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Orange plans to invest more than €5 billion in Africa and the Middle East between 2026 and 2028.
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The group targets over 40 million new 4G and 5G users by 2028.
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Africa and the Middle East generated €8.4 billion in revenue in 2025, up 12.2%, leading group growth.
As its historical European markets reach maturity, Orange shifts its center of gravity toward Africa and the Middle East. The French telecommunications group plans to invest more than €5 billion between 2026 and 2028, double its fibre customer base and build more than 15,000 new telecom sites in rural areas under its new strategic plan, “Trust the Future.”
A Strategy Built on Trust and Innovation
Orange presented the plan to the international press on April 8, 2026, in Casablanca, Morocco. The strategy focuses on trust and rests on three ambitions: customer proximity, growth through innovation and excellence at scale.
Chief Executive Officer Christel Heydemann said the group aims to reassure customers on service availability, quality, usefulness and reliability, particularly in high-speed connectivity, which underpins digital transformation.
“In a world where digital complexity and risks increase, expectations for service quality, security and simplicity evolve rapidly, while AI transforms every sector. In this context, trust becomes a decisive criterion. ‘Trust the Future’ materializes Orange’s advantage in trust through reliable networks, built-in cybersecurity, responsible data and AI practices, and seamless user experiences. Trust forms the foundation on which the Group will build its future,” the company said.
Orange bases its growth ambitions in Africa on the continent’s ongoing transformation. Mobile technology already acts as a key driver of economic and social development.
The mobile ecosystem accounted for 7.7% of GDP, or $220 billion, in 2024, and it could reach $270 billion by 2030, according to the GSM Association (GSMA).
This momentum reflects several structural trends, including a young and fast-growing population, rising digital usage, increasing adoption of data-driven services, expansion of 4G and 5G networks, continued growth in mobile financial services and stronger demand for accessible and locally relevant solutions.
Under this strategy, Orange targets more than 40 million additional 4G and 5G users by 2028. In 2025, the operator reported 179 million customers across its 17 African markets and Jordan, an increase of 14 million subscribers in one year. The group also counted more than 90 million 4G users, while it offered 5G services in seven markets: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Senegal, Botswana and Madagascar. Its fibre and fixed broadband base reached 4.8 million customers.
Expanding Beyond Connectivity
Orange’s expansion in Africa extends beyond network infrastructure. The group aims to position the continent as a growth driver for higher value-added services, including mobile finance, super apps, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and enterprise services.
The company targets double-digit growth in its business-to-business segment, with a focus on IT services. It also plans to integrate AI and language models across both network operations and commercial offerings.
The strategy aims not only to connect users but also to capture a larger share of the digital value generated across the continent. This importance already reflects in the group’s financial results. In 2025, Africa and the Middle East contributed the most to Orange’s growth, generating €8.4 billion in revenue, up 12.2%. EBITDAaL also increased by 13.9%.
However, Orange faces potential headwinds in Africa. The World Bank Group’s latest semiannual report on Sub-Saharan Africa, published on April 8, 2026, forecasts regional growth at 4.1% in 2026, unchanged from 2025, while highlighting rising downside risks.
Higher prices for fuel, food and fertilizers, combined with tighter financial conditions, could drive inflation higher, disrupt economic activity and disproportionately affect vulnerable households, which allocate a larger share of income to food and energy.
This article was initially published in French by Muriel EDJO
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Zambia rolls out mobile money payments across all NRFA-operated toll gates.
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The reform aims to reduce congestion, improve efficiency and enhance revenue collection.
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Mobile money transactions in Zambia exceeded 100 billion kwacha ($5.2 billion) in March 2025.
The National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) has introduced a mobile money payment system across all toll gates it operates nationwide. The reform aims to modernize fee collection, reduce congestion at toll plazas and improve operational efficiency.
The agency presented the initiative on Sunday, April 12, through its public relations officer, Alphonsius Hamachila. The rollout forms part of a broader digital transformation strategy within the NRFA.
The new system operates alongside existing payment methods, including cash and the E-Toll electronic card, offering motorists three payment options. According to the NRFA, the system enables faster, more secure transactions and reduces reliance on cash handling, while improving traffic flow at toll points.
In practice, drivers complete payments directly via mobile phones. Toll agents enter the user’s phone number, and the system confirms the transaction instantly on the driver’s device.
However, the agency stated that the solution will not apply to toll gates operated under public-private partnerships (PPP), which maintain their own management systems.
The reform comes as mobile money usage accelerates in Zambia. According to the Bank of Zambia, the sector reached a record milestone, with transactions exceeding 100 billion kwacha (about $5.2 billion) in March 2025, marking the highest monthly level ever recorded.
By integrating mobile money into toll management, authorities aim to improve the collection of revenues used to maintain and modernize the national road network. The system should also reduce risks linked to cash handling and strengthen transaction transparency.
Samira Njoya
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Innobid, founded in 2024, offers a digital platform to manage tenders and procurement processes.
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The system targets governments, NGOs and companies to improve efficiency, security and transparency.
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The platform integrates encrypted submissions, real-time tracking and supplier management tools.
Eliud Luutsa, a Kenyan entrepreneur, co-founded and leads Innobid, a company that simplifies and secures the procurement of goods and services for organizations. The startup emphasizes social impact as a core part of its mission.
Innobid, founded in 2024, provides an online platform dedicated to managing tenders and procurement processes in both public and private sectors. The company targets governments, non-profit organizations and businesses, and it aims to make procurement more efficient, secure and transparent.
The platform reduces administrative delays, lowers operational costs and mitigates risks associated with supplier selection.
The portal manages the full procurement cycle, from publishing tenders to tracking submitted bids. Companies create profiles, submit proposals and monitor application progress in real time, including updates on contract opportunities.
Innobid designs the platform to provide a highly secure submission environment through an encrypted filing system that protects sensitive bidder information. Users receive instant notifications on tender status, which reduces communication delays and strengthens transparency.
The platform also integrates a supplier management system. This feature enables buyers to register, monitor and continuously update partner company data.
As a result, public and private buyers improve their ability to assess, manage and retain supplier networks over time.
Before founding Innobid, Eliud Luutsa co-founded Centafique Consulting in 2018, a firm specializing in business development, strategic advisory, applied research, capacity building and project management.
Eliud Luutsa graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in financial engineering. He also earned an executive postgraduate diploma in strategy and innovation in 2025 from the Institute of Management, Technology and Finance in Portugal.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in Engmlish by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Anda utilizes a "drive-to-own" model to grant vehicle ownership to drivers through progressive platform earnings.
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The Luanda-based startup secured $3.4 million in international funding last November to accelerate its growth.
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The platform professionalizes the sector by offering digital payments, GPS tracking, and a dedicated training academy.
Anda offers an integrated technological platform. The system combines mobility, financing, and training. The startup utilizes a "drive-to-own" model. Drivers access vehicles through a specific financing mechanism. They repay the debt using revenues from the platform. Consequently, participants eventually become owners of their motorcycles or vehicles.
Sergio Tati and Joerg Nuehrmann founded the startup in 2022. The company maintains its headquarters in Luanda. The startup describes its model in a formal statement: "The partnership model of Anda allows the investor to recover capital and obtain a return during the contract period. The driver keeps the vehicle at the end of the contract as a reward and to encourage the pursuit of sustainable business activity."
The company prioritizes the professionalization of the transport sector. Anda provides training programs through its dedicated academy. The platform also includes digital tools for geolocalization and electronic payments. These features improve user safety. The technology simultaneously increases driver incomes. These tools allow the startup to address long-standing gaps in the regional market.
Anda fills a structural deficit in the African mobility market. The solution facilitates access to income-generating assets. This model helps populations without access to traditional banking systems.
Furthermore, international investors support the startup’s mission. The firm raised $3.4 million last November. The management uses these funds to accelerate development. The capital also supports the company's regional growth. The startup potentially serves as a model for other African markets. These regions face similar transport challenges. Anda establishes the foundation for structured mobility. The platform promotes safer and more inclusive transit for the continent.
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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BawaHealth, founded in 2025, provides digital infrastructure to improve access to healthcare across Africa.
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The platform connects hospitals, doctors and patients without delivering medical care directly.
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Founder Nafieu Bawa combines fintech and healthtech expertise to scale digital solutions through Ndel Technologies.
Nafieu Bawa, a Ghanaian fintech entrepreneur, founded and leads BawaHealth, an innovative healthtech company. He aims to improve access to healthcare in Africa by leveraging existing medical infrastructures rather than replacing them.
BawaHealth, founded in 2025, positions itself as a partner to healthcare institutions instead of a substitute. The company provides a comprehensive digital environment that enables hospitals to organize operations, manage consultations and maintain continuous communication between doctors and patients, including remotely.
The platform targets three primary users. Hospitals use it to structure services and increase the visibility of their doctors. Healthcare professionals use it to manage appointments and monitor patients. Patients use it to find doctors, access teleconsultations and book in-person visits without long waiting times.
BawaHealth operates on a clear principle. The platform does not deliver medical care directly. Instead, it provides a secure digital infrastructure that allows accredited hospitals and practitioners to monitor patients, including after hospitalization or during chronic disease management. Therefore, medical responsibility remains fully with healthcare professionals.
At the same time, Nafieu Bawa founded Ndel Technologies in 2025. The company develops and deploys innovative digital solutions at scale to address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. It acts as an innovation hub and builds platforms at the intersection of fintech, healthtech, civictech and culture-tech.
Nafieu Bawa graduated from the University of Ghana with a bachelor’s degree in information science and political science. He also earned a master’s degree in finance from the University of Northampton in the United Kingdom.
Between 2018 and 2025, he served as director of Crown Medical Centre Ghana, where he gained extensive experience in healthcare management before launching his ventures.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Applications for the Women in AV & Tech competition are now open. The contest is open to women founders with early-stage projects in the audiovisual and related tech sectors. The winner will receive a $15,000 grant to help scale her business. The program is aimed at very early-stage projects, including those without revenue or a final product, provided they address a real-world problem with a credible solution and show potential to build a sustainable business.
The African Development Bank is considering investing €7.5 million to support early-stage tech startups across Africa. The funds will target sectors such as finance, healthcare, agriculture, education, and climate. The initiative aims to help innovative companies launch, create jobs, and improve access to services for underserved populations across the continent.
Renew Venture Lab is accepting applications from African founders developing solutions combining technology and financial services. The program aims to help early-stage startups better integrate payment or lending features, scale in a more structured way, and prepare to attract investors. Top participants may later be considered for funding. Applications are open until Thursday, April 30.
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Burkina Faso launched an online travel declaration platform to streamline border procedures.
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Authorities aim to enhance real-time data access and strengthen security monitoring.
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The initiative forms part of a broader rollout of 272 digital public service platforms.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana launched an online platform for managing travel declaration forms on April 8. The platform is accessible at https://fichedevoyage.gov.bf/ and allows travelers to complete their forms up to 72 hours before departure.
The system aims to streamline entry and exit procedures while reducing queues and processing times at border checkpoints, particularly at Ouagadougou International Airport.
Beyond simplifying administrative procedures, the digitalization introduces a structural shift in migration data management. Security services now access centralized, real-time traveler information, which improves traceability of movements and strengthens analytical capabilities.
Authorities are implementing these measures as the region continues to face persistent security challenges.
The launch aligns with Burkina Faso’s wider public sector digital transformation strategy. The platform adds to a growing portfolio of online services developed under the government’s administrative modernization program.
In February, authorities announced the rollout of 272 digital service platforms, of which 146 are already operational. These tools are improving access to administrative services for both citizens and businesses.
The expansion of digital services addresses several structural challenges within Burkina Faso’s administration, including slow manual procedures, fragmented databases, and limited tracking of traveler flows.
By centralizing information and automating part of the administrative process, the government aims to reduce processing times, minimize human error, and improve data reliability.
Samira Njoya
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Morocco and Gabon signed two agreements covering AI, digital policy and skills development.
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The partnership includes scholarships and training programs to strengthen public-sector capabilities.
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Morocco targets up to $10.7 billion in AI-driven value by 2030.
Morocco and Gabon signed two agreements on the sidelines of the 2026 edition of GITEX Africa, held from April 7 to April 9 in Marrakech. The agreements reflect a shared commitment to accelerate digital transformation and develop human capital.
Digital ministers Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Mark Alexandre Doumba signed the first agreement to structure bilateral cooperation. The framework covers knowledge sharing on digital public policies, regulatory harmonization, and the rollout of training programs aligned with sector needs.
Under the agreement, 15 Gabonese students will receive full scholarships to attend Mohammed VI Polytechnic University starting in September 2026.
The National Institute of Posts and Telecommunications of Morocco and its Gabonese counterpart signed the second agreement to modernize training curricula. The institutions aim to align education programs with labor market and public administration needs.
The initiative includes a dedicated program for Gabonese public officials, with five fully funded scholarships awarded annually over five years to strengthen technical expertise within government institutions.
The partnership forms part of a broader trend of South-South cooperation across Africa, where governments are leveraging shared expertise to accelerate digital transitions and boost ecosystem competitiveness.
Gabon is seeking to leverage Morocco’s experience to structure its digital environment and diversify its economy. The country is refining its digital strategy around regulatory strengthening, infrastructure development, digitization of public services, and skills development.
Morocco is pursuing ambitious artificial intelligence goals and is targeting value creation of up to 100 billion dirhams (about $10.7 billion) by 2030. The country is relying on innovation, skills development, and expanded international partnerships to achieve this target.
Samira Njoya
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Ahoko offers a digital platform to simplify and lower the cost of car rentals across Ivory Coast.
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Founder Eric Adangba leverages engineering and international energy-sector experience.
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The platform focuses on user-friendly booking, proximity search, and recurring promotional offers.
Eric Adangba is the founder and chief executive officer of Ahoko, a mobility-focused start-up. The platform enables users to rent vehicles easily and at competitive prices across Ivory Coast.
Adangba founded Ahoko in 2017 and positioned the company around comfort, affordability, and convenience. The platform offers vehicles selected for quality and provides weekly promotional deals to attract and retain customers. The company aims to deliver a simple, efficient, and practical rental experience for everyday use.
Ahoko designs its interface to ensure intuitive navigation. The homepage displays the best available offers and provides a dedicated booking button. Users complete reservations within a few clicks through a centralized search form, which eliminates complex administrative steps.
In addition, the platform integrates a search engine that allows users to locate nearby vehicles quickly. Customers can conduct general searches or refine results using multiple criteria. The company also offers a subscription feature that enables users to receive early notifications about new deals and recently added vehicles.
Eric Adangba is a petroleum engineer who graduated in 2004 from the National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro. He also holds a master’s degree in finance and strategy obtained in 2012 from Hult International Business School in the United States.
Adangba began his career in 2003 at PETROCI, the Ivorian national oil company, where he worked as a seismic engineer. He then joined Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNRL) in 2004 as a materials and logistics coordinator.
In 2007, he moved to Schlumberger as a drilling and measurement engineer and worked across several African markets, including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon. He later led drilling and measurement projects in Libya and Angola.
In 2014, he returned to PETROCI as an internal auditor before rejoining Schlumberger in Angola. He served successively as field service engineer and drilling services manager until 2019.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Vazzel provides an online marketplace linking fashion brands, designers and consumers.
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The platform integrates artificial intelligence to personalize recommendations and optimize sales.
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Founder Mayowa Akande combines engineering expertise with international tech experience.
Mayowa Akande is a Nigerian IT project engineer and entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of Vazzel, a digital marketplace dedicated to fashion that connects designers, vendors and style-conscious consumers on one platform.
Akande founded Vazzel in 2024 as a fully online ecosystem offering clothing, bags, shoes, accessories and hair products. The platform targets both established brands and emerging designers and provides them with a structured space to showcase collections and reach a broader audience.
Vazzel enables sellers and designers to open online stores, display products and manage operations within a centralized system. The platform provides continuous support and offers round-the-clock assistance to help brands design storefronts, present products and monitor performance.
At the same time, the platform allows buyers to access a wide selection of fashion items in one place. Users can explore multiple brands and collections while identifying products that match their personal style. The platform aims to reduce common issues related to sizing and fit.
Artificial intelligence plays a central role in Vazzel’s operations. The platform uses AI-powered tools to match products with customers more effectively. These tools include personalized recommendations, sales and preference analysis, and product image optimization.
Mayowa Akande holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture in Nigeria. He also earned a master’s degree in electronic engineering and information technology from the Université libre de Bruxelles.
Between 2014 and 2016, Akande completed several internships, including a role as an electrical project engineer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
In 2019, he joined Longbridge Technologies Ltd as an IT project engineer. He then moved to Belgian logistics company Katoen Natie in 2020, where he worked as a project control coordinator. Between 2021 and 2022, he completed a data and automation engineering internship at Awingu.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Namibia recorded 1.7 million cyberattacks in 2025, up 37% year-on-year.
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Authorities identified over 2.23 million vulnerabilities enabling attacks.
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Government allocated $1 million to cybersecurity for the 2026/2027 fiscal year.
Namibia recorded 1.7 million cyberattacks between January and December 2025, marking an increase of about 37% compared with the previous year, according to official data. The findings come from the “Namibia Cybersecurity Landscape Report 2025.”
The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) housed at CRAN, released it’s annual Namibia Cybersecurity Landscape Report 2025.
— CRAN (@CRANamibia) April 11, 2026
Highlighting the national and international landscapes, in this edition, NAM-CSIRT draws the spotlight on the secured electronic… pic.twitter.com/1Qe7FtjalG
The Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) published the report on Friday, April 11. The report states that authorities identified 2,231,970 vulnerabilities during the year. These weaknesses directly enabled cyber incidents, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, malware propagation, and unauthorized remote access.
The report highlights a shift toward large-scale exploitation of trust, as attackers increasingly use social engineering and artificial intelligence-assisted deception.
During the first quarter, attackers deployed AI-generated deepfake campaigns to promote fraudulent investment schemes. By mid-year, phishing attacks via Telegram and other social engineering methods remained widespread.
The report also identifies the emergence of ransomware attacks at the municipal level, using double extortion techniques. In addition, attackers launched smishing campaigns that mimicked delivery services and circulated deepfake videos featuring senior officials. These trends illustrate a more structured fraud ecosystem fueled by AI-driven disinformation.
A global and continental trend
This increase in cyber fraud reflects broader global and African trends. In its “Cybercrime Africa Cyberthreat Assessment 2025,” Interpol states that the expansion of online activity is accelerating cybercrime across the continent.
Interpol states that “cybercriminals constantly refine their tactics, using social engineering, artificial intelligence and instant messaging platforms to launch increasingly sophisticated attacks. Cybercriminal networks, whether local or international, exploit human vulnerabilities as a primary method, using advanced deception techniques to target organizations and individuals.”
Measures to secure Namibia’s digital future
NAM-CSIRT emphasizes that the rollout of digital identity systems, the expansion of digital services, and the growth of infrastructure are increasing the urgency of integrating cybersecurity into national development. The agency calls for a comprehensive approach involving government, regulators, critical sectors, businesses, academia, and citizens to maintain digital trust and ensure service continuity.
The “Namibia Cybersecurity Landscape Report 2025” recommends finalizing legal frameworks covering cybercrime, data protection, and critical infrastructure. The report also calls for strengthening NAM-CSIRT’s capacity to improve monitoring, detection, and incident coordination.
In addition, the report recommends establishing sector-specific CSIRTs in key industries and reducing critical vulnerabilities such as outdated and poorly secured systems. It urges authorities to accelerate the deployment of digital identity and trust services.
The report calls on authorities to mandate multi-factor authentication, increase awareness of threats such as phishing and deepfakes, and improve cyber threat information sharing. Finally, the document emphasizes strengthening cyber governance through international standards and increasing support for small and medium-sized enterprises and resource-constrained public institutions.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
The cryptocurrency platform VALR has partnered with Onafriq to let users in several African countries fund their accounts via mobile money in local currencies. Under the agreement, users can buy Bitcoin, stablecoins and tokenized assets, and use additional financial services. The integration of local payment systems with digital assets is intended to broaden access to financial services across the continent.