Operating in a healthcare system often marked by complexity, the Egyptian entrepreneur has turned to digital solutions to simplify how patients and doctors connect.
Mina Shawky is an Egyptian entrepreneur and trained pharmacist. He is the co-founder and chief executive of CliniDo, a digital healthcare platform connecting patients with medical professionals.
Founded in 2020, CliniDo operates as a digital health companion available through a mobile application and web platform. It aims to simplify access to healthcare services by bringing together physician discovery, appointment booking and medical follow-up within a single interface.
Through the platform, patients can identify healthcare professionals, schedule consultations and access a range of medical services in one place. These include remote video and audio consultations, laboratory test bookings and home medical visits, depending on patient needs.
CliniDo also targets healthcare providers, helping doctors expand their digital visibility and reach a broader patient base through detailed professional profiles and patient reviews. The platform provides digital tools to manage appointments, medical practices and service offerings, supporting more efficient organization and improved continuity of care.
Shawky graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Cairo University, earning a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 2010. He later obtained a master’s degree in marketing in 2017 from ESLSCA Business School Paris.
He began his career in 2011 as a production pharmacist at the Egyptian Armed Forces pharmaceutical plant. In 2012, he joined EVA Pharma as a medical representative before moving the same year to Novartis, where he worked as an associate product manager in diabetes care. In 2017, he was appointed product innovation lead at Vezeeta.com, a Dubai-based healthtech company. Between 2018 and 2021, he served as a product manager at Egyptian fintech firm Aman E-Payments.
Melchior Koba
Founded in 2024, the platform helps merchants create structured online storefronts while centralising sales, inventory and performance tracking tools.
Ali Mokrani is an Algerian business intelligence specialist and technology entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and CEO of Ayor AI, an online platform that enables users to build structured e-commerce storefronts quickly.
Founded in 2024, Ayor AI allows merchants to create sales pages organized around clear, streamlined customer journeys, guiding visitors from product discovery to payment. The platform includes conversion tools designed to turn visitors into customers, support cross-selling and upselling, and increase average order value.
Ayor AI offers centralized management of products, inventory, and orders, with real-time sales tracking to help prevent stock-outs. It also integrates performance-monitoring tools that allow merchants to evaluate what works and adjust offers and marketing campaigns accordingly. Connections with services such as Google Tag Manager and analytics dashboards enable more granular analysis of orders and user behavior.
The platform connects with a wide range of external services to simplify day-to-day operations, including order tracking, delivery management, and order confirmations. It also integrates with other e-commerce platforms, spreadsheet tools, and partner applications to import product catalogs, monitor abandoned carts, and improve transaction security.
Before launching Ayor AI, Mokrani co-founded digital marketing agency Meanbot in 2018. He holds a bachelor’s degree in technical English, obtained in 2012 from the University of Continuous Studies, and a master’s degree in business intelligence from El Bachir El Ibrahimi University in Bordj Bou Arreridj.
He began his career in 2012 at electronics manufacturer Condor Algerie as a software engineer. In 2013, he became IT manager at construction firm TRAVOCOVIA. He returned to Condor Algerie the following year, where he held several roles, including application development assistant, ICT director, and application development manager. Between 2023 and 2024, he headed the Maystro-shop division at Maystro Delivery, an Algerian logistics company serving e-commerce merchants.
Melchior Koba
The Moroccan software engineer is the founder of SVB DEV, a company developing digital tools to improve efficiency, coordination and asset management in real estate and construction.
Zouhair Brouzi (photo, right) is a Moroccan software engineer and entrepreneur. He is the founder and chief executive of SVB DEV, a company that develops digital solutions for professionals in real estate and construction.
Founded in 2024, SVB DEV focuses on construction project management and real estate asset management. Its solutions are designed to help teams manage construction sites, buildings and facilities more efficiently, with an emphasis on smart building management, risk reduction and operational performance.
