- Ubiquity AI uses artificial intelligence to anticipate repayment risks and reduce loan defaults.
- The company positions its model upstream to limit losses and avoid excluding vulnerable borrowers.
- Its conversational agent SimONE combines behavioral science and AI to improve repayment outcomes.
Kaveer Beharee operates as a South African entrepreneur and leads Ubiquity AI as co-founder and chief executive officer. The company develops fintech solutions that support financially vulnerable individuals and the institutions that serve them.
Ubiquity AI launched operations in 2024 and set a mission to promote financial inclusion by helping struggling clients remain within the credit system rather than facing exclusion. The company differentiates its approach from traditional debt collection firms by intervening early, before missed payments escalate into critical defaults.
This model allows lenders to reduce losses, lower recovery costs, and limit provisions for non-performing loans.
SimONE serves as the core product of Ubiquity AI and operates as a conversational agent designed with behavioral science principles. The tool identifies at-risk clients, supports them in preventing or managing payment delays, and delivers solutions that outperform internal teams or external collection agencies in cost efficiency.
Ubiquity AI collaborates with banks, credit providers, and other financial institutions to improve collection performance and prevent over-indebtedness. The company works in partnership with ResolvSA, an outsourced services provider, to deliver a seamless customer experience that combines human expertise with technology.
Kaveer Beharee graduated from the University of Johannesburg with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2001. He held the position of strategy director at Draftfcb, an international advertising network, from 2006 to 2008. He also served on the provincial committee of the Black Management Forum from 2012 to 2014, where he contributed to strengthening management and leadership capabilities among members.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Rwanda signed a strategic agreement with Ansys to integrate simulation tools into higher education.
- Universities will gain access to advanced software, licenses, and industry-linked training programs.
- The initiative aligns with a global simulation software market projected to exceed $36 billion by 2030.
The Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda announced on Tuesday, April 14, in Kigali that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Ansys, a U.S.-based firm specializing in digital simulation. The partnership aims to integrate advanced engineering simulation tools into the curricula of universities and polytechnic schools across the country.
Minister of State @yves_Iradukunda welcomed a delegation from @ANSYS led by Mr. Lou Major, Managing Director for Africa, for the signing of an MoU between MINICT and Ansys. The agreement establishes a single framework through which universities and polytechnics can be onboarded… pic.twitter.com/is1CiD2GEZ
— Ministry of ICT and Innovation | Rwanda (@RwandaICT) April 14, 2026
The agreement, which Minister of State Yves Iradukunda and Lou Major signed, establishes a centralized framework to connect Rwandan universities and polytechnic institutions to Ansys platforms.
Institutions will access advanced simulation software and associated licenses, while the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of these technologies across the education system.
The agreement also includes training programs, conferences, demonstrations, and industry engagement sessions. These initiatives aim to expose students and faculty to real-world applications of simulation and strengthen alignment between academic training and labor market needs.
This project forms part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to strengthen alignment between university curricula and industry requirements, particularly in engineering and technology sectors. The government seeks to improve practical skills development suited to an increasingly digital economy by embedding simulation tools into academic programs.
Ansys solutions already support industrial groups across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy by simulating product behavior before manufacturing. These tools help companies reduce development costs and accelerate innovation cycles.
Their introduction into Rwanda’s higher education system aims to familiarize students with widely adopted industry technologies amid rising demand for advanced engineering skills.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Ivory Coast partners with University of Montpellier to train space engineers and develop its first satellite.
- The initiative supports the rollout of the national space agency and existing satellite projects.
- African countries plan more than 100 additional satellite launches by 2030, reflecting rapid sector growth.
Ivory Coast seeks to leverage the expertise of University of Montpellier in France to train its first cohort of space specialists. The collaboration will also cover the development of the country’s first national satellite.
Authorities discussed this cooperation on Wednesday, April 15, during a meeting between Adama Diawara, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and a delegation from the Space Center of the University of Montpellier led by its director Laurent Dusseau.
This meeting marked an initial step in launching the activities of the Ivorian Space Agency (ASCI), which authorities established to structure the sector.
According to the Ivorian government, Dusseau emphasized that the University of Montpellier provides infrastructure capable of training technicians and engineers by combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
He stated: “We deliver this training through a specialized master’s program designed for engineers who already hold degrees in various fields and who complete an अत्य intensive one-year course to acquire space expertise that enables them to access highly specialized roles such as IT engineer or systems engineer.”
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to develop the space sector in Ivory Coast. In May 2023, the country announced a partnership with Universal Konstructors Associated (UKA) to build Yam-Sat CI 01, the first national satellite, with a launch initially scheduled for August 2024.
Earlier, authorities announced plans in 2021 to establish a national space agency, and they formalized the creation of the agency by decree in June 2025. The agency oversees capacity building and infrastructure development in the space sector.
The Council of Ministers outlined the agency’s scope in its June 4, 2025 report and confirmed that its activities cover key pillars of the space sector. “Its scope of activity covers essential pillars of space applications, namely Earth observation, space weather, astronomy, space exploration, as well as satellite navigation and communication,” the report stated.
The government added that these capabilities will address economic development challenges, strengthen national security, and support environmental protection.
Ivory Coast’s efforts align with a broader continental trend. A report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies published in September 2025 indicated that African states allocate approximately $500 million annually to space programs.
The study reported that more than 21 African countries have established space programs, while 18 have launched at least one satellite. African nations have launched a cumulative total of 65 satellites and plan to deploy more than 120 additional satellites by 2030.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Visa’s Africa Fintech Accelerator has passed the milestone of 100 startups supported, as it launches its sixth cohort. Since its inception, the program has backed 104 companies across 28 markets, with a combined valuation of $1.4 billion. Applications for the new cohort are open until Sunday, May 17, as the program seeks to help a new wave of founders scale financial solutions across the continent.
The online school Koa Academy is launching a free entrepreneurship challenge for South Africans aged 9 to 16. Over five weeks, participants will learn how to develop an idea, set prices, identify their target market, and pitch their ideas to professionals. The hands-on program aims to build confidence, business skills, and initiative from an early age.
The Morocco Gaming Expo will take place from Wednesday, May 20, to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Sofitel Jardin des Roses in Rabat. In its third edition, the event is positioning itself as the leading gathering for video games, e-sports, and immersive technologies in Morocco. It will bring together enthusiasts, studios, publishers, and public sector stakeholders, featuring demonstrations, competitions, and networking opportunities.
- Uganda to launch first national internet exchange point (NIPX)
- Platform to keep domestic traffic local, reducing costs and latency
- Initiative aims to boost ICT growth, investment, digital services
Uganda’s National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, on Monday announced the upcoming deployment of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX), the country’s first Internet exchange point.
The platform is expected to streamline the routing of domestic digital traffic and improve the efficiency of Uganda’s Internet ecosystem.
@NITAUganda1 in collaboration with @MoICT_Ug have officially announced the launch of the National IP Peering Exchange (NIPX) scheduled to take place this Friday, 17th April, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
— NITA-Uganda (@NITAUganda1) April 15, 2026
As Uganda’s first neutral and open Internet Exchange Point (IXP), the NIPX… pic.twitter.com/aLH7YgzImJ
Speaking to reporters, Minister of State for National Guidance Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku said the NIPX would position Uganda as a competitive ICT hub in East Africa and beyond. He added that the infrastructure is expected to attract investment, support innovation, and boost the development of local digital content and services, while creating new economic opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs.
Scheduled for official launch on Friday, April 17, the NIPX will function as a national interconnection hub, allowing internet service providers, content platforms, public networks, and private operators to exchange traffic locally.
Until now, much of Uganda’s domestic Internet traffic was routed through infrastructure abroad before returning to the country, increasing costs and latency. The new system aims to keep this traffic within national borders, reducing costs and improving network performance.
The project falls under the Uganda Vision 2040 framework, which prioritizes digital transformation, science, and innovation as key drivers of economic growth.
It also underscores the government’s push to strengthen digital sovereignty, modernize the ICT sector, and enhance the country’s appeal to digital economy investors.
Authorities say the NIPX is expected to lower international connectivity costs, improve service speed and quality, and strengthen the resilience of the national network against external disruptions. For users, this should translate into smoother online experiences, particularly in communications, e-government services, and education.
Samira Njoya
- Mauritania, IsDB negotiate $50 million digital transformation financing
- Program targets infrastructure, cybersecurity, skills, system modernization
- Country seeks growth despite low digital, cybersecurity rankings
Mauritanian authorities are negotiating a $50 million financing deal with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to support the country’s digital transformation. The two parties signed a principle agreement on Tuesday, April 14.
The program covers four areas: digital infrastructure and equipment, cybersecurity, interoperability and system modernization, and the development of digital skills, connectivity, and innovation.
In January 2025, the government launched the Digital-Y project, backed by €4 million and implemented with German development cooperation. It aims to integrate digital tools into public administration to modernize services, improve transparency, and support economic and social development.
Mauritania is also working with the World Bank and the European Union. The EU is supporting several initiatives, including the construction of a data center in Nouakchott and the country’s connection to a new submarine fiber optic cable. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing €25 million ($29.4 million) for the project, while the World Bank is contributing $10 million.
The initiative is part of the government’s strategy to make digital technology and innovation key drivers of administrative modernization, social inclusion and competitiveness. Under its 2022–2025 plan, Mauritania targets digital sector value added of $700 million by 2025, or 8% of GDP, up from $350 million and 4.5% in 2020. It also aims to create 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, compared with 5,000 in 2020.
Mauritania currently ranks 165th out of 193 countries on the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.3491, below both the African average (0.4247) and the global average (0.6382), highlighting persistent gaps in public service digitalization.
In cybersecurity, the country is placed in the fourth (second-lowest) tier of the International Telecommunication Union’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index, with weaknesses in organizational, technical, capacity-building and cooperation areas.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
- Senegal, UNDP sign deal to advance digital governance, AI
- Partnership to support innovation hubs, startup ecosystem growth
- Government targets 500 startups, 150,000 jobs by 2034
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy (MCTN) signed a framework agreement on Tuesday, April 14, in Dakar. The partnership aims to structure Senegal's digital governance and accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into public services.
