StudyCrew is an edtech platform developed by a Nigerian startup. The company designed the platform to make learning more interactive, collaborative and structured.
Founded in 2025 by Josiah Dhev, StudyCrew combines several tools that help students organize academic work, monitor progress and collaborate with peers. The platform offers study session tracking, task and schedule management, and virtual study groups.
"Initially, this was a personal idea aimed at solving students' motivation and consistency challenges in learning. Since then, the project has evolved into a structured product that is currently under development, with a small founding team focused on product development, growth and community building," said Josiah Dhev.
StudyCrew integrates artificial intelligence-powered tutors that provide explanations, answer student questions and generate summaries from class notes.
In addition, the platform offers planning tools and matchmaking features that connect students who share similar academic goals. The company aims to create a more collaborative learning environment while helping users manage their academic responsibilities more effectively.
StudyCrew differentiates itself through its use of gamification. Users can earn points, maintain study streaks, unlock virtual rewards and compete with other members through leaderboards. The platform uses these features to encourage regular study habits and reduce the disengagement that frequently affects digital learning platforms.
Consequently, the company seeks to transform studying into a more engaging and rewarding experience while improving long-term commitment among users.
StudyCrew has funded its operations through internal resources and has attracted more than 200 users across Nigeria, India and the United Kingdom. The startup is also working to integrate universities and secondary schools into its offering. Meanwhile, Josiah Dhev plans to use the Nigerian student market as a testing ground before pursuing expansion across other African countries.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Tapiwa Kandiado has emerged as a prominent figure in Malawi’s technology entrepreneurship ecosystem. She founded SpaceAI, a startup dedicated to helping businesses, development institutions and local communities adopt and integrate artificial intelligence into their activities.
Launched in 2024, SpaceAI specializes in embedding advanced technology tools into existing operational processes. The company develops customized platforms and applications designed to meet the requirements of multiple industries. In addition, SpaceAI deploys the technical infrastructure required to ensure the sustainable use of its solutions.
SpaceAI places capacity building at the center of its growth strategy. The company delivers training programs and advisory services that enable organizations to understand, adopt and manage emerging technologies effectively. Through this approach, SpaceAI aims to maximize the long-term impact of its innovations while helping clients develop internal expertise.
As demand for artificial intelligence solutions increases across Africa, many organizations continue to face challenges related to skills shortages and implementation capacity. Consequently, SpaceAI combines technology deployment with workforce development to improve adoption outcomes.
Among the company's most notable achievements is its participation in the AI Bridge project, which SpaceAI implemented in partnership with AfriLabs between 2024 and 2025. The initiative strengthened the startup’s visibility within Africa’s technology ecosystem and reinforced its role in promoting AI adoption across the continent.
Moreover, SpaceAI actively contributes to regional innovation initiatives and regularly participates in major African technology and innovation events. These engagements have helped the company expand its network and showcase its expertise in artificial intelligence integration.
A Career Focused on Technology and Social Impact
Kandiado has built her career around the intersection of technology, policy and social impact. She serves on the board of Creative Minds Foundation Africa (CMF AFRICA), a pan-African non-profit organization that aims to transform the lives of young people across the continent. She earned a bachelor's degree in Information Technology from the University of Malawi in 2016. More recently, she joined the research group of the Center for AI and Digital Policy between January and April 2026. The organization works to ensure that artificial intelligence and digital policies promote a more equitable, accountable and socially beneficial society.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Senegal's Rapid Entrepreneurship Delegation for Women and Youth (DER/FJ) announced the creation of the Catalyst DER/FJ fund in Paris on June 20. The investment vehicle will deploy $50 million to finance innovative Senegalese startups operating at the pre-seed and seed stages.
Aida Mbodji, General Delegate of DER/FJ, announced the initiative during a keynote address on the AfricaTech stage at VivaTech 2026. Her presentation, titled "Bridging the Pre-Seed Funding Gap in Francophone West Africa: How Institutional Capital Builds the Next African Unicorns," highlighted a longstanding weakness in the region's venture capital ecosystem.
