- The International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (ICCA) launched in Kigali to strengthen regional cybersecurity capabilities.
- ICCA aims to train 1 million cybersecurity specialists by 2030, up from 300,000 currently.
- The initiative introduces Umurinzi Cyber Threat Intelligence and practical Capture-the-Flag simulations to enhance expertise.
Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 138 million cyberattacks in the first half of 2025, according to Kaspersky. Organizations faced an average of 1,848 attacks per week, highlighting an urgent need to expand cybersecurity capacity.
In response, the International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (ICCA), a pan-African platform, launched on Friday, March 20, in Kigali. ICCA aims to unify continental experts and strengthen regional operational capabilities.
The International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (ICCA) officially launched in Kigali on 20 March 2026.
— International Cybersecurity Community for Africa (@icca_afrika) March 21, 2026
More than just an organization, ICCA is a movement focused on building a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem across Africa through collaboration, capacity… pic.twitter.com/hq7fUm09dz
ICCA serves as a cooperative framework for information sharing on digital risks, skill development, and talent enhancement. Its founders set an ambitious goal: to train 1 million cybersecurity specialists by 2030. The current workforce totals only 300,000, while demand continues to grow.
The platform also intends to expand to around 15 African countries by 2027. It plans to launch certification programs and an African Cyber Resilience Index to benchmark national preparedness against cyber threats.
The initiative introduced two key tools. Umurinzi Cyber Threat Intelligence detects compromised credentials on the dark web and alerts targeted organizations. A practical Capture-the-Flag (CTF) system provides simulated attacks to build technical expertise at controlled costs in environments tailored to local realities.
These tools aim to accelerate skills acquisition while improving the operational readiness of African organizations.
Rwandan authorities and international partners back ICCA. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to develop human capital and protect critical infrastructure. Its organizers hope to create an integrated digital ecosystem capable of managing risks arising from rapid digital transformation.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
- Lengo Pay, founded in 2024, automates mass payments for salaries, commissions, and business transactions.
- The platform centralizes payment collection, transaction management, and merchant payments in a secure, digital environment.
- Founder Thierno Ibrahima Diallo also leads Easy Link Guinea, a digital agency providing transformation and training services.
Thierno Ibrahima Diallo, based in Conakry, founded Lengo Pay, a digital payments platform designed to help companies collect and manage transactions efficiently and securely. The platform caters to businesses seeking reliable digital tools for mass payments.
Lengo Pay enables companies to process bulk payments, including salaries, commissions, and other group disbursements, streamlining financial operations for merchants and organizations alike.
The platform centralizes payment reception, transaction management, and collection organization within a single interface. It also integrates a merchant payment solution, simplifying client and corporate settlements. Its electronic terminal supports multiple payment methods, providing a secure and seamless experience for users.
Diallo also leads Easy Link Guinea, founded in 2012, which guides organizations through digital transformation. The agency offers development, strategy, and communication services and hosts a digital training academy.
Diallo holds a degree in Applied Computer Methods for Business Management (MIAGE) from Université Kofi Annan (2009). He began his career in 2008 as an accounting assistant, then joined Africa Techno Plus in 2010 as an IT assistant until 2012.
He received the Prix Jeunesse de la Francophonie in 2017 for remarkable achievements among 18–35-year-olds and was named among the “50 Young Leaders Driving Change in Guinea” in 2018.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
WhatsApp is testing a noise reduction feature on Android to improve the clarity of voice and video calls. The system reduces background sounds, including traffic and nearby conversations, while keeping the speaker’s voice clear. The feature is still under development and is expected to roll out in a future update, with an option to disable it.
Namibia has launched a startup accelerator in Windhoek to support the country’s startup ecosystem. Named Accelerate36, the initiative aims to help young companies scale, attract investment, and eventually list on the Namibia Stock Exchange’s SME board. Three local startups have already presented projects focused on education, healthcare, and digital skills.
South African sales management software startup Skynamo has been acquired by UK-based Klipboard Group. The company will continue to operate under its own brand, with additional resources to strengthen its platform and serve manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors. The deal is expected to expand its presence in Southern Africa, the UK and the United States.
- Omar Gabr leads Luciq, a platform that automates mobile bug detection and resolution.
- The solution captures user experience data and converts it into actionable insights.
- The company links software quality directly to revenue and customer retention metrics.
Egyptian tech entrepreneur Omar Gabr positions software quality as a growth driver in an increasingly competitive innovation landscape. He combines technical rigor with product vision to address persistent challenges in mobile application performance.
Omar Gabr graduated from Cairo University with a degree in computer engineering and telecommunications. He co-founded and now chairs Luciq, a platform dedicated to tracking and improving mobile application quality.
Luciq, founded in 2012, enables development teams to focus on building useful features while maintaining high performance and reliability standards. The company builds its model on a simple principle: applications must “just work.”
The platform detects, analyzes, and resolves issues before end users notice them. It collects a wide range of user experience signals, including crashes, visual glitches, functional errors, user feedback, and session recordings.
It then aggregates this data to provide a comprehensive and precise view of application health. Moreover, it transforms raw inputs into actionable insights through prioritization systems, frustration scores, dynamic dashboards, and clear assessments of business impact.
Luciq accelerates issue resolution through automation tools, root cause analysis, and code change suggestions with built-in validation processes. This approach reduces the workload for engineering teams and prevents defects from reaching end users.
The platform also provides real-time alerts, version control capabilities, feature management tools, and automated fixes. As a result, developers can manage application performance more efficiently while maintaining continuous delivery standards.
Omar Gabr connects application quality to measurable business outcomes such as revenue generation and customer retention. He aims to shift technical teams’ focus away from repetitive crisis management toward innovation and growth.
Through this model, Luciq positions software reliability not only as a technical requirement but also as a strategic lever for scaling digital products in competitive markets.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
Côte d’Ivoire launches EMY 101, an AI-powered chatbot, to facilitate citizen access to government services via WhatsApp and Messenger.
-
EMY 101 provides real-time information on civil registration, taxation, and ministerial services while reducing the need for physical visits.
-
The initiative aims to strengthen participatory governance and improve public sector efficiency in the country’s broader digital transformation efforts.
The Ivorian government accelerated public service digitalization this week by launching EMY 101, an AI conversational assistant accessible through WhatsApp and Messenger. The tool aims to streamline citizens’ access to administrative information and enhance interaction with government institutions.
#CeQuiChangeiCI | 𝐄𝐌𝐘 𝟏𝟎𝟏, 𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐛𝐨𝐭 𝐈𝐀 𝐝𝐮 𝐆𝐨𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
— Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (@Gouvciofficiel) March 18, 2026
𝐃𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐢 𝐬'𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐭-𝐢𝐥 ?
Le Gouvernement ivoirien lance EMY 101, un assistant conversationnel intelligent, accessible directement sur WhatsApp et Messenger.
Ce chatbot permet aux… pic.twitter.com/g6uXiQ6xhR
Developed as part of public administration modernization, EMY 101 enables users to quickly obtain reliable information on government initiatives and administrative procedures, including civil status, taxation, and ministerial services. Officials said the tool reduces the need for physical visits and improves government-citizen engagement efficiency.
EMY 101 functions as a continuous digital service desk. Users can report concerns, submit alerts, and identify relevant public service contacts. The tool supports participatory governance by facilitating upward information flow from citizens to the administration.
Authorities said EMY 101 promotes closer citizen-administration relations, better public information access, higher citizen participation, and faster request processing. The service leverages widespread use of instant messaging apps in Côte d’Ivoire. Citizens register a dedicated WhatsApp number and send the keyword “Emy 101” to access features; Messenger access and a toll-free number (101) complement the platform.
The launch forms part of a broader national push to modernize public services, enhance accessibility, and create a more transparent, responsive, and citizen-focused administration.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
Happy Pay enables users to split purchases into two salary-based payments without interest or upfront fees.
-
The company positions its solution as a tool to increase merchants’ basket size and conversion rates.
-
The firm allocates 1% of its fees to environmental initiatives, including Spekboom planting in South Africa.
Wesley Billett promotes a straightforward approach to payments while advancing a clear objective: he aims to help salaried workers purchase goods without incurring debt while simultaneously improving merchant performance.
He co-founded and leads Happy Pay, a platform that allows consumers to complete purchases instantly and spread payments across two salaries without requiring a deposit or charging interest.
Founded in 2021, Happy Pay allows users to divide a purchase into two equal installments deducted from their next two paychecks. The platform delivers products immediately after purchase. However, it requires customers to pay only part of the total cost upfront. It does not charge additional fees as long as users meet repayment deadlines.
Happy Pay also positions its model as a growth driver for merchants. The company states that it helps businesses increase average basket size and improve conversion rates by offering customers a more flexible payment option. Therefore, the company seeks to build a balanced ecosystem in which both buyers and sellers benefit from the same financial solution.
Happy Pay allocates part of its revenue to environmental initiatives. Specifically, it directs 1% of its fees toward funding Spekboom planting projects in South Africa.
In parallel, Wesley Billett operates as an investment partner at Equitable Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on financing innovative fintech startups across Africa. In 2023, he also co-founded Snap, a digital platform that connects fast-moving consumer goods brands with retailers in real time.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
Nimvi Express launched in 2026 to modernize last-mile delivery in Chad.
-
The platform offers tiered pricing from CFA2,000 to CFA4,000 depending on delivery zones.
-
The company aims to address logistics constraints that hinder e-commerce growth in the country.
Chad faces persistent logistics challenges that continue to slow the development of e-commerce. However, new entrants are introducing tailored solutions to address these constraints. Nimvi Express represents one such initiative. The startup launched its digital platform in 2026 and positioned it within the strategic last-mile delivery segment.
Nimvi Express provides rapid delivery services for parcels, documents, and goods. The company relies on a flexible operational model that reflects local urban conditions, particularly in N’Djamena.
The platform combines operational resources, including couriers, with digital tools that streamline delivery management. Like other emerging African solutions, it integrates features such as remote order placement, parcel tracking, and logistics flow coordination.
Nimvi Express applies variable pricing depending on delivery locations. The company charges CFA2,000 (about $3.5) for deliveries within central N’Djamena. It charges CFA3,000 for peripheral districts. It charges up to CFA4,000 for the most remote areas. This positioning responds to a growing need.
In Chad, logistics remains a critical link in the development of e-commerce and digital services. Delivery delays, the lack of formal addressing systems, and insufficient infrastructure continue to complicate the distribution of goods.
Nimvi Express targets both individuals and small businesses. The company aims to facilitate commercial exchanges and support the expansion of digital usage. For merchants, particularly those operating on social media, access to reliable delivery services represents a key lever to expand their customer base.
This article was initially published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenum
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
The government identified five priorities, including internet expansion, e-revenue collection and cybersecurity strengthening.
-
The 2026 digital budget rises to CFA83.2 billion ($145.5 million) from CFA68.6 billion in 2025.
-
Internet penetration reached about 40.7% in 2025, highlighting significant room for expansion.
Côte d’Ivoire aims to accelerate its digital transformation in 2026 by focusing on five strategic priorities: expanding internet access, digitizing public revenue collection, developing digital skills and inclusion, strengthening cybersecurity, and promoting technological innovation.
Djibril Ouattara presented these priorities on March 17, in Abidjan during the budget session of the Ministry of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation.
Rentrée budgétaire 2026 :Budget : 83,275 milliards FCFA (+37 %)
— MTNIT (@MTNIT_CI) March 18, 2026
5 axes stratégiques :
📌Accès à Internet
📌Recettes de l'État
📌Inclusion numérique
📌Cybersécurité
📌Innovation technologique
Djibril Ouattara : La « juste dépense » comme boussole#TransitionNumérique pic.twitter.com/DJRAnJkwwf
The ministry allocated CFA83.2 billion ($145.5 million) for 2026. It increased the budget from CFA68.6 billion in 2025. The government intends to position digital technology as a central lever for economic modernization and public service improvement. In particular, authorities plan to expand electronic payments to optimize state revenue collection while supporting the emergence of an innovative and inclusive ecosystem.
These priorities reflect increasing digital adoption across the country. According to DataReportal, internet penetration in Ivory Coast reached about 40.7% at the end of 2025. However, this level still indicates significant growth potential, especially in rural areas that remain underserved. At the same time, the expansion of digital services increases exposure to cyber risks. Cyberattacks targeting governments and businesses continue to rise across the African continent.
In this context, authorities consider cybersecurity a strategic priority to build trust in the digital economy. Therefore, the government seeks to establish a secure framework that supports the development of online services, strengthens investment attractiveness, and sustains the growth of digital usage.
Despite these ambitions, the effectiveness of implementation will determine the success of the strategy. Execution will depend on efficient budget management and strong coordination between public and private stakeholders. Moreover, progress will rely on addressing persistent challenges related to inclusion, skills development, and digital trust.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
More...
-
Bank Zero operates as a fully mobile bank where all services run through a dedicated application.
-
The platform offers no monthly fees, no minimum income requirements, and flexible multi-account management.
-
The bank applies charges on cash transactions while maintaining free digital services such as balance checks via the app.
Line Wiid analyzes the limitations of traditional banking systems and introduces greater flexibility and transparency through a fully digital model. She co-founded and serves as executive director and chief financial officer of Bank Zero, a mobile banking institution targeting both individuals and businesses.
Founded in 2018, Bank Zero operates entirely through a mobile application. The platform allows users to complete all banking operations digitally.
The account opening process begins with the creation of a personal profile, which the system uses for identity verification and regulatory compliance. Once the platform validates the profile, the user accesses a dashboard that allows the addition of multiple accounts or profiles, including those for business activities.
The application allows users to check balances, make payments, manage cards, and create or administer multiple accounts tailored to personal, family, or professional needs.
For individual customers, Bank Zero offers accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum income requirements, and no minimum balance constraints. Users can also add savings or notice accounts without incurring opening or maintenance fees. In addition, the platform allows users to set savings goals directly within the application.
However, the bank applies fees to cash-related transactions. The platform offers free balance inquiries through the application and free daily statements sent via email.
In contrast, the bank charges fees for balance inquiries conducted at point-of-sale terminals or automated teller machines. It also charges cash withdrawal fees based on transaction amounts, with higher tariffs applied to withdrawals made abroad.
Line Wiid graduated from the University of South Africa in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She later earned a master’s degree in IT auditing from the University of Johannesburg in 1995.
She began her career in 1988 at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where she worked as an assistant audit manager. In 1994, she joined Capespan International as a management accountant. Subsequently, she worked at First National Bank from 1996 to 2015, where she held roles including chief financial officer, product and marketing head, and chief of staff to the chief executive officer.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
Authorities plan to digitize services under the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour, including administrative processes and portals.
-
The initiative remains at the discussion stage, with no implementation timeline announced.
-
Youth unemployment remains high, with 47% of Mauritanians aged 18–35 actively seeking jobs.
Mauritania is accelerating the digitalization of public services. The latest step involves the dematerialization of the driver’s license application process. Authorities are also working to digitize services linked to the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour. The initiative aims to modernize the administration, simplify procedures, and improve citizens’ access to public services.
The project formed the focus of a meeting earlier this week between Mariem Boidiel Houmeid and Ahmed Salem Ould Bede.
During the meeting, the minister stated that the objective was to present the sector’s needs in terms of IT systems and service digitalization in order to identify appropriate solutions.
Authorities proposed several projects. These include the creation of a public service portal integrated into the “Khidmati” system, the launch of an administrative decision management service linked to the human resources system, and the digitalization of activities within the Directorate General of Labour and regional offices.
Ahmed Salem Ould Bede reaffirmed his department’s commitment to support the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour in implementing these priorities. He stated that his ministry would provide the necessary technical solutions and ensure interoperability between information systems. He also called for teamwork and rigorous coordination to accelerate the execution of proposed projects, which he said would directly improve service quality.
This initiative forms part of Mauritania’s broader digital transformation strategy. Authorities aim to leverage information and communication technologies to support development across all sectors of the economy. In public administration, the government prioritizes process and service digitalization to enhance transparency, productivity, and access for citizens.
Improving productivity and efficiency within the Ministry of Civil Service and Labour could support better service delivery and strengthen the labor market. According to Afrobarometer data published in 2024, 47% of Mauritanians aged 18 to 35 are unemployed and actively seeking work. This figure slightly exceeds the national average of 44%. The report also states that 26% of young people remain unemployed and do not seek work.
However, the digitalization process remains at the discussion stage. Authorities have not announced any timeline. Therefore, stakeholders will need to await further developments to assess implementation progress and potential impacts.
This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
Makhtar Diop leads Jiwall, a platform enabling pooled real estate investment in Senegal.
-
The company structures each project through a dedicated entity in which investors become shareholders.
-
Jiwall aims to improve housing access and democratize property investment across sub-Saharan Africa.
Makhtar Diop operates as co-founder and chief executive officer of Jiwall, a real estate investment platform that allows individuals to pool resources to finance property developments in Senegal.
The platform enables participants to jointly fund apartment and building projects. Founded in 2017, Jiwall aims to make housing and real estate investment more accessible across sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the company offers a diversified portfolio of projects tailored to different investor and buyer profiles.
Jiwall bases its model on co-construction, a collaborative investment approach inspired by carpooling. The platform brings together individuals seeking housing or investment opportunities and landowners willing to develop property projects. Each participant contributes capital according to financial capacity. As a result, participants acquire property ownership or generate capital gains upon project completion.
Jiwall establishes a dedicated company for each real estate project. Participants become shareholders in these project-specific entities. The platform manages administrative and technical operations and supervises the full development process. At the same time, Jiwall applies a strict selection protocol to participants, prioritizing financial solvency and profile compatibility with project requirements.
In parallel, Makhtar Diop serves as operations director at Tanél Health, a technology company founded in 2020. Tanél Health develops insurance infrastructure to improve access to healthcare across Africa. Makhtar Diop earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance in 2012 from New Mexico State University. He completed an internship at Ernst & Young in 2013. The firm promoted him the same year to senior associate within its financial services office insurance division.
This article was initially published in French by Melchior Koba
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum
-
Gabon will deploy a digital data hub to track timber from forest to export.
-
Authorities aim to address major inconsistencies in production and revenue data within the forestry sector.
-
The forestry industry employs about 15,000 people and remains Gabon’s largest private-sector employer.
The government of Gabon has announced the creation of a digital data hub to ensure full traceability of logs from forest sites to export ports. Maurice Ntossui Allogo announced the initiative on Thursday, March 12 during a presentation on modernizing the timber sector and improving natural resource monitoring.
According to the World Bank, the forestry sector represents the largest private employer in Gabon, with about 15,000 jobs. Therefore, authorities aim to strengthen governance in this strategic industry through digital tools.
The system will rely on the digitalization and centralization of forestry data. Authorities will track each tree from the planning stage using GPS geolocation before logging operations begin. They will also record timber volumes after extraction and monitor quantities sent to processing plants, transformed, and exported.
At the same time, the platform will harmonize data across government agencies, including forestry services and customs authorities. As a result, authorities expect to improve coordination and oversight across the timber value chain.
The initiative follows significant discrepancies in sector statistics. Government data shows that 1.5 million cubic meters of logs generated more than CFA42 billion ($73.5 million) in 2024. However, more than 3 million cubic meters generated only CFA31 billion in 2025. Therefore, authorities consider these gaps difficult to explain and indicative of weaknesses in the current monitoring and control system.
By deploying the digital hub, authorities aim to improve transparency and strengthen the reliability of sector data. They also seek to reduce fraud risks and reinforce forest governance sovereignty. Ultimately, the system should enhance control over the entire value chain, from production to export. In addition, authorities expect the initiative to support more efficient and sustainable management of natural resources.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum