelin Zouzou Ziago, an Ivorian telecommunications engineer, is the founder and CEO of Ivoir’OpsTech, a start-up focused on helping businesses transition to digital operations.

Founded in 2022, Ivoir’OpsTech specializes in operational management and IT services tailored to the African market. The company offers a range of products, including advanced digital platforms adapted to different sectors.

Among its flagship solutions is KOTscan Courrier, a digital platform available on web and Android that can run offline, allowing full management of business mail. Another product, KOTscan Ticket, supports transport companies in managing ticketing while tracking revenues. The firm has also developed KOTscan Bagages, a tool that streamlines baggage and freight handling services.

Ziago graduated in 2007 with a Higher Technician Certificate in Telecommunications from the Institut Supérieur de Formation Professionnelle in Côte d’Ivoire. In 2012, he obtained a degree in Networks and Telecommunications from the Institut des Technologies d’Abidjan.

His career began in 2014 at BeFree Corporation, a financial services provider, as a sales technician. In 2017, he joined DigiTinnov, a digital solutions start-up, as a business developer. In 2018, he moved to KeyOpsTech, a parcel delivery company, where he became operations director in Côte d’Ivoire before rising to West Africa operations director from 2020 to 2022.

Melchior Koba

Posted On lundi, 25 août 2025 05:40 Written by

She's using technology to transform Togo's food sector, driving more inclusive development. Her entrepreneurial work aims to modernize restaurant operations and simplify the agricultural supply chain for a sustainable future.

Togolese entrepreneur Edourda Adade is co-founder and CEO of Ndupe, a startup specializing in technology solutions for Africa's food sector.

Founded in 2024, Ndupe aims to modernize the agricultural value chain and promote a sustainable food system in Togo. The company provides a platform that helps restaurants grow their online presence by facilitating the creation of digital storefronts and simplifying order and delivery management.

Ndupe also offers an online marketplace that directly connects producers with buyers. The company supplies restaurants with ingredients, packaging, and utensils. Its platform allows users to track their performance in real time, analyze trends, and make informed decisions. Through the Ndupe Academy, the company provides training and personalized support to help restaurants digitize operations and optimize their use of the platform's tools.

In addition to her role at Ndupe, Adade has hosted the weekly "Tech Talk" program on La Famille du Togo radio since May 2025. The show features experts, content creators, engineers, and entrepreneurs who discuss digital and innovation issues, sharing their experiences and highlighting opportunities in new technologies.

A graduate of the Lomé Polytechnic School with a bachelor's degree in science and technology, Adade began her career in 2023 as a web development intern at Technology & Business and Opticodev in Togo. In 2024, she joined NS Global Expertise as a technical sales manager, where she helped develop technology solutions tailored to business needs.

Melchior Koba

Posted On lundi, 25 août 2025 05:38 Written by
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