Minister Alioune Sall and UNDP Resident Representative Njoya Tikum signed the agreement. The deal comes at a strategic time, as authorities aim to strengthen digital inclusion and establish a regulatory framework conducive to innovation. The government said the partnership is "structuring and results-oriented," aligning with its priorities for public service digitalization and economic competitiveness.
The first tangible outcome of the partnership is expected on April 27 with the inauguration of the University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD) at Amadou Mahtar Mbow University. Funded with $1 million, the hub is designed as an incubator to support young innovators in turning research projects into high-impact startups. Authorities plan to replicate this model nationwide to expand the network of innovation centers.
The initiative is part of the "Technological New Deal," Senegal's national digital transformation strategy, which aims to create more than 500 certified technology startups by 2034 and generate around 150,000 direct jobs. According to StartupBlink, the country currently has about 60 active startups, highlighting an ecosystem still taking shape and scaling.
Samira Njoya
The General Confederation of Guinean Enterprises, in partnership with Microsoft, is launching “AI Xcelerate”, a program aimed at helping 250 companies adopt artificial intelligence. The initiative combines training with practical applications to improve SME productivity and competitiveness. It forms part of the national 2026-2035 roadmap to narrow the technology gap and modernize the economy amid global shifts.
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- Magezi Sagesse co-founded JusticeBot to improve access to legal information and services through digital tools.
- The platform supports the full legal process, from initial contact to case management and billing.
- JusticeBot targets legal professionals, institutions and citizens with integrated, affordable solutions.
Congolese entrepreneur Magezi Sagesse has developed a digital approach to improve access to legal information. He co-founded JusticeBot and currently serves as its chief executive officer.
Founded in 2018, JusticeBot designs innovative solutions to prevent rights violations and resolve legal issues in an efficient and affordable way. The organization structures its offering around a digital platform that supports legal professionals, public institutions and judicial systems in their daily operations.
The platform covers the entire user journey. It guides users from the initial contact through case tracking and billing. It provides clear and structured steps that simplify data collection, improve understanding of legal issues and direct users toward the appropriate procedures or stakeholders.
JusticeBot provides lawyers, law firms, legal clinics and organizations with a unified solution under a subscription model. The platform integrates several tools into a single environment.
These tools include a legal-focused conversational agent called Eve JusticeBot, a multilingual website, a client request management system, and built-in billing and communication functions. This integrated approach allows users to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
Magezi Sagesse holds a degree in computer engineering obtained in 2013 from the Université chrétienne bilingue du Congo. He also serves as an IT product manager at Bidhaa Sasa, a Kenyan social enterprise that distributes and finances technology products for rural households, mainly in Kenya and Uganda.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Philippe Ohandja Ayina founded E-Santé Cameroun to connect patients with healthcare providers via digital tools.
- The platform enables home visits and teleconsultations, reducing travel and wait times.
- Digital medical records support continuous patient monitoring and coordinated care.
Philippe Ohandja Ayina, a Cameroonian doctor and entrepreneur, founded E-Santé Cameroun to bring healthcare services closer to the population by facilitating access to consultations and patient follow-up.
Founded in 2018, E-Santé Cameroun aims to improve the quality of medical and paramedical care by simplifying interactions between patients and healthcare professionals. The platform connects individuals with a network of doctors and practitioners who provide services either at home or through teleconsultation, depending on patient needs.
The service operates through a structured process. The patient books an appointment online or via messaging, provides personal information, specifies the required specialty, and selects the preferred date and location. A healthcare professional then contacts the patient to confirm the consultation and either travels to the patient’s home or delivers remote follow-up care. This model reduces unnecessary travel and long waiting times in medical facilities.
E-Santé Cameroun offers a range of medical services, including general medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and physiotherapy. The platform also enables medical testing, organizes medical evacuations and provides personalized support for chronic diseases.
At the core of the system, the platform creates an online medical record that centralizes patient health data, including test results, treatments and vaccinations. This remotely accessible record supports continuous monitoring and improves both preventive care and therapeutic management.
In parallel, Philippe Ohandja Ayina founded and leads Clinic Home, another platform that delivers home-based and online healthcare services. The platform allows patients to receive care without traveling, either through home visits or teleconsultations.
Philippe Ohandja Ayina graduated as a medical doctor in 2017 from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Douala. He also teaches at the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC).
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The Estonian tech conference Latitude59 is closing applications for its African startup pitch competition this Wednesday, April 15. The event, scheduled for May 20–22 in Tallinn, offers a prime opportunity to connect with European investors and mentors. Early-stage companies from across the continent are invited to apply to showcase their potential at this influential European event.
The Kenyan startup Zuri Health is expanding its mobile clinic fleet in Nairobi with three new buses equipped for diagnostics, dental care and cervical cancer screening. Deployed in busy areas, these solar-powered, self-sufficient units bring healthcare closer to low-income workers, reducing travel and time away from work. Consultations start at 500 Kenyan shillings (about $4).