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Côte d’Ivoire launches EMY 101, an AI-powered chatbot, to facilitate citizen access to government services via WhatsApp and Messenger.
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EMY 101 provides real-time information on civil registration, taxation, and ministerial services while reducing the need for physical visits.
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The initiative aims to strengthen participatory governance and improve public sector efficiency in the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.
The Ivorian government accelerated public service digitalization this week by launching EMY 101, an AI conversational assistant accessible through WhatsApp and Messenger. The tool aims to streamline citizens’ access to administrative information and enhance interaction with government institutions.
#CeQuiChangeiCI | 𝐄𝐌𝐘 𝟏𝟎𝟏, 𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐀 𝐝𝐮 𝐆𝐨𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
— Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (@Gouvciofficiel) March 18, 2026
𝐃𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐢 𝐬'𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭-𝐢𝐥 ?
Le Gouvernement ivoirien lance EMY 101, un assistant conversationnel intelligent, accessible directement sur WhatsApp et Messenger.
Ce chatbot permet aux… pic.twitter.com/g6uXiQ6xhR
Developed as part of public administration modernization, EMY 101 enables users to quickly obtain reliable information on government initiatives and administrative procedures, including civil status, taxation, and ministerial services. Officials said the tool reduces the need for physical visits and improves government-citizen engagement efficiency.
EMY 101 functions as a continuous digital service desk. Users can report concerns, submit alerts, and identify relevant public service contacts. The tool supports participatory governance by facilitating upward information flow from citizens to the administration.
Authorities said EMY 101 promotes closer citizen-administration relations, better public information access, higher citizen participation, and faster request processing. The service leverages widespread use of instant messaging apps in Côte d’Ivoire. Citizens register a dedicated WhatsApp number and send the keyword “Emy 101” to access features; Messenger access and a toll-free number (101) complement the platform.
The launch forms part of a broader national push to modernize public services, enhance accessibility, and create a more transparent, responsive, and citizen-focused administration.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Happy Pay enables users to split purchases into two salary-based payments without interest or upfront fees.
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The company positions its solution as a tool to increase merchants’ basket size and conversion rates.
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The firm allocates 1% of its fees to environmental initiatives, including Spekboom planting in South Africa.
Wesley Billett promotes a straightforward approach to payments while advancing a clear objective: he aims to help salaried workers purchase goods without incurring debt while simultaneously improving merchant performance.
He co-founded and leads Happy Pay, a platform that allows consumers to complete purchases instantly and spread payments across two salaries without requiring a deposit or charging interest.
Founded in 2021, Happy Pay allows users to divide a purchase into two equal installments deducted from their next two paychecks. The platform delivers products immediately after purchase. However, it requires customers to pay only part of the total cost upfront. It does not charge additional fees as long as users meet repayment deadlines.
Happy Pay also positions its model as a growth driver for merchants. The company states that it helps businesses increase average basket size and improve conversion rates by offering customers a more flexible payment option. Therefore, the company seeks to build a balanced ecosystem in which both buyers and sellers benefit from the same financial solution.
Happy Pay allocates part of its revenue to environmental initiatives. Specifically, it directs 1% of its fees toward funding Spekboom planting projects in South Africa.
In parallel, Wesley Billett operates as an investment partner at Equitable Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on financing innovative fintech startups across Africa. In 2023, he also co-founded Snap, a digital platform that connects fast-moving consumer goods brands with retailers in real time.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Nimvi Express launched in 2026 to modernize last-mile delivery in Chad.
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The platform offers tiered pricing from CFA2,000 to CFA4,000 depending on delivery zones.
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The company aims to address logistics constraints that hinder e-commerce growth in the country.
Chad faces persistent logistics challenges that continue to slow the development of e-commerce. However, new entrants are introducing tailored solutions to address these constraints. Nimvi Express represents one such initiative. The startup launched its digital platform in 2026 and positioned it within the strategic last-mile delivery segment.
Nimvi Express provides rapid delivery services for parcels, documents, and goods. The company relies on a flexible operational model that reflects local urban conditions, particularly in N’Djamena.
The platform combines operational resources, including couriers, with digital tools that streamline delivery management. Like other emerging African solutions, it integrates features such as remote order placement, parcel tracking, and logistics flow coordination.
Nimvi Express applies variable pricing depending on delivery locations. The company charges CFA2,000 (about $3.5) for deliveries within central N’Djamena. It charges CFA3,000 for peripheral districts. It charges up to CFA4,000 for the most remote areas. This positioning responds to a growing need.
In Chad, logistics remains a critical link in the development of e-commerce and digital services. Delivery delays, the lack of formal addressing systems, and insufficient infrastructure continue to complicate the distribution of goods.
Nimvi Express targets both individuals and small businesses. The company aims to facilitate commercial exchanges and support the expansion of digital usage. For merchants, particularly those operating on social media, access to reliable delivery services represents a key lever to expand their customer base.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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The government identified five priorities, including internet expansion, e-revenue collection and cybersecurity strengthening.
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The 2026 digital budget rises to CFA83.2 billion ($145.5 million) from CFA68.6 billion in 2025.
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Internet penetration reached about 40.7% in 2025, highlighting significant room for expansion.
Côte d’Ivoire aims to accelerate its digital transformation in 2026 by focusing on five strategic priorities: expanding internet access, digitizing public revenue collection, developing digital skills and inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity, and promoting technological innovation.
Djibril Ouattara presented these priorities on March 17, in Abidjan during the budget session of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation.
Rentrée budgétaire 2026 :Budget : 83,275 milliards FCFA (+37 %)
— MTNIT (@MTNIT_CI) March 18, 2026
5 axes stratégiques :
📌Accès à Internet
📌Recettes de l'État
📌Inclusion numérique
📌Cybersécurité
📌Innovation technologique
Djibril Ouattara : La « juste dépense » comme boussole#TransitionNumérique pic.twitter.com/DJRAnJkwwf
The ministry allocated CFA83.2 billion ($145.5 million) for 2026. It increased the budget from CFA68.6 billion in 2025. The government intends to position digital technology as a central lever for economic modernization and public service improvement. In particular, authorities plan to expand electronic payments to optimize state revenue collection while supporting the emergence of an innovative and inclusive ecosystem.
These priorities reflect increasing digital adoption across the country. According to DataReportal, internet penetration in Ivory Coast reached about 40.7% at the end of 2025. However, this level still indicates significant growth potential, especially in rural areas that remain underserved. At the same time, the expansion of digital services increases exposure to cyber risks. Cyberattacks targeting governments and businesses continue to rise across the African continent.
In this context, authorities consider cybersecurity a strategic priority to build trust in the digital economy. Therefore, the government seeks to establish a secure framework that supports the development of online services, strengthens investment attractiveness, and sustains the growth of digital usage.
Despite these ambitions, the effectiveness of implementation will determine the success of the strategy. Execution will depend on efficient budget management and strong coordination between public and private stakeholders. Moreover, progress will rely on addressing persistent challenges related to inclusion, skills development, and digital trust.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Bank Zero operates as a fully mobile bank where all services run through a dedicated application.
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The platform offers no monthly fees, no minimum income requirements, and flexible multi-account management.
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The bank applies charges on cash transactions while maintaining free digital services such as balance checks via the app.
Line Wiid analyzes the limitations of traditional banking systems and introduces greater flexibility and transparency through a fully digital model. She co-founded and serves as executive director and chief financial officer of Bank Zero, a mobile banking institution targeting both individuals and businesses.
Founded in 2018, Bank Zero operates entirely through a mobile application. The platform allows users to complete all banking operations digitally.
The account opening process begins with the creation of a personal profile, which the system uses for identity verification and regulatory compliance. Once the platform validates the profile, the user accesses a dashboard that allows the addition of multiple accounts or profiles, including those for business activities.
The application allows users to check balances, make payments, manage cards, and create or administer multiple accounts tailored to personal, family, or professional needs.
For individual customers, Bank Zero offers accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum income requirements, and no minimum balance constraints. Users can also add savings or notice accounts without incurring opening or maintenance fees. In addition, the platform allows users to set savings goals directly within the application.
However, the bank applies fees to cash-related transactions. The platform offers free balance inquiries through the application and free daily statements sent via email.
In contrast, the bank charges fees for balance inquiries conducted at point-of-sale terminals or automated teller machines. It also charges cash withdrawal fees based on transaction amounts, with higher tariffs applied to withdrawals made abroad.
Line Wiid graduated from the University of South Africa in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She later earned a master’s degree in IT auditing from the University of Johannesburg in 1995.
She began her career in 1988 at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she worked as an assistant audit manager. In 1994, she joined Capespan International as a management accountant. Subsequently, she worked at First National Bank from 1996 to 2015, where she held roles including chief financial officer, product and marketing head, and chief of staff to the chief executive officer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Authorities plan to digitize services under the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour, including administrative processes and portals.
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The initiative remains at the discussion stage, with no implementation timeline announced.
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Youth unemployment remains high, with 47% of Mauritanians aged 18–35 actively seeking jobs.
Mauritania is accelerating the digitalization of public services. The latest step involves the dematerialization of the driver’s license application process. Authorities are also working to digitize services linked to the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour. The initiative aims to modernize the administration, simplify procedures, and improve citizens’ access to public services.
The project formed the focus of a meeting earlier this week between Mariem Boidiel Houmeid and Ahmed Salem Ould Bede.
During the meeting, the minister stated that the objective was to present the sector’s needs in terms of IT systems and service digitalization in order to identify appropriate solutions.
Authorities proposed several projects. These include the creation of a public service portal integrated into the “Khidmati” system, the launch of an administrative decision management service linked to the human resources system, and the digitalization of activities within the Directorate General of Labour and regional offices.
Ahmed Salem Ould Bede reaffirmed his department’s commitment to support the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour in implementing these priorities. He stated that his ministry would provide the necessary technical solutions and ensure interoperability between information systems. He also called for teamwork and rigorous coordination to accelerate the execution of proposed projects, which he said would directly improve service quality.
This initiative forms part of Mauritania’s broader digital transformation strategy. Authorities aim to leverage information and communication technologies to support development across all sectors of the economy. In public administration, the government prioritizes process and service digitalization to enhance transparency, productivity, and access for citizens.
Improving productivity and efficiency within the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour could support better service delivery and strengthen the labor market. According to Afrobarometer data published in 2024, 47% of Mauritanians aged 18 to 35 are unemployed and actively seeking work. This figure slightly exceeds the national average of 44%. The report also states that 26% of young people remain unemployed and do not seek work.
However, the digitalization process remains at the discussion stage. Authorities have not announced any timeline. Therefore, stakeholders will need to await further developments to assess implementation progress and potential impacts.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Makhtar Diop leads Jiwall, a platform enabling pooled real estate investment in Senegal.
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The company structures each project through a dedicated entity in which investors become shareholders.
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Jiwall aims to improve housing access and democratize property investment across sub-Saharan Africa.
Makhtar Diop operates as co-founder and chief executive officer of Jiwall, a real estate investment platform that allows individuals to pool resources to finance property developments in Senegal.
The platform enables participants to jointly fund apartment and building projects. Founded in 2017, Jiwall aims to make housing and real estate investment more accessible across sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the company offers a diversified portfolio of projects tailored to different investor and buyer profiles.
Jiwall bases its model on co-construction, a collaborative investment approach inspired by carpooling. The platform brings together individuals seeking housing or investment opportunities and landowners willing to develop property projects. Each participant contributes capital according to financial capacity. As a result, participants acquire property ownership or generate capital gains upon project completion.
Jiwall establishes a dedicated company for each real estate project. Participants become shareholders in these project-specific entities. The platform manages administrative and technical operations and supervises the full development process. At the same time, Jiwall applies a strict selection protocol to participants, prioritizing financial solvency and profile compatibility with project requirements.
In parallel, Makhtar Diop serves as operations director at Tanél Health, a technology company founded in 2020. Tanél Health develops insurance infrastructure to improve access to healthcare across Africa. Makhtar Diop earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance in 2012 from New Mexico State University. He completed an internship at Ernst & Young in 2013. The firm promoted him the same year to senior associate within its financial services office insurance division.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Gabon will deploy a digital data hub to track timber from forest to export.
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Authorities aim to address major inconsistencies in production and revenue data within the forestry sector.
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The forestry industry employs about 15,000 people and remains Gabon’s largest private-sector employer.
