Africa

Google unveils AI tool to boost African businesses

Google has announced the beta launch of AI Max for Search Campaigns, a new tool aimed at helping local businesses, including those across Africa, reach more customers through smarter advertising.

The feature, which builds on Google’s Gemini AI models, enhances how businesses appear in search results, even when users type unexpected or highly specific queries.

As African economies continue to embrace digital transformation, AI Max offers vital support to small and medium-sized enterprises. The tool intelligently matches search terms, customises ad text in real time, and expands URL targeting to guide users to the most relevant content.

Designed to reduce the burden on entrepreneurs managing multiple responsibilities, the tool is seen as a cost-effective way to attract higher-intent customers with minimal effort.

This initiative complements Google’s ongoing support for African businesses, including training schemes like Hustle Academy. With AI Max, entrepreneurs now have access to technology that not only adapts to their needs but also improves their visibility in an increasingly competitive digital market.

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Google invites African AI startups to join 2025 accelerator

Google has opened applications for its 2025 Startups Accelerator Africa programme, aiming to support early-stage African companies leveraging AI to solve critical local challenges.

The three-month initiative is open to Seed to Series A startups with a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a strong focus on responsible AI development.

Successful applicants will receive tailored technical mentorship, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and access to a global network of investors and partners.

Participants will also benefit from workshops covering technology, strategy, leadership, and AI implementation.

Google emphasised that empowering local innovators is key to unlocking the potential of AI across the continent.

Since 2018, the programme has backed 140 startups from 17 countries, helping them raise over $300 million and create more than 3,000 jobs.

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China’s growing space influence in Africa

A state-of-the-art space lab on the outskirts of Cairo, touted as Africa’s first satellite production facility, has been built with substantial Chinese involvement. While the lab was designed to assemble homegrown Egyptian satellites, much of the technology, equipment, and expertise comes from China. The first satellite produced at the facility was largely assembled in China and launched from there in December 2023. The plant is part of a broader Chinese effort to strengthen its space presence across Africa, as Beijing seeks to enhance its global surveillance capabilities and assert itself as a dominant space power.

Egypt’s satellite facility is just one element of China’s growing influence in Africa’s space sector. Over the past two years, China has gifted Egypt with various space technologies, including advanced telescopes and Earth observation satellites. However, these technologies come with strings attached, as China maintains a long-term presence in the facilities it builds and gains access to data collected by its satellites. This partnership is a part of China’s broader strategy to establish space alliances in Africa, aiming to secure surveillance data and boost its military capabilities.

China’s efforts to expand its space infrastructure on the continent are drawing attention from global powers. While Egypt and other African nations benefit from Chinese investments, there are concerns about Beijing’s increasing influence and its ability to collect sensitive data through these space projects. The US has voiced concerns over the potential military applications of China’s space technology in Africa, as Beijing builds ground stations and enhances its surveillance capabilities. Despite these concerns, African countries, including Egypt, remain neutral, viewing space collaborations as opportunities for scientific and technological advancement.

The US has struggled to match China’s strategic approach in Africa, with many African nations now seeking technology partnerships that suit their immediate needs. This shift underscores the growing importance of space technology in geopolitics, as countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Senegal enter into agreements with China that could shape the future of space exploration and military capabilities. As the global space race intensifies, China’s growing influence in Africa may continue to challenge the US and other Western powers in their efforts to maintain dominance in space exploration.

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Nigeria partners with WIOCC on $10 million fibre-to-home internet project for economic growth

The Nigerian Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy signed a $10 million MoU with WIOCC to launch fibre-to-home internet connectivity targeting three million homes in the first phase of the project with plans to expand as the rollout progresses.

The government, led by Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasises the importance of digital technology in driving productivity and economic growth, with a goal of building a $1 trillion economy. However, balancing sustainable investment by telecom providers with affordable services for citizens remains a challenge, as highlighted by the recent approval of a tariff hike.

Currently, most Nigerians rely on mobile internet, which lacks the speed and reliability of true high-speed broadband. The fibre-to-home project seeks to address this gap, creating a more connected environment that supports individuals, businesses, and institutions. By improving internet infrastructure nationwide, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive digital economy, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit from the opportunities offered by high-speed internet.

Why does it matter?

In the long term, the project is designed to scale up, with additional capital being raised and invested to connect more people across Nigeria. As the initiative evolves, it will re-evaluate its targets and expand its reach, ensuring that high-speed broadband becomes accessible to a larger portion of the population.

That effort aligns with the government’s vision of making connectivity a cornerstone of economic development, supporting small businesses and enabling Nigerians to stay connected both at home and on the go. Through this partnership, Nigeria is taking a critical step toward transforming its digital landscape and achieving its economic goals.

Kenya prepares to create a framework for regulating a fair crypto market

Kenya is taking decisive steps to regulate cryptocurrencies as the government shifts its stance from cautious warnings to a more structured approach. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has confirmed plans to introduce a legal and regulatory framework aimed at fostering a fair and stable crypto market. This move is outlined in the ‘National Policy on Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers,’ a draft proposal open for public feedback until 24 January.

The policy proposes comprehensive regulations for virtual assets, addressing key concerns such as money laundering, terrorism financing, and consumer protection. It aims to establish clear standards and procedures to govern virtual asset service providers, setting Kenya on a path similar to other African nations like South Africa and Nigeria, which have embraced crypto regulation.

Kenya’s cautious journey with cryptocurrencies dates back to a 2015 warning by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), highlighting risks like fraud and lack of legal safeguards. However, a significant shift occurred in September 2023 when the country completed an assessment of money laundering risks tied to virtual assets. With stablecoins accounting for nearly half of the region’s transaction volume, Kenya’s proactive regulatory approach could solidify its role as a leader in sub-Saharan Africa’s crypto adoption landscape.

African parliamentarians discuss digital transformation at IGF 2024

A networking session at IGF 2024 in Riyadh examined the vital role of African parliamentarians in shaping inclusive digital policies. Discussions revolved around creating legislation that keeps pace with technological evolution, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, and addressing Africa’s unique challenges in the digital age.

Participants called for stronger engagement between parliamentarians, technologists, and scientists to craft practical and forward-looking digital frameworks.

Speakers, including Catherine Mumma from Kenya and Millennium Anthony from Tanzania, underscored the need to improve digital infrastructure and internet access, particularly in rural regions. Challenges such as expensive data costs, insufficient digital skills, and a lack of dedicated parliamentary committees for science and technology were highlighted. Susan Dossi from Malawi and Daniel Molokele from Zimbabwe stressed the importance of public participation in the legislative process to ensure policies reflect citizens’ needs.

The session addressed the borderless nature of the internet and the importance of regional and global collaboration to tackle cybercrime and cross-border governance issues. Ayoban Ngao from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lekhotsa Mafatle from Lesotho emphasised the need to update educational curricula to align with digital needs while investing in digital skills and infrastructure. Ke Gong from China contributed insights on leveraging international best practices to guide Africa’s digital transformation.

Concluding discussions focused on the critical role of parliamentarians in driving digital growth through informed policymaking. Participants advocated for greater cooperation across sectors to ensure Africa capitalises on digital opportunities while addressing its unique challenges. The session underscored a collaborative approach as key to fostering inclusive digital development across the continent.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

IGF 2024 addresses cybercrime laws in Africa and the Middle East

Discussions at the IGF 2024 in Riyadh shed light on growing challenges to freedom of expression in Africa and the Middle East. Experts from diverse organisations highlighted how restrictive cybercrime legislation and content regulation have been used to silence dissent, marginalise communities, and undermine democracy. Examples from Tunisia and Nigeria revealed how critics and activists often face criminalisation under these laws, fostering fear and self-censorship.

Panellists included Annelies Riezebos from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jacqueline Rowe of the University of Edinburgh, Adeboye Adegoke from Paradigm Initiative, and Aymen Zaghdoudi of AccessNow. They discussed the negative effects of vague cybercrime regulations and overly broad restrictions on online speech, which frequently suppress political discourse. Maria Paz Canales from Global Partners Digital added that content governance frameworks need urgent reform to balance addressing online harms with protecting fundamental rights.

The speakers emphasised that authoritarian values are being enforced through legislation that criminalises disinformation and imposes ambiguous rules on online platforms. These measures, they argued, contribute to a deteriorating climate for free expression across the region. They also pointed out the need for online platforms to adopt responsible content moderation practices while resisting pressures to conform to repressive local laws.

Panellists proposed several strategies to counter these trends, including engaging with parliamentarians, building capacity among legal professionals, and ensuring civil society’s involvement during the early stages of policy development. The importance of international collaboration was underlined, with the UN Cybercrime Treaty cited as a key opportunity for collective advocacy against repressive measures.

Participants also stressed the urgency of increased representation of Global South organisations in global policy discussions. Flexible funding for civil society initiatives was described as essential for supporting grassroots efforts to defend digital rights. Such funding would enable local groups to challenge restrictive laws effectively and amplify their voices in international debates.

The event concluded with a call for multi-stakeholder approaches to internet governance. Collaborative efforts involving governments, civil society, and online platforms were deemed critical to safeguarding freedom of expression. The discussions underscored the pressing need to balance addressing legitimate online harms with protecting democratic values and the voices of vulnerable communities.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Balancing digital sovereignty and growth in Africa discussed at IGF 2024

At the IGF 2024 preparatory session, stakeholders discussed the critical challenges surrounding digital sovereignty in developing countries, particularly in Africa. The dialogue, led by AFICTA and global experts, explored balancing data localisation with economic growth, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory policies.

Jimson Olufuye and Ulandi Exner highlighted the financial and technical hurdles of establishing local data centres, including unreliable electricity supplies and limited expertise. Nigeria‘s Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stressed the importance of data classification, advocating for clear regulations that differentiate sensitive government data from less critical commercial information.

The conversation extended to renewable energy’s role in powering local infrastructure. Jimson Olufuye pointed to successful solar-powered centres in Nigeria, while Kossi Amessinou noted the need for governments to utilise data effectively for economic development. Participants, including Martin Koyabe and Mary Uduma, underscored the importance of harmonised regional policies to streamline cross-border data flows without compromising security.

Speakers like Melissa Sassi and Dr Toshikazu Sakano argued for public-private partnerships to foster skills development and job creation. The call for capacity building remained a recurring theme, with Rachael Shitanda and Melissa Sassi urging governments to prioritise technical training while retaining talent in their countries.

The discussion concluded on an optimistic note, acknowledging that solutions, such as renewable energy integration and smart regulations, can help achieve digital sovereignty. Speakers emphasised the need for continued collaboration to overcome economic, technical, and policy challenges while fostering innovation and growth.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Challenges and opportunities in Africa’s digital transformation: Data governance and sharing under scrutiny

The ongoing digital transformation across Africa has put data governance and sharing at the forefront of economic growth and innovation. In an Internet Governance Forum session titled ‘Data Without Borders? Navigating Policy Impacts in Africa’, experts emphasised the importance of harmonised data policies to support the African Union’s (AU) Data Policy Framework.

Souhila Amazouz from the African Union Commission highlighted the framework’s principles of transparency and cooperation, while Thelma Quaye of Smart Africa stressed the urgency of aligning national policies to ensure seamless cross-border data flows. Lillian Nalwoga noted the need for robust national data strategies, noting that two-thirds of African countries have data protection laws, though challenges remain in unifying national and continental interests.

The conversation revealed critical hurdles to effective data governance, including gaps in legal frameworks, limited institutional capacities, inadequate infrastructure, and cybersecurity risks. Souhila Amazouz discussed efforts to address these gaps through regional data centres and capacity-building initiatives.

Meanwhile, the concept of data localisation sparked debate. Vincent Olatunji from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission argued for practical data categorisation over full localisation, which Paul Baker (International Economics Consulting Limited) warned could burden businesses with high costs.

The balance between localisation and cross-border data sharing remains a contentious issue, particularly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aiming to boost trade and integration across the continent.

The panellists also highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration between governments and businesses. Transparent data practices and inclusive policy development were essential to fostering confidence in data-sharing initiatives. Paul Baker noted the vital role of cross-border data flows for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), though an audience member pointed out that many countries still rely on manual systems, hampering digital progress.

Ultimately, the discussion underscored the need for a unified approach to data governance, with capacity development, infrastructure investment, and multistakeholder collaboration as key priorities. While challenges like the digital divide and data fragmentation persist, the dialogue demonstrated a collective commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation through effective data governance strategies.  

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Digital bridges unlock Africa’s private sector potential

Opportunities often need to be gathered in a single place to be easily accessible and visible, and that is the purpose of innovative digital platforms, which build bridges connecting Africa’s private sector with development opportunities. Egypt’s ‘Hafiz’ platform, introduced by Tamer Taha during the IGF 2024 session ‘Building Bridges in Africa in the Digital Age‘ in Riyadh, is the basis for this purpose. Hafiz addresses the persistent information and financial gaps plaguing Egyptian companies seeking to expand into Africa. ‘We gathered the right information and financial tools in a structured way so businesses can access opportunities and grow regionally,’ said Taha, highlighting its role as a game-changer for sectors like manufacturing and construction.

The discussion, moderated by Mahitab Assran, underscored how platforms like Hafiz and Uganda’s iVenture empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Manija Gardizi of GIZ emphasised inclusivity, saying ‘These platforms allow smaller players to participate in development projects traditionally dominated by larger corporations, fostering innovation and equal opportunity.’

Alan Ananulu of iVenture shared success stories from East Africa, including Maarifasasa, a startup offering job-market training. His solution to Africa’s infrastructure challenges was simple but effective: low-tech solutions like WhatsApp and Facebook allow platforms to reach underserved entrepreneurs with limited connectivity.

Despite progress, significant hurdles remain—regulatory barriers, such as inconsistent recognition of e-signatures, hamper cross-border trade. ‘Mutual agreements on digital signatures are vital for facilitating trade and reducing friction,’ Gardizi noted. Ananulu added that startups often struggle with market entry restrictions, citing visa challenges as obstacles to regional expansion, and Taha suggested introducing soft-landing programs to help entrepreneurs navigate regulatory landscapes and establish trust across borders.

The session also revealed growing optimism among stakeholders. An interactive poll showed that participants viewed South-South collaboration as key to improving Africa’s investment climate. Traditional industries emerged as the sector that needs the most solutions, reflecting a desire to modernise and connect legacy businesses with emerging opportunities.

As the conversation drew close, audience questions reinforced the need for awareness campaigns and venture capital integration. Taha confirmed plans for capacity-building initiatives and nationwide roadshows to help SMEs sharpen their competitive edge. ‘It’s not just about opportunities—it’s about ensuring businesses have the tools to succeed,’ he concluded.

What’s clearly emerging from this session is the consensus that digital platforms are more than tools; they are catalysts for change, enabling businesses to overcome systemic barriers and unlock Africa’s immense economic potential. These platforms hold the key to a more connected and prosperous future by fostering trust, inclusivity, and innovation.