- ScanEvent centralizes the management and monitoring of trade fairs, conferences and professional events through a digital platform launched in 2025.
- The platform enables organizers and exhibitors to automate registration, track interactions and analyze event performance data.
- Founder El Bechir Mohamed Ahmed previously co-founded industrial startup CMPE Groupe before entering the event technology sector.
After working in the industrial sector, El Bechir Mohamed Ahmed has turned his attention to modernizing business events in Algeria. By connecting organizers and exhibitors through a single digital interface, he aims to transform data collection and event monitoring into strategic performance tools.
As co-founder and chief executive officer of ScanEvent, Mohamed Ahmed has positioned the company to modernize the management of professional gatherings. The startup launched its digital platform in 2025 to centralize the organization and monitoring of trade fairs, exhibitions and conferences while replacing manual processes with a more integrated system.
ScanEvent targets all participants across the event value chain, including organizers, businesses, exhibitors and visitors. The platform seeks to convert often complex events into interactive and measurable experiences through several integrated features.
The company places particular emphasis on registration management. Organizers can register participants before or during events and generate digital badges linked to identification codes that allow rapid visitor verification. The platform also centralizes information related to participants, exhibitors and event activities through a single dashboard.
ScanEvent also provides tools for exhibitors and participating companies. Users can collect business contacts, track interactions during trade fairs and access performance data designed to measure the impact of their participation.
In addition, the platform integrates communication features. Organizers can send messages, notifications and updates directly to participants and exhibitors to maintain engagement before, during and after events.
Before entering the event technology sector, El Bechir Mohamed Ahmed built his first business experience in industry by co-founding CMPE Groupe in 2020. The startup specializes in industrial production.
Mohamed Ahmed graduated from the Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2019. He also earned a master’s degree in entrepreneurship, technology and innovation in 2023 from FUTURIS Institute.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Chad launched a digital platform for its Official Gazette to centralize legal and administrative documents.
- The portal provides access to more than 68 years of government archives dating back to 1958.
- The European Union financed the project, while the United Nations Development Programme supported implementation.
The Chadian government officially launched a digital platform dedicated to the Official Gazette of the Republic on Thursday, May 14, in N'Djamena.
The portal, accessible through journalofficiel.td, aims to modernize access to legal and administrative documents, strengthen transparency in public administration and improve the dissemination of official information to citizens, businesses and institutions.
💻 68 ans d’archives gouvernementales désormais accessibles en ligne 🇹🇩
— PNUD TCHAD (@PNUD_Tchad) May 14, 2026
Honorés d’avoir accompagné le Secrétariat général du Gouvernement dans la conception et la mise en place du portail numérique du Journal Officiel.
Lois, décrets et textes réglementaires sont désormais plus… pic.twitter.com/xqvVd3pgAC
The new platform now centralizes laws, decrees, official statements, public tender notices, approved procurement contracts and various regulatory texts published by the state. The portal also provides access to more than 68 years of administrative and regulatory archives covering the period from 1958 to the present day.
The European Union financed the project, while the United Nations Development Programme supported implementation. The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to accelerate the digital transformation of Chad’s public administration.
Authorities aim to secure and preserve the country’s administrative memory while ensuring faster and broader access to official documents. The government also seeks to improve transparency around public procurement and strengthen the reliability of administrative information distributed to citizens.
The initiative comes as several African countries accelerate the digitization of public services to improve governance, reduce administrative delays and facilitate access to public information.
Governments increasingly view the dematerialization of official gazettes as a tool to strengthen legal certainty and simplify procedures for citizens, investors and legal professionals.
Beyond administrative modernization, Chad also aims to improve access to legal information and strengthen the country’s attractiveness to investors.
Authorities consider national control over digital infrastructure and administrative archives a strategic priority in efforts to build a more efficient, transparent and accessible public administration across the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Djibouti launched a feasibility study for “Digital Houses” aimed at expanding digital inclusion and skills development across the country.
