He champions innovation rooted in local realities and the promotion of African talent. He firmly believes that Africa has the right to create, share, and monetize its own stories on its own terms.
Robert Djabaku, a Togolese entrepreneur and software developer, co-founded and manages Thesymo, a digital platform designed to help African content creators monetize their work.
Djabaku created Thesymo in 2022 after his mother struggled to find a way to financially support a content creator. This experience highlighted a gap, prompting him to develop a local tool that allows fans to directly support creators through mobile money or bank card payments, ensuring fair compensation.
The platform serves artists, journalists, authors, videographers, and influencers, providing a space for them to publish content, generate income, and engage with their audience without intermediaries. Thesymo aims to foster digital autonomy in Africa and enhance creators' independence. "What we are building with Thesymo is an ecosystem of opportunities for Togolese and also African talents," Djabaku stated.
Djabaku also heads Thesymo Technologies, a company he founded in 2022. This firm assists businesses and individuals with website creation, online visibility development, and cybersecurity services.
Djabaku earned a bachelor's degree in computer programming from the Catholic University of West Africa in Togo in 2019. He began his career in 2020 as a web developer at R-Dev Consulting, an IT company in Togo. In 2021, he joined E-Media, an agency specializing in design and innovation in information and communication technologies, as a full-stack engineer.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Algerian authorities are mobilizing for blood donation campaigns. They have decided to turn to technology to implement an innovative system in order to better manage these activities.
Algeria's Ministry of Health has launched a new digital platform to facilitate blood donations nationwide. Accessible via the Ministry's official website, the tool aims to enhance coordination between donors and blood transfusion centers while centralizing data on national blood needs.
Specifically, the platform allows citizens to register as donors, receive real-time updates on blood drives, and locate the nearest donation centers. In turn, center administrators can better plan collection campaigns and update their stock levels based on identified needs. This digital system is part of a broader strategy to modernize Algeria's blood collection network.
The initiative comes amid a steady increase in demand for blood products. It follows the second edition of the "Bank of Life" operation, which Algerian Radio launched in October 2024. Concurrently, the National Association of Algerian Pharmacists began a blood donation awareness campaign in June 2025, utilizing pharmacies as information hubs.
In the first half of 2024, over 354,000 units of blood were collected from 256 blood transfusion centers across the country. This represents a 5.49% increase compared to the same period in 2023. By combining a digital approach with citizen engagement, authorities hope to sustain collection efforts throughout the year, moving beyond the typical peaks of solidarity seen during specific times.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
Blockchain can offer new economic opportunities for young people. However, unequal access to digital skills remains a barrier for many youth, especially girls.
Bitget, a global cryptocurrency exchange, announced on Monday, June 16, a partnership with UNICEF Luxembourg. The initiative aims to train 300,000 young people in digital skills, including blockchain technology, by 2025. The program will target eight countries, including two in Africa: Morocco and South Africa.
Blockchain, a decentralized and secure digital ledger technology, enables transparent and tamper-proof data storage and transfer. While it underpins cryptocurrencies, its applications extend broadly to education, healthcare, and data management.
This three-year program will be a collaboration between Bitget Academy, the exchange's educational arm, and UNICEF’s Office of Innovation. Together, they will develop UNICEF's first interactive blockchain learning module. This module will combine online and in-person training, incorporating video games to enhance learning for both young people and educators.
The initiative specifically emphasizes empowering girls, as well as their parents and teachers, to reduce gender inequality in access to technology. It seeks to strengthen education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), with the goal of reaching 1.1 million girls by 2027 through the UNICEF-led Game Changers coalition.
This project is part of the larger Game Changers coalition, which strives to close the gender gap in digital education. UNICEF reports that disparities in digital access cost young women in low- and middle-income countries up to $15 billion annually in lost economic opportunities.
By focusing on Morocco and South Africa, two nations committed to the digital transformation of their education systems, the initiative could significantly boost youth skills, particularly among girls. This effort aims to foster a new generation of digital professionals in Africa's rapidly expanding tech sector.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
Smart Africa, YouthConnekt Africa, and 4Ds Metrics have launched the Youth Emerge Challenge, calling on young African innovators aged 18 to 35 to apply for a chance to gain continental recognition, expert mentorship, and a showcase opportunity at the Transform Africa Summit 2025.
Applications will be evaluated based on customer desirability—how well the solution addresses a real, validated need—technical feasibility, and business viability, with an emphasis on scalability and sustainability in the target market.
The initiative reinforces Smart Africa’s digital transformation agenda and YouthConnekt Africa’s mission to empower youth through innovation and entrepreneurship. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025.
FastBox Delivery aims to become a lasting part of consumer habits in Gabon. Led by Malika Gadault Deacken, the service has emerged as a compelling alternative for ordering online and receiving deliveries in the country’s major cities.
FastBox Delivery is a digital solution developed by Gabonese startup Gogo Africa. It offers a mobile app for ordering and receiving products in Libreville and its surrounding areas.
The mobile app, available on Android, has been downloaded over a thousand times, according to Play Store data. Users can create an account, provide their personal information, and then quickly order groceries, beauty products, office supplies, or prepared meals with just a few clicks. Deliveries are made promptly to homes or offices at affordable rates.
This service helps busy urban consumers save time while providing local merchants with a new digital platform to expand their customer base. FastBox Delivery acts as an intermediary between local businesses and individual customers, managing logistics through its fleet of motorized couriers.
The startup also has a social mission: it creates jobs for young delivery workers and promotes economic inclusion by helping small businesses digitize. In a country where digital service adoption is still gradual, FastBox Delivery is establishing itself as an innovative force in the local e-commerce sector.
By Adoni Conrad Quenum,
Editing by Feriol Bewa
He designs technology projects in Kenya and across Africa, developing tools for video games, education, and community collaboration.
Max Musau (photo) is a Kenyan tech entrepreneur and founder of Jiwe Studios. He aims to transform Africa's video game industry by creating immersive game worlds inspired by African cultures and histories.
Established in 2013, Jiwe Studios develops and publishes original video games like USAWA, Usoni, and 1001 Nights in Zanzibar. These games immerse players in adventures that combine myths, contemporary issues, and technological innovation.
Beyond game production, the studio also provides a community platform that connects African creators and gamers. This initiative supports the growth of new talent and the distribution of local content. In March 2025, Jiwe Studios launched the Jiwe Game Jams, a year-long series of events designed to boost game development in Kenya and across Africa.
In addition, Musau leads programs at the Africa Creative Coding and Learning Foundation, which he founded in 2018 to promote creative learning and education through play. He also acts as a strategic advisor at Re-imagining New Communities (RNC), an initiative that unites diverse communities for peacebuilding, cultural exchange, and dialogue.
Musau earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Technology in 2013 from the United States International University, Africa. He then completed a master’s degree in Social and Sustainable Entrepreneurship at Colorado State University in 2015.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Musau started his career in 2014 as an ICT solutions developer at Cyberworks Security, a Kenyan firm. The next year, he became chief technologist and coordinator of his university’s innovation and incubation center.
In 2018, he joined Africa’s Talking, a startup studio, as studio lead. Simultaneously, he served as operations director at Decoded Africa, a software development company. From 2020 to 2024, he spearheaded gamification and platform initiatives for Kura Yako Sauti Yako!, a civic awareness campaign that encouraged Kenyans to understand their rights and responsibilities in shaping the nation’s future.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He created a platform aimed at enhancing healthcare access in Zambia. This tool simplifies the process of finding pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical facilities by listing their locations.
Zanga Musakuzi (photo) is a Zambian pharmacist and entrepreneur. He is also the founder and CEO of Medsearch Zambia, a digital health startup aimed at simplifying and improving access to medical information.
Established in 2018, Medsearch Zambia's digital platform provides users with current and relevant information, streamlining the search for healthcare services. The platform features listings for clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories, alongside medical research articles. It also allows users to geolocate nearby medical facilities.
"Access to quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right that every Zambian deserves," the startup stated in 2023. "We are committed to providing a platform that connects Zambians to healthcare providers in their communities. By promoting equal access to healthcare, we can ensure that every Zambian can live a healthy and fulfilling life."
Musakuzi's academic background includes a 2011 pharmacy diploma from Evelyn Hone College and a bachelor's degree in pharmacy obtained in 2017 from Lusaka Apex Medical University. An independent pharmacy consultant, he brings approximately 15 years of experience to the field.
His professional career began in 2009 as manager of Luanshya Chemist pharmacy. In 2011, he became a pharmacy technologist at the Lusaka District Health Office. He then worked as a pharmacist at Netcare Pharmacy starting in 2016. His experience also includes roles at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital from 2017 to 2020 and Kafue General Hospital from 2020 to 2022.
By Melchior Koba,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
According to authorities, digital transformation is a key driver of Liberia’s socioeconomic development. It spans several areas of public governance, including tax administration.
The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) is intensifying its digital transformation strategy to modernize the nation's tax administration. Last week, the agency completed a thorough review of its Domestic Tax Department's standard operating procedures (SOPs) to align them with current operational realities, particularly in light of technological advancements. This review is a key component of a broader national initiative to digitize tax processes.
"We are moving toward automation. Our processes and SOPs must align accordingly. It is critical that we invest more in IT to reduce waste and eliminate redundant processes, including manual auditing. Countries like Zambia are already reaping the benefits of digitization, and we must follow suit,” said James Dorbor Jallah, Commissioner General of the LRA.
In May, the LRA introduced a new intelligent revenue monitoring system, developed by international tech firm N-Soft, designed to boost transparency and efficiency in tax collection. The same month, the LRA also expanded its partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on three strategic areas: domestic resource mobilization, digital transformation, and institutional capacity building. Additionally, the Automated Performance Management System (APMS), introduced in September 2024, is slated for live operation in 2025.
Central to this transformation is the Liberia Integrated Tax System (LITAS), an integrated digital platform that streamlines tax management. LITAS offers a range of services, including online payments via bank transfer or Visa card, digital tools for tax calculation and verification, and the issuance of tax identification numbers and compliance certificates.
This digital push aligns with recommendations from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which emphasizes that the primary goal of digital tax administration is to simplify and reduce the cost of tax compliance. The OECD highlights, "If paying taxes is burdensome, it results in higher time and financial costs for individuals and businesses. When scaled across the economy, these inefficiencies can represent significant losses in both direct costs and productivity."
Despite these advancements, Liberia's digital tax infrastructure remains under development. To ensure its effectiveness, several crucial prerequisites must be addressed: reliable internet access, appropriate digital equipment, a stable electricity supply, and comprehensive training for tax officials to develop the necessary digital skills for optimal system utilization.
By Isaac K. Kassouwi,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has launched an expanded Summer Training Program in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) and Systel, distributor of Motorola Solutions in Egypt. The initiative aims to train 10,000 university students in ICT and digital arts, reinforcing Egypt’s push to grow its tech talent pipeline.
The program targets first to third-year students in engineering, computer science, information systems, mass communication, fine and applied arts, and art education. Training is free of charge and students can choose from eight specialized tracks: cybersecurity, software development and UI/UX design, data analytics and AI, cloud computing, systems administration, electronics, digital arts, and digital marketing. Participants are also eligible for up to 70% discounts on international certification exams.
Morocco is emerging as a strategic destination for tech investments, thanks to its geographic position, growing digital infrastructure, and strong commitment to renewable energy. The country is increasingly attracting global digital players.
South Korean tech company Naver announced on Friday, June 13, its plans to establish a next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) data center in Morocco. This initiative is a collaborative effort with Nvidia, Nexus Core Systems, and investor Lloyds Capital. The facility, powered by renewable energy, is designed to achieve a 500-megawatt (MW) capacity to address the increasing demand for sovereign AI services across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
Chae Sun-joo, CEO of Naver’s strategic business unit, stated, "This collaboration will be an important turning point for Naver's cloud and AI technologies to expand beyond Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East to the European market."
The initial phase of construction is set to commence in the fourth quarter with the installation of a 40 MW supercomputer. This supercomputer will be equipped with Nvidia’s latest Blackwell (GB200) GPUs. The site is projected to expand to 500 MW, with its green power supply secured through an agreement with energy provider TAQA.
Naver's decision to select Morocco for this venture is based on several strategic advantages. These include its close proximity to Europe, merely 15 km across the Strait of Gibraltar, an extensive fiber-optic submarine cable network, and a competitive energy environment. Morocco aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and is home to significant green energy projects, such as the Noor solar complex in Ouarzazate, which boasts an installed capacity of 580 MW.
This initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader ambition to establish itself as a prominent digital hub in North Africa. In recent years, the country has attracted substantial investment in data centers and cloud infrastructure, including a separate 386 MW mega data center project located in Tetouan.
Beyond its technological implications, the upcoming data center is anticipated to create skilled jobs, facilitate knowledge transfer, enhance the local digital ecosystem, and bolster national digital sovereignty. It could also draw further international investments in cloud computing, AI, and telecommunications, thereby solidifying Morocco’s position as a strategic nexus in Africa’s digital economy.
Samira Njoya
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By integrating these courts into a digital network, the project significantly enhances the judiciary’s capacity to deliver timely and efficient legal services, particularly in remote and previously disconnected regions.
A partnership between the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Judiciary of Kenya has successfully connected 42 law courts to high-speed internet through a Local Area Network (LAN), paving the way for virtual court hearings and improved access to justice for over 6.5 million Kenyans across 28 counties, the CA announced on June 15.
The initiative, implemented at a cost of KSh. 250 million is funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF)—a national program designed to promote equitable access to ICT services in underserved areas.
The deployment of LAN—a system that securely links computers and digital devices within court premises—allows courts to share data instantly, manage cases electronically, and hold virtual hearings with ease. Through this network, courts can now conduct bail applications, plea taking, and even full trials via video conferencing, making judicial processes faster, more efficient, and accessible to more citizens than ever before.
This initiative is part of the Judiciary’s broader Digital Transformation Agenda, which aims to reduce the justice gap by leveraging technology to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability. By replacing manual systems with real-time digital communication and document sharing, the network enables courts to operate with greater speed and integrity, key issues in a justice system long burdened by backlogs and accessibility challenges.
The move is set to significantly enhance judicial efficiency in Kenya by helping to clear pending cases. The State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report had 635,262 pending cases for the FY 2023/24. By enabling virtual court proceedings, the project brings judicial services closer to over 6.5 million people, significantly reducing travel time, cost, and logistical barriers to justice.
The initiative supports Kenya’s broader ambitions to modernize public services, reduce regional disparities, and leverage technology to strengthen governance and the rule of law. It also reflects the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to embrace innovation in line with the Judiciary’s Digital Transformation Agenda and the Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint.
Hikmatu Bilali
As the ICT sector increasingly drives Egypt’s GDP, employment, and export revenues, the demand for skilled professionals is growing rapidly. However, without targeted interventions, there is a risk of deepening regional disparities in access to these new opportunities.
The Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Arish University signed a renewed cooperation agreement in the presence of Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat, reaffirming their commitment to equipping youth in North Sinai with essential digital skills. The three-year agreement, announced June 15, aims to equip young people in North Sinai with essential digital skills, reinforcing national efforts to foster inclusive development and economic resilience.
Dr. Amr Talaat stated that the cooperation agreement aims to train North Sinai youth for freelance work in the ICT sector, creating job opportunities in Egypt and abroad without requiring relocation. It also supports entrepreneurship and the creation of IT startups. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to assisting the University in its developmental role in North Sinai.
This renewed partnership builds on a 2022 agreement and targets the training of approximately 7,200 students from Arish University and other youth across the governorate. The initiative will focus on high-demand fields such as software development, cybersecurity, freelancing, and entrepreneurship, opening up pathways to employment both locally and globally.
The training program includes summer internships facilitated through the National Telecom Institute, support for graduation projects, English language enhancement, and digital literacy courses. These components are designed to strengthen both technical and soft skills, making graduates more competitive in Egypt's growing digital economy.
To ensure long-term sustainability, the agreement also includes provisions for training and certifying local instructors, thereby building a pipeline of qualified trainers who can continue to deliver digital skills programs in the region.
The renewed partnership between ITIDA and Arish University is particularly significant given that Egypt’s ICT sector has become the fastest-growing segment of the national economy for the sixth consecutive year, recording a growth rate of about 14.4% in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, according to ITIDA's industry outlook.
This rapid expansion has heightened the demand for skilled digital professionals, making inclusive talent development a national priority. By equipping youth in North Sinai with in-demand ICT skills, the initiative not only addresses regional disparities but also ensures that underserved communities are integrated into Egypt’s digital transformation and economic growth trajectory.
Hikmatu Bilali
Digital technology is emerging as a key driver of development, with public-private partnerships multiplying to bridge the digital divide, foster local innovation, and improve access to essential services across Africa.
On Thursday, June 12, on the sidelines of VivaTech 2025, telecommunications group Orange and the French Development Agency (AFD) formalized a three-year framework agreement aimed at strengthening their cooperation in the digital sector, particularly across Africa and the Middle East. This agreement establishes Orange as a key partner in advancing digital transformation across 17 countries in the MEA region.
"This strategic partnership with AFD Group marks an important milestone in our collaboration," said Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange. "I am pleased to continue this momentum of international cooperation for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future."
The agreement's core objective is to broaden access to essential digital services and promote high-impact, sustainable digital solutions. It covers several critical areas, including the deployment of strategic infrastructure such as backbones and submarine cables, enhancing access to e-services in education, health, and agriculture, youth training, fostering digital entrepreneurship, and mitigating the sector’s environmental footprint. Furthermore, the partnership will address emerging topics like data ethics and the application of artificial intelligence for development.
This collaboration comes as demand for digital services surges across the African continent, driven by a digitally native youth demographic. However, significant disparities in access persist. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 38% of Africans had internet access in 2024, considerably lower than the global average of 68%. The rural-urban divide is even more pronounced, with 57% coverage in urban areas compared to just 23% in rural regions, highlighting the substantial digital gap.
By combining their efforts, Orange and AFD aim to bolster the digital sovereignty of partner countries and contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through localized, inclusive, and responsible initiatives. The new cooperation framework will also reinforce existing projects, such as the 16 Orange Digital Centers across Africa and training programs supported by the Orange Foundations in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Madagascar, and Tunisia, while simultaneously launching new initiatives in rural and vulnerable communities.
By Samira Njoya,
Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji
He designs solutions to simplify business payments in Ghana. He draws on experience gained in finance, telecommunications, and technology.
Tenu Awoonor, a Ghanaian entrepreneur with a background in technology and financial services, is the founder and CEO of The Blu Penguin, a digital payments company he launched in 2018. The startup offers a platform that enables merchants to accept multiple payment methods, including mobile money, bank cards, or QR codes, through a single interface.
The Blu Penguin targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aiming to streamline their transaction processes. Its app provides a unified access point for managing payments without the need for multiple terminals or bank accounts. All payment flows are centralized in one platform, accessible via smartphone or payment terminal.
The system also includes an inventory management feature. This tool helps reduce cash usage, allows for transaction tracking, and opens access to financial services tailored to business needs.
Awoonor holds a bachelor’s degree in business and technology from the University of Connecticut-Stamford and earned a master’s in finance and management from The Wharton School in 2007. He began his career in 1999 as a support engineer at Aperture Technologies, an IT company.
In 2006, he joined food manufacturer General Mills as a financial analyst. The following year, he became Assistant Vice President at wealth management firm Merrill Lynch. In 2010, Awoonor transitioned into telecoms, joining Millicom International Cellular (Tigo) in Ghana, where he led market research and business intelligence before becoming Marketing Director. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Director of Strategy and Performance Management at Airtel Nigeria.
Melchior Koba