The government of Gabon has announced the creation of a digital data hub to ensure full traceability of logs from forest sites to export ports. Maurice Ntossui Allogo announced the initiative on Thursday, March 12 during a presentation on modernizing the timber sector and improving natural resource monitoring.
According to the World Bank, the forestry sector represents the largest private employer in Gabon, with about 15,000 jobs. Therefore, authorities aim to strengthen governance in this strategic industry through digital tools.
The system will rely on the digitalization and centralization of forestry data. Authorities will track each tree from the planning stage using GPS geolocation before logging operations begin. They will also record timber volumes after extraction and monitor quantities sent to processing plants, transformed, and exported.
At the same time, the platform will harmonize data across government agencies, including forestry services and customs authorities. As a result, authorities expect to improve coordination and oversight across the timber value chain.
The initiative follows significant discrepancies in sector statistics. Government data shows that 1.5 million cubic meters of logs generated more than CFA42 billion ($73.5 million) in 2024. However, more than 3 million cubic meters generated only CFA31 billion in 2025. Therefore, authorities consider these gaps difficult to explain and indicative of weaknesses in the current monitoring and control system.
By deploying the digital hub, authorities aim to improve transparency and strengthen the reliability of sector data. They also seek to reduce fraud risks and reinforce forest governance sovereignty. Ultimately, the system should enhance control over the entire value chain, from production to export. In addition, authorities expect the initiative to support more efficient and sustainable management of natural resources.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Algeria plans a national digital registry to catalog all locally produced goods and services.
- Authorities aim to improve export diversification as hydrocarbons still account for nearly 90% of export revenues.
- The platform will centralize fragmented data to better target international markets and support competitiveness.
Algeria is planning to establish a comprehensive national digital registry to catalog all locally produced goods and services in order to better structure its export offering. Authorities discussed the project during a coordination meeting held on Tuesday, March 17 in Algiers. Kamel Rezig chaired the meeting in his capacity as Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion.
#Commerce_extérieur
— Algérie Presse Service وكالة الأنباء الجزائرية (@Algerie_aps) March 17, 2026
Vers la création d’un fichier numérique des services et produits fabriqués en #Algérie
🔗https://t.co/P1BG0KZTZj pic.twitter.com/nc3L8uxHdg
The planned system will create a centralized and continuously updated database. Authorities will use the platform to better direct Algerian products toward international markets and improve their visibility.
At the same time, the registry will help identify national production capacities. Currently, multiple administrations hold fragmented data, which limits coordination and efficiency. As a result, the initiative seeks to streamline information flows and strengthen policy alignment.
The project forms part of Algeria’s broader economic diversification strategy. Hydrocarbons still generate nearly 90% of the country’s export revenues. Therefore, authorities consider the structuring and promotion of local production essential to expanding non-hydrocarbon exports.
In this context, the registry will help sectors identify their needs in goods and services more precisely. Consequently, policymakers expect to improve coordination across public policies and industrial strategies.
Authorities expect the digital registry to support a more targeted export strategy. They also aim to enhance the competitiveness of local companies in global markets. Ultimately, the tool should strengthen Algeria’s ability to position its products internationally and reduce reliance on energy exports.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kenya introduced a loan guarantee mechanism to improve bank lending to startups.
- The scheme involves United Nations Capital Development Fund and Co-operative Bank of Kenya under the DigiKen program.
- Authorities aim to address persistent financing constraints despite a fast-growing startup ecosystem.
Kenya has introduced a credit guarantee mechanism to strengthen financing for its technology ecosystem by addressing constraints in local bank lending. United Nations Capital Development Fund and Co-operative Bank of Kenya formalized the initiative on Tuesday, March 17 in Nairobi.
They integrated the mechanism into the DigiKen program to reduce the perceived risk associated with early-stage and scaling digital companies. Therefore, the initiative aims to encourage banks to extend credit to startups that typically struggle to secure financing.
𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐬
— Ministry of Info, Comms & The Digital Economy KE (@MoICTKenya) March 17, 2026
Nairobi, Kenya – 17th March, 2026
The Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy today… pic.twitter.com/rWoBshALxJ
A Structured and Growing Digital Ecosystem
The mechanism comes amid strong growth in Kenya’s digital economy. Kenya has established itself as a leading technology hub in Africa, supported by a dynamic startup ecosystem across fintech, digital services, and e-commerce. International rankings confirm this trend.
According to the StartupBlink index published in March 2026, Kenya hosts 612 startups, reinforcing its position as a regional innovation hub. At the same time, public investment in infrastructure has supported this expansion.
Authorities report that more than 40,000 kilometers of fiber optic networks have been deployed nationwide. They also state that the eCitizen platform has more than 16 million users and records around 500,000 daily logins.
Addressing Startup Financing Constraints
Despite these advances, startups continue to face significant barriers to accessing financing. Banks often consider these companies high-risk due to emerging business models and uncertain revenue streams.
Therefore, the new mechanism relies on risk-sharing to reduce financial institutions’ exposure. As a result, stakeholders aim to correct this market failure by mobilizing public and private partners around an innovative financing model. They expect the scheme to stimulate lending and support the scaling of local startups.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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- Claude Dimo leads Studirium, an AI-driven platform digitizing school management.
- The platform serves hundreds of institutions and thousands of users across Africa and Europe.
- Studirium centralizes school data to enable real-time administrative oversight and decision-making.
Claude Dimo operates as co-founder and chief executive officer of Studirium, a technology company that uses artificial intelligence to digitize the school ecosystem. The platform integrates AI tools with administrative management to provide real-time oversight for educational institutions.
Founded in 2024, Studirium supports schools in both Africa and Europe by improving organization and operational monitoring. Therefore, the company positions itself as a digital infrastructure provider for modern education systems.
Studirium operates through web and mobile applications. Each institution registers through a dedicated form that captures essential school data. Once the platform validates the submission, it assigns a unique ID and password that enable access to a centralized management portal. The system stores and secures all institutional data, including structures, classes, staff, and students.
As a result, administrators can access and manage information in a unified digital environment.
Studirium structures its platform to reflect the diversity of school communities. The system supports multiple user profiles, including administrators, teachers, administrative staff, and students.
The platform organizes data to ensure that authorized users can easily access relevant information. Therefore, institutions gain a comprehensive and dynamic view of daily operations.
Claude Dimo earned a bachelor’s degree in condensed matter and materials physics in 2017 from University of Dschang. He then pursued graduate studies at University of Lorraine, where he obtained a master’s degree in physical sciences in 2018 and a PhD in digital physics and information sciences in 2021. Between 2022 and 2025, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at University of Kaiserslautern.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Deel’s 2026 Pitch Startup Competition is now accepting applications from pre-seed, seed, and Series A startups. Selected startups will pitch at regional events, where up to 100 winners will receive $50,000 each and advance to the global final. The top ten finalists can secure up to $1 million in funding to accelerate their international growth.
The Botswana Innovation Fund and Scalar International have launched the Scalar Botswana Innovation Program, a 12-month accelerator supporting ten startups in climate tech and digital technologies. Selected firms will gain access to a $150 million fund targeting decarbonization in Southern Africa, aimed at scaling sustainable energy solutions and digital infrastructure.
- System to enable tree-level traceability from forest to export
- Reform targets data gaps, fraud risks, and weak sector oversight
Gabon's government announced Thursday the creation of a national digital data center to ensure end-to-end traceability of logs from forest to export.
The announcement was made by Water and Forests Minister Maurice Ntossui Allogo during a briefing on efforts to modernize the timber sector and strengthen monitoring of natural resources.
The system will be based on digitizing and centralizing forestry data. It will allow authorities to track individual trees from the forest management stage, including GPS tagging before felling, measurement of harvested volumes, and monitoring of timber sent to processing plants, processed and exported. It will also standardize data across government agencies, including Water and Forests services and Customs.
The initiative comes amid inconsistencies in sector data. Ministry data show that 1.5 million cubic meters of logs generated more than 42 billion CFA francs ($73.5 million) in 2024, compared with more than 3 million cubic meters in 2025 that generated only 31 billion CFA francs. Authorities said the gaps were hard to explain and pointed to weaknesses in the current monitoring system.
Officials said the digital center will improve transparency, strengthen data reliability, reduce fraud risks and reinforce state control over forest resources. Over time, it is expected to improve oversight of the value chain from production to export and support more sustainable resource management.
Samira Njoya