- The E-SKILLS program seeks to train at least 3,000 young people and women by 2029 with a budget of €7 million ($8.1 million).
- Djibouti faces severe labor market pressures, with youth unemployment reaching 76.32% in 2024, according to the World Bank.
As digital transformation reshapes labor markets, African countries are preparing citizens for future workforce demands. The World Bank estimates that 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Against this backdrop, the government of Djibouti launched a feasibility study for the creation of “Digital Houses” across the country’s five inland regions. The initiative forms part of the E-SKILLS program, which aims to strengthen digital competencies among the population.
In a statement published on Wednesday, May 13, the Ministry Delegate for the Digital Economy and Innovation said the study represented a key step in defining how the community-based centers would be deployed. Authorities designed the facilities to promote digital inclusion and reduce the digital divide.
“The future Digital Houses will strengthen access to digital skills, support citizens in their use of digital technologies, encourage local innovation and foster economic opportunities within the regions,” the ministry said in a statement shared on social media.
The planned centers will also bring the E-SKILLS program closer to local populations. The initiative aims to train at least 3,000 young people and women by 2029 at an estimated cost of €7 million, or about $8.1 million.
The project aligns with the country’s Vision Djibouti 2035 strategy, the Smart Nation roadmap and the National Development Plan 2025-2030, all of which aim to position Djibouti as a regional hub for digital skills.
Digital Skills and Employment Challenges
Governments increasingly view digital skills as a key driver of economic transformation. The issue carries particular importance in Africa, where youth unemployment remains a major challenge.
According to the International Labour Organization, 90% of jobs worldwide will require some level of digital competency by 2030. Over the same period, the World Bank expects 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa to depend on digital capabilities.
Djibouti faces especially acute labor market pressures. Youth unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 reached 76.32% in 2024, according to World Bank data, nearly five times the global average of 15.7%.
In the same year, only 23.7% of the working-age population held employment, one of the lowest levels among members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, according to the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries.
Beyond skills development, the Digital Houses could also help reduce connectivity disparities in a country where digital access remains unevenly distributed.
According to the International Telecommunication Union, 4G coverage reached 76% of the population in 2024, while internet penetration stood at 65.3%.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Algeria had more than 22 million payment cards in circulation at the end of March 2026, including nearly 18 million Edahabia cards issued by Algérie Poste.
- Electronic payment transactions rose 46% year-on-year in 2025 to 939 billion dinars ($7 billion).
- Authorities continue to expand digital payment infrastructure as part of broader efforts to strengthen financial inclusion and reduce reliance on cash.
Algeria continues to accelerate its transition toward digital payments as authorities push to modernize financial services and expand financial inclusion.
Finance Minister Abdelkrim Bouzred told the Council of the Nation on Thursday, May 14, that the country had more than 22 million payment cards in circulation at the end of March 2026. The total included nearly 18 million Edahabia cards issued by Algérie Poste.
The expansion forms part of the government’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at modernizing payment services and encouraging wider adoption of electronic transactions.
Official figures highlighted the scale of the expansion. Algeria’s network of automated teller machines reached 4,713 units at the end of March 2026 and processed around 235 million operations.
At the same time, the number of electronic payment terminals exceeded 104,000 units, up sharply from around 68,000 at the end of 2024. The increase reflected faster deployment of payment equipment among merchants across the country.
The use of digital payment methods also expanded significantly in value terms. According to data from GIE Monétique, electronic payments processed through payment terminals, online platforms and mobile services reached 939 billion dinars, or about $7 billion, in 2025. The figure marked a 46% increase from the previous year.
Online payments recorded particularly strong growth, with more than 27 million transactions generating over 145 billion dinars in value.
Mobile money transfers also increased sharply, supported notably by the growing use of applications such as BaridMob and Wimpay.
Several reforms introduced in recent years have supported the sector’s growth.
In 2024, authorities established a National Commission for Electronic Payment Methods to accelerate the development of digital payments and strengthen transaction security.
At the same time, the expansion of digital public services, the rise of e-commerce and the gradual adoption of online payments have started to change consumer habits in a country historically dominated by cash transactions.
Despite rapid growth in payment cards and electronic terminals, cash remains the dominant payment method in the Algerian economy. According to recent data cited by GIE Monétique, fewer than 10% of merchants in the country currently operate electronic payment terminals.
Nevertheless, authorities continue to rely on the digitization of financial services to accelerate adoption of electronic payments.
For the government, the challenge extends beyond transaction modernization. Authorities also aim to reduce the informal economy, improve the traceability of financial flows and strengthen financial inclusion across the country.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- iSchool provides personalized coding, robotics, and AI education for children aged 6 to 18 through live interactive classes.
- Founder Muhammad Gawish applies a structured, game-based learning model that integrates platforms such as Minecraft to improve engagement.
- Gawish leverages international experience across education technology, robotics, and consulting roles in Japan, the United States, and Egypt.
Muhammad Gawish co-founded and leads iSchool, an education technology startup that delivers online courses designed to prepare children aged 6 to 18 for future technology careers.
Since its launch in 2018, iSchool has focused on personalized digital learning. The platform uses live one-on-one classes to adapt instruction to each student’s pace, while providing parents with real-time tracking of their children’s progress.
The company covers a wide range of disciplines, including programming, video game development, mobile application development, web design, data science and artificial intelligence. To increase engagement, the platform integrates interactive environments such as Minecraft, turning coding concepts into game-based learning experiences.
iSchool structures its curriculum by age group and academic level. Younger students learn basic logic and introductory digital skills, while older students work on advanced projects such as application development, 3D games and digital interfaces.
Gawish also brings a multidisciplinary background to the venture. He holds a degree in electrical and telecommunications engineering from Cairo University, earned in 2018, and he continues to work as a freelance consultant in educational technologies.
He also serves as coordinator for international sumo robotics activities at Fujisoft, further strengthening his exposure to applied robotics education and innovation ecosystems.
Earlier in his career, Gawish worked in research and development at AmpereRobotics in 2015. He later completed a business development internship at The Coca-Cola Company in 2017 in the United States.
In 2019, he joined xTool Education (formerly Makeblock) as a STEAM education consultant, focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics learning programs.
In 2015, Gawish placed second in the NOOR IoT competition at Cairo ICT, marking an early recognition of his work in emerging technologies.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Senegalese healthtech startup ASKcare develops point-of-care diagnostic tools for underserved rural communities.
- The company focuses on early disease detection, particularly cervical cancer screening and treatment.
- ASKcare plans to expand its healthcare network across several African countries by 2030.
Senegalese healthtech startup ASKcare aims to improve healthcare access in rural areas by deploying medical tools closer to patients.
Medical biologist Aïssatou Diallo founded the company in 2021. ASKcare develops “Point of Care” diagnostic tools that deliver medical results directly at treatment sites without relying on complex hospital infrastructure.
“Founded with the mission of democratizing healthcare, ASKcare is guided by values of solidarity, innovation and social justice. The company works closely with local communities to adapt its solutions to the realities and specific needs of each region,” the startup said.
The company distributes rapid diagnostic tests, digital colposcopes and thermocoagulation devices that treat precancerous lesions during a single visit.
ASKcare targets one of Africa’s major healthcare challenges: limited access to screening services in areas located far from urban medical centers. ASKcare said it works with several health centers, laboratories and community organizations across Senegal. The company combines biomedical equipment supply, maintenance services and financing solutions tailored to low-resource healthcare facilities.
At the same time, the startup develops a mobile healthcare approach that allows medical teams to organize screening campaigns directly in remote communities. The company believes that proximity-based healthcare delivery can improve early diagnosis and expand preventive care coverage in underserved regions.
Beyond Senegal, ASKcare plans to gradually expand into several African countries by 2030. The company aims to build a network of accessible medical solutions in regions that remain underserved by specialized healthcare infrastructure.