DER/FJ's assessment aligns with the conclusions of industry experts. While record fundraising rounds continue to attract attention across Africa, financing at the earliest stages of startup development remains the weakest segment of the investment chain.
Data compiled by Africa: The Big Deal confirms the imbalance. Seed-stage financing represents only 1.5% of total capital invested across Africa, a share that remains three to four times lower than the 4% to 6% typically recorded in the United States.
Consequently, many startups struggle to secure funding when founders are still building teams, validating business models and developing prototypes.
Against this backdrop, Grégoire de Padirac, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Africa, part of the AFD-Proparco group, recently underscored the importance of seed financing in an opinion piece. "Seed financing remains the cornerstone of African innovation, yet it is often overshadowed by massive fundraising rounds," he said. He added that entrepreneurs frequently face a shortage of capital precisely when teams remain incomplete and products remain at an early development stage.
Senegal's initiative seeks to address that challenge by mobilizing public resources to attract private investment, generate a leverage effect and strengthen the competitiveness of the country's startup ecosystem.
Following the official launch of the fund, five startups accompanying the Senegalese delegation—Andakia, Baamtu, SenITI, FAJMA and Absar—presented their solutions during a pitching session attended by international investors and strategic partners. The presentations provided a snapshot of Senegal's innovation pipeline and highlighted the types of ventures that could benefit from expanded access to early-stage capital through the new Catalyst DER/FJ fund.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications used the first Cybersecurity Symposium, held in Antananarivo on June 22-23, to provide an update on the reform process.
Madagascar still relies on legislation adopted in 2014, which policymakers increasingly consider inadequate in addressing emerging technologies and evolving cyber threats. Authorities launched a comprehensive review of the framework in December 2025 and initially targeted completion within three months.
"The process is nearing completion and the new regulatory framework will be published shortly," said Mahefa Andriamampiadana, Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications.
The minister said the upcoming legislation will provide a precise definition of a security incident and establish criteria for identifying Critical Infrastructure Organizations, known locally as Organisations d’Importance Vitale (OIVs).
Authorities said the new framework will strengthen enforcement mechanisms and increase accountability across both public and private sectors.
"This legal framework will not be merely theoretical. It will incorporate a system of strict injunctions. If stakeholders fail to comply with the established rules, authorities will apply severe sanctions, whether they target political decision-makers or technical personnel in the field," said Éric Rakotomaniraka, Director General of the Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT).
Madagascar's legal reform comes as cybercrime continues to expand across the African continent. According to INTERPOL's 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report, cyber-related crimes now account for 30% of all reported offenses in West and East Africa. The report also noted a sharp increase in ransomware attacks during 2024. South Africa and Egypt recorded the highest levels of ransomware activity, followed by Nigeria and Kenya.
Moreover, the report found that 90% of surveyed African countries believe they require significant improvements in law-enforcement capabilities or prosecutorial capacity to effectively combat cybercrime.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Panashe Madzudzo is a Zimbabwean software engineer and technology entrepreneur. He serves as founder and chief executive officer of Avalon Health, a startup that seeks to centralize healthcare management. The platform connects patients, healthcare practitioners, medical facilities and healthcare financing organizations within a unified ecosystem.
Launched in 2022, Avalon Health simplifies access to healthcare services and improves coordination among stakeholders across the healthcare sector. By automating administrative processes, the platform enables healthcare professionals to devote more time to patient care.
Avalon Health tailors its services to the specific needs of different users. Patients can access medical histories, schedule appointments and communicate directly with healthcare providers through the platform. Meanwhile, physicians can manage patient records and organize consultations using dedicated digital tools.
The platform also integrates hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories and medical imaging centers. By consolidating healthcare data within a single digital environment, Avalon Health streamlines patient journeys and improves continuity of care.
To support these objectives, the platform incorporates prescription management, notification services and laboratory result processing. Furthermore, Avalon Health includes a robust offline mode designed to address local infrastructure challenges. Healthcare professionals can continue using the system during internet disruptions, while the platform automatically synchronizes data once connectivity returns.
An Entrepreneurial Journey Driven by Innovation
Panashe Madzudzo has expanded his leadership activities beyond digital healthcare. He also serves as chief executive officer of Lioncap Ventures, a technology consulting firm. In addition, he holds the position of chief technology officer at Shona Prince Technologies, a company that develops innovative solutions and strategic partnerships for emerging markets.
His entrepreneurial journey began at an early stage. In 2019, he developed VhulApp, a centralized portal dedicated to online applications and digital learning. One year later, he founded Asantech Incorporated to build B2B digital solutions for the retail sector.
Madzudzo built his technical expertise through academic and practical experience at Hillcrest College in Zimbabwe. He studied mathematics, physics and computer science at the institution until 2019. At the same time, he gained professional experience as a web developer between 2016 and 2018. During that period, he designed applications and digital solutions for the school.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J. A de Berry Quenum
Fintech company OPay has extended the application deadline for its national student innovation competition to July 3, 2026, giving more young innovators the opportunity to participate. As part of the extension, OPay is partnering with the government's digital talent training initiative and Google to provide training and mentorship sessions for aspiring leaders in the digital economy. Interested students can apply here.
WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature to help combat scams. Users will now see a warning screen before opening a message from an unknown number. The screen shows the country associated with the phone number and any groups they have in common with the sender, encouraging users to think twice before responding to suspicious contacts.
Standard Chartered has partnered with WomHub to launch the fourth cohort of its incubator program for South African women in tech. The four-month accelerator offers leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. At the end of the program, the top five participants will each receive a $10,000 grant to help grow their businesses. Applications can be submitted online until Friday, June 26.
Moroccan authorities plan to open a new YouCode campus in Errachidia, located in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. The initiative aims to expand young people's access to digital skills and increase coding training opportunities in less centralized parts of the country. Authorities formalized the project through an agreement signed by several public institutions and civil society organizations during the inaugural edition of the “Rally IA Future Lab,” which took place from June 17 to June 19.
The partnership brings together the Ministry of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, regional authorities in Drâa-Tafilalet and the LEET INITIATIVE association. The future campus will offer a two-year intensive training program in programming and digital technologies. The facility will enroll about 50 learners per cohort and train nearly 100 young people each year. The program will primarily target young people from the region, including school dropouts who demonstrate digital skills or strong potential in technology-related fields.
National Strategy to Develop Digital Talent
The initiative forms part of Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, particularly its pillar dedicated to digital talent development. The government aims to ensure that the labor market has access to skills that match the needs of a rapidly transforming economy.
Under this strategy, Morocco has set several targets for 2026 and 2030. The country plans to train 20,000 digital talents annually starting in 2026 and increase that figure to 45,000 annually by 2030. In parallel, authorities plan to retrain 26,000 people each year for digital professions beginning in 2026. The government plans to raise that figure to 50,000 people annually from 2030 onward.
To achieve these objectives, authorities are deploying bootcamps, adapting vocational training programs to labor market needs, supporting the creation of coding schools across the kingdom and developing certification systems for digital skills.
A Youth Employment Challenge
These initiatives come as digital transformation continues to reshape labor markets worldwide. According to the World Bank, about 230 million jobs across Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.
Meanwhile, youth employment remains a structural challenge in Morocco. Data from the High Commission for Planning (HCP) show that Morocco’s national unemployment rate stood at 13% in 2025, compared with 13.3% a year earlier. However, national averages conceal significant disparities among younger age groups.
The unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 24 reached 37.2%, according to HCP data. The same source reported that 19.1% of university graduates remained unemployed, while underemployment affected 10.9% of that group.
Isaac K. Kassouwi
Steve Fasseu is a Cameroonian software engineer and technology trainer. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Ginutech, a company that supports organizations in their digital transformation and modernization efforts.
Founded in January 2026, Ginutech addresses operational inefficiencies within businesses. The company aims to optimize organizational structures, reduce time losses and improve decision-making processes. It focuses on simplifying day-to-day operations to help clients build scalable and sustainable organizations.
To achieve this objective, Ginutech deploys a broad range of customized technology solutions. The company designs websites, online platforms and applications tailored to specific business requirements.
These solutions strengthen companies’ digital presence and improve interactions with customers and end users. At the same time, the tools help organizations streamline operations and enhance service delivery.
Ginutech also provides centralized management software integration services. The company connects different departments within an organization through integrated systems that improve internal coordination and strengthen operational monitoring. As a result, executives gain access to reliable and centralized data that support strategic decision-making and long-term growth planning. In parallel, the company automates repetitive tasks and modernizes traditional work processes. Ginutech also provides services related to the management and security of corporate digital infrastructure.
Steve Fasseu built his career on a strong academic foundation. He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from the University of Douala in 2018. Alongside his entrepreneurial activities, he works as a trainer at LocalHost Academy, a technology certification center. He teaches full-stack web development to aspiring software professionals.
Before launching Ginutech, Fasseu gained practical industry experience in Cameroon’s technology sector. He began his professional career in 2019 at Karbura, a digital services company. He worked there as a software engineer for five years, remaining with the company until 2024.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Digital technologies are set to reshape African economies over the coming years, with expected effects on productivity, employment and access to public services. Against this backdrop, the Republic of Congo’s digital transformation could generate about CFA870 billion ($1.5 billion) in additional economic value by 2030, create more than 144,000 jobs and connect roughly 540,000 additional people to mobile internet, according to a report that the GSM Association (GSMA) published on Monday, June 22.
The report, titled “Drive Digital Transformation of the Economy in the Republic of Congo,” highlights the central role of digital technologies in the country’s future growth. The report identifies mobile connectivity, digital financial services and the gradual digitization of productive sectors as key growth drivers.
“The Republic of Congo has built a strong foundation in mobile connectivity, but closing the usage gap now requires coordinated fiscal, regulatory and demand-side reforms,” GSMA said.
The organization added that a more investment-friendly environment remains necessary to unlock the full economic potential of digital technologies.
Digital Adoption Remains Limited Despite Strong Coverage
Congo has achieved relatively advanced network coverage, with about 86% of the population covered by 4G networks. However, actual usage remains low. Only 19% of the population uses mobile internet, while about 70% of people living within network coverage remain offline.
This imbalance highlights an adoption challenge rather than an infrastructure deficit. Congo scored 26 out of 100 in the GSMA Digital Nations and Society Index 2025. The country scored 33 out of 100 for its policy and regulatory environment, reflecting a framework that remains insufficiently supportive of digital growth.
GSMA estimates that digitalization could increase the number of mobile internet users to approximately 2.2 million by 2030, representing nearly 31% of Congo’s population.
At the same time, digital expansion could generate significant fiscal benefits. GSMA projects a net fiscal impact of about CFA93 billion in 2030 through improved tax collection efficiency and a broader economic base. The report estimates cumulative tax revenues of CFA174 billion over the period.
GSMA expects digital technologies to affect every major sector of Congo’s economy, including agriculture, industry, services, trade, transport, financial services and public administration. The expansion of mobile money and digital services should strengthen financial inclusion, particularly in areas where access to traditional banking services remains limited. Meanwhile, the digitization of value chains should improve productivity, reduce transaction costs and expand market access for businesses and consumers.
To realize this potential, the report calls for a series of structural reforms. The recommendations include strengthening the investment environment for digital infrastructure, improving regulatory and tax frameworks, and reducing the cost of smartphones and mobile data services. GSMA also stresses the importance of developing digital skills and strengthening trust in digital services through appropriate cybersecurity policies.
Samira Njoya
Mohamed Lamar Diallo is a Canada-based technology entrepreneur active in Africa’s digital health sector. He serves as founder and chief executive officer of Labtani, a platform that aims to modernize healthcare management. The company seeks to reduce administrative workloads for healthcare professionals, laboratories and medical institutions while improving patient journeys.
Founded in 2025, Labtani helps medical teams manage daily operations more efficiently. The platform handles appointment scheduling, organizes clinical records and tracks healthcare activities. By automating repetitive and time-consuming administrative tasks, the system allows healthcare professionals to devote more time to patient care.
At the center of the platform is FormScribe, an intelligent voice-recognition tool developed by the startup. The technology transcribes practitioners’ speech and automatically places information into the appropriate sections of medical records. The system also identifies missing data in real time and generates a completed document that healthcare professionals can review and validate.
Beyond documentation, Labtani addresses a broad range of operational needs within the healthcare sector. The platform includes teleconsultation services, digital prescription capabilities and direct communication tools for patients. It also supports team coordination, schedule management and laboratory logistics monitoring.
Strong Foundation in Technology and Data Management
Mohamed Lamar Diallo built his career on a combination of management expertise and systems engineering skills. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the University of Montreal in 2012. He later completed a master’s degree in information technology at Télé-Université du Québec (TÉLUQ) in 2018.
This academic background enabled him to spend more than a decade working for major Canadian organizations. He began his professional career in 2014 as a business systems analyst at Groupe Dicom Transport. He then joined pet health and wellness products distributor Mondou in 2017 as an IT business analyst.
He subsequently moved into the finance and insurance sectors. In 2018, he became a business analyst at SSQ Insurance. He returned to a similar role in 2020 after joining insurer Beneva. Between 2021 and 2023, he worked as a security business analyst for financial cooperative group Desjardins.
Before dedicating himself fully to entrepreneurship, Diallo served as an information technology advisor at the University of Sherbrooke from March 2025 to March 2026.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Isidora Ntakiyiruta, assistant to Burundi’s Minister of Finance, Budget and Digital Economy, discussed the issue with Upender Singh Rawat, India’s ambassador to Burundi, during a meeting on Monday, June 22. The two sides examined mechanisms that could support the modernization of public services and expand financial inclusion through the sharing of India’s experience in digital transformation.
The discussions highlighted the potential adaptation of components of India Stack to Burundi’s local context. India developed the digital public infrastructure to provide digital identity, instant payments, secure data exchange, and online access to government services.
Over recent years, India Stack has emerged as an international benchmark for digital governance and financial inclusion. The platform has enabled India to scale digital services across a vast population while improving access to financial and public services. Burundi’s interest comes as governments increasingly view Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a critical tool for improving public-sector efficiency, strengthening financial inclusion, and expanding access to essential services.
India has positioned itself as a leading global reference in this field through a digital ecosystem that serves approximately 1.3 billion people. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which enables real-time transactions, has expanded beyond the country’s borders and now operates in several markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Qatar, and France.
New Delhi has leveraged its experience to increase international partnerships centered on digital infrastructure. According to the Indian government, 23 countries have already signed cooperation agreements covering digital identity, electronic payments, data exchange, and digital public-service delivery solutions. In Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Lesotho are among the countries participating in such partnerships.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing technical contacts between relevant institutions to assess the conditions for future collaboration. Such cooperation would deepen an already active bilateral relationship that spans several sectors. India currently supports the Kabu 16 hydropower project, which both countries regard as one of the flagship symbols of their partnership.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Ugandan technology entrepreneur Allan Rwakatungu has launched Tyms, a software platform that aims to simplify daily business management through artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistants. Rwakatungu founded and leads Tyms as chief executive officer. He designed the platform to help organizations reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks so that employees can focus on higher-value activities and improve overall productivity.
Tyms, which launched in 2025, serves a broad range of organizations, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations. The platform centralizes and streamlines several critical business functions, including finance, sales, marketing, customer service, regulatory compliance, and operations.
The platform’s core innovation relies on customized virtual assistants that support employees and, in some cases, customers directly. These digital agents answer user requests, retrieve strategic information, generate reports, and execute automated workflows.
Tyms leverages internal company data to provide executives with real-time visibility into business performance and financial health. The platform’s financial module streamlines cash-flow monitoring, simplifies management accounting processes, and accelerates the preparation of periodic financial statements. As a result, organizations can improve decision-making while reducing administrative workloads.
Tyms integrates directly into existing workplace environments to facilitate adoption. Users can interact with the platform through familiar communication channels without changing their daily routines. The platform supports email, WhatsApp, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. Consequently, businesses can deploy the software within established workflows while minimizing operational disruption.
Before launching Tyms, Allan Rwakatungu co-founded Xente in 2013, a company that specialized in e-commerce and digital financial services. Rwakatungu graduated from Makerere University in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in economics and statistics.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum