- Chad has required all visa applications to go through the official evisa.td platform since May 11, 2026.
- Authorities will invalidate all visas issued outside the digital platform starting May 21, 2026.
- Chad has joined a broader African trend toward fully digital visa systems alongside Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana.
Chad has shifted all visa applications to an online-only system as authorities accelerate the digitalization of immigration and consular procedures.
The sub-directorate of E-Visa at the Ministry of Public Security and Immigration announced the measure in a statement published on Friday, May 8, 2026. Authorities said all visa applications for Chad must now go through the official platform, eVisa Tchad, effective Monday, May 11.
The government launched the eVisa Chad platform in December 2024. However, the platform has now become the sole application channel for all visa categories except diplomatic and courtesy visas, which Chadian diplomatic missions will continue to manage.
Authorities said the reform implements Decree No. 2299/PR/PM/MSPI/2025 and a 2026 joint ministerial order governing the entry and residence conditions of foreign nationals in Chad.
The government said the new framework will centralize and secure visa processing while simplifying administrative procedures for travelers and immigration authorities.
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that a transition period remains in place. Previously issued visas will remain valid until their expiration dates.
However, authorities said they will invalidate any visa issued outside the eVisa platform starting May 21, 2026. Consequently, travelers holding visas issued through other channels will no longer gain entry into Chad. Authorities also abolished manual entry authorizations permanently.
With this reform, Chad has joined a broader movement across Africa toward fully digital visa systems.
Several African countries, including Rwanda, Kenya and Ghana, have already adopted fully digital systems to manage entry applications and immigration procedures.
The reform reflects growing efforts among African governments to modernize border management systems, strengthen administrative oversight and streamline travel procedures through digital platforms.
Samira Njoya
- Mozambican financial services provider Letshego has launched a debit card in partnership with Mastercard.
- The card enables secure local and international transactions through Mastercard’s global payment network.
- The initiative aims to support digital transformation and financial inclusion in Mozambique’s cash-dominated economy.
Mozambican financial services provider Letshego has launched a debit card in partnership with Mastercard in Mozambique. The companies said the initiative aims to support the country’s digital transformation and strengthen financial inclusion.
In a statement published on Monday, May 11, Mastercard said the debit card operates on its global payments network. The card allows customers to conduct secure transactions both domestically and internationally wherever Mastercard services are accepted.
Moreover, the card supports everyday payments and enables broader participation in the formal financial system. The initiative comes amid accelerating digital transformation and growing demand for digital payment solutions in Mozambique.
Consumers increasingly use international e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba and Jumia, while others subscribe to streaming services including Netflix and Spotify. However, many unbanked consumers still face difficulties accessing online payment services and digital financial tools.
“By giving more people the tools they need to participate in the digital economy, we help strengthen financial resilience and enable communities to thrive in an increasingly connected world,” said Gabriel Swanepoel, division president for Africa at Mastercard. The initiative also targets small and medium-sized enterprises, which remain a central pillar of Mozambique’s economy.
Reliable digital payment tools can help SMEs expand online sales, secure transactions with customers and suppliers, and access new markets, including international markets. Furthermore, digital payment systems can help formalize economic activity and improve the traceability of financial flows in an economy where cash still dominates a large share of transactions. However, service availability alone may not guarantee widespread adoption of digital financial services.
Several factors continue to influence adoption rates, including user trust, digital literacy levels, access to smartphones and internet connectivity, and service costs. In addition, entrenched consumer payment habits and the persistent use of cash across many segments of the economy could slow adoption.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Gabon’s civil aviation authority signed a partnership agreement with the national digital infrastructure agency to strengthen cybersecurity in the aviation sector.
- The agreement targets the modernization of aviation IT systems, protection of sensitive data and continuity of operations.
- Gabon aligned the initiative with its broader digital transformation strategy and International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
Gabon has moved to strengthen the protection of digital systems in its civil aviation sector as governments and operators face rising cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.
The National Civil Aviation Agency, known as ANAC, announced on Thursday, May 7, that it signed a partnership agreement with the National Agency for Digital Infrastructure and Frequencies, or ANINF. The initiative aims to secure critical infrastructure and modernize information systems across the aviation sector.
Under the agreement, ANINF will support ANAC in upgrading its digital systems. The partnership seeks to strengthen the security of IT infrastructure, improve the management of sensitive data and optimize communication and administrative tools used in civil aviation operations.
Moreover, the agreement includes measures to strengthen service continuity systems and improve resilience against digital incidents. The two institutions are also working to enhance interoperability between information systems in order to facilitate secure and structured data exchanges between government agencies.
Part of a Broader Digital Transformation Strategy
The initiative forms part of Gabon’s broader national digital transformation strategy, which prioritizes digital sovereignty and administrative modernization.
In addition, the partnership aligns with standards promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which encourages member states to strengthen cybersecurity protections for aviation infrastructure.
The agreement comes amid a global rise in cyberattacks targeting civil aviation systems and critical infrastructure. Governments and operators increasingly face challenges linked to the convergence of IT systems and operational technology environments.
As a result, authorities now treat digital system protection, sensitive data security and operational continuity as central strategic priorities.
Toward a More Resilient and Connected Administration
Beyond the aviation sector, the partnership reflects Gabon’s broader objective of building a more secure and interconnected public administration.
By restructuring digital systems around stronger cybersecurity standards, Gabon aims to improve the reliability of public digital services and strengthen the protection of strategic national data.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kenyan fintech entrepreneur Felix Sifuna co-founded PEMiG to expand access to financing for underserved entrepreneurs and individuals.
- PEMiG uses an alternative credit-scoring engine that analyzes financial behavior and social networks instead of relying solely on banking history.
- The company also converts business loans into digital investment assets to attract investors and support local economic activity.
Felix Sifuna serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of PEMiG, a digital financial services company that focuses on underserved borrowers.
Sifuna founded PEMiG in 2022 with Philip Amwata, Priya Maharaj and Lilian Kariba. The company aims to remove barriers to entrepreneurship by improving access to financing for small businesses and individuals who traditional banking systems often exclude.
To address the lack of formal banking histories among many borrowers, PEMiG developed an alternative evaluation system known as the Causal Credit Scoring Engine.
Instead of relying exclusively on conventional lending criteria, the platform analyzes users’ financial behavior and social networks to assess creditworthiness. The company said the model allows more entrepreneurs to access financing and contribute to Africa’s economic growth.
Beyond lending services, PEMiG also operates a strategic investment platform.
The company converts loans issued to businesses into digital assets that investors can purchase. This mechanism allows investors to diversify portfolios while directly financing local economic activities. Investors can also generate returns tied to loan repayments.
By democratizing access to investment opportunities, PEMiG aims to stimulate job creation and support regional economic development.
Alongside his role at PEMiG, Sifuna works as a senior venture scout at LvlUp Ventures, an international venture capital fund that supports early-stage startups.
He also serves as chief executive officer of FINECO, a consulting firm that advises companies on digital transformation strategies.
Sifuna graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in clinical medicine. He also earned a business administration certificate from Harvard Business School Online.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- South African startup Milli enables individuals, communities and organizations to raise funds for medical, educational and entrepreneurial needs.
- The platform combines crowdfunding tools with storytelling, video content and social media distribution to attract donors.
- Milli plans to expand across sub-Saharan Africa as smartphone adoption and digital payment usage continue to rise.
Milli operates as a digital platform that allows individuals, communities and associations to raise funds for personal needs and public-interest causes, including medical expenses, educational projects, entrepreneurial activities and community initiatives.
The Johannesburg-based startup launched in 2023. Dario Eugenio and Peter Konhäusner co-founded the company. “We do not simply host campaigns, we also contribute to financing them through our audience and partners,” Eugenio said.
He added: “The platform revolves around storytelling, video and social media sharing, allowing users to create compelling campaigns and distribute them effectively. Our core belief is simple: better stories generate more funding.”
Milli offers a mobile application on iOS and Android. According to Google Play Store data, Android users have downloaded the application more than 500 times. Users can create campaigns, upload photos, videos and documents, and share personalized links on social media platforms to attract donors.
Moreover, Milli combines crowdfunding mechanisms with features inspired by social networks. Donors can track campaign progress, receive updates and monitor the impact of their contributions.
The startup said it aims to build a “human-centered” platform capable of strengthening local solidarity through digital tools. However, the company charges 1,000 rand, or about $60, for each fundraising campaign.
Milli launched at a time when many African populations still face limited access to financing, particularly in healthcare, education and micro-entrepreneurship. At the same time, the expansion of mobile money services and rising smartphone adoption continue to create opportunities for digital fundraising platforms across the continent.
Beyond donation collection, Milli aims to position itself as digital infrastructure dedicated to social impact. The company targets individuals, charities and local communities seeking to mobilize financial resources quickly around specific projects.
“The next step involves expanding across sub-Saharan Africa, where intensive mobile phone usage and social media sharing habits make this model highly transferable,” Eugenio said.
The emergence of platforms such as Milli also reflects the gradual diversification of Africa’s technology ecosystem. African startups no longer focus exclusively on payments and e-commerce. Instead, many companies are increasingly investing in segments tied to the solidarity economy and social innovation.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Kenyan entrepreneur Sila Kironji co-founded Intelli, an AI-powered customer relationship management platform launched in 2024.
- Intelli centralizes customer interactions across WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, email and websites through a single interface.
- The platform combines automated AI support with human intervention for complex customer requests.
Sila Kironji serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of Intelli, a digital platform specializing in customer relationship management.
Founded in 2024, Intelli allows companies to centralize customer interactions through a single interface that integrates multiple communication channels, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, email and websites. The platform aims to accelerate response times, automate repetitive tasks and improve the overall quality of customer service.
Intelli operates around an intelligent assistant capable of interacting with customers automatically. Companies can create the assistant without advanced technical knowledge through a simplified visual system. Businesses can also train the assistant to answer customer questions by importing internal documents, frequently asked questions and operational information.
Once configured, companies can deploy the assistant across multiple communication channels to provide continuous and consistent responses to users.
Although Intelli focuses heavily on WhatsApp integration and offers live messaging systems for websites, the platform still incorporates human support agents.
When customer requests exceed the capabilities of the automated assistant, human agents can immediately take over conversations. This hybrid approach aims to maximize responsiveness without compromising the quality of complex interactions.
In addition, Intelli integrates advanced analytics tools. Businesses can monitor performance indicators including message volumes, activity peaks, customer engagement and agent efficiency in order to optimize support strategies continuously.
Kironji’s involvement in the technology sector extends beyond Intelli. In 2023, he co-founded Hotspot Aerial Solutions, a company that uses data and artificial intelligence to create sector-specific solutions.
Kironji also belongs to the OpenAI Community Forum, a network that promotes mentorship between AI professionals and students. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Kenya Aeronautical College. He also obtained a second bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Shenyang Aerospace University.
After completing several internships, Kironji joined Skymax Aviation in 2019 as an aeronautical technician. Between 2020 and 2023, he worked at Kenya Flying Labs, where he held positions as drone development engineer and chief technology officer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
On Monday, May 11th, Eswatini's Ministry of Technology launched the "Startup World Cup" initiative to drive innovation. The program gives young local entrepreneurs a pathway to turn their ideas into real businesses and connect with global investors. The kingdom is looking to create jobs and make its mark on the world stage, with winners even getting a shot at competing in Silicon Valley.
The iHatch incubation program opened applications for its 5th cohort on Wednesday, May 6th. This one-of-a-kind initiative spans all of Nigeria's states and offers a ten-month support track. Selected entrepreneurs will receive hands-on training, expert mentorship, and product development assistance. The goal is to strengthen local innovation hubs and turn early-stage ventures into investor-ready businesses. The application deadline is Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
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The University of Burundi has created a Digital Teaching Support Unit to strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes.
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Surveys show that only 19.69% of students regularly follow digital courses, while just one in five students owns a computer.
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Despite infrastructure and connectivity constraints, 85.04% of students and 96.1% of teachers support the expansion of digital learning.
The University of Burundi has established a Digital Teaching Support Unit. The university announced the initiative last week as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education in Burundi.
According to the rectoral decision establishing the unit, the structure will develop and strengthen digital education across all faculties and institutes within the university. The unit will also initiate and support projects and programs aimed at integrating digital technologies to improve teaching quality. In addition, the structure will promote research, reflection and partnerships in educational technologies.
To support implementation, the university appointed focal points across all faculties and institutes. These representatives will assist lecturers in adopting digital teaching practices while identifying training and resource needs. They will also monitor emerging opportunities in educational technologies and help foster a digital culture within the higher education system.
Between Potential, Delays and Challenges
The initiative comes as Burundian authorities seek to digitize higher education in line with trends across several African countries. Policymakers view the integration of ICT into teaching and learning processes as a way to improve access to educational resources, modernize teaching methods and strengthen digital skills among students and teachers.
However, Burundi continues to lag behind in that area. Richard Ndayishimiye, dean of the Higher Institute of Commerce (ISCO) at the University of Burundi and an expert in higher education digital transformation, highlighted those challenges in January during the 8th AUPTIC conference in Lausanne, Switzerland.
He cited difficulties linked to the digital divide, limited access to connectivity and energy infrastructure, and the need to strengthen digital skills within the university community.
Survey data cited in the report showed that only 19.69% of students regularly participate in digital learning, while 49.32% of teachers said they organize digital courses. In addition, 82.7% of students expressed training needs, compared with 93.5% of teachers.
The survey also highlighted equipment shortages among students. Only one in five students owns a computer. Smartphones remain more widespread, but many devices remain incompatible with certain educational applications. Campuses also offer limited or no properly equipped workspaces.
Nevertheless, the university community has shown strong interest in digital learning. According to the survey, 85.04% of students support the expansion of digital technologies, while 96.1% of teachers favor further digital development in higher education.
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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Qooxy has surpassed 200,000 downloads across its platforms and exceeded 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.
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The Algerian startup focuses on secondary and interior cities that global delivery platforms often underserved.
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Qooxy aims to evolve from a food delivery service into a broader multi-service platform inspired by African and Middle Eastern super-app models.
Founded in 2020 in the city of Sétif, Algeria, Qooxy has developed a food delivery and home services application tailored to the needs of Algerian cities with limited access to structured delivery services. Qooxy co-founder Sofian Hachid helped launch the platform.
The company allows users to order meals from partner restaurants while tracking deliveries in real time through a mobile application available on iOS and Android devices. The platform has recorded more than 100,000 downloads on the Google Play Store, according to marketplace data. Meanwhile, the startup said it has exceeded 200,000 downloads across all distribution channels.
Qooxy said it has concentrated its operations on inland Algerian cities, where large delivery companies maintain a limited presence. The startup said it aims to address a fragmented market in which many restaurants still operate without advanced digital infrastructure.
To support that strategy, Qooxy has deployed a logistics model designed to shorten delivery times in secondary urban centers. The company relies on a network of independent couriers connected through a dedicated application called “Qooxy Agent.”
Beyond restaurant delivery, the startup has gradually positioned itself as a broader multi-service platform capable of linking merchants, couriers and consumers across several Algerian cities.
“We started by facilitating home delivery, but we consider this only the beginning of a service designed to simplify interactions between different stakeholders: easier evenings, smoother days and more accessible services for users,” the startup said.
Moreover, Qooxy’s strategy mirrors the approach adopted by several African and Middle Eastern super-apps, which have progressively expanded into local commerce, rapid delivery and proximity-based services.
The emergence of companies such as Qooxy has also highlighted the growing momentum of Algeria’s startup ecosystem. Public authorities have supported that ecosystem in recent years through several initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and accelerating digital transformation.
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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- Ousmane Ndiaye founded SeneCard in 2024 to address critical data reliability and access challenges in Senegal’s healthcare and education systems.
- The company utilizes QR codes and contactless chips to provide real-time access to patient medical histories, treatments, and allergies during emergencies.
- SeneCard expands its digital ecosystem beyond health to include smart school cards and the digitization of health insurance providers.
Senegalese entrepreneur Ousmane Ndiaye currently serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SeneCard. His firm specializes in digital solutions for the health, education, and professional data management sectors.
Ndiaye established SeneCard in 2024 to modernize user tracking and improve administrative efficiency. The company focuses its primary commercial activities on the digital health market.
The firm produces electronic health cards that utilize QR codes and contactless chip technology. These devices grant medical professionals immediate access to patient records, active treatments, and specific allergies. This system improves patient safety, particularly during medical emergencies. Furthermore, users update their medical information in real-time without the need for a physical card replacement.
SeneCard also develops personalized medical records to meet the specific requirements of individual patients. In addition, Ndiaye supports the digital transformation of health insurance companies and social security institutes.
The company simultaneously applies its technology to the education sector through smart school cards. These cards integrate identification features with academic tracking and facility access. Students use these tools to record attendance, check grades, and access library or cafeteria services.
Ndiaye maintains a diverse professional portfolio alongside his entrepreneurial ventures. He serves as the lead developer for Delivair, a French firm that connects travelers with individuals shipping packages. He also works as a full-stack developer at INSOFT and teaches at the Superior Institute of Informatics (ISI).
Ndiaye earned a Master’s degree in Software Engineering from ISI in 2025. He also holds a Master’s degree in English from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. He launched his professional career in 2020 as a web development intern at the National Center for Agronomic Research.
Between 2021 and 2025, Ndiaye held developer positions at several prominent technology firms. These employers included Sirel976 Production and SESA Technologies. He also provided technical expertise to Obertys, a consulting firm serving the banking and technology sectors.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Lova Diakité founded Joonapay in 2023 to centralize financial management for SMEs and large corporations across the UEMOA region.
- The platform automates manual tasks by integrating invoicing, supplier payments, and real-time expense tracking into a single interface.
- Joonapay supports diverse payment methods including bank transfers, credit cards, and mobile money, with plans to launch physical and virtual corporate cards.
Malian tech entrepreneur Lova Diakité leads this shift from his base in Côte d’Ivoire. Diakité serves as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joonapay. This financial platform specifically serves the needs of businesses operating within Francophone West Africa.
Diakité established Joonapay in 2023 to simplify daily corporate operations. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools through a unified digital interface. The solution currently assists small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Furthermore, large financial departments utilize the platform to manage complex regional requirements.
The software centralizes several essential financial services for its users. Clients create professional invoices and receive customer payments directly through the system. The platform also enables users to settle supplier invoices and track corporate cash flow. Additionally, Joonapay supports multiple payment channels including bank transfers, credit cards, and mobile money services.
Joonapay prioritizes the automation of repetitive financial duties. Many regional firms still perform these tasks manually, which increases the risk of error. The platform simplifies internal validation processes and provides real-time oversight of professional spending. Teams use the system to centralize receipts and manage expense justifications efficiently. Meanwhile, the company prepares the upcoming launch of both virtual and physical corporate cards for employee expenses.
Diakité brings significant international experience to the West African fintech sector. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in the United States. He launched his professional career in 2015 within the university’s IT support department.
His career progressed through several specialized technical roles in the American market. Diakité joined Edu-Tech Academic Solutions as a support engineer in 2018. He then managed systems and networks for The Baldwin School starting in 2020. US-based healthtech firm Hinge Health recruited him as an IT specialist in 2023. Finally, Diakité served as a systems engineer for Camunda, a German company specializing in business process automation, before focusing on his current venture.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
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Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on May 7 to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and public administration modernization.
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The agreement covers public service digitization, artificial intelligence, open government, data governance and emerging technologies.
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Both countries plan to launch technical exchanges, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives, including hackathons, to support joint digital projects.
Morocco and Ghana signed a declaration of intent in Rabat on Thursday, May 7, to strengthen cooperation on digital transition and administrative modernization. Officials signed the agreement on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the African Governance Forum.
Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni and Akanvariva Lydia Lamisi signed the protocol, which outlines several priority areas. The agreement focuses on public-service digitization, open government, artificial intelligence, data governance and data valorization. In addition, both governments plan to promote emerging technologies as tools to improve administrative efficiency.
Beyond political commitments, the partnership also establishes concrete operational mechanisms. The cooperation framework includes exchanges of expertise, technical missions, workshops and collaborative innovation initiatives such as hackathons. Both countries aim to encourage the development of high-impact joint projects, strengthen administrative capabilities and stimulate national digital ecosystems.
The initiative forms part of a broader trend of closer cooperation among African countries on digital sovereignty and public-sector efficiency. Morocco continues to expand partnerships as it implements its digital strategy through 2030 and strengthens its position as a regional digital-services hub.
At the same time, Ghana continues to emerge as a leading digital innovation player in West Africa, particularly through progress in digital financial services and digital identity systems.
The agreement also comes as civil society organizations attending the Rabat meetings adopted a joint declaration aimed at strengthening political commitment to transparency and citizen participation across the continent.
Samira Njoya
Sales app Bumpa and financial platform Vendorcredit have partnered to launch “Bumpa Capital,” a financing solution designed to support Nigerian merchants. The service uses merchants’ sales data to speed up access to loans, reducing the administrative hurdles associated with traditional bank financing. Through the partnership, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses will gain access to more flexible growth financing directly through the platform they already use to manage daily operations.