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
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Orange Botswana and Special Economic Zones Authority signed a strategic agreement to modernize digital infrastructure in special economic zones.
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The partnership will deploy IoT-based services, smart security systems and advanced connectivity solutions.
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Botswana aims to boost investment attractiveness and diversify its economy beyond mining through digitally enabled zones.
Orange Botswana and the Special Economic Zones Authority have signed a strategic partnership to modernize digital infrastructure across the country’s investment hubs. The parties formalized the agreement on Friday, March 13 through a memorandum of understanding that defines a framework for technical innovation and the deployment of tailored connected solutions.
This initiative comes as Botswana seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of its special economic zones in a broader push to diversify its economy. Nene Maiga emphasized the role of connectivity in economic performance. “Digital connectivity is now a key driver of economic competitiveness. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen ICT and telecommunications capabilities in these zones so that businesses operating there can benefit from modern digital solutions,” she said.
Therefore, the partnership positions digital infrastructure as a central pillar of investment attractiveness. The agreement focuses on integrating advanced technologies within special economic zones. Orange Botswana plans to deploy Internet of Things (IoT) services to support public utility management. The company will also implement smart security systems and advanced connectivity solutions.
These technologies aim to transform the zones into smart ecosystems capable of meeting the productivity requirements of international investors. The partnership aligns with Botswana’s broader economic diversification strategy. The government seeks to reduce reliance on the mining sector by promoting industrialization and attracting foreign investment.
Special economic zones play a central role in this policy framework. Authorities use these zones to offer regulatory and fiscal incentives designed to attract industrial, logistics and service companies.
As digital transformation accelerates, the competitiveness of these zones increasingly depends on the quality of technological infrastructure, including connectivity, digital platforms and smart services.
Samira Njoya
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Angola has launched the ANGEO-1 Earth observation satellite project with an estimated cost of $259 million.
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Airbus Defence and Space is developing the satellite in partnership with Angolan authorities.
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The satellite will deliver more than 1,000 high-resolution images per day to support economic planning, resource management and security.
The government of Angola has officially launched the construction and deployment of its first Earth observation satellite, ANGEO-1.
Authorities initiated the project on Monday, March 16, with an estimated cost of €225 million ($259 million). Airbus Defence and Space is developing the satellite under a partnership agreement.
Officials launched the works at Airbus Defence and Space facilities in Toulouse. Mário Augusto da Silva Oliveira said the satellite will strengthen Angola’s sovereign access to critical data.
The satellite will provide more than 1,000 high-resolution images per day, according to a statement from the GGPEN, which participated in the delegation.
“This capacity will be essential to support economic development, sustainable management of natural resources and national security, strengthening the country’s ability to design public policies and make strategic decisions based on concrete data,” the statement said.
The project forms part of Angola’s broader National Space Program. Authorities aim to transform Angola from a user of space services into a producer and operator of space technologies. They also aim to secure technological independence in the sector.
In addition to telecommunications, the program includes an Earth observation component focused on environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, natural resource management and disaster prevention.
João Lourenço announced the creation of the Angolan Space Agency in October 2025 to support these ambitions.
The government also outlined plans in its “ICT White Paper 2023–2027” to establish a space studies center, train national experts and develop infrastructure in communications, navigation and meteorology.
Angola has already expanded its presence in the space sector. The country operates AngoSat-2, which supports telecommunications coverage across the national territory. Authorities now aim to complement this capability with Earth observation infrastructure to broaden the country’s space-based services.
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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Yalidine Express operates a nationwide parcel delivery network covering more than 50 wilayas in Algeria.
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The platform targets both B2B and e-commerce B2C segments, with cash-on-delivery remaining the dominant payment method.
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The company integrates real-time tracking and API connectivity to streamline logistics for online merchants.
In Algeria, Yalidine Express positions itself as a key player in the ecosystem by offering delivery solutions tailored to local market conditions. Yalidine Express provides e-logistics services across the country. The company collects and distributes parcels nationwide and covers more than 50 wilayas through a network of local offices and dedicated teams. Djamel Eddine Toumiat launched the solution in 2013.
The company targets two main segments. It serves businesses through B2B services that handle mail and logistics flows. It also focuses on e-commerce players through B2C parcel delivery services. The platform integrates cash-on-delivery as a core feature, and this payment method remains widely used in Algeria.
Yalidine Express differentiates itself through its technology stack. The platform provides real-time tracking that allows senders and end customers to monitor each stage of delivery. It also integrates with e-commerce management systems through application programming interfaces. These integrations allow merchants to automate shipments, calculate delivery costs and manage logistics flows more efficiently.
Beyond delivery, the company offers additional services that expand its role in the value chain. It provides storage solutions, manages product returns and ensures secure payment collection. This integrated approach addresses the operational and financial challenges that online merchants face in a developing market.
By improving delivery reliability and speed, Yalidine Express helps remove one of the main barriers to e-commerce growth in Algeria.
As digital adoption increases, logistics infrastructure of this type is expected to play a central role in transforming commerce and supporting the expansion of the digital economy.
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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Tekwane Mwendwa leads Leja, a platform that helps micro-entrepreneurs manage daily finances via mobile tools.
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Leja enables users to track cash flows, send money, pay bills and operate via Android or USSD, expanding access beyond smartphones.
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Mwendwa also heads Asilimia, which provides integrated financial management services for small businesses.
Kenyan Entrepeneur Tekwane Mwendwa co-founded and leads Leja, a mobile application designed to simplify day-to-day financial management for small and micro-businesses.
Founded in 2018, Leja allows users to track income and expenses within a business.
The application enables entrepreneurs to record transactions, analyze financial flows and make more informed decisions. It also allows users to send money, pay bills from their phones and purchase mobile airtime.
Leja targets small businesses seeking to organize their finances without using complex tools. The platform offers a simple and accessible solution tailored to local operating conditions.
The application is available on Android devices and through a USSD service, which allows access even without advanced smartphones.
In parallel, Tekwane Mwendwa co-founded Asilimia in 2017 and serves as its chief executive officer. Asilimia aims to make financial services more accessible and affordable, particularly for small entrepreneurs across Africa.
The company offers a suite of tools that allow businesses to manage their finances in one place. Its application enables users to record sales, track expenses, identify outstanding payments from customers and gain an overview of their operations.
Before launching his ventures, Mwendwa started his career in 2011 as an accountant at the SISDO Kenya. He then founded his first company, Active8 Kenya Ltd, in 2012, focusing on 3D modeling services. He has since shifted his focus toward fintech solutions aimed at addressing financial access challenges for small businesses.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Shema Steve develops a community-based fintech modelto expand access to savings and credit.
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His company Exuus offers the “Save” platform, targeting users excluded from traditional banking.
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The solution combines group savings, instant loans and alternative credit scoringto drive financial inclusion.
Shema Steve, a Rwandan technology entrepreneur, has positioned himself as a key player in digital financial services. He founded and leads Exuus, a company specializing in fintech solutions and software development.
Founded in 2014, Exuus developed Save, a digital platform designed for underserved populations. The application allows users to save money, access credit and manage daily financial transactions within savings groups. The platform relies on trust-based networks, including families, neighbors and colleagues. This structure provides a more reliable alternative to informal financial practices.
The use of Save requires users to form savings groups. Members define shared financial goals, contribute regularly and support each other. Trained agents can assist these groups. Each user can join multiple groups simultaneously. The system aggregates all commitments to assess loan eligibility and build a credit profile.
The platform allows users to request loans directly through the application. The system provides near-instant approval and disbursement. Loans can originate from the group, personal networks or financial partners. User behavior, including savings discipline, repayment punctuality and penalty management, feeds into individual and group credit scores. This model creates an alternative to traditional credit assessment systems.
In addition to savings and credit, Save enables users to transfer money and pay bills. The platform supports payments for utilities and subscription services. It also allows users to create virtual cards for secure online purchases. The service remains accessible via a mobile application or through a USSD code (*777#). This feature ensures access for users without smartphones or internet connectivity.
Shema Stevegraduated from the National University of Rwandain 2014 with a degree in environmental management. He served on the advisory board of Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates between 2020 and 2022.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
Legal services platform Sidebrief is launching Signal, a quarterly event series organized with Diligence Africa and Impact Hub Lagos. The inaugural edition is scheduled for March 27, 2026, in Lagos and will feature 20 speakers across five panel discussions. It aims to bring together founders, investors, regulators and support organizations to address governance, funding and growth challenges.
On April 29, the Africa Blockchain, DeFi and Web3 Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place in Lagos, bringing together founders, investors, public officials and companies to discuss digital asset use cases.
The event will be held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel and will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, demonstrations and networking sessions. Registration and sponsorship details are available on the summit’s website.
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From March 16 to 27, the city of Gitega is hosting the second coding camp of the African Girls Can Code Initiative at the Rusi training center. Implemented by UN Women Burundi with support from the Kingdom of Belgium, the program aims to strengthen the digital skills of young Burundian women and prepare them for careers in technology.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo launched a National Network of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) on March 12 in Kinshasa to standardize personal data management practices.
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The initiative supports implementation of Ordinance-Law No. 23/010 (Digital Code) adopted three years ago to regulate personal data processing.
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Authorities view stronger data governance and cybersecurity frameworks as tools to attract investment in the digital economy.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has accelerated the rollout of its national data governance framework as digital services expand across the country. The Ministry of Digital Economy officially launched the National Network of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) on March 12 in Kinshasa. Authorities said the initiative aims to standardize personal data management practices and support compliance across public and private sectors.
The network brings together specialists responsible for ensuring that organizations respect data protection standards and regulations. The initiative follows the adoption of Ordinance-Law No. 23/010, which established the Digital Code three years ago.
The legislation introduced principles governing the lawful, transparent, and secure processing of personal data. Within this framework, Data Protection Officers play a central role. DPOs monitor compliance with legal and technical standards inside organizations and safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens whose personal data institutions process.
Protection des données : Augustin Kibassa Maliba lance le Réseau des Data Protection Officershttps://t.co/UY0SMMekDR
— Ministère de l'Économie Numérique - RDC (@econonumerique) March 13, 2026
The program received support from RUDI International and Droit-Numérique.cd, two organizations involved in promoting digital governance and cybersecurity practices in the country.
Minister of Digital Economy Augustin Kibassa Maliba said authorities consider the creation of the network a preparatory step toward establishing a National Data Protection Authority. He said the government aims to structure a pool of qualified experts before launching the future regulatory body responsible for overseeing data protection in the country.
Beyond regulatory considerations, Kinshasa views stronger data security frameworks as an economic priority. Authorities believe that robust data governance increases confidence among international partners and encourages investment in high-value digital and technology services.
The initiative also aligns with the country’s commitments under the Malabo Convention. By professionalizing the DPO function, the Democratic Republic of Congo seeks to align its regulatory practices with cybersecurity and data protection standards promoted by the African Union.
Authorities consider data a strategic resource and aim to transform it into a secure engine of economic growth. At the same time, policymakers want to strengthen protections against rising risks linked to cybercrime and the illicit exploitation of personal information.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Rwanda launched Innovate Rwanda, a national digital platform designed to centralize the country’s innovation ecosystem.
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The platform connects startups, investors, incubators and institutionsto improve access to funding and partnerships.
Rwanda is centralizing its technology ecosystem as the government seeks to streamline fragmented support initiatives for startups.
The government officially launched Innovate Rwanda on March 12. Authorities designed the national digital platform to centralize the country’s innovation ecosystem and connect startups, investors, incubators and public institutions.
The initiative aims to strengthen coordination in a technology sector that has become a pillar of Rwanda’s growth strategy in East Africa. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation Rwandadeveloped the platform as a single digital gateway to funding programs and support mechanisms.
Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s minister of ICT and Innovation, outlined the government’s objective during the launch.
“We want to create an environment where innovators can easily access the resources, funding and partners needed to transform their ideas into concrete solutions,” she said.
A growing startup ecosystem
The launch of Innovate Rwanda comes as the country’s technology ecosystem continues to expand. Rwanda now hosts more than 76 active startups, according to estimates from ecosystem stakeholders and innovation tracking platforms in East Africa. The country also hosts several incubators and technology hubs supported through public and private partnerships.
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025published by StartupBlink, Rwanda ranks 96th globally, gaining two places compared with the previous year.
Within East Africa, Rwanda holds third place, positioning itself as a strategic innovation hub behind Uganda and ahead of Somalia.
Innovate Rwanda provides investors with greater visibility into local startups by offering verified company profiles and performance indicators.
The platform centralizes data that was previously scattered across different institutions and programs. As a result, it aims to streamline due diligence processes and strengthen investor confidence in Rwanda’s startup pipeline.
Addressing coordination challenges
Beyond improving visibility, the platform addresses a structural challenge within the ecosystem: limited coordination among innovation support programs.
Officials at the ministry said that the centralized system should reduce duplication among incubators, identify gaps in the market and direct funding more efficiently toward high-potential projects.
By improving coordination and transparency, the government expects the platform to accelerate innovation development and strengthen Rwanda’s position as a regional technology hub.
Samira Njoya
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Moroccan fintech Mynk enables users to send and receive money instantly using only a phone number.
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Entrepreneur Driss Zizi launched the mobile payment solution in 2021 to support digital payment adoption in Morocco.
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The platform uses an e-wallet funded by bank cards, with free instant transfers between users.
A Moroccan startup developed Mynk to allow users to send and receive money instantly without entering bank details such as an IBAN or account number. Entrepreneur Driss Zizi launched the solution in 2021 as part of a broader push to modernize digital payments in the country.
The application allows users to transfer money using a simple phone number. The process resembles an instant messaging experience because the user selects a contact from a phone directory, enters the amount and confirms the transaction.
The developers designed the application primarily for students and young professionals. The platform simplifies everyday financial transactions such as splitting expenses, paying for services, transferring money among friends, purchasing mobile airtime, paying bills and buying gift cards or online services.
The company built the platform around an electronic wallet that users fund through a bank card. The system allows users to transfer funds instantly and free of charge between Mynk accounts. However, the platform charges a commission when users send funds to a traditional bank account.
At the regulatory and security level, the fintech relies on partnerships with local banking institutions and on infrastructure that complies with Moroccan financial regulatory requirements.
The company described its security approach on its LinkedIn page.
“Mynk is in partnership with a Moroccan bank and offers the highest standards in terms of security.”It positions itself within a broader transformation of Morocco’s fintech ecosystem.
The startup simplifies digital transactions and improves accessibility to financial services. As a result, the platform supports faster adoption of mobile payments and promotes financial inclusion, particularly among younger urban populations.
Adoni Conrad Quenum