The emergence of startups such as ASKcare reflects the broader growth of African health technology companies focused on accessibility, prevention and locally adapted medical solutions.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
- South African startup DataProphet develops industrial intelligence tools that optimize manufacturing performance through real-time data analysis.
- The company centralizes machine and production data to reduce defects, bottlenecks and operational losses.
- Founder Daniel Schwartzkopff previously launched ventures in mobile services and cryptocurrency betting before focusing on industrial AI.
South African serial entrepreneur Daniel Schwartzkopff co-founded and leads DataProphet, a company that uses industrial intelligence to transform manufacturing data into operational performance tools.
The company moves away from traditional factory management methods by promoting full interconnection across production sites. Its platform centralizes machine intelligence and tracks anomalies in real time, allowing manufacturers to improve precision and operational efficiency.
Founded in 2014 as a consulting firm, DataProphet later pivoted toward developing its own technology solutions. The company aims to help factories understand their day-to-day operations in order to eliminate waste, production defects and bottlenecks. By centralizing information generated by industrial equipment, DataProphet provides strategic decision-making tools for operators, engineers and production managers.
The company first evaluates a factory’s ability to use operational data effectively. It then helps manufacturers improve the quality of collected information, consolidate data from multiple machines and monitor production-line performance in real time.
DataProphet also provides visualization tools that allow manufacturers to oversee operations more efficiently and detect anomalies quickly. One of the company’s flagship products is DataProphet Connect, a platform designed to aggregate industrial data from multiple production sites into a single environment. The platform allows industrial teams to access operational data, create dashboards, receive alerts and analyze equipment performance.
Daniel Schwartzkopff graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He launched free mobile services startup FSMS in 2010. In 2014, he founded BetVIP, which he described as the first online betting platform using bitcoin. He led the company until 2015 before focusing fully on the expansion of DataProphet.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
French cosmetics group L'Oréal has launched a call for applications for its innovation program targeting startups in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Startups working in artificial intelligence or sustainability can apply until July 3, 2026. Selected firms will test their technology with international brands, receive mentorship and scale their solutions across 35 markets.
On Wednesday, May 13, JuiceMe announced the acquisition of Ajiraworks as part of its expansion in Africa. Ajiraworks founder Catherine Ochako will join JuiceMe’s leadership team to lead the initiative. The deal will allow international companies to hire, pay and manage local employees across Africa while complying with local regulations. By integrating Ajiraworks’ systems, JuiceMe aims to position itself as a partner for companies seeking to quickly expand on the continent.
Fintech company Happy Pay announced on Wednesday, May 13, a partnership with Ozow to offer buy-now-pay-later services to South African merchants. Under the agreement, shoppers will be able to pay for purchases in monthly installments, with no upfront payment or interest charges. The solution integrates into e-commerce platforms, helping retailers attract new customers while giving consumers access to a flexible and secure payment option at no extra cost.
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Debt financing accounted for $305 million of the $600 million raised by African startups in the first quarter of 2026.
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Startups increasingly turned to non-dilutive financing as higher interest rates and investor caution slowed equity funding.
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Early-stage companies faced mounting pressure as the number of small fundraising rounds sharply declined.
Debt financing became the leading source of funding for African startups for the first time during the first quarter of 2026, marking a structural shift in the continent’s technology investment landscape.
Debt represented $305 million of the $600 million raised by African startups during the quarter, compared with just $50 million during the same period in 2025, according to data from Africa: The Big Deal.
The shift extended a trend that has accelerated over recent years. According to Partech’s 2025 annual report, published in January 2026, debt financing in Africa’s startup ecosystem increased from $1.01 billion at the end of 2024 to $1.64 billion at the end of 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 63%.
The number of debt transactions followed the same trajectory. Transactions increased by 40% to a record 108 deals across the continent in 2025.
Debt accounted for 41% of total capital invested in African startups in 2025, compared with 31% in 2024 and 17% in 2019.
“We observed that debt financing represented the most significant structural change of 2025. Although debt financing remained marginal a few years ago, it has become a central pillar of African technology funding,” Partech said in its report.
The investment firm said the increase reflected a lasting transformation rather than a cyclical recovery. A growing number of African startups now generate sufficient cash flow, operational scale and governance standards to access structured and non-dilutive financing instruments.
In April 2026, Togolese mobility startup Gozem secured $24.5 million in debt financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand its vehicle fleet.
At the same time, Kenyan agritech startup Victory Farms obtained $15 million in financing through AgDevCo.
“The figures appear positive at first glance, but the sharp decline in equity financing and the scarcity of small funding rounds reflect a tougher environment for seed-stage startups,” said Max Cuvellier Giacomelli, co-founder of Africa: The Big Deal.
Geographic distribution data also revealed major disparities across African markets.
Kenya led the continent in debt financing during 2025 with $498 million raised through debt instruments, representing 48% of all capital deployed in the country.
Egypt followed with $246 million in debt financing, up 73% year on year, while Nigeria secured $160 million, up 132%. Senegal attracted $139 million, while South Africa raised $72 million, down 45%.
However, the rapid growth of debt financing coincided with a sharp contraction in overall deal activity.
The total number of startup funding transactions fell by 34% between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, declining from 140 to 92 deals.
Small funding rounds ranging between $100,000 and $500,000 dropped from 73 transactions to 32 over the same period.
As a result, many early-stage startups that lack the scale or revenue growth required to access debt financing increasingly found themselves excluded from parts of the funding market.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- ST Digital operates digital transformation, cloud, and cybersecurity services across several African countries.
- The company has already supported more than 500 clients and operates three certified datacenters in Africa.
- Founder Anthony Same aims to strengthen local cloud infrastructure and keep African data hosted on the continent.
Anthony Same is the founder and chief executive officer of ST Digital, a pan-African company specialized in supporting organizations through digital transformation. The company operates in several African countries, including Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire, and aims to become a major provider of digital and cloud services across the continent.
Founded in 2017, ST Digital provides a broad range of services to private companies and public institutions. The company offers digital transformation consulting, infrastructure and application hosting, cybersecurity, enterprise software solutions, collaborative work tools, and workforce training. The company aims to help organizations modernize operations, improve productivity, and secure data systems.
ST Digital particularly highlights its African cloud offering. The company develops services hosted in datacenters located in Africa in order to provide local and secure solutions adapted to the continent’s realities. The strategy aims to give African companies access to modern digital services while keeping data hosted on the continent.
The company also supports clients in managing and optimizing information technology infrastructure. ST Digital provides hosting, data backup, cybersecurity, and business continuity services. The company helps organizations protect systems, networks, and data against digital risks. ST Digital has already supported more than 500 clients and currently operates three certified datacenters.
Anthony Same graduated from KEDGE Business School in France, where he earned a master’s degree in finance in 2003. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in information technology management obtained in 2005 from ESSEC Business School.
His professional trajectory reflects deep expertise in the global digital ecosystem. After beginning his career at Toshiba in 2001, Same strengthened his consulting expertise at IBM before joining Microsoft in 2006 as a partner account manager. Between 2011 and 2015, he joined SAP, where he successively served as channel manager and head of Central Africa operations. He later leveraged that experience to launch the ST Digital venture.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Liberia launched a cybersecurity and digital forensics laboratory to strengthen national cyber defense capabilities.
- The infrastructure includes real-time threat monitoring systems, digital forensic tools, and incident response capabilities.
- Interpol estimates cybercrime losses in Africa exceeded $3 billion between 2019 and 2025.
Liberia has launched a cybersecurity and digital forensics laboratory aimed at reinforcing the country’s ability to respond to growing cyber threats.
A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) conducted an inspection visit to the facility on Tuesday, May 12. The regional organization evaluated the laboratory’s compliance and performance levels as part of its monitoring framework for cybersecurity initiatives across member states under its regional cybersecurity strategy.
Advanced Infrastructure Dedicated to Cybersecurity
According to Liberia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the laboratory includes next-generation digital forensic tools, real-time threat monitoring systems, advanced incident response capabilities, and specialized training equipment.
“This world-class laboratory significantly strengthens the country’s capacity to investigate cybercrime, recover digital evidence, analyze threats, and defend against emerging cyber risks,” the ministry said in a statement published on Facebook.
A previous ministry statement issued in 2024 during the project launch said the laboratory would operate through two main divisions: a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a digital forensics unit.
The CERT division will respond to digital threats, including cyberattacks and hacking attempts, while also overseeing system monitoring, risk mitigation, and cybersecurity training. Meanwhile, the digital forensics unit will support investigations by enabling law enforcement agencies to collect and analyze digital evidence in cases such as financial fraud and drug trafficking.
A Project Supported by ECOWAS Since 2019
The initiative dates back to 2019, when ECOWAS committed to providing Liberia with approximately $400 million worth of digital forensic equipment, subject to the availability of a suitable site. However, delays linked to securing $100,000 for renovation works slowed implementation for several years. The project nevertheless accelerated in 2024 under the leadership of President Joseph Boakai.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Liberian authorities to secure national cyberspace amid rising digital threats. In its “Cybercrime Africa Cyberthreat Assessment 2025,” Interpol said the expansion of digital services, social media, e-commerce, and mobile banking had fueled the growth of cybercrime in Africa. The report said cybercrime accounted for more than 30% of reported offenses in West and East Africa in 2024, while cumulative financial losses across the continent between 2019 and 2025 exceeded $3 billion.
Against that backdrop, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has called on governments to strengthen cybersecurity systems in order to fully benefit from digital opportunities. The ITU currently ranks Liberia at the second-lowest tier of its 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index. The organization acknowledged progress in regulatory frameworks and cooperation while continuing to identify weaknesses in technical capacity, organizational structures, and skills development.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Gilbert Mbeh launched PushNcare in 2024 to provide AI-powered nutrition analysis tailored to African diets.
- The platform analyzes more than 60,000 African dishes and ingredients to generate personalized health recommendations.
- PushNcare uses image and text recognition technology to assess meals and support nutrition management across multiple health objectives.
Gilbert Mbeh, a Cameroonian technology entrepreneur, is the founder and chief technology officer of PushNcare, a digital platform dedicated to nutrition and wellness that launched in 2024.
PushNcare differentiates itself by combining healthcare technology with African culinary traditions. The platform provides users with nutritional analysis tools specifically adapted to local dietary habits. By connecting patients with nutritionists, the company seeks to make health advice more accessible and more closely aligned with African cultural realities.
The technological core of PushNcare relies on a database containing more than 60,000 analyzed African dishes and ingredients. The platform catalogs staples such as jollof rice and fufu to help users understand calorie intake, sugar and sodium levels, and glycemic impact. Mbeh said the platform aims to deliver personalized nutrition management based on everyday meals.
To simplify the user experience, PushNcare integrates an intelligent analysis system capable of processing either a photo or a text description of a meal. The platform then generates a detailed nutritional assessment and provides targeted recommendations based on various objectives, including weight loss, glycemic control, digestive health, energy optimization, sports nutrition, pregnancy, cardiovascular health, and low-sugar or low-sodium diets.
Beyond his work in digital health, Mbeh also serves as program coordinator for the Digital Transformation Initiative for Municipalities in Africa (DTIMA). The annual event brings together mayors, investors, and policymakers to accelerate the digital transformation of African cities.
Mbeh’s entrepreneurial career gained momentum in 2019 with the creation of AbegYa, an information technology consulting and services company. However, he began his professional career in 2008 at Ecolog International as a network technician. Between 2010 and 2019, he also served as chairman of the board of EDUCAF, an organization focused on supporting education in Africa.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum