This startup's name translates to "save" in Moore, a widely spoken language in Burkina Faso. Its goal is to address parcel delivery issues across various localities in the country.
Faangué is a technological solution developed by Kafyka Group, a company based in Burkina Faso. It allows users to order domestic gas delivery with just a few clicks. The startup, founded in 2023 by Brice Clovis Kaboré, is located in Ouagadougou.
According to Kaboré, Faangué "aims to create jobs, enhance the delivery profession through the use of ICT, establish a uniform delivery price throughout Burkina Faso, encourage the population to integrate digital aspects into their daily habits, and assist the government in achieving its objectives."
The app is currently available exclusively on Android. After downloading, users can create an account to access various services. To order a gas cylinder, they simply select one of the many merchants listed on the platform, choose the desired cylinder, and confirm their order. Before finalizing the order, users can review an invoice that details the product price, delivery fees, and information about the delivery person.
In addition to gas delivery, users can hire the startup's couriers for errands. The app highlights nearby couriers based on the user's location. Faangué provides an estimate of the distance in kilometers between the user and available couriers, allowing users to select one for their errands.
The startup aims to create approximately 200 permanent jobs and over 5,000 part-time delivery positions for various products across Burkina Faso. It operates in several major cities, including Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Koudougou.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
A passionate advocate for tackling environmental issues in Africa, he leverages his technical expertise to bridge the gap between independent waste collectors and businesses/households.
Martin Tumusiime (photo) is a Ugandan computer scientist and tech entrepreneur, known for founding and serving as the CEO of Yo-Waste, an innovative technology-based waste management company. Established in 2018, Yo-Waste aims to transform waste collection and management in Africa through advanced solutions.
Yo-Waste offers an application that connects residential and commercial clients with local waste collectors, enabling users to quickly find nearby waste services. Once the waste is collected, Yo-Waste partners with a network of collaborators to dispose of, recycle, repurpose, or convert it into energy.
"We had some people who used to collect our garbage, but it would take at least a week. Now with Yo-Waste, it takes only three days. The app's efficiency not only ensures timely waste disposal but also prevents waste from being scattered by wind and vultures, promoting cleaner surroundings," explains Martin Tumusiime.
In addition to Yo-Waste, Tumusiime founded UgTechMag, a technology magazine that provides guides and advice on tech products and services for audiences in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, and beyond.
Tumusiime holds a degree in computer science from Makerere University, which he obtained in 2020. From 2022 to 2023, he worked as a consultant for the German International Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ), where he managed a team that developed a robust waste collection application for Gulu City in collaboration with the Gulu City Council.
Melchior Koba
Digital progress is critical for Africa's development, providing numerous benefits to the broader economic landscape. Efforts to increase internet penetration in Africa are vital for connecting rural communities, enhancing social outcomes, fostering economic growth, and improving governance.
Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. held a virtual meeting with Elon Musk, entrepreneur and CEO of SpaceX, the operator of Starlink. The Executive Mansion announced the meeting in a release dated July 21.
During the meeting, President Boakai emphasized the value of such engagements for building long-term relationships and improving Liberia’s key sectors through technology. He highlighted the potential of tech collaborations to enhance service delivery and support Liberia’s youth.
Musk discussed the Starlink program’s impact on education and healthcare, noting how improved internet access could benefit rural communities. He expressed support for advancing these initiatives while President Boakai welcomed the discussion as a significant step in fostering international partnerships and invited Musk to visit Liberia.
According to Datareportal, as of 2024, Liberia has about 1.65 million internet users, representing 30.1 % of the total population, showing a notable increase from previous years. The country also has around 859,000 active social media users, indicating growing engagement and connectivity among its citizens.
This discussion represents a crucial step in enhancing international partnerships and harnessing technological innovation, aligning with the Government’s ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, & Tourism) Agenda.
Hikmatu Bilali
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced its Cybersecurity Hackathon, inviting participants to showcase their skills and tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Organized by ECOWAS, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Hackathon is a yearly ethical hacking competition that unites top cybersecurity talents from across ECOWAS. It offers a distinct platform to demonstrate skills, foster knowledge sharing, and advance excellence in cybersecurity.
Registration closes by August 5.
For a continent experiencing a digital boom, hosting its own data becomes essential. Local data centers offer not just independence, but also enhanced security and control over sensitive information.
Consulting and management firm Essor Services announced plans to launch a data center in Burkina Faso, partnering with Costa Rican clean energy company Kaia Energy. The initiative was discussed on July 22nd with Aminata Zerbo/Sabane (photo,center), Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications.
"We presented this project to the Minister, who recognized it as a critical need for Burkina Faso's development. She expressed strong support for the initiative," said Fidèle Rinsinda Komboigo, CEO of Essor Services.
The data center, powered by a 12-megawatt waste-to-energy plant, will process, host, and transfer data internationally. Completion is targeted for November 2025.
This project aligns with the Burkinabe government's "digitalization dynamic," aiming to integrate digital technology across sectors for social and economic progress. For Komboigo, it is Essor Services’s modest contribution to the implementation of Burkina Faso's digital economy policy.
The data center will not only reduce reliance on foreign data infrastructure but also enhance national data security. Furthermore, by utilizing waste for energy generation, the project promotes sustainable practices, waste management, and local job creation.
Samira Njoya
With a track record at international telecommunications and media companies, she brings a wealth of experience to developing innovative solutions in fintech, financial education, and online learning.
Nancy Matimu is a seasoned entrepreneur and professional in the fintech and business sectors. In 2018, she founded Serrari Group, a company focused on fostering growth and financial freedom in Africa. Since 2023, she has served as the President and CEO, leading the group's innovation and operations.
Serrari Group is a technology platform designed to drive growth in Africa through fintech and edtech. The company develops solutions that empower individuals and professionals to achieve their goals through online education, financial literacy, quality financial planning and management, as well as tools for creating, growing, preserving, and managing wealth and succession.
The mission of Serrari Group is to "create the easiest, simplest, and most versatile online education platform, financial literacy platform, and a super aggregator Digital Financial Services marketplace & payments platform using a network of platforms for the smart investor (individuals, investment groups, SMBs, families, and the diaspora)," as stated on the company's LinkedIn page. Serrari Group operates under the brands Serrari FinEd, Serrari Fintech, Serrari Advisory, and Serrari Media.
Nancy Matimu holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a specialization in planning and management, which she obtained in 1998 from Kenyatta University. She earned a postgraduate diploma in marketing in 2009 from The Chartered Institute of Marketing and graduated with a master’s degree in strategic management from Strathmore University in 2011.
Before her current role, Matimu worked at several prominent organizations. From 2008 to 2017, she held various positions at Safaricom, including Director of Safaricom Home and Content, Director of Consumer Products and Services, Director of Internet and Content, and Director of Enterprise Products and Innovation.
In 2018, she was appointed Director of Digital and Marketing at HFC Kenya, a financial services institution. The following year, she became Vice President and Head of Market Development for Sub-Saharan Africa at MasterCard. From 2020 to 2023, she served as Managing Director for Kenya at MultiChoice Africa.
Melchior Koba
Information and communication technologies (ICT) are now an essential part of modern education systems. An international organization headquartered in Tunisia is backing government initiatives to further integrate ICT into schools.
The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) announced on Friday the donation of 2,000 tablets and 20 computers to Tunisia. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in education by equipping students and teachers from low- and middle-income communities with internet-connected devices.
The breakdown of the donation allocates 1,500 tablets and 15 laptops to the Ministry of National Education, while the Ministry of Family, Women, Children, and the Elderly will receive 500 tablets and 5 laptops.
Mohamed El Jemni, ALECSO's Director of the ICT Department and project coordinator, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to fostering digital solidarity. He emphasized ALECSO's commitment to ensuring equal access to learning opportunities and supporting countries in navigating the current global challenges and significant digital transformations.
This donation aligns with the growing importance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education. Stakeholders across the educational spectrum are increasingly embracing these tools to enhance the quality of learning. Tunisian authorities are also actively pursuing similar initiatives, including the implementation of a digital strategy within the Ministry of National Education.
Adoni Conrad Quenum
With over 20 years of experience in the digital industry, he has initiated several investment projects, supported SMEs, and developed online payment solutions.
Eric Ntonfo (photo) is a Cameroonian expert in the digital economy and an entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Kwendoo, an innovative startup in the online payment services sector that spans multiple areas.
Founded in 2014, Kwendoo provides an online crowdfunding platform that allows users to raise funds, contribute to gifts, support family events, and realize various projects. The company has also introduced Kwendoo Tickets, an online event ticketing platform that accepts payments in euros and CFA Francs through credit cards and mobile money. Additionally, Kwendoo Payments is designed for professionals and merchants within the African diaspora, facilitating remote payments for services.
In 2015, Ntonfo established Fiatope, where he currently serves as director. This crowdfunding initiative supports innovative small businesses with significant social impact in West and Central Africa, helping them secure essential funding for their growth. He also founded Fiatope Digital Solutions in 2017, which aids African small and medium-sized enterprises in their digital transformation.
Ntonfo is a board member at the University of the Mountains in Cameroon and serves as president of OrbitAfrica, an organization that promotes diaspora engagement in social and economic initiatives that benefit Africa. OrbitAfrica operates in France, Cameroon, Benin, and Senegal.
He holds an engineering degree in Internet and Telecommunications, which he obtained in 2001 from the National School of Engineering of Caen. Additionally, he earned an MBA in 2007 from the IAE School of Management in Poitiers and a master's degree in digital economy in 2013 from Telecom Paris.
Ntonfo began his professional career in 2002 at Orange, where he held various positions, including research and development engineer, head of the research, anticipation, and performance evaluation department for 3G/4G, national director of innovation in France, and product director.
Melchior Koba
According to the UN, Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of educational exclusion in the world, with approximately 98 million children out of school. To address this issue, governments and various international partners are implementing several initiatives.
Chinese mobile phone manufacturer Tecno announced a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday, July 18th, to support the "Nigeria Learning Passport" initiative. This digital learning platform aims to provide educational opportunities for children across Nigeria, particularly those residing in remote and underserved areas.
"Digital learning is a powerful tool in bridging educational gaps and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive. With TECNO's support, we are one step closer to our goal of making education accessible to all children in Nigeria, empowering them to build a brighter future," said Cristian Munduate, Unicef's representative in Nigeria.
Nigeria, like many African nations, grapples with a high rate of out-of-school children. Data from UNICEF published in 2022 reveals approximately 18.3 million children are not enrolled in school, placing Nigeria among countries with the world's highest number of out-of-school children. Insecurity is cited as a primary driver of this situation.
To address this educational crisis, the Federal Ministry of Education and UNICEF launched the "Nigeria Learning Passport" program in 2022, aligning with UNICEF's global education strategy established in 2018. The program aims to further close the educational gap and improve education quality by expanding to include offline content for 50,000 children in remote and low-income areas in 2024.
The partnership with Tecno is expected to accelerate this progress by strengthening content development, facilitating the purchase and maintenance of technical equipment, and providing professional training for educators. Notably, the program has already seen significant growth, expanding to 19 Nigerian states and registering approximately 888,000 users, ranking Nigeria second in participation globally.
Samira Njoya
Namibia has begun implementing a cybersecurity strategy to increase cybercrime awareness, protect children online, and strengthen cybersecurity laws.
Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology Amutse Modestus announced the initiative at the 4th Annual International High-Level Cybersecurity Conference in Windhoek, held on 17-19 July.
The National Cyber Security Strategy and Awareness Creation Plan focuses on protecting vulnerable populations, especially children.
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Data annotation and model validation firm Sama has partnered with the University of Nairobi (UoN) to advance Kenya’s Generative AI (GenAI) sector.
The collaboration will provide UoN students and faculty with part-time job opportunities at Sama, including training, equipment, and workspaces. Sama will provide training, equipment, materials, and workspaces to support this collaboration.
The Green Innovation Hub (GiH) at the African Centre for a Green Economy is now inviting applications for its Just Transition Innovation Program (J-TIP). The 6-month business incubation program seeks green enterprises ready to advance Africa’s climate action and low-carbon transition.
J-TIP will support participants with business development training, personalized coaching, and increased visibility. The program also offers mentorship, funding opportunities, and networking with investors.
Applications are open until July 31.
Investing in digital infrastructure improves internet access across the continent, especially in underserved rural areas. This increased connectivity is crucial for integrating more people into the digital economy, reducing the digital divide, and promoting social inclusion.
The World Bank has pledged US$100 million to accelerate Zambia's digital infrastructure and expand internet access through the Digital Zambia Acceleration Project (DZAP), Minister Felix Mutati announced on July 19 on X. This initiative aims to bolster the country's digital capabilities and enhance access to digitally enabled services.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Administration Officer Wengcai Zhang announced the project during his visit to Lusaka, where he met with Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati. Zhang highlighted that the project will be funded through national and regional IDA funds, supplemented by US$20 million in unguaranteed commercial financing.
"The Digital Zambia Acceleration Project is designed to increase internet access and enhance digitally enabled services," said Zhang. "It aligns with government priorities and will focus on expanding broadband and last-mile infrastructure. Additionally, it will deploy digital public infrastructure to improve efficiencies in both the public and private sectors."
The DZAP will also target high-impact sectors to support digitalization and nurture employment-ready digital skills. The project is expected to be approved by the World Bank Board in March 2025. In the meantime, a Project Preparation Advance of US$6 million has been allocated to finance preliminary activities.
A Project Implementation Unit will be set up within the Smart Zambia Institute to manage and drive the government's digitization efforts. The World Bank also expressed support for Zambia hosting the World Skills Africa Competition in Livingstone in April 2025, with Zhang emphasizing the event's importance on a global scale.
This initiative aligns with Zambia's goals of creating a more inclusive and equitable society through technology, which is crucial for the country's sustainable development. According to the Zambia Inclusive Digital Economy Status Report 2022, the country's digital economy is still in its nascent stages, with a digital economy score of 45 percent and a significant digital divide. Currently, 47 percent of Zambians are not digitally included, with 56 percent of rural residents lacking digital inclusion. The report underscores the urgent need for digital transformation to improve economic participation and national development
Hikmatu Bilali
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online training courses have become an appealing alternative for acquiring skills. They are particularly accessible due to the flexibility they offer learners.
Blemama is an edtech solution developed by a Beninese startup, providing users with access to online training in various fields. Based in Cotonou, the startup was founded in 2019 by Martinien Blévenec.
The platform does not have a mobile application; users must access the services directly through the web platform. While browsing the platform is possible without an account, creating one is necessary to purchase courses. Blemama offers training in digital marketing, coding, graphic design, cryptocurrency, and e-commerce.
In addition to these courses, the startup features a "Tech Room," a program that allows users to join a private community of technology enthusiasts and access a pack of tailored training courses. The goal is to help users achieve their objectives through customized training. Within the community, users can request training in specific key areas. These sessions are conducted online, and users who are unavailable at the time can later access the video recordings. The monthly subscription fee is XOF20,000 (approximately $33). Blemama also offers a subscription to the "Tech Room" without access to the training pack for XOF5,000.
Regarding payment methods, the startup has integrated mobile money payments, bank cards, and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, individuals can become trainers on Blemama by clicking on the "Trainer" tab and conversing with Liam, the startup's AI-based chatbot. Blemama claims to have trained over 25,000 young people and has more than thirty trainers.
In 2024, Blemama was selected, along with five other Beninese edtech startups, to join the first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship program. This eight-month acceleration program offers mentorship, expert advice, and non-equity funding of $75,000.
Adoni Conrad Quenum