Establishing Digital Free Zones is a critical step for African development, as it positions the continent as a key player in global digital trade. This initiative will attract investment, create jobs, and enhance the continent's economic competitiveness by creating an environment conducive to tech, finance, and service-oriented businesses.

Nigeria's government has launched an initiative to establish Digital Free Zones to position the country as a hub for global digital trade and innovation. This was announced by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in a press release dated August 7. The initiative, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to attract and support tech, finance, and service-oriented businesses by creating a conducive environment tailored to the needs of the 21st-century digital economy.

“As we embrace the concept of digital free zones in Nigeria, we are presented with a unique opportunity to drive local domiciliation of global technology companies to boost skills development and job creation in innovation and technology, and contribute to the local economy...,” said Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.

According to the release, a steering committee has been formed to oversee the creation of the digital free zones. The committee is led by Finance Minister Wale Edun as Vice Chairman and includes key government officials like the Attorney General, Ministers of Communications, Industry, Interior, and heads of relevant agencies.

The committee will collaborate with relevant government agencies and private stakeholders to modernize Nigeria’s outdated free zone policies and regulatory framework. This effort includes creating and releasing new policy and operational guidelines, enabling global and local technology, finance, and service-based businesses to establish Pan-African or global operations from Nigeria.

Businesses operating within these zones will benefit from modernized free zone regulations, including tax, banking, and immigration incentives, simplified government compliance processes, and a stable regulatory environment.

Nigeria's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector significantly contributed to the nation's economy in Q4 2023, accounting for 16.66% of the real GDP, according to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This underscores the country's increasing reliance on technology for economic growth. The establishment of Digital Free Zones aligns with this trajectory, positioning Nigeria to attract global tech and service-oriented businesses. By stimulating innovation and expanding the ICT sector's GDP contribution, these zones can transform Nigeria into one of the leading African digital hubs, fostering economic diversification and digital transformation.

Hikmatu Bilali

Pan-African independent school network Nova Pioneer has partnered with Strathmore University to develop an AI curriculum for K-12 students in Africa, focusing on grades 7-12. The pilot program, part of Nova Pioneer’s Innovation and Leadership Programme, will launch in 2025 for Grade 8 students.

The initiative, announced on August 2, aims to equip African youth with essential AI skills. Over the next five years, the partnership will also create AI Impact Camps and an African Innovation Fund to support students in bringing their ideas to life.

Kenyan digital insurance platform mTek has partnered with BuuPass, a Kenyan Transportation platform, to provide integrated travel insurance. This partnership allows customers to easily select and purchase insurance while booking tickets on BuuPass, enhancing convenience and safety.

The move aims to enhance travel experience by providing additional safety and financial protection, allowing travelers to feel more secure and confident during their trips.

As African economies increasingly rely on digital technologies for growth, secure and reliable internet access becomes vital. Enhancing cybersecurity and digital trust helps facilitate online transactions, attract foreign investment, and support economic diversification.

The World Bank announced, on July 29, a call for expressions of interest for a project in Cameroon to strengthen digital trust and boost online transaction security. The initiative seeks experts in cybersecurity policy, capacity assessments, trust frameworks, e-transactions, e-signatures, and public key infrastructure. Proposals are due by August 12.

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The consultant will assist in updating Cameroon's National Cybersecurity Strategy from 2018, enhance the regulatory framework for e-signatures, and establish a public key infrastructure. Responsibilities include conducting gap analyses, providing policy recommendations, and hosting capacity-building workshops for government officials.

Selection criteria include the firm's experience, expertise, technical and management skills, and key personnel qualifications. The project is scheduled to begin in September 2024 and is expected to last for nine months.

Cameroon has made strides in establishing a trust framework for online transactions, including the 2010 Law on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime (2010-012), the Law on E-commerce (2010-021), and the 2019 Decree (2019-150) on the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC). ANTIC regulates cybersecurity and electronic activities. However, the National Cybersecurity Strategy from 2018 remains only partially implemented.

While Cameroon’s legal and regulatory framework reflects a commitment to a secure digital environment, the incomplete implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy highlights a governance gap. The World Bank’s call for expert support is vital for refining these efforts and enhancing digital trust and security. Updating the cybersecurity law to address threats like DeepFakes is crucial for protecting citizens and aligning with international standards, thereby strengthening justice and trust in the digital era.

Hikmatu Bilali

The Czech Republic has awarded 25 scholarships to Zambian professionals for studies in Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security, Zambia’s Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati announced on July 28.

Czech Ambassador Pavel Prochazka announced the scholarships, covering both Bachelor's and Master's degrees, during a meeting with Minister Mutati. He stressed the Czech Republic's commitment to partnering with Zambia's Ministry to enhance technical skills to bridge the digital divide.

Africa Data Centres, a unit of Cassava Technologies, announced, on July 25, the expansion of its CPT1 facility in Cape Town.

Supported by a loan of up to $300 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the project will add three new halls and increase the IT load by 6MW, doubling the current capacity.

The CPT1 expansion is part of Africa Data Centres’ strategy to increase data centre capacity across the continent, addressing the growing demand for data services in Africa.

Equipping African youth with cutting-edge skills is set to drive innovation and economic growth, creating opportunities for the youth to join the global workforce. These advancements are pivotal for driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.

Nigeria has partnered with Gluwa, a decentralized financial platform, to train 1,000 youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other technologies. The country is poised to outpace global peers in both economy and technology, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared on July 23.

We are proud to partner with VP @KashimSM’s Presidency Office to train 1,000 Nigerian youths annually in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies, preparing them to contribute to the global workforce.

Through this collaborative AI Expertise… https://t.co/nLDZFVqPqA

— Gluwa (@Gluwa) July 23, 2024

The VP announced this while launching the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, Jigawa State, as part of the country's digital transformation strategy. He urged youths to embrace the program, calling it vital for Nigeria’s economic future.

“We are poised to overtake the rest of the world. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to join a global workforce and drive innovation,” he said.

Shettima emphasized the federal government’s vision to create a network of tech hubs nationwide and lauded Gluwa for its significant impact. He highlighted the goal of transforming Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, combining global expertise with local talent.

Nigeria has made significant progress in its digitization efforts. This move aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030 (NDEPS), which aims to “transform the country into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.” Improving digital literacy and skills is one of the eight guiding pillars of the strategy, intending to reach a 95% digital literacy level by 2030.

Hikmatu Bilali

Improving regional cooperation leads to better connectivity across African countries. This connectivity is vital for economic growth, as it facilitates trade, communication, and access to information. Through such collaborations, African countries can leverage collective resources to foster economic growth​.

Zambia has ratified the Constitution and Convention of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), strengthening its commitment to advancing telecommunications and ICT development in Africa. The instruments of ratification were deposited at the ATU headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, today July 26, and received by ATU Secretary General John Omo.

The Republic of Zambia... - African Telecommunications Union | Facebook

Alfred Musemuna, Zambia's Charge d'Affaires in Kenya, delivered the instruments on behalf of the Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati. Musemuna conveyed Mutati's message, emphasizing Zambia's dedication to regional cooperation and connectivity. "Zambia recognizes the critical role of the ATU in promoting connectivity for the benefit of all African countries. We are excited to contribute to the Union’s goals of a digitally inclusive Africa," said Mutati.

Countries ratifying the ATU's foundational instruments gain benefits, including full engagement in Union activities, voting rights, eligibility for elections within the Union's Permanent Organs, and the ability to nominate candidates for elective roles.

“ATU is the leading continental organization fostering the development of information and communication technologies infrastructure and services.” With Zambia's ratification, 32 out of 52 African countries represented by ATU have now ratified or acceded to the Union's Constitution and Convention, initially signed by ATU Member States in 1999 and revised in 2014.

This step underscores Zambia's commitment to technological advancement and regional integration through active participation in international forums. As a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Zambia engages in the Regional Standardisation Forum for Africa. The country has also adopted several ITU conventions and guidelines, such as the Guidelines on Child Online Protection, which have been localized and implemented by the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority, as outlined in the National ICT Policy 2023 Republic of Zambia Implementation Plan 2022 - 2026.

Hikmatu Bilali

Visa is inviting women entrepreneurs in South Africa to apply for the She’s Next program. The program is offering over ZAR1 million (USD 54,540) in funding, along with mentorship and training, to help businesses grow and contribute to the South African economy.

Eligible businesses must be at least 51% woman-owned and 51% black-owned, operate in South Africa, have annual revenue under ZAR50 million (USD 2,728,000), and have been operating for at least one year before July 22, 2024.

Application closes by August 9.

Kemitt, Egypt's top e-commerce platform for furniture and home accessories, has expanded into Saudi Arabia following a recent undisclosed funding round, according to a press release dated July 22.

Founded in 2017, Kemitt connects product and furniture designers with consumers, managing manufacturing, overheads, and last-mile logistics. The platform offers on-demand manufacturing and 7-12 day delivery services.

The recent funding supports Kemitt’s growth plans, including technology upgrades, product expansion, local partnerships, and its Saudi entry.