Nigerian startup Siiqo launched a Telegram-based social commerce platform last week to help merchants boost sales. Rather than building a traditional mobile app, the startup enables vendors to set up online storefronts, manage orders, and accept secure payments without leaving Telegram. The platform also includes an escrow system to protect buyers and sellers against fraud.
The Wetech Foundation and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub have launched an eight-week mentorship program for 25 female founders. Called the PitchHer Investment Readiness Program, the free initiative aims to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to attract investors. At the end of the program, the top six finalists will compete in a pitch competition for approximately 8.5 million nairas (more than $6,000) in funding. Online registration is open through Friday, July 10.
Fuspay has opened applications for its Bankiffy accelerator program, aimed at aspiring fintech founders across Africa. Over four weeks, participants will receive up to $100,000 in support, including technical infrastructure, regulatory guidance, professional services, and training. The program is designed to help founders transform their ideas into operational, compliant financial products. Applications are open online until July 31.
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Tanzanian physician and entrepreneur Ali Khatau co-founded LyfPlus in 2022 to help hospitals and clinics deliver telemedicine services.
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The platform combines remote consultations, e-prescriptions, pharmacy management, digital patient records and appointment scheduling into a single system.
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Khatau previously founded DarEquip, ElimuTanzania and the SukariCare Foundation, while building a medical career in Tanzania's healthcare sector.
Tanzanian physician and serial entrepreneur Ali Khatau serves as co-founder and chief medical officer of LyfPlus, a health technology startup that helps local healthcare providers accelerate their digital transformation. Founded in 2022, LyfPlus enables hospitals and clinics to offer remote medical consultations through a digital platform.
The platform expands healthcare access for patients living in remote areas or facing mobility constraints by eliminating the need for long and costly journeys to healthcare facilities. Through an intuitive interface, patients schedule appointments online, consult healthcare professionals through video calls and receive digital prescriptions directly after their consultations.
Beyond telemedicine, LyfPlus integrates a pharmacy management module that allows hospitals to generate secure electronic prescriptions. Patients can then order prescribed medicines and receive home deliveries. For healthcare providers, the platform centralizes medical histories within a single shared patient record. This integrated information flow improves continuity of care and strengthens operational efficiency across medical teams.
The application also addresses overcrowded waiting rooms. Its real-time scheduling system streamlines patient queues and improves the overall experience within healthcare facilities.
Strong Academic Background and Healthcare Experience
Ali Khatau began his entrepreneurial journey in 2016 when he launched DarEquip, a medical equipment supplier, and ElimuTanzania, a secondary education platform. More recently, he founded the SukariCare Foundation in 2023 to combat diabetes. He led the organization until February 2026.
Khatau supports his entrepreneurial work with a strong academic background. He earned a medical degree from Hubert Kairuki Memorial University in Tanzania in 2019. He later completed two master's degrees in the United Kingdom in 2025: a Master's in Diabetes from the University of Wales and a Master's in International Public Health from Liverpool John Moores University.
Khatau also built extensive clinical experience before launching LyfPlus. He started his medical career as an intern at Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam before joining Apollo Medical Centre in Dar es Salaam in 2021. He served as both general practitioner and administrator at Apollo Medical Centre until 2024. Between 2022 and 2023, he also chaired the hospital's management team.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Mali has launched a new digital platform to centralize health information and services through the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
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The portal provides institutional information, geolocation of healthcare and administrative facilities, and access across computers, smartphones and tablets.
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The initiative supports Mali's 2024–2028 National Digital Health Strategic Plan, which aims to strengthen health data systems, interoperability and digital healthcare services.
Improving access to public information has become a key pillar of digital health strategies across Africa. Mali has strengthened that effort by launching a digital platform that centralizes information and services provided by its Ministry of Health and Social Development.
The government has introduced the new platform as part of its broader effort to digitalize the country's healthcare system and improve citizens' access to health information while facilitating access to public health services. Available at https://www.sante.gov.ml/, the ministry's official portal centralizes institutional information and offers practical digital services, including the geolocation of healthcare facilities and administrative offices.
Beyond publishing institutional news, the platform integrates a geolocation system covering administrative services as well as hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities managed by the ministry.
The government designed the portal for access on computers, smartphones and tablets. The platform aims to improve public access to official information, strengthen government transparency and increase the visibility of health sector initiatives both nationally and internationally.
The launch forms part of Mali's broader digital transformation strategy for the healthcare sector. The government adopted the 2024–2028 National Digital Health Strategic Plan in 2024 to develop a digital ecosystem capable of improving the production and sharing of health data, strengthening health information systems and expanding access to healthcare services through digital technologies.
The strategy also prioritizes interoperability among digital platforms, stronger digital infrastructure and the development of digital skills for healthcare professionals.
The initiative addresses persistent challenges in healthcare governance and service delivery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health information systems play a critical role in achieving universal health coverage by enabling policymakers and citizens to access reliable information that supports public policy decisions and improves the quality of care.
Across many African countries, governments continue to accelerate the digitalization of health administrations to improve service accessibility, strengthen governance and enhance the monitoring of healthcare policies. Through the new portal, Mali's Ministry of Health and Social Development now has an official digital channel for communicating with citizens, healthcare professionals, technical and financial partners, and the media.
The authorities have encouraged users to visit the platform regularly to follow ministry updates and access official information.
Samira Njoya
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Mauritania launched the digital platform “Mourchid” to centralize public employment, training and entrepreneurship programs for young people.
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The government aims to improve access to youth opportunities as unemployment among 15–24-year-olds stands at 22.9% in 2025, compared with an overall unemployment rate of 14.7%.
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Authorities plan to expand the platform into a single digital entry point for all youth-focused public services.
Mauritania has launched a new digital platform, Mourchid, to improve young people's access to public employment, vocational training and entrepreneurship support programs as the government seeks to strengthen the effectiveness of its youth employment policies.
Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Louly, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Employment, Sports and Civic Service, presented the initiative on Friday, June 26. The launch forms part of the government's broader strategy to digitalize public services and simplify access to employment opportunities for young Mauritanians.
Centralizing Youth Employment Services
The government designed Mourchid as a 24/7 online platform that users can access from any internet-connected device. The platform centralizes all programs managed by the ministry to increase their visibility and simplify access to information for beneficiaries.
According to the minister, "Mourchid" serves not only as an administrative portal but also as a guidance tool that helps young people build their professional and social careers. He said the platform aligns with the Mauritanian government's vision of placing youth at the center of the country's national development agenda.
The platform provides information on financing programs, employment and training opportunities, and several targeted initiatives. These initiatives include support programs for young talent, content creation competitions and recruitment programs for the public sector.
Addressing a Structural Youth Employment Challenge
The launch comes as Mauritania continues to face persistent challenges in integrating young people into the labor market.
The youth unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 stands at 22.9% in 2025, according to data compiled by the World Bank using International Labour Organization (ILO) modelled estimates. By comparison, the country's overall unemployment rate stands at 14.7%, highlighting a structural imbalance that disproportionately affects young job seekers.
Against this backdrop, the government has increasingly relied on the digitalization of employment services to improve information flows, reduce administrative barriers and strengthen the effectiveness of existing labor market programs.
A Tool for Inclusion and Centralized Opportunities
The government designed Mourchid to serve a broad range of young people, including students seeking training opportunities, recent graduates looking for their first jobs, entrepreneurs in rural areas and young people involved in creative industries or volunteer activities.
Authorities describe the platform as a centralized gateway that reduces the fragmentation of public youth programs while improving their accessibility. They also plan to add new services gradually so that Mourchid becomes the single entry point for all government initiatives targeting Mauritanian youth.
Samira Njoya
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Kenyan physician and entrepreneur Victor Kenneth Baraza founded Tawi Health in 2021 to expand healthcare access through digital services across Africa.
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The platform combines telemedicine, appointment management and healthcare supply services while supporting low-connectivity environments through phone, SMS and voice calls.
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Baraza holds a software engineering diploma from Holberton School and a bachelor's degree in medicine from the University of Nairobi.
Kenyan physician and entrepreneur Victor Kenneth Baraza has made expanding access to healthcare across Africa his mission. Through his startup, Tawi Health, he develops digital health solutions that reduce medical isolation, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
Founded in 2021, Tawi Health operates an intuitive digital platform that enables healthcare professionals to streamline appointment management and coordinate clinical activities more efficiently.
The platform also offers a highly secure telemedicine service that allows patients to consult healthcare providers remotely. As a result, patients reduce both travel requirements and transportation costs while maintaining access to medical care.
Moreover, Tawi Health has adapted its services for areas with limited internet connectivity. Users can access medical advice through standard phone calls, SMS messaging or voice calls without relying on continuous internet access. This approach broadens digital inclusion for underserved populations.
Beyond telemedicine, Tawi Health connects users with a broad network of local and international healthcare suppliers, simplifying access to medical products. The startup also manages delivery logistics and streamlines payment processes, thereby securing the entire purchasing journey for patients and healthcare providers.
Tawi Health also serves as a collaborative workspace for medical teams. The platform integrates document sharing, instant messaging, screen sharing and meeting recording features. These tools enable healthcare professionals to collaborate in real time and improve coordination across care teams.
Victor Kenneth Baraza earned a diploma in Software Engineering from Holberton School in the United States in 2022. He also graduated from the University of Nairobi in Kenya with a bachelor's degree in Medicine in 2024.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
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Orange Morocco has partnered with Cash Plus to allow Orange Money users to make cash deposits and withdrawals across Cash Plus' nationwide network.
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Cash Plus will leverage its network of more than 5,200 service points, including nearly 23% in rural areas, while gradually distributing Orange Morocco's telecom products.
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The partnership comes as Morocco's mobile wallet market exceeded 13 million e-wallets at the end of 2024, intensifying competition in digital payments.
Orange Morocco and Cash Plus, a payment institution specializing in proximity financial services, announced the partnership on Monday, June 29. The agreement expands access to mobile financial services while integrating Orange Morocco's telecommunications offerings.
Under the agreement, Orange Money users can now deposit and withdraw cash at all Cash Plus service points across Morocco.
The partnership combines the strengths of both companies. Cash Plus operates more than 5,200 service points, with nearly 23% located in rural areas, providing Orange Money with broader geographic coverage. Customers complete transactions in real time by using their mobile phone numbers.
At the same time, Cash Plus will gradually begin selling Orange Morocco's telecommunications products through its agency network, allowing the operator to expand its distribution footprint beyond its branded retail stores.
The partnership comes as Morocco's digital payments market continues to expand. According to Bank Al-Maghrib, Morocco had more than 13 million electronic wallets (m-wallets) at the end of 2024. The market's growth has intensified competition among payment institutions and telecommunications operators, which continue to strengthen their physical service networks to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawals. These services remain a key driver of mobile financial services adoption.
The agreement extends Orange Money's expansion strategy in Morocco since the service launched in 2019, following its licensing approval from Bank Al-Maghrib. Since then, Orange Morocco has pursued partnerships to broaden the use cases of its mobile wallet. In 2025, the operator signed a partnership with Damane Cash, allowing customers to access Orange Money services and Orange telecom products through a network of more than 4,000 agencies.
Samira Njoya
Village Capital has awarded $500,000 in grants to 32 African startups tackling climate change. Implemented in partnership with Norway, the program supports projects focused on climate adaptation, food security, and renewable energy across five countries. The initiative aims to strengthen local startup ecosystems, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access global funding.
WhatsApp announced on Monday, June 29, the global rollout of its username feature, allowing users to connect without sharing their personal phone numbers. The update aims to enhance privacy, help reduce fraud, and simplify communication in large professional and community group chats.
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Stabyl has emerged from stealth with $2.7 million in funding backed by e-commerce giant Konga. The startup is developing infrastructure that enables banks and other financial institutions to execute foreign exchange transactions more efficiently. By automating transactions and connecting traditional currencies with stablecoins, the platform aims to simplify cross-border payments.
- Nigerian entrepreneur Juliet Ukpabio Archibong founded FromAfricaB2B to connect African businesses directly with international buyers, suppliers and service providers.
- The platform enables SMEs to showcase products, negotiate directly with buyers and secure payments through channels including PayPal.
- Archibong brings experience in international trade, investment promotion and business development to support African exporters.
Nigerian entrepreneur Juliet Ukpabio Archibong has launched FromAfricaB2B, a digital business-to-business platform that aims to help African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expand into international markets by connecting buyers, sellers and service providers.
Founded in 2025, FromAfricaB2B allows businesses to create free profiles to showcase their expertise, products and services. The digital marketplace enables local companies to increase their visibility, attract new customers and establish long-term commercial partnerships. Users can also publish product offers directly on the platform to centralize demand from prospective buyers.
On the buyer side, FromAfricaB2B offers targeted search tools that help companies identify suitable suppliers. The platform streamlines supplier evaluation by allowing buyers to post requests for quotations and compare multiple offers simultaneously, thereby accelerating supplier selection and commercial decision-making.
To facilitate negotiations, the platform integrates a direct messaging system. The feature enables buyers and sellers to negotiate prices, product specifications, delivery terms and contractual conditions before concluding agreements. Once both parties reach an agreement, the platform secures financial transactions through several payment channels, including the international payment solution PayPal.
Archibong also serves as a business mentor. She earned a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from the University of London in 2024. She began her professional career in 2020 at Marketnext Global, a global innovation-focused ecosystem, where she served as Director of Trade and Investment for Nigeria. She advanced her career in 2021 when she became Managing Director of the Nigerian chapter of the Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
In 2022, she joined Orange Academy as an instructor in brand and product development, reflecting her commitment to skills development and entrepreneurship. From February to May 2026, she served as Head of Diplomatic Relations, Business and Projects at the African Business Chamber, a United Kingdom-based global organization that represents the interests of African businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
- Senegalese entrepreneur Adama Kane founded JokkoSanté to improve access to medicines through a community-based exchange platform.
- The startup allows users to exchange unused medicines for points that reduce the cost of future prescriptions while limiting pharmaceutical waste.
- Kane has expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio into digital messaging services and the blue economy while holding a regulatory compliance role at Sonatel.
Senegalese telecommunications engineer Adama Kane has developed a technology-driven community pharmacy platform that aims to improve access to medicines while making pharmaceutical distribution more efficient across local communities.
Kane, a graduate of the Higher Multinational School of Telecommunications in Dakar, founded and serves as Chief Executive Officer of JokkoSanté, a startup that seeks to expand access to medicines through a digitally connected community pharmacy model.
Founded in 2014, JokkoSanté operates a solidarity-based medicine exchange system. Users deposit unused medicines in exchange for points, which they can later redeem for other treatments or use to reduce the cost of future prescriptions.
Beyond the citizen exchange model, the startup also incorporates an innovative cross-financing mechanism. Companies and partner organizations can directly finance medicine purchases for vulnerable populations. The platform tracks every contribution to ensure full transparency and allow donors to monitor the impact of their funding.
The initiative also addresses pharmaceutical waste. By improving the monitoring and redistribution of unopened medicine packages, JokkoSanté reduces material losses while promoting more responsible and sustainable consumption of healthcare products.
Alongside his work in digital health, Kane serves as Head of Regulatory Compliance Services in Sonatel's telecommunications business in Senegal. Kane has also diversified his entrepreneurial activities in recent years. In 2022, he founded USSD ACCESS, a company that provides internet-independent instant messaging services for governments and small and medium-sized enterprises.
The same year, Kane entered the blue economy by launching Ecospeche, a company that focuses on modernizing fisheries activities.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
- Yaoundé will require all licensed taxis and drivers to register digitally and obtain a unique digital identifier.
- The reform will create a centralized database using the Taxi-Yaoundé.com platform to improve traceability, security and transport governance.
- Authorities will impound any unregistered taxi operating in the capital after the registration campaign ends on Oct. 5.
Cameroon has launched a digital identification system for taxis operating in Yaoundé as authorities seek to modernize urban mobility, strengthen regulation and improve oversight of the capital's transport sector.
Yaoundé Mayor Luc Messi Atangana signed a decree on Thursday, June 25, making digital registration mandatory for taxi owners and drivers operating in the Cameroonian capital. The reform establishes a centralized database and assigns a unique mandatory digital identifier to every taxi and driver to improve sector-wide traceability.
The system operates through the Taxi-Yaoundé.com platform, which the Yaoundé Urban Community developed with technical support from Germany's development agency GIZ. Each registered driver will receive a personal QR code, while each vehicle will receive a unique door number that will replace existing identification markings. The municipal decree states that authorities will use the collected data exclusively to modernize, secure and digitize urban transport.
The registration requirement applies to all yellow taxis holding a first-category urban transport license and operating within Yaoundé's municipal boundaries. Owners and drivers must submit several administrative documents, including proof of identity, transport permits, vehicle registration documents, insurance certificates and roadworthiness inspection records. The municipality said it will keep the information confidential and restrict access to authorized government services.
The reform builds on efforts that Yaoundé has pursued for several years to modernize urban mobility. Taxis remain the city's primary mode of daily transportation, and authorities aim to better organize a sector that informal operators largely dominate. The city expects the initiative to improve service quality, strengthen passenger safety and enhance transport governance.
The launch of the Taxi-Yaoundé platform also forms part of the Yaoundé Urban Mobility Project, which several international partners support.
Beyond administrative modernization, the reform addresses persistent security challenges in urban transport. Authorities expect the digital identification system to simplify inspections, reduce fraud, improve monitoring of authorized vehicles and strengthen passenger protection. The centralized database could also support better transport planning in the metropolitan area, which is home to more than 4 million people.
Authorities will conduct the registration campaign from July 3 to Oct. 5 at Yaoundé Urban Community offices and district council offices. After the registration period ends, authorities will systematically impound any taxi operating in Yaoundé without digital registration, in accordance with the municipal decree.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum