Author: Akin Naphtal

Luxembourg,in collaboration with the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), has launched a critical initiative to address the information and technology gap in Africa’s conflict-prone Sahel region. Through the project, over 3,650 users, including host communities, refugees, and youth aged 18 to 34, are receiving access to vital digital services, training, and resources. Burkina Faso and Niger are the first countries to benefit from the ETC project, which is focused on delivering tailored ICT solutions to enhance access to lifesaving information, global connectivity, and digital skills development. ETC, a global network of organizations dedicated to providing shared communication services during humanitarian emergencies,…

AT&T has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to enhance reliability and transparency for its consumer and small business customers. Under the new program, the telecommunications giant promises dependable connectivity, competitive offerings, and a unique guarantee to promptly address service disruptions. The initiative introduces automatic bill credits for customers experiencing outages—20 minutes or more for fiber internet and 60 minutes or more for wireless services. Small business customers are also set to benefit from tailored support during disruptions, reinforcing AT&T’s commitment to reliability. The company promises transparent pricing for fiber customers with no hidden fees or equipment charges. Additionally, customers will gain…

The Egyptian Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) has partnered with Konecta, a global telecom consultancy firm, to establish the Konecta Group’s regional headquarters in New Cairo. The agreement, sealed through a $100 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to bolster Egypt’s standing as a competitive hub for advanced digital services. Under the MoU, Konecta plans to invest $100 million over three years, creating nearly 3,000 specialized jobs. The initiative will deliver advanced digital and technical services, including artificial intelligence solutions, digital transformation, cybersecurity, big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), technical support, and multilingual customer service in English, French,…

As the digital hub evolves in 2025, Africa stands at a critical juncture. With fast technological advancements and an increasingly interconnected globe, several emerging trends are set to redefine how businesses, governments, and individuals in Africa approach technology. From agentic AI to hybrid computing, these trends will not only influence how digital solutions are developed and implemented but will also shape Africa’s place in the global digital economy. 1) Agentic AI In 2025, the rise of agentic AI will be the defining shift in artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI, agentic AI is a step forward in the development of autonomous…

Kenya emerged as a dominant force in Africa’s startup ecosystem for the second consecutive year, raising $638 million in 2024. This dominance accounted for 88% of East Africa’s total funding and 29% of the continent’s overall startup investment, placing Kenya ahead of Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. Together, these four nations attracted 84% of Africa’s total funding, continuing a trend observed since 2019. East Africa secured its position as the most funded region, attracting $725 million, representing one-third of Africa’s total startup funding in 2024. Despite an 18% year-on-year decline, Kenya played a pivotal role in the region’s success. Its…

Gambia has announced a partnership with the Kalp Foundation to develop Gambia One, a blockchain-powered digital public infrastructure (DPI) platform aimed at bringing innovation and bridging the digital divide. This collaboration also includes capacity-building initiatives for government leaders and technology-skilling programs for youth, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in the nation. The Kalp Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equitable growth through blockchain technology, expressed its commitment to the partnership. The Foundation highlighted the shared vision with The Gambia to promote sustainable development through innovation, compliance, and inclusion in a statement. ALSO READ: SPIRION EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT…

Spirion LLC, a U.S.-based firm specializing in data discovery, classification, and remediation, has unveiled its first data center on the African continent. The new facility in Cape Town marks Spirion’s third international expansion in just five months, following openings in Frankfurt, Germany, in September 2024, and Sydney, Australia, in October 2024. The company stated that establishing the South African data center aims to support customers transitioning to its SaaS offerings while addressing national data sovereignty requirements. According to Spirion, the new facility will help businesses comply with regulations such as South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), enabling organizations…

Network’s payment functionality to enable the first payment solution from Money Fellows, the leading money circles app Network International, a leading enabler of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa has partnered with Money Fellows, the leading money circles app, to power a new solution that will leverage its best-in-class payment functionality. Under the partnership, Network will provide Money Fellows with its ‘Digital Payments as a Service’ platform, which includes value-added services such as advanced fraud prevention, fully secure payment functionality, and a full suite of back-office managed services. This platform will enable Money Fellows to enhance the app’s…

Africa is standing at the threshold of a transformative era, with its burgeoning digital economy poised to redefine the continent’s trajectory in the global economic arena. With a mix of physical infrastructure, a flourishing subsea cable network, and an energized young population, the continent is uniquely positioned to become a leader among developing economies. As we look toward 2025, the future of Africa’s digital economy is brimming with opportunities, yet fraught with challenges that demand a cohesive and innovative approach. The Foundation for TransformationAfrica’s vast potential in the digital economy is underscored by its growing infrastructure. Subsea cable networks, like…

African startups raised $2.2 billion in 2024 through equity, debt, and grants (excluding exits), marking a nearly 25% drop compared to the $2.9 billion raised in 2023, according to the latest data from Africa, The Big Deal. The report highlighted a 10% decline in the number of ventures raising $1 million or more, with 188 such deals in 2024 compared to 2023. However, exit activity showed slight growth, with 22 exits announced in 2024, up from 20 in 2023. The downturn mirrors a trend from the previous year, which saw African startup funding fall 39% between 2022 and 2023. Despite…