The company develops software and digital products, including web applications, analytics tools and remote infrastructure services for secure data hosting and management. Its flagship products include Smart BIM, a collaborative web platform for project coordination, and Smart Facility Management, a solution for preventive and corrective maintenance of real estate assets. SVB DEV also offers Smart GED, an electronic document management system that improves documentation, collaboration and regulatory compliance on construction sites.
Before founding SVB DEV, Brouzi co-founded Virtual Building Solution in 2014 and served as its chief executive until 2023. In 2024, he also co-founded Optimize Health Solution (OHS), a startup focused on digital health solutions.
Brouzi holds a master’s degree in software engineering from the École de technologie supérieure in Canada (2005) and a master’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Montreal (2007). He also earned a university diploma in e-health and connected medicine from Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (UM6P).
He began his career in Canada in 2001 at software company Digimind as an information systems analyst. In 2005, he joined telecommunications group Bell as an engineering team lead. In 2008, he became director of information systems at Canadian data firm ArchiDATA. From 2011 to 2014, he worked as a project manager at information systems specialist Omnidata. In 2023, he joined the Institut national de la recherche scientifique in Montreal as a researcher.
Melchior Koba
Just before the Orange EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Grand Finale kicked off at Casablanca’s Sacré-Cœur on December 19, Orange Middle East and Africa’s (OMEA) Brand and Sponsoring Director outlined the tournament’s evolution. She highlighted Orange’s commitment to African esports and its efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable competitive ecosystem.
We Are Tech (WAT): This tournament used to be called the Orange eSport Experience, but now it’s Orange EA SPORTS FC™ 26. Aside from the name, what has changed and why?
Muriel Cissé: You’re right. The Orange eSport Experience had a great seven-year run but we felt it was time to take the tournament to the next level, which is why we partnered with EA SPORTS, a true powerhouse in the gaming industry. Beyond boosting our credibility and visibility, the partnership gives our players the opportunity to compete on the brand-new EA Sports FC 26 platform.
The new format now brings together 15 African countries, plus Réunion Island, which is joining the Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) circuit for the first time. It’s a major step forward. Our ambition is to show that Africa and its young talent belong on the global esports stage, and working with a world leader in gaming is a key part of that journey.
Where does this edition fit within Orange’s overall strategy for esports growth in Africa and the Middle East?
This is really a natural evolution of our work. Since 2016, our ambition in esports has gone hand in hand with our core business as an internet service provider. High-speed broadband is the backbone of online gaming and tournament streaming.
Beyond connectivity, our second major focus is inclusion. For a long time, local champions struggled to access the international circuit. From the outset, we aimed to promote esports, help structure local ecosystems, and make gaming accessible to everyone.
Through the Orange eSport Experience tournaments we’ve organized since 2018, we’ve given players a platform to compete and gain visibility. This has helped strengthen local communities and has even led to the creation of official esports federations in several countries. We remain committed to that original mission: promoting esports, identifying local talent, delivering high-quality experiences, and giving players a pathway to the global stage.
Inclusion also underpins our commitment to ethical and responsible gaming. We want esports to be open to all young people and increasingly gender-inclusive. For our finale in Casablanca, we are proud to welcome several female competitors, particularly from Cameroon and Morocco.
Looking back since the launch, what are the key figures and results of Orange’s commitment to esports?
Since 2018, we have hosted five pan-African editions, giving our athletes the opportunity to connect and level up. The results have been positive on several fronts. We’ve played a key role in structuring emerging ecosystems by partnering with local grassroots associations. Today, we’re seeing the rise of official national federations in countries like Cameroon, Senegal, and beyond. Orange has been a major driver in this move toward professionalization.
In terms of the numbers, gaming is now the world’s leading entertainment industry, surpassing both film and music. While data for Africa can be limited, we are seeing explosive growth across the continent. Statista projects over 420 million players by 2026, with a gamer penetration rate of 27% across Africa. As a major operator in the Middle East and Africa, Orange is committed to staying at the forefront of this momentum.
Given the wide geographic spread of this event, what resources are being deployed to ensure a top-tier experience for both players and spectators?
It starts with the cutting-edge technology we provide to young gamers, specifically the high-speed broadband, fiber, and 5G networks we are rolling out across our markets. These allow players to compete with minimal latency and make it possible to broadcast the tournaments. Beyond basic connectivity, we are leveraging our flagship "super-app," Max it, which has 22 millions active users across 16 markets, to promote esports.
Moving forward, Max it will become even more integrated with the gaming world. For instance, the Casablanca finale will be live-streamed directly on the app. We are also planning to launch a dedicated gaming "hub" within the app featuring exclusive content: match streams, special offers, and educational tutorials from world-renowned gamers to mentor our local talent. Our goal is to provide genuine added value to the community through the Max it platform.
With the Grand Finale taking place in Casablanca on December 19–20, what is at stake for the local champions representing their countries? What kind of regional impact are you expecting from this event?
For our champions, it’s first and foremost a matter of national pride. They really tap into that patriotic spirit, especially since the tournament focuses on virtual football (EA Sports FC 26), which aligns perfectly with our long-standing commitment to the sport. On a personal level, it’s an incredible opportunity for these players to sharpen their skills.
In terms of future prospects, every champion competing here automatically qualifies for an upcoming EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile tournament scheduled for mid-2026. That competition will expand beyond the OMEA region to include Orange’s European markets, giving our champions the chance to test their skills against players from around the world. On top of that, the overall winner of this tournament will receive a VIP trip to visit Real Madrid.
Visibility is another major factor. The event will be broadcast on Max it, YouTube, and FCM TV (the official EA Sports FC channel).
As for the regional impact, this broad coverage significantly grows our audience, and we hope it inspires a new generation of gamers. Hosting a tournament of this caliber on the eve of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 highlights just how important esports is to Orange. We want to reinforce our commitment to supporting this ecosystem, helping establish regulations, and fostering the creation of national federations to propel our champions to the highest international levels.
Orange often speaks about a vision for "Responsible Esports" supported by the #ForGoodConnection program. What does this commitment look like in practice, and what initiatives are being held alongside the competition?
The #ForGoodConnection program allows us to raise awareness about cyberbullying and online safety. About two years ago, Orange launched “Safe Zones” within certain games in Europe. These are virtual spaces where players experiencing harassment can find immediate support and access contact information for advocacy groups.
Our responsible approach focuses on total inclusion, anti-bullying efforts, and the promotion of healthy screen time, which is a major priority in the esports world. #ForGoodConnection is a year-round commitment that we have fully integrated into this tournament.
One of our most concrete actions for this event was the intentional inclusion of female players. By bringing them into the competition, we are actively promoting gender diversity and making it clear that women have a central role in the future of esports.
What were some of the challenges you faced in organizing a tournament that spans 15 African countries and Réunion Island?
The institutional knowledge and experience we gained from previous editions of the Orange eSport Experience were invaluable. Our teams, based in London, Casablanca within the OMEA region, and across various local markets, have become seasoned experts in managing esports events. We also worked with a specialized agency. That collective effort and coordination allowed us to overcome challenges and bring this event to life.
The logistics were certainly demanding, particularly securing visas to bring all the players to Morocco. We were ultimately able to obtain approvals for nearly all participants. Organizing the event just ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 added another layer of complexity. However, by starting early and relying on our shared experience, we were
Beyond the professional players, how does Orange engage and unite local communities and casual fans in each country?
Our national qualifying phases are managed with a high level of professionalism, often held in venues that welcome live audiences to create a true "event" feel. These national finals are also frequently broadcast on local platforms, allowing us to reach a much wider audience of casual gamers and fans.
In several countries, we also sponsor public gaming centers where we host awareness programs and "brand activations" centered around casual matches. Our goal is to promote esports to the general public at a grassroots level, ensuring the ecosystem isn't just reserved for professionals, but is accessible to everyone.
Looking ahead, what is the future of Orange in the African esports scene?
Our biggest upcoming milestone is the international tournament slated for June/July 2026. This will be the next major chapter: an EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile tournament that will bring together not only Orange’s markets in Africa and the Middle East but also several of our European subsidiaries. This will create a truly cross-continental event, giving our African champions a global stage and the experience of competing at the highest level. The project is currently being finalized, but it perfectly embodies our ongoing commitment to inspiring youth, building esports awareness, and fueling innovation and passion across the continent.
Interview by Muriel Edjo
After identifying gaps in existing practices, Dossou developed a digital solution aimed at improving the reliability of medical prescriptions and streamlining pharmacy operations.
Gédéon Dossou, a Benin-based entrepreneur, is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Pharmatrack, a digital platform designed to strengthen the traceability of medical prescriptions and improve patient treatment monitoring.
Founded in 2023 with the support of several pharmacists, Pharmatrack develops a secure prescription digitization solution. Built on cloud technology and artificial intelligence, the platform enables fast and reliable prescription analysis, helping pharmacies streamline operations.
Pharmatrack provides an intuitive interface for prescription management, allowing prescriptions to be securely digitized, archived and tracked in real time. The platform integrates with existing pharmacy management systems, features automated prescription recognition, and generates compliance reports.
“At Pharmatrack, we are transforming a process that remains largely manual and inefficient into a seamless, secure and intelligent system,” Dossou said. The solution is currently used by more than 30 pharmacies across southern and central Benin.
Dossou holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from ESM Paris, obtained in 2013, as well as a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. He later earned a master’s degree in engineering and technology from the Haute École de Commerce et de Management (HECM).
He began his career in 2015 at Africaine des Assurances Côte d’Ivoire, where he worked as a software engineer. Between October 2020 and November 2025, he served as a digital projects specialist at Inklusiiv, an international diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm based in Benin.
Melchior Koba
High-traffic parking lots pose operational and cost challenges for cities and businesses. A South African entrepreneur has developed a digital system to automate access and payment, reducing queues and operating costs.
Joshua Raphael is a South African civil engineer and entrepreneur based in Cape Town. He is the founder and chief executive of Parket, a startup that digitises parking management.
Founded in 2019, Parket develops a digital parking system built for high-traffic sites, allowing vehicles to enter and exit quickly. The platform is designed to cut operating costs, improve the user experience and simplify parking operations.
Drivers no longer need to collect or keep paper tickets. Access, usage and payment are fully digital, eliminating queues at pay stations. Payments are cashless and processed through the Parket platform, enabling faster throughput, automated operations and precise tracking across parking facilities.
Before launching Parket, Raphael co-founded uKitchen, a South African restaurant, in 2016. In 2017, he co-founded Newmint Capital, a Cape Town-based company focused on bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining.
Raphael graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He began his career the same year as a graduate engineer at PRDW Consulting Port and Coastal Engineers, an international engineering consultancy. Between 2014 and 2015, he worked as an engineer at Stefanutti Stocks Civils, a listed South African construction group.
Melchior Koba
Reliable company data is hard to come by in Africa. The Ivorian founder is using tech to bridge the gap.
Aissata Diallo Bah is an Ivorian marketing specialist and entrepreneur. She is the chief executive of Nakani AI, a company she founded with Steve Bah Blesson. Nakani AI provides an online platform that enables easy access to financial, legal and judicial information on African companies, with a particular focus on those in Côte d'Ivoire.
Founded in 2024, Nakani AI aims to centralize key information on companies across the continent. The platform uses a conversational agent to answer user questions about African companies without requiring knowledge of financial or legal jargon.
It provides access to a vast database of corporate financial statements and official African legal texts. By asking a few simple questions, a user can obtain reliable information on a company or the legal framework governing an activity.
Nakani AI serves both international investors and entrepreneurs, lawyers, consultants, and individuals in Africa. The platform helps professionals assess partners and better manage risk, while enabling citizens to better understand the rules governing business.
Since 2017, Aissata Bah has been responsible for customer follow-up at Nouvelle Parfumerie Gandour in Côte d'Ivoire. She holds a master's degree in marketing obtained the same year from Pigier and began her career in 2013 as a marketing and communications agent at Banque de l’Habitat de Côte d’Ivoire.
Melchior Koba
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Initial phase targets vehicle overloading and seatbelt non-compliance
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Authorities say broader coverage needed to assess road safety impact
Mauritanian authorities have deployed an artificial intelligence-powered system to automatically detect and record traffic violations nationwide in real time, according to the government. The initiative has been operational since December 25 and is part of efforts to integrate digital technology into road safety management.
The system’s first phase focuses on two main violations: vehicle overloading, detected automatically when a vehicle exceeds its authorized weight, and failure to wear a seatbelt, detected by smart cameras. The solution aims to modernize monitoring through automatic alerts and improved data tracking, particularly during intercity travel.
The use of digital technology for road safety in Mauritania remains at an early stage, however. Expanding the system to cover a wider range of violations will be necessary to assess its real impact on road safety.
AI’s potential extends beyond detecting violations. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), for example, launched the “AI for Road Safety” initiative in 2021, promoting a “safe system” approach built around six pillars: road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users, post-crash response, and speed control.
According to the UN agency, AI can improve the collection and analysis of crash data, generate insights to prevent collisions, and optimize post-crash response, helping to strengthen regulatory frameworks.
The ITU cautions, however, that AI is not a cure-all. Adequate safety standards, rigorous system testing, and safeguards against risks to human rights and privacy are essential to ensure these technologies are used reliably, securely, and ethically. Developing robust telecommunications infrastructure, such as 5G, will also be necessary to support such systems.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
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Coverage spans 13 African markets, including group and knockout games
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Move strengthens Max it as pan-African digital content platform
Orange’s Middle East and Africa unit (OMEA) will broadcast 35 matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on its Max it super app, the company said on Monday. The tournament will be held in Morocco from Dec. 21, 2025, to Jan. 18, 2026.
The broadcasts will be available in 13 sub-Saharan African countries where Orange operates, including Burkina Faso, Botswana, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau.
Coverage will include all group-stage matches involving national teams from countries where Orange has operations, as well as a selection of knockout-stage fixtures. These will include the round of 16 and quarter-finals, one semi-final, the third-place playoff and the final. Pre-match and post-match programming is also planned.
“This year, with Max it, we are bringing our digital vision to life by offering a fully integrated experience,” said Yasser Shaker, chief executive of Orange Middle East and Africa. “This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting our customers’ passion for football and to creating shared moments across the continent.”
Orange said the agreement strengthens its digital offering for African football fans during AFCON. These include a dedicated fan platform providing real-time content, statistics, interviews and match highlights. The group is also deploying artificial intelligence tools, including a multilingual chatbot designed to answer fan questions. In addition, Orange plans to install connected fan zones in several African countries.
The initiative aligns with OMEA’s strategy to position Max it as a pan-African digital content platform focused on inclusion, innovation and the promotion of African talent.
Launched in November 2023, Max it combines telecommunications, financial services, entertainment and digital content. Users can access online games, music, television, videos, films and news through the app.
Orange had 178 million subscribers across 17 countries in Africa and the Middle East in the third quarter of 2025. Max it had 17.4 million active users across 14 markets at the end of December 2024. At launch, the company said it expected the platform to reach 45 million users by the end of 2025.
The group is betting on smartphones as the primary gateway to digital services in Africa and the Middle East, where adoption among connected customers is expected to reach 61% in 2025.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
African startups are invited to apply for the 5th edition of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. With a total prize pool of $1 million, the award honors innovative solutions that use clean energy for water production, distribution, storage, desalination, or purification. The competition features several categories for projects, research, individuals, and crisis solutions. Applications are open through April 30, 2026.
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Last week, Moroccan startup Woliz raised $2.2 million in a pre-seed round led by insurer Sanlam Maroc to modernize the country’s vast network of local retail shops. Its platform leverages automation, data, and AI to connect shopkeepers, suppliers, and financial partners, optimizing inventory management and streamlining access to financial services. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand into other African markets.
Tanzanian fintech NALA announced last week that it has secured Payment Service Provider and Payment System Operator licenses from the Bank of Uganda, adding to its existing money transfer license. This new status allows NALA to operate on the country's primary regulated payment rails and supports a $2 million investment plan to bolster local infrastructure and serve the diaspora.
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Burkina Faso approves $109.4 million digital transition budget for 2026
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Funds target fiber expansion, internet access and public service digitization
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Investment doubles 2025 budget despite weak e-government and internet rankings
Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications has allocated 61 billion CFA francs (about 109.4 million dollars) for 2026. The budget was approved during the second ordinary session of the Ministerial Sector Administrative Council held on Monday, December 29.
The Annual Work Plan covers 156 activities, including the deployment of 270 km of optical fiber, the extension of mobile and broadband internet coverage to 750 identified white zones, the commissioning of mini data centers, the digitization of 100 administrative procedures, the construction of so-called “citizen houses,” and the strengthening of digital legislation.
The 61-billion-franc allocation is nearly double the 30.4 billion CFA francs budgeted in 2025. Last year’s results included the rollout of the CIM and CIMEX platforms across several public institutions, the issuance of 338 IT accreditations, the expansion of the national fiber-optic network to more than 11,292 km, and the connection of 88 additional buildings to the RESINA network.
Other achievements included the acquisition of five data centers, digital skills training for 169 young girls, the recruitment and training of 214 IT specialists, and the launch of “Zama tchéy” citizen houses aimed at bringing postal services closer to local communities.
The budget increase aligns with the government’s ambition to position the country as a regional leader in the use of information and communication technologies across public administration, education, health, commerce and agriculture. Authorities see digitalization as a key driver of socio-economic development and have identified 12 priority projects to support this strategy by 2030.
Despite these efforts, the country ranks 175th out of 193 in the United Nations E-Government Development Index, with a score of 0.2895 out of 1. This is well below the averages for West Africa (0.3957), Africa (0.4247) and the global benchmark (0.6382).
In cybersecurity, Burkina Faso is ranked in the third tier out of five under the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index. The country scores relatively well on governance, legal frameworks and international cooperation, but remains weaker in technical measures and capacity building.
Telecom data for 2024 show mobile voice coverage at 85%, compared with 64% for 3G internet and 46% for 4G. Nationwide, 1,700 white zones have been identified. Of these, 183 were covered in 2022 and 138 in 2024, with a further 750 scheduled for coverage in 2025. According to ITU figures, internet penetration stood at 17% in 2023, compared with 55.9% for mobile telephony.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
His technology is reshaping how real estate is managed by automating operational bottlenecks that have long relied on manual processes.
Ronald Mutuku is a Kenyan computer scientist and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder and chief executive of Silqu, a proptech startup developing digital property management solutions for owners, agencies and property managers across Africa.
Founded in 2020, Silqu has built a rental management system that allows users to track rents, tenants and expenses remotely via computer or mobile phone. The platform is designed for individual property owners, real estate agencies, developers and estate managers.
Silqu enables rent and service charge collection with detailed payment tracking for each tenant. It includes tenant management tools such as centralized records, communication features, status monitoring, and move-in and move-out management. The system also tracks financial accounts and reconciles property-related cash flows.
The platform automates the management of visitors, vehicles and parking, strengthening access control and streamlining billing, receipts, expenses and payments. It also generates reports and analytics on property performance, including revenues, costs and payment status.
The company says more than 900 property owners now use its platform, with over 10,000 properties under management.
Alongside Silqu, Mutuku serves as chief technology officer at UbaPesa Ltd, a Kenyan platform connecting lenders and borrowers. He is also chairman of Sqrool, a Nairobi-based software development company.
He earned a diploma in mathematics and computer science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2012. He began his career in 2013 as an IT officer at Eastafrisat Communications, a computer security firm, before joining Craft Silicon Campus the same year as a software engineer.
Melchior Koba